Rough Rider

Hot Cowboy Nights #2

by Victoria Vane

Two loves ...
Janice Combes has two loves, bucking bulls and Dirk Knowlton. But Dirk only has eyes for a dazzling rodeo queen. How can Janice ever compete while mired ankle-deep in manure? Exchanging playful banter with Dirk is all Janice can expect-until the stormy night he knocks on her door dripping wet and needing a place to crash.

Different Dreams...
Dirk Knowlton is living the cowboy dream. Life should be good-roping, branding, backing broncs, riding bulls, but there's a void he can't seem to fill. After getting hung up by a bull, he wonders if this is really the life he wants. Restless and rebellious, he bolts...but there's a certain cowgirl he can't forget.

When a battle-scarred Dirk returns to his Montana ranch he's determined to hang on at any cost. Janice has come back home to lick her own wounds. When old dreams turn to dust, can two wary hearts take another chance on love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Second Chance, Western Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 cowboy stars!

Dirk was such an ass in the first book so naturally, I wanted to read his book. And boy, Dirk was definitely a character and his story with Janice was definitely more to my liking than Slow Hand. And the reason for that was I felt the connection between Janice and Dirk from the very beginning until the very end.

I wasn't annoyed with Janice too much. She definitely made some wrong decisions but she thought they were the right ones based on the facts or evidence she got. I couldn't blame her too much because she suffered too.

Dirk -- horrible name -- was broken physically and emotionally.It was great to see the juxtaposition of the pre-injury Dirk and then the post-injury Dirk. The difference is startling. Dirk became a different person after serving in Afghanistan. The war not only changed him physically but emotionally as well.

If you've read the first book, then you'd know the backstory between Dirk and Wade and the woman who came between them. I was afraid that Dirk was going to be hung on another woman, which is why he never got together with Janice. Well, Victoria definitely put my fears to rest. The Rachel angle wasn't played up at all. Yes, it was part of Dirk's history but that's just it. After a certain point, that relationship was relegated to the past. So I was happy with that.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I felt the connection between the two MCs. And I loved the whole second chance at love theme. I think Dirk and Janice wasted so many years and endured so many heartaches, but the HEA made it all worth it.


ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! A strong, well written, enjoyable second installment in this hot cowboy series!

I make no qualms about the fact that I am a huge fan of this author's historical romance, and truly believe that this genre is her "true calling", but after reading Rough Rider, it's easy to see that this talented author is capable of writing just about anything.

Dirk was not a character that endeared himself to me in Slow Hand, but knowing that his past was a tragic one, I allowed him his bitterness and was curious to see what brought him to the point he was at. Well, the way I see it, he earned his right to being angry, and once I got to know him, I really came to care for him. Deep down he was a good man that was handed a raw deal, and considering his physical disability, he really manned up and didn't let it stop him from being a strong, capable cowboy. He was determined to keep the ranch, and his ingenuity and the direction he wanted to take, was an interesting concept.

I loved Janice's resilience! Yes, she was a little naive when she was young, but she was also a hardworking, determined young woman with a kind heart, and she became an even stronger woman who literally took the "bull by the horns" to provide for her family. No matter how many times she was beaten down, she bounced back. She did what she thought was best when her life was thrown into turmoil after finding out about her father's illness, and while it may have not been the right choice at the time, her intentions were nothing but admirable. Unfortunately, Janice had the wrong man by her side.

Dirk and Janice got off to a rocky start when they were younger, for that matter not much of start at all, but life handed them a second chance and it made me happy to see them work through the obstacles that plagued them. Dirk was apprehensive, and rightfully so, but it was Janice's strong will and her love for him that made him realize he couldn't let life continue to pass him by. While Janice might have seemed pushy, she was just what Dirk needed. He didn't need someone to treat him like a broken man, but rather the brawny sexy cowboy that he still was, and Janice made no bones about the fact that that's what he was to her. She didn't want part of him, she wanted it all! They made a great couple, complimented each other and I enjoyed their passionate journey!

There was a particular element in the story that you see coming, really no revelation there, but it was how the author handled it that surprised me. She took the welfare of this young character into account and played out this part of the story out in a very fitting way. Dirk and Wade also came to terms with each other, which you know from Slow Hand, but you see why they were so angry, and how they resolved their concerns.

Victoria Vane brings the plight of the ranchers into the storyline and gives an accurate account of the issues they are dealing with. Family ranching is slowly becoming a past way of life, and in order to continue on, keep the land they've owned for generations, and pass it on to future generations, they have to change their way of thinking and ranching in general. The author is very keen on detail and these extra layers of storyline made for an interesting read!

Bottom line, Rough Rider is one smooth read, Hot Cowboy Nights has staying power, and Victoria Vane is a force to be reckoned with no matter the genre of romance she writes!

[Duchess · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there's one thing that makes Victoria Vane stand out, it's her unconventional plots and her unique heroes and heroines. This book is so different from the cookie cutter cowboy romances, and it was all the better for it. The first half of the book is basically the setup for the past, but it reads like it's happening right now. It's the slow burn portion of the somewhat tragic beginning for Dirk and Janice. Both are very young...early twenties, and it shows in their actions. They make rash decisions, they are at times indecisive, and they are both obviously searching for their purpose in life. Janice is weighed down with responsibility, and Dirk perhaps doesn't have enough responsibility. Both are good people, and they are drawn toward each other. It's the other people in their lives and their influence that mucks up what could have been a picture perfect love between these two.

But everything happens for a reason, and the reason is evident in the second half of the book.

I loved the way the time frame was laid out in Rough Rider. It lent a natural feel to their romance, and getting so many details about their history was awesome. The sex, as ever with a Victoria Vane novel, was spontaneous and smoking hot. A little dirty talking (and dirty thinking) with a rough and ready cowboy in dire need of some nookie made for some hot, Hot, HOT sexy times.

This is my first book by Vane that wasn't one of her historical romances, and as always when an author switches genres on me, I was curious and hesitant. But I think she pulled it off really well. It still has her signature all over the place, and pairing Vane with cowboy worked out really well. You can tell the woman has some love of all things rodeo/cowboy, and that genuinely came across in every scene. Some authors write way too honky tonk...so much so that it comes across as cheesy. Not so in this book. It was perfectly cowboy, precisely country enough to be lifelike and realistic.

Advance copy provided by the author for review

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Ending ~ 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars

Rough Rider was a cowboy romance that totally took me on one heck of a ride!

This book starts out with the heroine Janice Combes outfitting the rodeo circuit with her family’s bulls. She is a hard worker and knows her job well. She has carried a torch for Dirk Knowlton for years but he only seems to have eyes for the rodeo queen Rachel Carson who has been his girlfriend since high school.

One night as Dirk is getting ready to ride Magnum a bull who happens to be one of Janet’s, Janet gets up her nerve to finally talk to him. She ends up giving him a warning not to put the spurs to this bull. Grady Garrison is one of Dirks rodeo buddies and he’s a very arrogant cowboy. He gives Dirk a hard time telling him that there is no way that Dirk will be able to beat his time and scores on this event. What happens next had me completely glued to the pages. Victoria did a very realistic job of describing Dirks ride. I could totally envision every moment of this scene as Dirk rides Magnum for the full 8 seconds. But as Dirk ends his 8 seconds something terrible happens.

There were SO many excellent characters added to this story. I LOVED both Dirk and Janice equally. But their relationship did not just happen, it took years in the making while the story twisted and turned and dark situations accrued for both of them. By the time they ended up together I felt they were exactly what each other needed.

We did get a few VERY HEATED love/sex scenes that SCORCHED the pages, just another thing that Victoria does so well.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning just how things work in a rodeo and how a ranch runs. I liked that nothing was sugar coated and this felt like a REAL story as I turned the pages. Dirk and Janice stole my heart, I really felt for them as this story moved along, I was totally invested in them and the story from the beginning to the end. The ending completely satisfied me and left me with a HUGE SMILE.

Rough Rider is the second book in the Hot Cowboy Night series. I feel you can read this as a standalone, however if you do I have a feeling that you’re going to end up wanting to read book one, Slow Hand too.

Now the wait is on for book three in this series, Sharp Shooter. You can bet the farm I’ll be reading it as soon as I get my hands on a copy.

This book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bull Rider” found on www.rstem.com

★★★★½ Ms. Vane continues to make me very happy. Very. With this installment of her wonderful Hot Cowboy Nights series she’s given me a Western Contemporary Romance that infuses the rich details of Rodeo and ranching life seamlessly into a hot, sexy story with enough angst to keep me turning the pages - quickly.

I wasn’t sure she would be able to pull it off, as I’m not crazy about books that start out with the hero being enamored with another woman – and the heroine seriously crushing on him in spite of it. Moreover, I’m certainly not interested in one where, after rejection from the “other woman,” the hero shows up on the heroine’s doorstep. Or at least I didn’t think I would be crazy about one.

Nevertheless, in VV’s deft hands, the Dirk and Janice’s love story unfolds. I definitely cringed at the decisions these two made over the next ten plus years of their lives – yes, ten years! – before they make a decent attempt at getting to their “happily ever after.” Alas, they were young and the scenes and the years ring true and we get insight into why Dirk’s attitude toward his brother Wade – and, for that matter, the world – that we witnessed in Slow Hand, making this one quite a bit more poignant than the first.

I love it when an author can change my mind, don’t you?

I received and eBook copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this gritty, compelling and emotionally charged story. Victoria Vane always infuses her books with such realism and her characters with such emotional depth that they cease to be simply characters on the page and become people I really care about.

My Thoughts

Dirk-



I didn’t really like Dirk in SLOW HAND. He was too surly and carrying a huge chip on his shoulder but, in ROUGH RIDER, Ms Vane rolls the clock back 10 years and we see a very different Dirk. At 22, he hasn’t really figured out what he wants to do with his life but bull-riding has taken the edge off the restlessness he feels but he knows he wants something more. He knows he isn’t ready to settle down although his girlfriend, Rachel, is pushing for it. His life is further complicated by the mixed feelings he has for Janice.

There was something about her that stirred him, but it was completely unlike what he’d felt for Rachel, leaving him damned confused.

When a young rodeo rider is tragically killed, Dirk finally makes a decision about his life and joins the marines serving in Afghanistan. However, he returns home to Twin Bridges a changed man, scarred both physically and emotionally. The Flying K family ranch is all he has left and he is determined to see it thrive again.

Janice –



Janice was raised on the family ranch and worked full-time for her father taking care of the bucking bulls the family business supplied for the rodeo circuit. While her father never focuses on breeding his own bulls, Janice has dreams of one day ‘breeding the rankest bulls for the toughest cowboys.’ She had always put her family’s needs first at the expense of her own. They depended on her and she could never let them down.

Janice has carried a torch for Dirk since high school but knows that she can never compete with his beautiful girlfriend, Rachel Carson. Even when he shows an interest in her after breaking up with Rachel, Janice believes it’s only temporary and accepts a marriage proposal from Dirk’s friend, Grady, who has shown a definite interest in her. Now widowed and with ten year old son, Cody, she returns to her home town of Twin Bridges to care for her ailing mother.

Sometimes people make mistakes. Huge life altering mistakes.

I think all of us have made decisions in our lives which seem right at the time but later we come to regret. I know I have and so it was easy to relate to Dirk and Janice…their choices however misguided, the missed opportunities and the regrets. The intervening ten years have changed them both. Dirk is hard, wary and cynical and Janice has her own hidden emotional scars. I could feel the tension between them but also the unspoken desire.

But here she was sane or not, and he wanted her with a desire that penetrated his marrow. The same need shone in her eyes, the kind of deep physical, gut-wrenching need that he shared, and the only kind he could fulfil.

I loved Janice’s determination to break down Dirk’s defences and her refusal to back down. I understood Dirk’s fears that she would be revolted by the extent of his injuries and he needed someone like Janice who would love him without reservation. At times, Ms Vane kept me on tenterhooks, unsure that Janice and Dirk would ever have a happy ending, but this was what gripped me and kept me turning the pages.

The combination of raw sensuality and emotional intensity certainly puts a big H for HOT in the love scenes!

There was also an insight into the real reasons behind the feud between Dirk and his brother, Wade and I was happy when they were finally able to talk to each other and resolve their differences.

Ms Vane’s extensive research and attention to detail brought the rodeo scenes vividly to life…the sights, sounds, and danger.



If you enjoy Contemporary Western Romance with a compelling story, flawed characters, plenty of angst and steamy passion, then I can highly recommend this book.

REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS


Hot Cowboy Nights series so far (click on cover for more details):



**I received a complimentary copy from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.**


The review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:

https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...

[Victoria Vane]

A SNEAK PREVIEW of ROUGH RIDER!
Grabbing her flank ropes and hook, she methodically moved down the row of massively muscled, shifting, snorting bovines. Janice spoke in low, calm tones as she handled each animal. She knew every bull in the circuit by name, and endeavored to handle each one with the care and respect they deserved. To her annoyance, Grady followed her, jabbering on about nothing, while she flanked her bulls. It was damned irritating how the cocky S.O.B. refused to be ignored.
After finishing with Sudden Impact, Janice double-checked the bulls in the pens. When she returned, Dirk was armored with his Kevlar vest and standing on the platform above Magnum Force. “You the gunner?” she asked.
“Yup,” Dirk nodded. “Drew this big bastard. New one isn’t he?” He jerked his head toward the massive Brahma shifting restlessly in his pen.
“Yeah. He’s new all right.”
“What happened to that ol’ sonofabitch, The Enforcer? Did you retire him?”
“Hell no. Daddy sold him. Pocketed a big chunk of change and still had enough left to buy two replacements that he found down at this shithole farm in Arkansas. Mag here is one of ‘em.” She nodded to the bull.
While her father had made a respectable name in stock contracting, she’d always felt his methods were a bit hit or miss. He’d struck it lucky enough times to stay in the business, but would never make it to the top because he was too quick to sell his best bulls for cash in hand. To Janice’s frustration, he’d never focused on the business of breeding his own stock. They had the land and the know-how, so it seemed a wasted opportunity.
Janice, on the other hand, saw a future in bucking bulls. While traditional rodeo was dying out and struggling just to break even, the new bull-riding associations were packing ‘em in, even in the big cities. It was the new “extreme” sport. Breeding the rankest bulls for the toughest cowboys was her dream—what she was secretly working toward. She just needed the right foundation bull. She’d already wondered if Mag might be the one. If he made it big on this circuit, she was determined to buy him out for breeding—no matter the cost.
“I detect a pattern here. Outlaw Josie Wales? Magnum Force?” Dirk chuckled. “Your ol’ man’s a real Clint Eastwood fan, isn’t he?”
“Yeah. He’s always named his rough stock after favorite movies but the primest of the lot are called after Clint Eastwood flicks. Be careful with this one, Dirk. I think Mag just might be the rankest bull we’ve ever had. He’s no chute fighter, but once that gate flies open, he’s unpredictable as hell.”
“Oh yeah? If you’ve got any other secrets to share, I’m all ears.”
Grady snorted and spat another black wad of dip. “You so scared of eatin’ dirt that you’re asking the stock hands for lessons?”
“Damned straight, Grady. Her father owns the bull and I’m one ride away from winning the overall.”
“Shit. If you’re so hard up for teachin’, you shoulda just watched me ride that badass.” He jerked his head at Texas Tornado, the notorious bull he’d ridden for a high score of eighty-six points.
“Your style wouldn’t cut it with Mag, Grady,” Janice interjected.
“Oh yeah?” Grady pulled out another chuck of wintergreen Skoal and stuffed it under his lower lip. “There ain’t a bull in the world that can’t be rode, sweetheart—”
“Or a cowboy that can’t be throwed,” Janice finished with a smirk of her own. Although one of the top contenders, Grady needed to be taken down a peg or two and Janice hoped Dirk would be the one to do it.
“And just how many bulls have you rode now, sweet pants?”
“None,” she shot back. “But that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant. Maybe you forget I grew up with these animals. I know when I load ‘em what kinda mood they’re in and most times how they’re gonna act.”
“That may be, but all bets are off once you’re actually forking the S.O.B with the flank rope on.”
Janice shrugged. “I’m just sayin’ look out if you ever draw this one, Grady. Usually the bulls clue you in on what they’re thinking, but not this one. When you assume he’s gonna spin into your hand, he blows, or he looks like he’s fading right and then ducks off left, or maybe takes a sudden nose dive and snaps his head like ol’ Bodacious did. He’s smart as hell and he’ll set you up for a big hurt in a heartbeat. This bull’s gonna rearrange a lot of cowboy faces in his new career.”
“Then it’s too bad Grady didn’t draw him this go round,” Dirk taunted his buddy. “Rearranging his ugly mug could only be an improvement.”
Grady grabbed his crotch. “It ain’t my face the buckle bunnies are after, pretty boy.”
Janice ignored the vulgar exchange. “Mag’s an ornery bastard if you yank a foot on him. Ride him too aggressive and I promise he’ll eat you up. If you don’t want to be the first one to kiss that bull, Dirk, you’d do well to spare the spurs.”
Dirk attached the bell to the rope and gave her a crooked smile that revealed a deep left sided dimple. “I hear you loud and clear.”
Every bucking horse and bull presented its own challenge and Mag was new and an unknown entity. A savvy rider studied his draw before his ride and talked to the stock hands. She was glad Dirk was willing to listen.
“Why all this concern about that dink?” Grady muttered, jerking his head in Dirk’s direction.
“Maybe ‘cause he actually asked my advice.”
“How ‘bout I give you some advice, Sweet Cheeks? Don’t waste yourself waitin’ around on Dirk. Everyone knows he has it bad for Rachel. They’ve been playing it hot and heavy for years. ‘Sides, there’s better cowboys willing to bear company with a sweet thing like you.”
“Better cowboys?” She let her gaze flicker over Grady for a fraction of a second. “Like who?”
Grady grinned big, broad, and bad. “Why yours truly, of course.”
“Really?” She cracked a smile despite herself. “Does anyone besides you and your Momma share this grandiose opinion of Grady Garrison?”
“Oh yeah, baby doll. Ask any buckle bunny from here to Houston.”
“That so?” Her smile instantly faded. “Then I ain’t interested.”
“Maybe I just need the right woman to make me wanna settle down.”
Janice snorted outright. “What a crock! Does that line of bull really work for you?”
He grinned shamelessly. “More times than I could count.”
“You’re the one who’s wasting your breath, Grady. I don’t sleep around, especially not with horndog cowboys.”
Ignoring her racing pulse, Janice double checked the flank while Grady hooked Dirk’s rope around the animal’s massive barrel. A moment later, Dirk climbed up and over the chute, then quietly lowered himself onto the bull’s back. He warmed the rosin-coated rope before tightening it around his bull, and then tied himself on. He’d passed on a protective helmet to keep his white Stetson instead.
“Who said anything about mattress dancing?” Grady smirked. “I’m only offering you a drink after the rodeo—Dirk will be buying of course.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“Then how ‘bout another wager? One just between you and me?”
“What kind of wager?” She knew better than to commit to anything Grady came up with without hearing all the details first.
“If I beat his ride you’ll go to the party with me after the rodeo.”
“Isn’t it a private event, only for the team members?”
“Yeah,” he replied. “But I’m on the team and I’m inviting you.”
“I’ll think about it, Grady.” Janice eyed the bull, hoping to hide the sudden flush in her face. Mag appeared deceptively docile, but there was a dangerous fire blazing in his eyes. Her gut told her the bull was gonna blow.
As the daughter of a stock contractor she’d seen more rodeos than she could remember, and more wrecks than she could ever forget, but no matter how hard she tried, she’d never become desensitized to the gory aftermath of any bull ride gone bad – usually resulting in lots of blood and mangled bones twisted at unnatural angles.
Up to this point, the finals had been surprisingly free of injuries, but the bull riding was where most of them happened. The last seconds in the chute never failed to send Janice’s heart into her throat. She’d kept a close tally of Dirk’s points and knew just covering this bull was all he needed. She hoped he wouldn’t slough off her advice about spurring. Her fingers closed tightly around the cold steel of the chute panel as Dirk raised his right arm and nodded at the gateman.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

If someone forced me to list my top five literary males then a cowboy would definitely feature, along with a improbably attractive (yet sane) self-made billionaire, a gruff mountain man, a man-whore rockstar (who changes his whoring ways the moment he meets 'the one'), and the charismatic nerd.

Not that I've spent very long compiling that list or anything.

The point is, you don't need to know much about what billionaires or mountain men or nerds or rockstars or cowboys actually do all day to find them attractive; the awareness that they're industrious, intuitive and gifted at what they do is usually sufficient to stir my lady parts.

This book was refreshingly different in that I feel like I've spent some time actually living and breathing the cowboy country lifestyle - it felt authentic. This wasn't just a romance with a hawt cowboy who does vague cowboy stuff all day long but rather an insight into a lifestyle. I love to be pulled into an alternate life when I escape into a book and this one really nailed that.

The other thing I liked about this was that it was a second chance romance that didn't follow the usual well trodden romance route - meet, conflict, get together, conflict, back together. The plot took quite a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, keeping me gripped to my kindle. I read this one in a day, there was no way I was putting it down until I knew how it all ended.

Janice is a cowgirl in cowboy country. At 21 he father's ill health has forced her to run her family's cattle business pretty much single handedly. She's competent and dedicated to that business, but it's a lonely life that's effectively squashed any hopes of finding true love. Or indeed any sort of dating. To make matters worse, she's long held a flame for Dirk, the guy she lusted after from afar at school and who now is a 'rough rider', or for anyone uninitiated in cowboy terminology, a bull rider. Unfortunately for Janice, Dirk has been with Rachel, the rodeo queen since school and shows no sign of wanting anything or anyone else. He's ripped, talented, gorgeous and unflinchingly honest. Just...manly, you know? As he tells poor Janice:

"A man can never be friends with a woman, Janice. Unless she's a troll, there always reaches a point when the guy starts thinking about gettin' into her jeans. It's just how it is. You ain't no troll, and I got a thing going with Rachel."

Meanwhile, Dirk's manwhoring rodeo buddy, Grady, has set his sights on Janice. Or more accurately, on the ranch Janice is set to inherit when her ailing father dies. Dirk finds himself feeling protective towards Janice and warning her away from Grady, even though he's still with the rodeo queen. Janice defies his advice, deliberately ignoring the more than just friendly feels she gets in Dirk's presence, determined not to be the predatory female stealing another woman's man.

The chemistry between Dirk and Janice sizzled and burned nicely until the point where Dirk is finally free to pursue Janice, culminating in some deliciously steamy smut. But, post smut, Janice is aggravatingly dense, having convinced herself that Dirk is out of her league and not serious about her.

I cannot lie, I wanted to slap her, but her actions were in character and understandable, if aggravating. Yes, I wanted to scream but jeez I was gripped too.

At this point the plot veered away from the story I was expecting and became belly-twistingly angsty, when a series of missed opportunities and misunderstandings result in them living separate lives for years until they both find themselves back in their home town.

My favourite thing about second chance romance stories is that we get to experience all of the anticipation of the romance all over again, and this was no exception. Now older and more worldly wise, the smut the second time around was scorching:

"She was buck naked and propped up on her elbows, hair tangled, face flushed, torso smeared with blueberry syrup, and a slow, shy, sexy-as-hell grin on her face. The vision jolted him to the core.

She looked down at herself and shook her head with a chuckle. "You sure made a real mess of me - inside and out."

I really enjoyed reading this story - it was a perfect escape into another world, with some belly tingling romance and hot smut balanced with some angst. This is a complete story and the second in the series, but I read it as a standalone and it worked perfectly well. The writing flowed easily and the detail in the story made it feel more authentic than others of its type. I'll definitely be looking up more by this author. Recommended.

**I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley for my honest opinion. Thanks!**

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is absolutely unforgettable. Vane grabbed my attention with the fast paced, realistic story, and kept me hooked throughout. Her eloquent yet raw and real writing allows readers to really connect with the tale. Action and emotion take centre stage in this novel. Vane brings rodeo to life, while at the same time telling a compelling take that will have you in stitches and in tears. I will admit that I did wonder what exactly happened with Rachel & Wade. You get the basic gist of it, but it’s not spelled out for you.

The main characters in this novel definitely make the story. Not only are they well developed, complex characters, but the ordeals that they’ve lived through pull at your heart. I absolutely loved getting to know them both, and thoroughly enjoyed them as individuals. Their relationship was also fantastic. It wasn’t easy, nor was it a sure thing, but it was oh so very real. The passion and real love, as well as the heartache and the doubt all shine through. The twang in the dialogue between the characters is also fantastic. It really brings these characters to life. It was like I could really hear them speaking.

Every time I read a new work by this author it’s better than the last. I couldn’t put this one down for a second. I’d highly recommend it to those who enjoy romance with some heat & a healthy dose of western flavour.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough Rider is a sweet romance that builds over a decade.

This is the love story of Janice Combes and Dirk Knowlton. They definitely had a slow building romance that life just got in the way. Changed by war, strife and hard times both Janice and Dirk find themselves back where it all began. The become very different and wary people trying to find the connection they once shared.

Dirk was a jerk in Vane's first book, so I was thrilled to see how he became suched a hard person.

Their story truly was heart wrenching, so many times you could see them making really wrong choices but when push came to shove they found each other once again.

Vane provides an easily read, heartfelt romance with enough steam to make it sizzle.

You can't help but cheer for the HEA these two life warry people deserve.

It is a perfect romance story to warm you on a cold winter's night.

I received this ARC copy of Rough Rider from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication February 3, 2015.

[Wminbc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummm...loved Dirk...but quite a few times I really wanted to smack Janice up side the head...seriously...smack her! Ugg...

Wade was the tortured hero type but his brother Dirk was the one the fence kinda guy who showed up late for dinner every dang time!

[Gaufre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was almost a great book. The characters hesitate and make bad decisions - or what they think is the best decision they can with what they know. It feels very relatable and real. The problems is that the book is two halves stuck together. Not enough time is spent on mending the lost chances and too much time is spent in the past. This makes the hero appear wishy-washy and not that likable. I almost DNF at around 35%.

A few other reviewers have mentioned how well researched this book is. There are some lost opportunities here: I would have liked to read more details about how someone prepares for a rodeo, the routine they take with the rope, the rosin, the mounting, etc. It shows rather than tell the expertise. The ride itself is one thing, but the slow preparation would give a closer look into the characters.

As I said. Almost.

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.

3.5 stars

Quickie Review:

Oh I did enjoy these two. Took them long enough to figure out their HEA and get their act together but it was worth it. I did have issues with the formatting and big time jumps that weren't marked but other than that it was a great read.

Full Review:

Mmmmm Vane writes downright tasty and lickable men of the cowboy variety. Seriously. *fans self* Yums!

Alright. So, Janice and Dirk's story is a long and rocky one. These two met when they were young and while on the rodeo circuit started to get close--he was a rider and her family provided stock. But then some wrong choices and misunderstandings sent them in opposite directions and life went on. Dirk to the Military. Janice to married life with someone else and motherhood. And now 10 years later they're getting a second chance as they wind up back in their hometown broken by life and in need of healing.

These two. Whew. They had some serious heartbreak and angsty bits happening on their way to their happily ever after. It was not easy on them at all. They lost so many years and had so many struggles from picking door two instead of door one. Painful marriages, injury, loss, loneliness. But they got their second chance and managed to hold on to it. To help heal each other from the traumas they'd been through and the hurt they'd caused each other. And it was both incredibly sweet and hard to see unfold. But wonderful at the same time.

I enjoyed both Janice and Dirk. Janice is a strong woman. She's deep in a world dominated by men and she holds her own. She's not afraid to work hard, get her hands dirty and is doing whatever needs to be done for her family. And Dirk. Well there's a lot of sexy happening there. He's got the cowboy swagger and is a good guy when he's younger. And now after serving he's got a lot of hurt and anger in him from all that he lost being injured during the war--his leg, his life as a cowboy, etc. He's one of those tortured broody heroes I just lust after.

They were really good together. The connection and heat between them was amazing both when they were younger and their second time around though whew they do have some hard moments and a lot to work though. Both their misunderstandings when younger and now his injury and the feelings that go with it. There were a couple scenes regarding it that just, yeah, had me holding my breath. It's not all 'heavy' though. There was enough heat and humor thrown in to keep things moving and entertaining instead of depressing.

I did have one big issue while reading that brought the rating down a bit for me. It was more to do with format than the story which I loved. There were these huge time jumps that were extremely awkward to me and pulled me out of the story something fierce. A chapter would end then the next...4 years later...then a chapter later it's another 6 years later. All of the individual pieces were well written but there were no warnings the jumps were going to happen, no headers saying it was X years later, etc. It was just jarring for me and the first time I kept thinking okay is this a dream sequence happening?

Other than that, though, Rough Rider was an achingly beautiful story of love triumphing over all. Vane really writes amazing characters and brings them to life in the most amazing way. I'm quickly becoming addicted to her books. That's for sure.

[Patty McKenna Van Hulle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this will be a different kind of review than I usually write because Janice and Dirk demanded it! This romance is from begin to end, a massive pot holed infested journey thru rough and cruel terrain for both Dirk and Janice. Now y'all have to understand that I rarely use the word HATE because it's so harsh and hurtful and for me to use it is extraordinary moment, but in book #1 of this Hot Cowboy Nights I HATED Dirk. I didn't think Ms. Vane could wrote Dirk as loveable to me, but I was totally wrong. She made Dirk a yummy and flawed, but a completely LOVEABLE wounded hero!

Dirk was a man looking for his purpose. When the rodeo didn't do it, he joined the Marines believing it would help him make a difference, but the Marines took more than it gave with his leg as payment in full to an IED. When Dirk returns home, he’s no longer the All American gorgeous cowboy, but a man scarred inside and out, filled with such anger that he feels the need to share it with any and everyone in his path.

Janice was always willing to do all for the males in her life, always putting her needs and desires on hold. Her dad just seem to use her for free labor and keeping his business afloat, but he did love her in his own way. Later, her hubby, Grady, just wanted her as his meal ticket, but once he found out that she wasn't, he made her life a living and breathing HADES! Now her son loved her unconditionally, was the balm to her scarred over heart, but he helped her realized maybe she did deserve love!

I loved how Ms. Vane wrote this romance with such flawed characters with gooey hearts that are surrounded by high & thick castle walls! They shared only 1 night of knocking boots back in their rodeo days, but the sun rose to unspoken feelings, unclaimed hearts and lost chances. Grady was in the right time and when Janice needed a shoulder, but marrying him was Janice’s greatest mistake, but she received her greatest gift in her son.

Now lets chat about the sex between Janice & Dirk, my peeps. Ms. Vane release this romance SEXUAL KRAKEN with toasty and spark filled scenes filled with pantie melting kisses, toe curling (that gave me painful toe cramps) caresses and a screaming wake up call to my pleasure center of my brain! But with great sex comes unwrapped and vulnerable hearts. Ms. Vane exposes and crumbles each block, stone, pebble and even mortar with their shared kiss, caresses and Wham, Bam, please don't leave me ma'am moments!

Now this romance has many surprises along the way that could make their budding love halt in its tracks or make them have a Happily Ever After, but y'all will have to read it for yourselves because its such a page turner. I couldn't put it down and prayed for it not to be over!

Ms. Vane entertainment me, beotch slapped my drought like girlie parts, painfully and slowly peeled back her characters layers, exposed their weak underbellies, used unconditional love to slowly heal her h/h. This story had me at the edge of my seat with twists, turns and even had me screaming at the Dirk's stupidity, so she completely EARNS my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes! I just have some itsy bitsy advice for Ms. Vane for the future, PLEASE WRITE FASTER!

NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Vikki’s Musings

Wow! Did this one go in a different direction than I expected. Since I had met Dirk in Slow Hand, I expected this book to pick up where that one ended. That is not what happens at all. At first I was a bit taken aback with the start of the story, but it was interesting to get what happened from the beginning. Now I have probably confused you, but all will be revealed.

Janice Combes is a rough and tumble kind of girl. She has just become the new ‘chute boss’ for Combes Bucking Bulls at twenty-one. She has had a crush on Dirk Knowlton since high school, but knows nothing can ever come of it. After all, why would he be interested in her? A girl too tall with a mass of red hair and plenty of freckles, and she’d barely been kissed. Not when he has Rachel Carson handing on his sleeve.

During Dirk’s bull ride on Magnum Force, while he remains in the saddle for the eight seconds to qualify, when he dismounts, he takes a bad tumble, dislocating his shoulder and bruising a few ribs. After a fight with his girlfriend, he ends up at Janice’s trailer, since he got kicked out of the hotel because of his friend, Grady’s antics. Wet through and through from the downpour, he strips down to his boxers, and he finds Janice’s innocence beguiling. “Her unspoken invitation was the straw that broke the cowboy’s back.”

Giving into the passion rising between them, they come together like two combustible engines. Even though Dirk is Janice’s first, she takes to lovemaking with a bang. The next morning things are a bit awkward between them, before they have a chance to talk, Grady shows up. Dirk does not want him to know what had happened with Janice and pretends that he has just gotten to Janice’s trailer as well.

Dirk and Grady offer to help her on the circuit with her bulls. When Rachel shows up at the ‘Outlaw Saloon’ in Cheyenne, and makes her move on Dirk, Janice assumes he will get back with her. When she receives a call from her mother with bad news, Grady is there to comfort her. A misunderstanding between her and Dirk sends their lives down opposite paths, and Janice ends up married to Grady and Dirk joins the Marines.

Ten years later, Grady is dead, and Janice is raising her son, Cody on her own. She has come back to her home, and she meets Dirk again. He has become a broken man with plenty of scares on the outside and inside. While Janice has her own scares as well, hers do not show. Can this tortured couple find their way back to each other?

While I thoroughly enjoyed Rough Rider and fell in love with Dirk and Janice’s characters, I would have liked to see more of their relationship in the present. Nonetheless, the book drew me in from the first page to the last. I have always loved Victoria Vane’s smooth writing style and witty dialogue, and she does not disappoint me in this book. I am amazed by the accuracy of detail and the amount of research she did to bring me into the world of bull-riding.

I received this book from Net-Galley, and I feel privileged and honored with the opportunity to read this great story in advance of publication. I found it highly entertaining to say the least and look forward to future books in the Hot Cowboy Nights series. Happy reading!

[Anna (Bobs Her Hair) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars – Reunited…But It Wasn’t All So Good

Beaten down by having lived with a self-centered unfaithful husband, Janice Combes is finally free to make a decent life for herself and her son. She returns to Twin Bridges, Montana to scrape together the means to support her family. Life sure didn’t turn out how she’d once dreamed. Once considered a nice girl with hopes of taking over her father’s ranch - she lives paycheck-to-paycheck - using her body for maximum effect to garner betters tips as a waitress. Janice isn’t the only one with shattered dreams.

Dirk Knowlton returns to his hometown carrying mental and physical scars. Once, he sought the thrill of riding bulls. His brief fling with Janice was enough for him to know he wasn’t ready to settle down. Feeling the call to join the military, Dirk served his country, but he does not leave the service unscathed. His family and friends don’t recognize the bitter man he’s become. Dirk may be different, but he’s trying to build upon a new dream.

Janice and Dirk took different paths ten years ago. There paths cross again. They’ll have a second chance to rebuild a new dream together.

Reunited and it feels so good
Reunited 'cause we understood
There's one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited 'cause we're reunited, hey, hey

- Peaches and Herb, “Reunited”

“Rough Rider” is a steamy second-chance romance with two survivors. The hero, Dirk, survives war and its horrors. The heroine, Janice, survives a heartbreaking marriage. There were times when this contemporary romance felt oh-so-good, but it wasn’t ‘one perfect fit.’

Half the book is spent in the past. We meet the people Janice and Dirk once used to be and see their chemistry. We learn a lot about professional bull riding. They make their choices and we see their reasons. Then, they come back for the second half different people. Dirk may appear the most affected, but it’s Janice that seems the most changed. Their relationship moves fast, but the shift from the first half to the second half of the book felt too abrupt. Janice and Dirk’s characters changed so much, but the people and events that changed them are merely implied, as the focus of the first half is about his restlessness and her crush. Their choices changed them and it would have been nice to spend more time getting reacquainted with their new selves rather than a past that could have been wrapped up in a few chapters.

Many readers have loved this book. “Slow Hand,” the first book in the series, was fabulous! Attribute this rating and review to reader preference. The third book looks very promising, so while this story didn’t amaze this particular reader it does not discourage.


ARC compliments of Sourcebooks via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rough Rider" is the second book in the Hot Cowboy Night series by author Victoria Vane. The story of Dirk and Janice starts ten years prior when they are in their very early twenties. I would say the first half of the book is the development of our characters. I don't usually like novels that jump years ahead but in this story it was necessary. As a matter of fact while this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read the first book in this series, "Slow Hand." In the first book, you will meet Dirk as a bitter, angry, frustrated man. That being said, the first half of Dirk's story told in the past is necessary. Janice always loved Dirk but he was oblivious. It didn't help that he was in a long time relationship with another woman. But as typical, one night changes everything. And while that could have been a good thing, it didn't turn out that way. Now in the present when they meet again, there is wariness and mistrust as well as hope. Dirk had some very legitimate issues he was dealing with but as soon as he admitted to himself what he wanted from life, he became the man I always knew he was meant to be. By the end of this novel, I was so in love with Dirk. I wanted to make him happy and show how good things could be once he learned to trust. He was a man who deserved good things. His character was flawed but his morals were strong and I loved that about him. Janice was good for him, she was always good for him but unfortunately life throws curves, then add misunderstandings to the mix and people have to go their own ways. What makes love worth it is the fact they find each other again. Dirk and Janice were honest and likable characters. Their chemistry was real and believable. Lord, Dirk was so sexy :) This was my second novel by Victoria Vane and I loved it even more than the first.
My Rating...5 Stars!!!

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROUGH RIDER brings the reader back to Twin Bridges, Montana; the site of the first book of the 'Hot Cowboy Nights’ Contemporary Western series by Victoria Vane. As with the first book of the series Slow Hand, ROUGH RIDER is a sprawling saga that takes place over time and distance. Vane has once again pulled no punches in bringing this ten year saga to life. The research that has gone into the story - the rodeo life, the world of ranching, and life in a small town in Montana is spectacular and meticulous. The love story and history between Dirk and Janice is no less breath-taking. I was rooting for them to make it together, especially after having false starts and previously tragic endings. I wondered if they would ever finally be able to be with each other; much less make a life together. Every heart-breaking aspect of the couple and their story is steeped in sometimes painful reality.

Although ROUGH RIDER is the second book in Vane's 'Hot Cowboy Nights' series, it can be read standalone. I would recommend reading ‘Slow Hand’ first, however, where Dirk and Janice are introduced to the reader as secondary characters; and with plot threads carrying through and tying up. ROUGH RIDER is a wonderful read in an excellent series. Author Victoria Vane has outdone herself bringing this complex tale and its fully believable characters to poignant, vivid life for the reader.



As always, thank you Victoria...

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a hot cowboy story with a little heartache, look no further. Rough Rider (book #2 in the Hot Cowboy Nights series) has it all.

Janice grew up in Montana. Surrounded by herds and cowboys, she epitomises the phrase "tomboy". She doesn't match up to the Rodeo queens and although she knows she's filled out since high school, she just can't compete. She's either one of the guys or completely invisible. 

She's always pined for Dirk. Ever since setting her eyes on him, she's wanted him but knew he'd never give her a second look....after all, he's dating Miss Montana. 

Dirk has his life all planned out...but these plans are made by Rachael and her rich daddy. He's slowly coming to realise that it may not be what he wants from life but he's tethered with no way to be free. 

Feeling like she'll never land the man her heart desires, Janice settles for Grady and life goes on. 

This sweet story takes us on a journey over ten years. We get a brief glimpse of Wade and Nikki (from book #1) and the two books synch perfectly together whilst still remaining stories of their own. 

At times it all seems a little hopeless and both Janice and Dirk have their own battles and heartache to overcome but sometimes the mountains just seems to large to ever scale. 

A sweet, yet hot story, that's a quick easy read which you won't regret. 

[Karinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough rider is definitely a hot read. Hot cowboy Dirk has a lot to learn in life. Janice is a strong woman and is just as stubborn like any other man. Janice has a secret crush on Dirk and has had one since high school. Dirk has no clue what he wants in life and rodeo is one thing for sure he knows. Janice and Dirk have a crossroads and this road is headed one way for him. Dirk decide he wants something different and Janice is not in the cards for him. Nine years later Dirk and Janice have reunited. Well, reunite is not the word I would use. Dirk is not the same man he was all those years ago. Home from war a different man leads these two on a journey to find themselves and each other. It was a good read and I enjoyed it. Cowboys and stetsons and love always works for me!

Received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review. than You, Net Galley!

[Gaya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw reviews about their obvious connection, but they never even said I LOVE YOU. Saying never, I mean NOT EVEN ONCE! It was obvious Janice (awful name by the way) always was in love with Dirk (awful name too). But Dirk never gave a shit about her feelings. This person had feelings only for Rachel, even called her Rae and Sunshine while Janice was just RED. I saw no connection between the protagonists. Janice was a poor sweet girl always in love with him while he had eyes for Rachel only. But he was immature and remained immature till the end of the story, after losing a leg, geting whole body scarred, seing death. This story was definitely waste of a time. I regret reading it.

[Violetta Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story where two damaged hearts get a second chance, especially when those people share a past. Dirk and Janice need something to help get their lives on track--both return to their rural homes in hopes of starting over. Janice never stopped loving Dirk, and as for our broken cowboy, he's not as immune to Janice as he thinks.

Fun read--sexy and romantic.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one...review to follow when the books comes out in February! This one is so much fun. I am developing a taste for hot cowboys. Thank you Victoria Vane!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough Rider lives up to its title. This story is one rough ride for the hero and heroine in this stolen moments-missed opportunities and regrets type of gripping and red-hot passion-filled story. Even though this is the second book in the series if will work fine as a standalone or out of order. Some of it follows a parallel path to the first story crossing plot paths a few times, but still separate for all that.


Janice has lived her life in the shadows and working hard carrying a flame for a bull rider who barely knows she exists. She watches him and his highschool sweetie together and wishes she could be the pretty rich, rodeo queen like Rachel instead of the girl working the chutes and covered in the scents and dirt of the pens. But then one night, Dirk Knowles, surprises everyone when he throws off the lead ropes that Rachel and her rich dad have put on him and Rachel tries to use his brother to make him jealous. Janice seizes her chance knowing that he'll be back with Rachel in the morning.

Dirk doesn't know what in the world he is doing when it comes to his life that had been plotted out for him with the perfect girl and the perfect future. He feels restless and he is young. He doesn't want to be tied down with a wife and responsibilities, but Rachel keeps pushing even after he asks for time. She always plays head games with him so the night he finds himself sans girlfriend and her plans for his future, he accepts the offer that Janice makes. It was supposed to be just the one time, but afterward, he knows that it meant something. Unfortunately, before he can figure out his feelings and what he wants to do about them, Janice has given up waiting and moved on and he is well aware she is making a huge mistake taking the shiftless womanizer Grady.

Years later, after so much life has happened, the two find themselves back in their home town carrying a lot of internal baggage and wearing the mileage life has taken out of them. Dirk is determined to save his family ranch and Janice is determined for a fresh start for her and her son. Can something come of this reunion or are they too damaged and too long apart to try again?

As I said, this one is rough, but its the sort of rough that needs to be there for the story to have some depth. Dirk is not an easy hero. He has wanderlust as a young guy and he doesn't know how to juxtapose that with his responsibilities. He also doesn't know what to do with his conflicted feelings for two very different women. He needs time to process, but life wouldn't stop and wait for him so he makes snap judgments. He is flawed and hard, but there was something about him that made me want to see him pull through and succeed with his dream and break free of his bitter anger. Janice, by the same token, isn't an easy heroine. Much of the early story, she is just passive and reactionary. The few solid choices she makes are bad ones and she also has life changes that are out of her control that complicate things. But then when the second half begins, she shows there is a backbone inside her. Dirk doesn't make things easy and she won't make it easy on him either. They do tend to be like tender and matches combusting into hot passion, but the physical attraction is only part of it. I liked how the story developed pace-wise to match these two and their issues. They don't make it easy and Dirk has a positive gift for spouting hurtful things, but it was worth it when they sort it all out.

One of the side stories is a bit of a wrap-up for the unresolved stuff between Dirk and his brother, Wade. The details and much of their conflict takes place in the first book with just being skated over in this one, but the resolve for their issues does resolve in this one and I was happy to see it. It was one of the things about the first book that disappointed me so I was glad to see it addressed in this story.

And finally, I really enjoyed that epilogue. It was just a sweet family scene that was light and fun. It struck the right chord after the turmoil and trouble of the earlier story.

Wrapping up, I felt this was a stronger story that offers good conflict along with some hot and spicy passion. I loved it even if it was hard to read about Dirk and Janice having a few near misses and heartaches before they got their chance at happiness. The plot, character development, passionate romance, and incredibly well described backdrop all worked and I whole-heartedly recommend it to Western Contemporary Romance fans.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[multitaskingmomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Blog Post: eARC Review: Rough Rider (Hot Cowboy Nights #2) by Victoria Vane

After Slow Hand, Victoria Vane continues the story of the Knowltons with Rough Rider. Not only does it give the backstory of how Dirk and Wade became estranged but reintroduces a minor character in the previous installment - Janice - and the pivotal role she played in Dirk's life.

Dirk was the town's golden boy: tall, handsome, a rodeo champion, and boyfriend to its prettiest girl, Rachel. However, teen stardom differs a lot from adult adulation. It carries a lot of responsibility. How much responsibility and expectation a 22-year old could handle without getting stifled is debatable. One day, life as he knows it falls apart and so he does the best thing he can. He runs away.

Janice, on the other hand, knows nothing but responsibility. Everyone counts on her, from her family to the ranch, that she has lost herself. Despite craving Dirk no end, she puts everything else first - and loses him. Finally she has nowhere to go and comes home. When she realizes he's home too, albeit a different Dirk compared to the one that left, she decides to finally take the risk and put herself and their mutual attraction to the forefront. Enough time wasted.

Of course their story will have a happy ending, but it's the journey they must take together that makes this book worthwhile. Dirk has to trust again while accepting he's enough for Janice. The damage his body and soul took while he was away just doesn't have him believing that.

Janice has to be sure she's stubborn enough to tame her ornery cowboy. Not too tame, though. Just on the right side of being wild is the Dirk she knows and loves. Can she push him just enough that he'd be willing to go back on with the ride?

This second installment of Hot Cowboy Nights is so real I could almost take in the smells of the rodeo and the ranch. The sensory combination of cattle, grass, dirt, molasses, and yes, even manure, make up a childhood's worth of memories that are precious to me. But while romantic to so many, cattle ranching and the rodeo circuit are tough lifestyles. It takes an even tougher person to push and fight his way through all the challenges that besiege this endangered yet beautiful way of life.

While it could be taken as a standalone, Slow Hand is really much better understood after reading Rough Rider. The reason behind the quarrel between the Knowltons becomes much clearer. I don't condone what Rachel did to the brothers, but I guess a desperate woman would try anything to get the affection she desires - or maybe feels she deserves? And I can see why Dirk would be so bitter and even extreme in his struggle to keep ranching. If it's all you know and have left, you'd fight for it, too.

Victoria Vane blew me away yet again with her writing. I'm a sucker for just about anything cowboy, but this is more than just a simple tale. The complexity and balance of being a struggling rancher and a man facing seemingly insurmountable personal problems plus a woman just as scarred from an abusive relationship makes for a heartrending story of a couple who faced huge odds and made it. Together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy, albeit curmudgeonly, cowboy and the woman meant to tame him.

Janice Combes grew up around tough talking, rough acting cowboys so she was used to how they acted around each other, and her. She was one of the crew when it came to rodeo life and the men, who rode the bulls she took care of and carted from rodeo to rodeo. She may understand them, but it didn’t keep her from wanting one particular cowboy to look at her the way he looked at the Rodeo Queen.

Dirk Knowlton loved the rodeo, the freedom of the road, and when his long-time girlfriend started making noises about getting married and settling down, he did what any self-respecting cowboy would do, he bucked and ran. Ending up on the doorstep of the woman he’d watched grow up, one he’d watched his buddy, Grady, take notice of and discovered he didn’t like it, surprised him. What happened next surprised him even more and haunted him for the next ten years?

Phew! Some cowboys are definitely hotter than others. ROUGH RIDER by Victoria Vane treats us to one hot cowboy and the only woman meant to tame him. We first meet Dirk Knowlton in SLOW HAND, book one of the Hot Cowboy Nights series. Whereas Wade was dreamy to die for, Dirk came across as a complete and total ass. All the more reason why I wanted to read his story. Yeah, he was still a bit of an ass in this one, but once you learned why, everything made sense.

ROUGH RIDER started out a bit slow for me. I appreciate Victoria’s research into rodeos and bull riding, but maybe I didn’t need quite so much time in the bullpens with talk about manure. *laughing* Once things heated up between Janice and Dirk, this story took off like a lightning flash. Grady was just creepy enough to keep us hoping Dirk would rescue Janice from his clutches, but goofy enough to keep us thinking Janice could handle him on her own. What happens isn’t all that surprising but what is learned later, is most definitely surprising. Nope, not going to tell you anything more.

I highly recommend reading ROUGH RIDER, book two in the Hot Cowboy Nights series by Victoria Vane mainly because if you read SLOW HAND, which I definitely recommend, you will want to read this one too. If for no other reason, but to find out what bug is up Dirk’s well shaped butt and why Janice would even begin to be interested in the curmudgeon. This one is hot, hot, hot, and in the end, very sweet. Victoria gives us a wonderful happily-ever-after.

***eARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Rough Rider
Author: Victoria Vane
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Hot Cowboy Nights # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Rough Rider" by Victoria Vane

Book Description....

"Two wary hearts ...
Janice Combes has two loves, bucking bulls and Dirk Knowlton. But Dirk only has eyes for a dazzling rodeo queen. How can Janice ever compete while mired ankle-deep in manure? Exchanging playful banter with Dirk is all Janice can expect-until the stormy night he knocks on her door dripping wet and needing a place to crash.

Different Dreams...
Dirk Knowlton is living the cowboy dream. Life should be good-roping, branding, backing broncs, riding bulls, but there's a void he can't seem to fill. After getting hung up by a bull, he wonders if this is really the life he wants. Restless and rebellious, he bolts...but there's a certain cowgirl he can't forget.

When a battle-scarred Dirk returns to his Montana ranch he's determined to hang on at any cost. Janice has come back home to lick her own wounds. When old dreams turn to dust, can two wary hearts take another chance on love?"


What I enjoyed about this novel....

This was one beautiful told story of a cowboy romance that involved a girl(Janice) who will finally gets the one guy she has always wanted. But be really for a long story that will present many twist and turns...life changes, one night stands....etc. before all of this will all happen. For it will not be a easy ride but a rough one....especially for these two....Janice and Dirk.

This author really works it with the reader in giving us some cute saying that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what all is going on with Janice, Dirk and lets not forget Grady. I did enjoy how this author described all that goes into the rodeo circuit riding(bull riding for eight sections). I was in awe of it all!

The characters form "Rough Rider" were all so well developed, well portrayed, colorful, richly developed and believable that seemed to come alive on the pages as you read. Let's not forget the hot steamy sex scenes that his author knows how to give us so well.

If you are into a good cowboy romance then you are at the right place for "Rough Rider" will give it to you with a ending that will put a smile on your face.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dirk and Janice's story, particularly the fact that it was ten years in the making. Sometimes it is the right person but the wrong time and this was definitely the case for Dirk and Janice. When we first meet them, their lives are slightly chaotic with Janice having to run the family business of providing bulls for rodeos and Dirk having to decide about his relationship with his girlfriend and what he wants out of life. Yet one night is all it takes for them to realise they are meant to be together but neither seizes the opportunity. Fast forward ten years, a disastrous marriage for Janice and a battle scarred Dirk meet up again. This time Janice is determined to not let him slip through her fingers again and will do what it takes.

When we first meet Janice she is so incredibly shy and has a complex about herself and feels that she is not good enough for any man. So when Dirk shows an interest in her, she is so unbelievably out of her depth and when Dirk leaves and another man shows an interest she settles for him because of her insecurities about herself. Fast forward ten years and we meet a confident woman who has been through a lot but is determined to seize her chance at love and happiness.

Dirk is a complex character, which stems from him not really understanding himself fully. It takes a long time for him to figure it out and suffers greatly in the meantime. When Janice refuses to give up on him, it is just what he needs to soften and see a future for himself. Together they a formidable force.

They are both really likeable characters who have been through so much and are just trying to find their way just like you and me. The fact that they have been through so much means that they come across so much more down-to-earth. Their story is steeped with sadness but it is equally heart warming and gives all believers in romance hope. This was a truly poignant story.

[Dot Salvagin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave it to Victoria Vane to introduce this eastern seaboard girl (me) to the life of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. I was totally enthralled with the workings of the rodeo and the lives of the rodeo people. She brought to life this world that I only remember from a childhood visit to Madison Square Garden in NYC when I was just a kid. But beyond the vivid atmosphere of the rodeo world there is a story of a guy who makes some very bad decisions and a woman who hangs on to her love even when it looks like it will never mean a relationship.

I didn’t always like Dirk. He was so stubborn in his thinking that it was rather annoying. I wanted to tell Janice to “snap out of it” and move on with her life since Dirk really did look like a dead-end. But when she did attempt to move on it also looked like a bad move. Could these two ever make a solid relationship? To be perfectly honest I didn’t think it could happen.

This is a really good book and if you have never read a western romance then you are really in for a treat. This is the second book in the series, it is a standalone but do read Victoria Vane’s SLOW HAND about Dirk’s brother Wade.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I got this one on NetGalley and although it is second in a series, I seriously recommend it, as well as the other book in this series (slow ride). These are both stand alone novels that revolve around different characters in these books.

This one was about Dirk and Janice. Dirk is the eldest Knowlton son and takes the term sexy cowboy to a whole new level.

Dirk and Janice's relationship first began when he was in the rodeo circuit and she was a ranch hand working the chutes. They had strong feelings for each other, but life happens and Janice ends up pregnant and married to Dirk's rival in the rodeo circuit and Dirk joins the marines.

Fast Forward 10 years later. Dirk has returned from has 2 tours over seas with half a leg and battle scars inside and out, and is trying to save his family ranch. Janice is trying to survive being a single mother after her husbands untimely death.

If you are in the mood for a hot cowboy romance, you won't be disappointed with this one!