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Learnin' The Ropes
Out of work mechanic Ty Lewis is homeless and desperate to find work. Answering a classified ad for a job in Harney County, Oregon, Ty accepts when he is offered the position. Saying goodbye to his sister and his life in Portland, he heads off to the tiny community of Riley to begin a new adventure, unsure about his boss Lex Ryan, a man he has yet to speak with or meet.
Lexi Ryan, known to her ranch hands and neighbors as Lex Jr., leaves a successful career in Portland to keep the Rockin’ R Ranch running smoothly after the untimely death of her father. It doesn’t take long to discover her father did a lot of crazy things during the last few months of his battle with cancer, including hiding half a million dollars that Lexi can’t find.
Ty and Lexi are both in for a multitude of surprises as he arrives at the Rockin’ R Ranch and begins learnin’ the ropes.
An excerpt:
“I thought you said you’re starving,” Lexi whispered, not quite sure what Ty was thinking.
“I am,” Ty said, his voice dropping in pitch as he held her tightly to his chest. “Starving for you. Famished for your kisses. Hungry for your arms around me. Dying to taste every little bit of you.”
Lexi Ryan, known to her ranch hands and neighbors as Lex Jr., leaves a successful career in Portland to keep the Rockin’ R Ranch running smoothly after the untimely death of her father. It doesn’t take long to discover her father did a lot of crazy things during the last few months of his battle with cancer, including hiding half a million dollars that Lexi can’t find.
Ty and Lexi are both in for a multitude of surprises as he arrives at the Rockin’ R Ranch and begins learnin’ the ropes.
An excerpt:
“I thought you said you’re starving,” Lexi whispered, not quite sure what Ty was thinking.
“I am,” Ty said, his voice dropping in pitch as he held her tightly to his chest. “Starving for you. Famished for your kisses. Hungry for your arms around me. Dying to taste every little bit of you.”
- GenresRomance
350 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2012
156 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
161 books1,311 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 22, 2018
My heart's soaring after reading Shanna Hatfield's Learning The Ropes. It was the perfect book for me to read, actually I highly suggest this book to everyone. Ms Hatfield's character development is spectacular.
Lexi and Ty are such an amazing couple. I truly love the chemistry these two have with one another.
Lexi is an outgoing lady everyone admires, respects and to prove she can count on them, they always give their all for the boss.
Ty homeless, down on his luck, but refuses to give up, isn't afraid to step out of his comfort zone to try whatever it takes to succeed in life.
The honesty, caring, and love Lexi and Ty share is truly a breath of fresh air.
I'm going to jump out on a limb here, but I think this might be my favorite romantic contemporary I've read in such a long time. The warmth this book brings to my heart along with the humor, is so refreshing.
Lexi, Ty, Swede, and the entire Rockin R Ranch, and especially Baby, will engulf your heart and soul, reaffirming, that there are still good, hardworking people with such caring hearts left in this world.
The mystery incorporated was so much fun, I found myself secretly chanting at Lexi and Ty to go look in the most obvious place to find the treasure.
Learning The Ropes was intriguing, engaging, and most importantly, a exceptional romantic book. The ending was so magical, heartfelt and moving.
Lexi and Ty are such an amazing couple. I truly love the chemistry these two have with one another.
Lexi is an outgoing lady everyone admires, respects and to prove she can count on them, they always give their all for the boss.
Ty homeless, down on his luck, but refuses to give up, isn't afraid to step out of his comfort zone to try whatever it takes to succeed in life.
The honesty, caring, and love Lexi and Ty share is truly a breath of fresh air.
I'm going to jump out on a limb here, but I think this might be my favorite romantic contemporary I've read in such a long time. The warmth this book brings to my heart along with the humor, is so refreshing.
Lexi, Ty, Swede, and the entire Rockin R Ranch, and especially Baby, will engulf your heart and soul, reaffirming, that there are still good, hardworking people with such caring hearts left in this world.
The mystery incorporated was so much fun, I found myself secretly chanting at Lexi and Ty to go look in the most obvious place to find the treasure.
Learning The Ropes was intriguing, engaging, and most importantly, a exceptional romantic book. The ending was so magical, heartfelt and moving.
March 10, 2017
It was okay .. (a bit of froth that passed an hour or two while I was awake) until I got to the part where the sister is giving birth and .......
(takes a DEEEP DEEP BREATH here)
her HUSBAND skypes her BROTHER - who is hundreds of miles away - from inside the delivery room so that he can share in the birth.
EUW
ANd it gets WORSE! Not only is the brother party to the wife's labour, but ALL HIS WORKMATES are standing behind WATCHING as well!!
Words failed me. (Please excuse the surfeit of capitals. I just couldn't stop myself.)
Do people REALLY do things like this?
Nah. They can't do. No one would be so crass and stupid and rude.
Or would they????
(takes a DEEEP DEEP BREATH here)
her HUSBAND skypes her BROTHER - who is hundreds of miles away - from inside the delivery room so that he can share in the birth.
EUW
ANd it gets WORSE! Not only is the brother party to the wife's labour, but ALL HIS WORKMATES are standing behind WATCHING as well!!
Words failed me. (Please excuse the surfeit of capitals. I just couldn't stop myself.)
Do people REALLY do things like this?
Nah. They can't do. No one would be so crass and stupid and rude.
Or would they????
October 17, 2016
This is the first opportunity that I have had to read a Shanna Hatfield book. At first I wasn't sure if a contemporary western romance was going to be a story that entertained me, but as the book progressed, I started enjoying the characters, events, and mishaps that transform Ty from a homeless mechanic into a hardworking, respected cowboy. There is plenty of good humor, especially with cattleman, Swede, and a big dog named, Baby, around. Ty and Lexi Jo's romance starts off a bit moony, but turns sweeter and sweeter as time passes and the kisses will curl your toes Buck-A-Roo! So, yes, I liked this western romance and the tasty little recipe as the end of the story. When you want a dose of spirited humor and romance, I recommend trying Shanna Hatfield!
August 22, 2018
Ooooooooooohhhhhh one of the best books I have ever read. I am in love with Ty, Lexi and Baby. Shanna Hatfield is just a mastermind story teller she can weave a story that can crawl in your heart and just burrow up and stay there. I don’t think I have ever read a book where a dog played such a big part. Being a dog lover I absolutely loved Baby she played her part so well. Oh and I can’t forget a host of other secondary characters. This book is an absolute joy to read. I am sure I will read this book again and again. I literally laughed out loud again and again Shanna Hatfield has once again written me another favorite book. Shanna Hatfield YOU ROCK!!!!
August 8, 2016
I blushed, I smiled, and I read on in wide-eyed wonder. Learnin' the Ropes is a little bit Adventure, a little bit Humor, a little bit Mystery, and a whole lot of Romance. I didn't know where every turn would lead, and the characters were so likeable, I didn't mind going along for the ride. I absolutely love Swede and Baby; and Aunt Bertie and Sunny are those quirky, rambunctious characters you would love to know in real life. Some very original storyline elements, with creative and attractively placed details regarding cars, cows, chaps, and the cowboy life. I learned some things along the way, and that was fun.
While it is a sweet, clean read, it IS a bit detailed in the affections and physical attraction of the two protagonists. I would not suggest this for teen/YA but for adults. I was distracted by some typos, but not enough to keep me from continuing on.
I received this book for free in return for my honest review. This is it.
While it is a sweet, clean read, it IS a bit detailed in the affections and physical attraction of the two protagonists. I would not suggest this for teen/YA but for adults. I was distracted by some typos, but not enough to keep me from continuing on.
I received this book for free in return for my honest review. This is it.
June 26, 2023
It’s a cowboy romance with a non-cowboy star. Tyler is a mechanic out of a job and living in his pickup in Portland when in desperation he answers an ad for a mechanic on a farm in eastern Oregon and gets the job. He is a good mechanic and manages to fix the equipment at the Rockin’ R Ranch. However, his boss is woman, a single female about his age who is smart and attractive. But Ty knows his place; she is the boss, and he has nothing to offer her, at least in his mind. They are both attracted to each other, and it becomes obvious to others as time goes by. They have their ups and downs in their relationship, but it works out in the end. Or course it does; they marry, and all is right with the world.
Baby, the ranch dog, likes Ty, which is apparently unusual since she hasn’t liked other new men on the ranch. That’s a plus for Ty in the eyes of Lexi and Swede, the foreman. There is some humor at times, some situational like when Ty is skinny dipping in a pond and Baby runs off with his clothes. Guess who shows up? Boss Lexi, who else? There is some mystery since Lexi’s dad left a bunch of money hidden before he died. He left some clues, however, a sort of fortune hunt which goes on through much of the latter part of the book. There are some tender moments when Tyler’s true character shows that he is an honorable and caring man. Oh, and there’s lots of kissing that goes on. ‘Nuff said on that note.
The author is clever in that each chapter is titled as a lesson. It’s how the city dude learns to become a cowboy, but they are life lessons as well. The lessons are the subtitles of the chapters and presented in ranch/cowboy lingo. It’s all in good fun. It’s chick lit, but I liked it, and it was set in eastern Oregon, with which I am somewhat familiar.
Baby, the ranch dog, likes Ty, which is apparently unusual since she hasn’t liked other new men on the ranch. That’s a plus for Ty in the eyes of Lexi and Swede, the foreman. There is some humor at times, some situational like when Ty is skinny dipping in a pond and Baby runs off with his clothes. Guess who shows up? Boss Lexi, who else? There is some mystery since Lexi’s dad left a bunch of money hidden before he died. He left some clues, however, a sort of fortune hunt which goes on through much of the latter part of the book. There are some tender moments when Tyler’s true character shows that he is an honorable and caring man. Oh, and there’s lots of kissing that goes on. ‘Nuff said on that note.
The author is clever in that each chapter is titled as a lesson. It’s how the city dude learns to become a cowboy, but they are life lessons as well. The lessons are the subtitles of the chapters and presented in ranch/cowboy lingo. It’s all in good fun. It’s chick lit, but I liked it, and it was set in eastern Oregon, with which I am somewhat familiar.
May 14, 2017
I remember reading somewhere that conflict is one important component of a good story. Conflicts make a story more interesting; they make the readers get more excited; they make even the small victories more appreciable.
Now, if this story lacks one very important thing, it's conflict. Like eating the same dish everyday makes one wanting for something different, the same reaction is inevitable if there's too much good and great going on!
Lexi owns the farm where Tyler found himself work as a mechanic. On the get go, they were attracted to each other. Lots of encounters at work, and always, there was electricity between them. But since both of them were good people, they never got past kissing. No one said a bad word about how the boss fell for a hired hand, except two strangers; everybody loved them and the idea of them as a couple. There was that conflict with Tyler about how to act on his feelings, but it even that got solved overnight. Nothing got in their way, nothing at all! Now how's that for a relationship? I mean, no make up sex at all? Bugger that!
Now, if this story lacks one very important thing, it's conflict. Like eating the same dish everyday makes one wanting for something different, the same reaction is inevitable if there's too much good and great going on!
Lexi owns the farm where Tyler found himself work as a mechanic. On the get go, they were attracted to each other. Lots of encounters at work, and always, there was electricity between them. But since both of them were good people, they never got past kissing. No one said a bad word about how the boss fell for a hired hand, except two strangers; everybody loved them and the idea of them as a couple. There was that conflict with Tyler about how to act on his feelings, but it even that got solved overnight. Nothing got in their way, nothing at all! Now how's that for a relationship? I mean, no make up sex at all? Bugger that!
June 8, 2023
A homeless mechanic turned cowboy falls in love with his cowgirl boss.
Loved being with this author again. Tyler and Lexi Jo story was sweet. It was love at first sight for them both. He became her all around number one cowboy and mechanic. She became the girl of his dreams. He accepted her Indian heritage. She was not worried about his lack of money. Swede became the fatherly figure the both needed. Nate became the brother Ty needed and Beth became the sister Lexi needed. The Rocking R became the home Ty longed for. Baby the dog added fun to the mix. The treasure hunt Lexi dad made her go through added fun to the mix of things on the ranch. Lexi family was a fun bunch who made Ty and Beth feel at home. .
Tyler and Lexi love life was like a fire crackling and igniting. Hope to be back with update from the Rocking R I want to see if w cousin has come along for Jaxton. Will read more by this author.
Loved being with this author again. Tyler and Lexi Jo story was sweet. It was love at first sight for them both. He became her all around number one cowboy and mechanic. She became the girl of his dreams. He accepted her Indian heritage. She was not worried about his lack of money. Swede became the fatherly figure the both needed. Nate became the brother Ty needed and Beth became the sister Lexi needed. The Rocking R became the home Ty longed for. Baby the dog added fun to the mix. The treasure hunt Lexi dad made her go through added fun to the mix of things on the ranch. Lexi family was a fun bunch who made Ty and Beth feel at home. .
Tyler and Lexi love life was like a fire crackling and igniting. Hope to be back with update from the Rocking R I want to see if w cousin has come along for Jaxton. Will read more by this author.
June 4, 2023
With the economy bad, Ty has been out of work for several months. He is sleeping in his truck. In desperation, he responds to an add for a mechanic on a farm that is 5 hours away. Even though he knows nothing about farm equipment, he is offered the job.
When he arrives, he meets the owner, Lex Jr. He is quite surprised that Lex Jr is actually Lexi. He is attracted to her, but knows that he is wealthy and he is a homeless mechanic.
This is a really sweet book. The dog and the other characters are so much fun.
This book does have mild/moderate heat. It is a clean book, but I would not let my teenage daughter read this book.
When he arrives, he meets the owner, Lex Jr. He is quite surprised that Lex Jr is actually Lexi. He is attracted to her, but knows that he is wealthy and he is a homeless mechanic.
This is a really sweet book. The dog and the other characters are so much fun.
This book does have mild/moderate heat. It is a clean book, but I would not let my teenage daughter read this book.
August 24, 2018
This delightful mystery, romance had me laughing throughout the adventures of Lexi and Ty. DON"T MESS with the BOSS. While I am not fond of Western Romances or Cowboy stories, this delightful mystery grabbed my interest from page one. Fitting for the times, with companies changing hands, downsizing, and employees scrambling for jobs; I enjoyed that Ty stepped out of his comfort zone to be a mechanic on a ranch. Rockin' R Ranch is a fitting name for a Rockin' GOOD READ with relatable characters, twist and turn plot, punny clues, and a satisfying believable resolution.
May 21, 2023
Learning the ropes. By ShainaTwain
Ty and Lexi
Life is.. We can change our circumstances. Ty and Lexi both have experienced that already living in different parts of the US. They don’t know each other. Ty has has a very simple life style while working hard to become an independent young man. He learned and applied his skills
Lexi was born into ranch style and became a financial advisor.
But both had to change their lifestyles and find each
Their answers
Ty and Lexi
Life is.. We can change our circumstances. Ty and Lexi both have experienced that already living in different parts of the US. They don’t know each other. Ty has has a very simple life style while working hard to become an independent young man. He learned and applied his skills
Lexi was born into ranch style and became a financial advisor.
But both had to change their lifestyles and find each
Their answers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
enjoyed reading the story, very good. if you have read any of Shanna's other books you will like this one. i have read almost all of her books and this is a good one. it is a stand alone but it would also be a good series. if you like a clean romance with cowboys and animals you will like this book. i was given the book in exchange for an honest review and i am glad i read it.it takes a city boy and turns him into a cowboy, very good
June 3, 2017
A fun read
Classic Hatfield. Predictable plot, but then that's what I want: boy meets girl; boy falls in love (and vice versa); they overcome hardships and ride off together into the sunset. What makes the predictable a pleasure resides in Hatfield's well-developed characters and the well-placed humor along the way.
Classic Hatfield. Predictable plot, but then that's what I want: boy meets girl; boy falls in love (and vice versa); they overcome hardships and ride off together into the sunset. What makes the predictable a pleasure resides in Hatfield's well-developed characters and the well-placed humor along the way.
August 20, 2018
Wow
I love the way Ms. Hatfield puts pen to paper. This was the best read in a very long time. I felt part of the story. I laughed cheered and completely fell in love. I couldn't put it down. Thank you for the best day I've had in a long time. I will be reading more of Ms. Hatfields books as soon as possible.
I love the way Ms. Hatfield puts pen to paper. This was the best read in a very long time. I felt part of the story. I laughed cheered and completely fell in love. I couldn't put it down. Thank you for the best day I've had in a long time. I will be reading more of Ms. Hatfields books as soon as possible.
July 24, 2022
Learning the Ropes
Cute romantic story of Ty and Laxi. Th with no home or job applied for job as a mechanic at a ranch. After repairing all farm and ranch equipment, Th also had to learn to be a cowboy to help the ranch. He gave it his best shot and worked hard. At the same time, falling in love with his boss. Enjoyed the story.
Cute romantic story of Ty and Laxi. Th with no home or job applied for job as a mechanic at a ranch. After repairing all farm and ranch equipment, Th also had to learn to be a cowboy to help the ranch. He gave it his best shot and worked hard. At the same time, falling in love with his boss. Enjoyed the story.
November 28, 2022
fantastic
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed. Well rounded groups of characters, settings and scenarios I’d love to find myself in, and thrills, mysteries with a strong romantic theme… these and many more things make me want to come back and read much more.
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed. Well rounded groups of characters, settings and scenarios I’d love to find myself in, and thrills, mysteries with a strong romantic theme… these and many more things make me want to come back and read much more.
September 18, 2023
A fun loving and romantic story! I really enjoyed Lexi and Ty's story. An out of work mechanic living out of his truck applied for a job in the want ads of the paper. He'd been applying everywhere with no luck so far. Lexi needed a mechanic to work on her isolated ranch and hasn't had much luck. Lots of laughter and learning went into Ty's transition to ranch work. A happy story.
September 21, 2023
Truly felt Ty's difficulties at the start of this book. Family is precious. Love how they help each other. The job, is like a dream come true. Baby is gorgeous. Really liked Swede. Appreciated that the romance was not sickly sweet. The treasure hunt was a good addition. Loved the "guide to upright living". Will need to print and keep it. An enjoyable read. Liked the humour.
May 16, 2017
I've just finished this book and, whilst I've read a lot of books by this author, this by far my favourite. From Baby the dog to the main and support characters I loved it! What more can I say other than continue writing in this style please Shanna.
June 1, 2017
Cowboy in the making
This romance is a fun read, how could it not able when a mechanic city boy tries to be a cowboy. The story embraces family, hard work, values, new life, and of course love.
This romance is a fun read, how could it not able when a mechanic city boy tries to be a cowboy. The story embraces family, hard work, values, new life, and of course love.
January 21, 2019
Nice job
This story is educational, fun, and full of love. Thank you so much for taking us to a place where your dreams come true, before you know them. Take your time see the scenery.
This story is educational, fun, and full of love. Thank you so much for taking us to a place where your dreams come true, before you know them. Take your time see the scenery.
March 16, 2019
A must read
Just when you think things cannot get better, they do. City boy becomes a country boy, sweet, sexy and very entertaining. Don’t pass up this author. She has some very special books.
Just when you think things cannot get better, they do. City boy becomes a country boy, sweet, sexy and very entertaining. Don’t pass up this author. She has some very special books.
June 11, 2023
I was disappointed in this book. I liked the story but it was more spicy than I care for. Main characters were strong and believable. A nice ending but curious when the pastor knows the main character Ty, but never in the story does he go to church.
October 26, 2023
A charmingly fascinating tale of finding a place and person you can call home, becoming attached to them, and having them naturally become yours forever and always with love, peacefulness, and happiness!
June 30, 2025
I loved reading this story for the antics between the farm hands , the mechanic and Babe the dog. The parts where the mechanic"s impression of his cowboy duties were pretty funny too as well as his impressions of the farm boss. The story is well written and held my interest.
June 5, 2017
This book was amazing. Lots of snarky interplay between the characters. Great read Shanna!
July 9, 2018
Baby + One of my Favorite Luke Bryan songs + Wrangler Jeans + an interesting cast of characters = a wonderfully entertaining story.
August 23, 2018
Not my kind of story
The Author worked hard and credit is due. This book did nothing for me. I did not care for the storyline, how the characters were portrayed, and it lacked.
The Author worked hard and credit is due. This book did nothing for me. I did not care for the storyline, how the characters were portrayed, and it lacked.
September 22, 2020
Review of Learnin the Ropes
This was a good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a good writer.
This was a good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a good writer.
March 19, 2022
Making a major change in your life can pay off in ways that you least expect it.
Another great attention-getter book by Shanna.
Another great attention-getter book by Shanna.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews