Sharp Shootin' Cowboy

Hot Cowboy Nights #3

by Victoria Vane

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT, COWBOY…
A Weary warrior… After eight years as a Marine sniper, war-scarred Reid Everett is back in his native Wyoming. He knows and loves this rugged land, so working for wildlife services to reduce the booming wolf population suits him to a T.

A Caring crusader… Wildlife biologist Haley Cooper is desperate to make a difference. Leaving the world of academia behind, she accepts a position as a wolf advocate to protect the animals she loves.

Raw attraction… Their jobs set them on a collision course, but chemistry sparks like wildfire between Reid and Haley. They’ll have to brave some rough territory if they hope to reconcile their polarizing views with a passion that won’t be denied.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Military Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 2, 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

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date, 6/02/2015
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5, I love him Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.75 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Sharp Shooting Stars!

I have to say that Victoria Vane has never disappointed me and this book was no exception. Sharp Shooting Cowboy grabbed me from page one and kept my attention all the way through making it hard for me to put the book down.

The story line was very interesting. I really got into the pros and cons of the why’s and why not’s of killing off some of the wolf populations. I am an animal lover so of course I was on Haley’s side and did not want the wolf’s killed however as the story line unfolded and things were explained I found myself understanding why some of them had to go. Victoria Vane outdid herself with her extensive research about this topic. I LOVED the way things worked out in this subject matter by the end of this book, it was pure brilliance if you ask me.

Reid captured my heart from the start, I totally fell head over heels for him, he was TOTAL PERFECTION in my eyes!

Haley, well I liked her but she drove me crazy at times. I have to say by the end of the book she changed her ways and her character was redeemed to me in the best possible of ways.

These two did not have an easy go between them even if their chemistry was off the charts HOT! It took years for these two to get together only to be parted again and again. They were what you can easily say opposite’s in so many ways. I LOVED how Reid seen through all that right from the start and NEVER EVER gave up on his attraction for Haley.

The sex/loves scenes were FANTASTIC! Oh man Reid was one HOT STUD! Together these two blasted the heat level up to the level that I truly crave in my reads. Victoria Vane definitely knows how to write a sensual and oh so HOT scene.

In the end things work out wonderfully and the epilogue was everything I could possibly hope for.

Now the wait is on for the next book in this series, A Cowboy’s Whisper which is due to release 11/2015

Special Note: Even though Sharp Shooting Cowboy is the third book in this series, it can be read EASILY as a standalone.

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately Sharp Shootin' Cowboy was a miss for me. I dnf-d at 54%. I just couldn't take the heroine anymore. She was utterly unlikable, hostile, naive and just irritating on pretty much every level for me and I couldn't see a thing about her that would actually make the hero so captivated. The hero himself was seriously hot. Climb him like a tree hot and a good guy to boot. Vane can write an amazing hero. He wasn't enough to overpower my dislike for the heroine though. I was also really bothered by the fact that Marine was not capitalized in this book like it should be. They aren't marines. They're Marines.

Others may not have issues like I did with the heroine but I just do not get along well with characters who are activists/idealists/anti-military and jump to irrational conclusions.

This won't put me off Vane's books though. I've enjoyed the others I've read from her and found it very easy to get lost in the pages as I was reading. This one though just didn't mesh well with me.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether she is writing Historical Romances or Contemporary Romances, I know that Victoria Vane will never disappoint. As with all her stories, SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY is compelling, emotionally charged, sensual and well-researched.

Reid –


Ms Vane creates irresistible heroes and Reid Everett is no exception. He’s honourable, patriotic, handsome, smart, and positively oozes sex-appeal. Although a man of strong beliefs, I like that he was willing to listen to others’ opinions. I found it refreshing to find a hero who wants responsibility, commitment, marriage and a family. Reid is tender, sensitive and passionate but never controlling. He doesn’t want to change Haley….he just wants her to meet him halfway. I don’t agree with hunting animals but I respected Reid’s arguments concerning wolf management and understood the concerns of the ranchers whose livelihood is threatened.

Haley –


Haley’s painful past has helped shape the person she is. Her Marine father deserted her mother when he discovered she was pregnant with Haley and I can understand her initial dislike of Reid when she discovers he is a Marine. Haley was dealt a double blow when her mother up and left her in the care of her grandparents. She has never fully recovered from her mother’s abandonment and it has left her with real trust issues and a guarded heart. She also has strong beliefs which I respected but, unlike Reid, she rigidly refuses to consider any opinions other than her own. It was this intransigence that I found really frustrating for a good proportion of the book.

The romance spans seven years and, each time their paths cross, their mutual attraction is as strong as ever but there are always obstacles that push them apart again. I loved Reid’s determination to win Haley and my attitude definitely softened towards Haley when she reveals the reasons why she could never be a vegan…“I was seduced to the dark side by a four cheese pizza and a pint of Moose Tracks”.

I saw real growth in Haley’s character when she admits to how naive and foolish she has been and realises how much she has been controlled and manipulated by Jeffrey. Her willingness to consider views other than her own was also a giant leap forward.

I think Ms Vane does a brilliant job in creating a well thought out and believable ending in which Reid and Haley can have their HEA but still remain true to themselves. Of course, the Epilogue topped off everything perfectly.

I enjoyed the thought-provoking issues Ms Vane brings to this book and the way she presents the issues surrounding the reintroduction of the wolves in an unbiased way. As with all Ms Vane’s books, her extensive research is impeccable.

My Verdict: If you enjoy Contemporary Western Romance with a compelling story, complex characters and steamy passion, then I can definitely recommend this book.

REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS


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



** This review is based on an eARC I received from the author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. **

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

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

[Victoria Vane]

EXCERPT: SHARP SHOOTIN'COWBOY

They moved slowly up the line.
The big, bald, unsmiling bouncer held out his hand. “I.D.”
“You’d think they’d be a bit friendlier,” Haley mumbled as both girls fished out their wallets.
Yolanda presented her license and promptly received an over twenty-one bracelet.
“Pay to the right,” he said. “Next.”
Haley received a scowl when she presented her I.D. “Put out both hands.”
She complied and got a big black “X” on the back of each with a Sharpie. Great. If she’d wanted ink on her body she’d have gotten a tat.
“We enforce the law,” he warned. “Try to drink and we’ll boot your ass. Pay to the right.”
She stepped to the counter already feeling like a felon.
“Twenty bucks,” the cashier announced without even looking up.
Haley presented her debit card.
The woman shook her head. “Cash only.”
“Cash? Who carries cash anymore?”
“No cash. No entry.”
“Just a minute. Let me find my friend.” Haley searched the crowd for Yolanda, but she’d already gone inside.
“You’re holding up the line.”
“But I don’t have any—”
“I got it,” a soft, whisky-smooth baritone sounded from behind her.
Haley spun around to meet a solid wall of chest. Her gaze tracked north of the button down western shirt to meet a pair of sky blue eyes shadowed by a well-worn Stetson. Built like a rock, with dimples and baby blues to boot, this tall cowboy stirred interest in places she’d ignored for a very long time. She’d never gone for that type before, but when he gazed down at her with a heart-skipping grin stretching his mouth… Holy cow…boy.
He stepped up to the cashier, flipped his wallet open, and handed the woman two twenties.
“I’ll pay you back as soon as we get inside,” Haley blurted. “I have a friend—”
Blue-eyes shook his head. “It’s no big deal. I got it. If it bothers you that much, you can pay me back later on with a dance.”
“Thanks for the easy terms, but I’m not much of a dancer.” Haley’s mouth stretched into an involuntary smile. He really was hot and a charmer to boot.
His answering smile morphed into a crooked grin revealing deep dimples. The night was starting to look up. Her gaze tracked to his blue eyes again. Way up.
“That’s a bit of a relief actually,” he said. “I manage a passable two step, but that’s about the limit of my repertoire.” He nodded to the gap that had broadened between them and the door. “Wanna go inside now?”
Haley tensed under the sudden contact of his big, warm, palm on her lower back. It was a light touch that still set every nerve ending on alert. Discomposed by her own response, she fought the instinct to pull away. Forcing a breath, she willed herself to relax, and let him guide her toward the door.
Once inside, he offered his hand. “I’m Reid.”
She eyeballed him anew. A handshake? Was he for real? “You’re not from around here are you?”
“No, m’am.” His annoyingly disarming grin lingered. She didn’t trust how easily she responded to it, to him. “Born and raised in Wyoming.”
“Wyoming? So you’re the genuine article and not one of those jokers?” She inclined her head to the throng gathered around the mechanical bull.
He shook his head with a scoffing sound. “I earned my spurs on the real thing.”
She glanced down at his boots, expecting to see them.
He chuckled. “I don’t wear ‘em unless ridin.’ ”
“So are you going to show them how it’s done?”
“I got nothing to prove. Besides, there’s no comparison. A mechanical bull can’t stomp you into the dirt or plant a horn in your ass.”
“Are you working on one of the ranches out here?”
“Nope. I’ve hung it all up for the US Marine Corps.”
“You’re a Marine?” she repeated in dismay.
“Yup. Lance Corporal Reid Everett of the Third Battalion First Marines.”
Damn. Damn. Damn. Why did the only guy she’d taken any interest in since God-knows-when, have to be a Marine? The revelation instantly snuffed out any flicker of interest. A potential fling with a hot cowboy was one thing, but a jarhead was completely out of consideration.
“Nice meeting you, Reid.” She turned away.
He laid a hand on her arm, his brows meeting in a subtle frown. “Not quite the reaction I’d expected….”
“My father was a Marine,” she explained.
“Was?”
“So I’m told,” she responded tight-lipped. “I never knew him. I’m going to find my friend now.”
“Wait a minute. Wha’d I say?” He looked confused and maybe even a bit hurt, like she’d locked his wheels up and sent him skidding.
“It’s not what you said. It’s what you are.”
Just another whore-mongering Marine. They were all just a bunch of horny dogs. Her own father had been one of them, impregnating her mother, never to be heard from again.
The grunts from Camp Pendleton had an especially long and well-earned history. She’d even done a research study about it for one of her college classes. Since the USMC established their base in 1942, the number of illegitimate births within a one hundred mile radius of the base had skyrocketed nine months after every major troop deployment. The data was undeniable. Semper fidelis certainly didn’t apply to the women they left behind.
“I’m not into Marines, Reid. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of women here who would be more than eager to give you a memorable pre-deployment send off.”
Not daring to look back, Haley made a brisk retreat.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you create a slow building romance between two people on the polar opposite sides of a political powder keg? You get a romance you can really sink your canines in to. I'm not talking about canines of the supernatural variety but the canines of wolves. The topic, reintroducing wolves into the environment and the effect they have on that environment.

Marine sharpshooter and hunting tour guide, Read Everett has a chance encounter with wildlife biologist and wolf advocate, Haley Coopers. They have sparse encounters with long distance contacts that span years. It was never the right time, right place or shared ideals, until their paths cross once again in an explosive situation between hunter and wolf.

Victoria Vane has really done her homework. She provides the facts on both sides of the wolf reintroduction controversy while promulgating an unbiased perspective. You, the reader, will have the opportunity to create your own opinions while you experience both sides of the debate through the characters journey to understanding and compromise.

I really enjoy a good quick and easy romance but I devour a storyline that has substance, that engages you in the characters plights and stays with you long after the story is over. Sharp Shootin' Cowboy is just such a story.

I received this copy of Sharp Shootin' Cowboy from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 2, 2015.

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cowboy Stars

I've never read anything by Victoria Vane before, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. But I really enjoyed it. Reid and Haley have a lot of chemistry and this was just an all around sweet story. If you're a fan of this author and you like cowboy stories then this book would be perfect for you.

☆ARC compliments of Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.☆

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid is my kind of cowboy. Sweet, loyal, affectionate and sexy as hell. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also a Marine. I’m a sucker for those devil dogs. Reid’s not looking for any type of a fling. He’s about to go on deployment, sure, but he’s not a one-and-done kind of Marine. Haley’s not a fling kind of girl herself, and she couldn’t be more opposite in her political views from Reid if she tried. She also has a bias against Marines, being as how her dad was one and he sort of left his mom when her mom was pregnant with her. That’s a hard act to follow, but Reid is up for the challenge.

There’s an instant connection from the moment they meet. Reid doesn’t want to deny it, but Haley is one stubborn woman. You wouldn’t know that she’s never ridden a real horse with how many times she sits up high on her figurative one. Even though they rarely see each other, circumstances keep throwing the two of them together. It’s the same – every time. The connection deepens, every time. But will their differences slam them together or split them apart?

I loved Reid so much that I was ready to kick Haley in the face whenever she did something stupid. I am the defender of Reid! Which is sort of dumb, since he can most definitely handle himself. But, whatever. Haley’s reticence was clearly a product of her circumstances and what she THOUGHT she wanted out of life. I really enjoyed the banter, the intensity and the drama that surrounded these two. The little emails and texts made me smile and Reid’s no-bullshit attitude was a breath of fresh air.

Victoria Vane knows how to craft a romance that engages, entices and makes you warm in all the right places. It’s a good one.

[I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Sharp Shootin' Cowboy
Author: Victoria Vane
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Hot Cowboy Nights # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Sharp Shootin' Cowboy" by Victoria Vane

What I liked about this novel.....

This novel was this author's third one in her 'Hot Cowboy Nights' series and I found it a interesting one dealing with a Marine Sniper and a Wildlife Biologist. This author did her research on this read providing and giving the reader some real issues that were dealt with for this hero and heroine ... Reid and Haley. Putting these two characters together was a work of art with them being so very different. I liked how this author was able to given us a story that will go on for many years where they will come back into contact again with each other. One thing is for certain they didn't hold anything back...as it seemed as they hardly ever agreed on any thing. Why was this? Why was it so hard for this heroine to trust anyone? I found all of the characters were well developed, well portrayed and believable for the most part. I will say that the heroine got on my nerves at times with all of her distrust of Reid however, I did understand that she definitely had determination and commitment. In the end will this get Haley where she wants to be? To find out you have to pick up "Sharp Shootin' Cowboy" to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. It was be a interesting compromising journey.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492601187 (ISBN13: 9781492601180)
edition language English
url http://www.victoriavane.com
series Hot Cowboy Nights #3
other editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT, COWBOY…
A Weary warrior… After eight years as a Marine sniper, war-scarred Reid Everett is back in his native Wyoming. He knows and loves this rugged land, so working for wildlife services to reduce the booming wolf population suits him to a T.

A Caring crusader… Wildlife biologist Haley Cooper is desperate to make a difference. Leaving the world of academia behind, she accepts a position as a wolf advocate to protect the animals she loves.

Raw attraction… Their jobs set them on a collision course, but chemistry sparks like wildfire between Reid and Haley. They’ll have to brave some rough territory if they hope to reconcile their polarizing views with a passion that won’t be denied.

My Thoughts

The old adage “opposites attract” totally applies to Haley and Reid, this pair are as different as night and day in their life pursuit as well as in their philosophical beliefs. However being different does not change the fact that the combustible chemistry they share is not real. Taking a chance means risking more than just trying to agree to disagree, for these two it means letting go of misconceptions that they both cannot seem to get past allowing them to see each other for who they really are inside as a person.

Reid is a cowboy at heart, his love for the outdoors comes through strong and clear from first introduction. That passion is shared by Haley as well and as a common ground it becomes at least a stepping stone to understanding what is important for both of them.

Despite the friction that occurs every time they are around each other the attraction never dies, it takes a back seat for many years but when all is said and done proves to be lasting and more than makes up for not seeing eye to eye on everything.

This was a very easy to follow story with some important points made on wildlife preservation as well as how easily nature could become unbalanced by people with the best of intentions.

When these two finally butt heads something happens that they least expected, they find common ground and come to realize that neither ones point of view is 100% right but rather meeting in the middle is a better solution. Resolving that was the turning point for them both and the rest is what all good romance stories are made of.

This was another fabulous addition to the Hot Cowboy Nights series . Haley and Reid had the perfect chemistry and their romance was developed realistically over a period of time spanning 7 years with a hard work won HEA well worth the wait.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria does write some hot cowboys!

Two people with completely differing ideas about life and the value of life come together in a clash of passion. Haley Cooper has no use for men with guns, especially Marines. When he kills animals for food and to protect livestock, well, this just gives him even more strikes against him. Now, if only she can get him out of her head.

Reid Everett is a man of honor, a man of principle, and a man of the frontier. He’s lived his life with a gun in his hand, and went on to use that skill as a Marine sniper who has seen his fair share, and more, of death but values what’s necessary to keep the balance. Meeting Haley Cooper has him rethinking things even as he butts heads with her. His desire for her drives him to reconsider many things, including his tactics to win her heart.

Victoria Vane certainly knows how to write some sexy cowboys and some stand by her principles women. SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY is the third book in the Hot Cowboy Nights series and as with the first two books, we meet men with some old-fashioned ideas about what kind of women fit into their world, and then we meet the women who change their minds.

Haley is such a woman. She carries a passion for protecting the wildlife of this planet and cannot wrap her mind around how a man, who puts his life on the line to protect the freedoms of our country and others, can hunt animals, particularly wolves, in good conscience. Of course, her self-proclaimed prejudice against Marines doesn’t do much to gain him favor in her eyes, but Reid isn’t one to give up easily either. Compromise and understanding become the name of the game in this passionate, banter-filled relationship that constantly teeters on the edge of falling apart. A deep attraction and sexually charged desire keep them coming back together until love finally conquers their bullheadedness. I’m not going to give anything away but when you read the epilogue, you’ll discover yourself grinning from ear to ear.

It’s truly difficult for me to choose a favorite in this series and I suspect with each addition, it’s going to become even harder. The strength of Victoria's imagination and writing speaks for itself...and her cowboys rock the pages.

I highly recommend reading SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY by Victoria Vane. It’s a sweet, compassionate contemporary romance starring a sexy, sharp shooter cowboy turned Marine, who reveals just how honorable a man he truly is, and in a way, which will surely surprise you. Each novel in this series easily stands alone but this one does it the best. If you haven’t tested out the cowboy love of the Hot Cowboy Nights series yet, do it with SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY. I think you’ll have a very good time.

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

[Talk Books To Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karia’s rant…
This story was so not a romance novel. I would say it falls much more into Women’s Fiction than the contemporary romance shelf…WHY? There was so much drama. Reid was a marine and for much of the book (7 years of it) he was back and forth to Afghanistan and in limbo with Haley. Reid was a man of EXTREME honour. He did not do random hook ups or one night stands. He thought he was in love once, only to realize she wasn’t the one. Then, when he least expected it, bam! Reid met Haley in a bar (cheezy meet cute, I know…but hey, I met my DH and HEA in a bar) and he drove her home to ensure she got home safely. In that short and brief meeting, he knew there was something. Then, after one date…Haley was ‘the one’.

Sadly, Haley is a pig headed mule…well, more like a turnip headed potato because she is frenetic vegetarian. Young Haley needed a smack hard upside the head and “mature” Haley was not much better. She settled. Gack…I hate those words. Reminds me of the book “Raid” by Kristen Ashley where the heroine ‘settled’ on the wrong man to get the ‘right’ life end game. Do not do this women…it never turns out well! I actually loved how mature and calm Reid was with everyone, including Haley even when she was a raving beeyach. Deep down, I truly believed Reid’s motivation and love for Haley. He saw who she was at the end of the story long before the reader was able to get a good handle on her.
I vacillated so much during this book, but I never once stopped loving Reid. He was just so honourable, just, fair and even…I was drawn in completely. Haley, Reid’s sister, Reid’s ex-girlfriend, and even Reid’s mom/dad/brother….all of them were irritating, rash in their judgements and rude were the weak points in the story. Yet, in the end, all came around to a beautiful happy ever after! Enjoy!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid was such a smarta** and he made the book really entertaining, "but if it’s an issue of modesty, you can stay in your suit… for now. As for me, I’m not about to shower in my clothes. I need to get these damned wet jeans off. Now. Would it offend your delicate sensibilities to see me naked?" He's not shy he just strips down not caring if his girl sees, "Oh yeah .” He gave a dry laugh. “All you have to do is look south to get me hard.” He peeled down his jeans." He's a go-getter when he's hungry he goes and gets food, "you were sleeping, and I was starving.” He flashed a grin. “Strenuous activity tends to do that to a man. I got pizza. Want some." I enjoyed this book I loved Reid

[Wminbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...totally NOT what I expected when requested from Net Galley!

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great combination of MCs and a fun book to read. I love Victoria Vane's style of writing, her characters' backstories and development, and an exciting plot.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:

http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...


SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY (HOT COWBOY NIGHTS, BOOK 3) is Reid and Haley's story. They are on opposite sides in many of their beliefs especially since she works for a conservation group that is reintroducing wolves back into the wilds and he's a rancher and hunter and works for his family's outfitting company and wolves harm their livestock and horses. Watching them fight their attraction and go head to head justifying their beliefs to the other was at times fun to watch and other times scary.

Vane's SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY has immediate chemistry between Reid and Haley the first time they meet although she wants no part of him or their attraction since she dislikes Marines for personal reasons. Reid has other ideas since they keep getting thrown together or their paths intentionally cross. Haley unwittingly fantasizes about him and always has him in her thoughts which causes her nothing but anguish and concern especially since Reid feels the attraction and keeps fanning the flames. Seeing their attraction continue at a distance and chance meetings happen over many years was often frustrating. Reid wanted to act on his feelings and Haley tried to keep him at bay with all the wolf causes she was involved with. Whenever they were together there were sparks and then fire and the heat and loving were hot, hot, hot! He's one of the few people that get her - her grandparents and best friend, Yolanda, are the others. Jeffrey, her mentor and boss, was slimy and it didn't seem possible that she was in a relationship with him for so long and didn't see the real him. He was a user since he needed her fundraising talents but always put her research and interests on the back burner because his needs and wants always came first. His true colors finally came out in Wyoming. Reid's ex, Tonya, was another piece of work. Breaking up with him while he was in a war zone was heartless and now that she wants him back she thinks he should just fall into her plans. There were vivid descriptions of the mountains, ranches, wilderness, animals and beaches and I felt I was there. There was family, friends, animals, heartache, loss, sadness, hurt, tears, fear, disbelief, angst, happiness, laughter, romance and love. There was some closure and a happily ever after but the book ended very abruptly. I didn't realize I was at the end until I turned the page in my Nook and it was the author's acknowledgments. I actually looked back thinking I had missed a page or two.

Vane is a fairly new to me author having only read one other of her books, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (THE DEVIL DEVERE #3) which I also enjoyed. I need to read the first two books in the HOT COWBOY NIGHTS SERIES, SLOW HAND and ROUGH RIDER. I also look forward to reading book four, A COWBOY'S WHISPER, when it gets published later this year so I can be reunited with characters I came to care for. Vane's books are definitely being added to my always growing TBR pile!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sharp Shootin' Cowboy, Victoria Vane pairs up Marine sniper and Wyoming cowboy Reid Everett with wildlife biologist and wolf advocate Haley Cooper. The two share a scorching hot attraction, but their differing opinions on fundamental issues keeps them apart for several years despite Reid's attempts to convince Haley to give a relationship between them a chance.

Haley is a woman with strong beliefs and it is virtually impossible to get her to see any viewpoint but her own. She has serious trust issues and she seizes any excuse to push Reid away. Haley is rather naive, a tad bit irritating and so incredibly stubborn that it is VERY easy to become frustrated with her. But keep in mind, the story spans several years, so try to be patient and give her the chance to grow and mature.

Reid has strong principles but he does not view things strictly in black and white like Haley does. He is more fair-minded and willing to listen to differing opinions. He is tenacious and although Haley does not give him any reason to think he has a chance with her, Reid reaches out to her time and again. He is willing to give their relationship a fair chance but Reid does eventually get tired of continually getting shot down.

By the time Reid and Haley meet again, this time in Wyoming, he has given up on a relationship with her. He is out of the military and trying to settle back into life on the family ranch when they unexpectedly cross paths. They are still on opposite sides of the wolf issue, but for the first time, Haley is beginning to see real life effects of wolf reintegration. Their attraction is still sizzling hot and they rekindle their romance, but once again, Haley's misgivings come between them. However, outside interference poses the greatest threat to their relationship and it is up to Haley to try mend the rift between them. But will it be too little, too late?

Sharp Shooting' Cowboy is a fast-paced romance with a very unique storyline. While wolf reintegration is a controversial topic, Victoria Vane does a wonderful job presenting unbiased information about both sides of the issue. The conflict between Reid and Haley seems insurmountable which makes the final resolution of their problems that much sweeter. All in all, it is an absolutely marvelous addition to the Hot Cowboy Nights series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice cowboy/military romance, a bit on the sweet and cliche side.
Will review it closer to release date.

As usual, this full review is also posted on my blog - Ellie Reads Fiction

I went into this book without reading the blurb really, I saw the cowboy cover and since I haven' read many cowboy romances I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be more than cowboy romance but rather a curious mix of military, cowboy and wildlife/environmentalist story.

I liked the writing and the story had an easy flow to. It takes place over the course of a few years and I especially appreciated the slow build up of the romance. Reid and Haley met when she was really young and there was strong chemistry between them but the timing was all wrong and with him on a mission in Iraq they started an epistolary friendship. After getting together some years later with a little help of some friends, unfortunate circumstances and personal difference drew them apart until they finally met again when both were ready for each other.

It's a nice, curious story of becoming your own person, making tough choices but deep down it is a tender, heartfelt love story.

A really strong aspect of the story which I particularly enjoyed was the how different Reid and Haley were. They stood at the opposite sides on everything, yet they managed to overcome their differences once they were grown up enough to think things through and discuss them openly.

Haley's choice of career, wildlife biologist, especially working for preservation of the wolf population was in direct conflict with Reid's family business as ranchers and lodgers/hunting guides. I liked all the details were given into these issues, they added a solid background to the romance and made the characters feel real.

I enjoyed most of the story, things were dynamic and there were a few surprise twists thrown in. It was engaging and felt realistic. Unfortunately, everything went too too sweet and cliche in the final 1/4 of the book after Reid and Haley got together eventually. I like the HEA in my romances as much as the next girl but I want it to feel a natural fit to the characters and the overall story line and not something forced and artificial, written there just to make everyone happy.

In short, not a bad cowboy/military romance, a bit curious, a bit too sweet but still worth a try for fans of romance.

ARC kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley

[Jonel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vane has crafted yet another intricate & thought provoking tale that can definitely hold your attention. The flow of the writing leads readers right into the tale, while the narrative and descriptions paint this world before your eyes. I really enjoyed how there was more to this novel than simply the relationship between the main characters. Family, friends, wildlife all come in to play in the meantime. Nor do we rush through a whirlwind romance. I loved seeing the relationship build, and implode more than once throughout. This sense of reality kept me grounded.

I’ll admit that I had very high hopes for this one. I’ve loved this series up until now, and don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, but it didn’t quite live up to the rest. When we get to characters, I run in to my big issue with this novel. The heroine got on my nerves, repeatedly. I tried to like her, I really did. Admittedly there were a number of things that I liked about her. She stood up for what she believed in. She was willing to go her own way. She was a caring individual. But she was so closed minded about things that she was at a standstill as an individual. As much as I understood her point, but about half way through the book she had me so annoyed that I simply didn’t like her much anymore. It kind of ruined the story for me. That said, I absolutely loved our hero here. Reid was caring, compassionate, and friendly. He was also strong and a military hero. He was the perfect man, but still had his flaws which made him so very real.

There was so much about his novel that I loved, that kept me coming back, wanting more. The plot was great, there was a fantastic male lead, the writing was phenomenal. But Haley… *FacePalm* Honestly, however, I really did enjoy the novel, especially once I got over the fact that I just won’t like everyone.

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

[Christy English · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is delicious! I literally devoured it in less the 24 hours. Once again, Victoria Vane takes us into the Wild West. American Sniper meets the Wolf Whispererin this scorching hot romance, and sparks fly. I am happy to say that this one ends happily, as all good romances must, but it is a wild ride.

With her usual in-depth and brilliant research, Victoria delves into the world of the activists who work so hard to save endangered species in the wild, but she does a wonderful job of also showing the side of the ranchers whose livestock is constantly threatened by those wild creatures.

And did I mention there is a hot Marine in this one?

Yes, indeed, Reid is a bad ass sniper who serves his country for over eight years, but he is also the kind of man who finds the woman he wants and pursues her, unrelenting, working to make her love him in spite of their differences. And those differences are abundant. Reid and his family run a service that takes rich tourists out to shoot big game. Haley is a woman who has devoted her life to saving wolves specifically, and all species through her activism. So to say that Reid has his work cut out for him, I am understating the case. In spite of my own lack of interest in big game hunting, I rooted for him the entire time.

Haley also warmed my heart, as I watched her struggle between idealism and the realities of ranching in Wyoming. If you pick this book up, I think you'll love it. I gave it five stars because it held my focus, and I simply could not put it down. A great read.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this romance top marks for presenting both sides of the wolf and ranch argument, in detail and with great intensity. Some people are arrogant and unpleasant - on both sides of the debate. Others are principled and willing to take steps towards a compromise. But nobody is entirely squeaky clean, which is realistic.

A woman studying wolves in Wyoming meets a marine about to be sent off on a tour. She isn't interested in soldiers, having discovered the hard way that the birth rate around Camp Pendleton soars with the movement of soldiers; her dad was one and he has never been part of her life. But this man is a gentleman, not looking for anything she isn't willing to provide. They keep in sparse touch over a few years, but his predilection for hunting and guiding hunters is too much for her to cope with.

After the marine has left the service the pair meet up again, still on opposite sides. Each of them has a past relationship still shadowing them but it's the wolf issue that divides their loyalties. Can there be a meeting in the middle?

This is an adult romance with some steamy scenes which contrast with wilderness, horses and natural beauty.

One aspect which occurred to me is that in other states, mustangs are treated by ranchers as the competition to cattle, without predators and under just as obscure kinds of protection by public bodies which regularly issue licences to remove them. Why not move the wolves to where the surplus mustangs roam and let the predators naturally reduce their numbers?

[Susan Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley Cooper and Marine Corporal Reid Everett meet at a bar in California, shortly before Reid is due to be deployed for eight months. There is an instant attraction between the Marine sniper and pacifist college student. I loved the first few scenes of Victoria Vane's novel Sharp Shootin' Cowboy and knew the determined soldier had fallen in love with Haley. There is the right amount of storyline, great dialogue and sexual tension to hold the reader's interest.

I adored the character of Reid and that he was proud of his career as a Marine He cared about his friends and family and was steadfast in his pursuit of Haley. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Haley. Although she was attracted to Reid, she made some interesting personal and career choices during the course of the story causing conflict between them.

Victoria Vane presents a well researched, appealing, sensuous story of two seemingly opposites who overcome many difficulties to find love. The sexy times between Reid and Haley were off the charts. Reid and Haley develop and mature during the story which covers a seven year period. Both characters point of views were presented and it was interesting to learn about wolf population control and the effects that it has on hunters, ranchers, environmentalist and politicians.

Victoria Vane is a new to me author. Based on my enjoyment of this novel, I bought the first two books in this series. Am looking forward to her next novel.

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

4.5 Beautiful Stars...

SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY is the kind of story that stays with the reader long after they finish the book. Once again, the breathtaking beauty of Wyoming is vividly brought to life, and the plotline about the plight of wolves in the wild is meticulously researched and presented. Author Victoria Vane does an exceptional job of presenting both sides of the issue fairly. The wolves need to be protected and saved, but at what cost to the livelihood of the ranchers who continually lose stock to the preying wolves?

Although my personal views are more closely aligned with Reid’s, due to the impartial writing, I was always able to see Haley’s side of the issue; especially once her eyes were opened and she loosened up on her narrow stance on the subject. The richly detailed story, the lovely vibrant prose, and the passionate romance leave the reader rooting for Haley and Reid to make a go of their relationship despite their often polarizing differences.


Full review closer to release date...

[Didi]

** Arc provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for review **

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Just like the second book in the Hot Cowboy Nights series (Rough Rider), Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy takes place over several years, as the relationship between Reid and Haley goes through several stops and starts, and is also interrupted by Reid’s tours of duty in Afghanistan.

In this opposites-attract romance, wildlife biologist and conservationist Haley Cooper meets Marine Corporal Reid Everett in a bar near Camp Pendleton just a few days before he is due to ship out. Again.

They meet over a pool table, where Haley both captivates Reid and hustles him. She’s a much, much better pool player than Reid possibly imagines. But the push-and-pull of the game’s fortunes is just a metaphor for the push-pull of chemistry between the two of them.

The timing isn’t right. Not just because Reid is shipping out again before the end of the week, but because Haley just isn’t ready. She’ll still in college, and Reid, while not much older in years, has grown up hard and fast at war.

And they seem to have nothing in common but chemistry. Reid isn’t just a soldier, his family makes its living ranching and hunting back in Wyoming. Haley is almost a caricature of the tree-hugging conservationist – she hates hunting, she’s not thrilled by ranching, she’s a vegan AND she hates Marines. Her sperm-donor father, no name ever given, was a Marine who left her mother pregnant and alone.

Reid and Haley argue about absolutely everything – but they can’t forget each other. Not through another tour for Reid, and college and graduate school for Haley. When they meet again, they finally give in to that explosive chemistry – until Reid’s sister and his ex put themselves in the middle of the fledgling relationship. Haley runs again, and Reid goes back to war.

It’s not until years later, when Haley has grown up a lot more, and figured out what she really believes and isn’t just spouting off cliches and platitudes, that she and Reid get one last chance to figure things out. Dr. Haley Cooper becomes the wildlife conservation agent in Wyoming, near Reid’s ranch. And Reid is back for good, or for whatever might come next.

But they are on opposite sides again, as Reid’s family and friends are trying to beat back what they feel is encroachment on their livelihoods by the wolves who have been reintroduced into the area. Haley, of course, is on the side of the wolves.

She doesn’t know that the biggest wolf of all walks on two legs, and has been manipulating her for the last ten years. It takes a crisis of faith and the long arm of coincidence to get her to see that she and Reid have had the important things in common all along.

Escape Rating B-: Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy is a story that left me with a lot of mixed feelings.

I was expecting this story to tie more closely into the previous books, Slow Hand and Rough Rider. There is a mention of Dirk’s ranch near the end, but this is a completely separate story and characters – it is not necessary to have read the first two books to enjoy this one.

I liked the second half of the book much better than the first, because when the story reaches Wyoming, Haley and Reid are finally both well into adulthood and are able to operate more as equals. Also Haley is thinking for herself at this point, and is no longer a cardboard cut-out wolf-loving tree-hugger.

Not that she doesn’t still love the wolves she protects, and not that she isn’t still an environmentalist, but her approach is much more nuanced and less party-line spouting now that she more fully owns her own adulthood and opinions.

In the early parts of the story she seemed very naive, and too inexperienced to make a real relationship with anyone, but especially with Reid. Also, with his greater life experience, I kept getting the sense that he thought he knew best and was sure that he just needed to convince Haley to go his way. Even when he’s right, it feels wrong for the start of a relationship that he discounts so many of her thoughts and feelings.

When they meet again in Wyoming, the playing field is much more level. As equals, they are able to find ways to compromise. When the big crisis comes, and it’s a doozy, it exposes both the places in their relationship that they still need to work on, and how much they both care for each other and the land they will make their home.

The way that the author frames the debate about reintroducing wolves into their habitat and the needs of farmers and ranchers to preserve their way of life, gives readers an excellent opportunity to see both sides of the story.

I’m going to be very interested to read the fourth book in this series, A Cowboy's Whisper, to see where the author takes us next.

[Blue Falcon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Better Contemporary Romances I’ve Read in a While.

This review is of “Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy” by Victoria Vane, a book I won in a Goodreads first reads contest in exchange for an honest review. Here is that honest review.

The Story: The book begins with an introduction to the hero of the book, Reid Everett. Reid is a Scout Sniper for the United States Marine Corps, and in the first chapter, he and his BF, Rafael Garcia, are in training for their coming redeployment to Iraq. Reid has sworn off women because his ex-girlfriend, Tonya Rivers , broke up with him via text message. How millennial! In the second chapter, we meet the heroine of the book, Haley Moore. Haley is a pre-vet student at San Jacinto Junior College hoping to get into UC-Davis. Haley and her BFF, Yolanda Rojas, meet Reid and Rafael at a country/western bar in California. Yolanda and Rafael hook up immediately, and Haley and Reid almost do so. There are several issues standing in their way, however.

Haley pretty much hates everything about Reid. She hates Reid’s job-Haley’s father was a Marine who impregnated her mother and deserted her; she hates his vehicle-a Ford F-350 pickup truck- and she hates the fact that Reid is an outdoorsman/avid hunter who worked for his home state of Wyoming “controlling” the state’s wolf population; in other words, killing the number the state deemed excessive. Haley is an animal lover/animal rights advocate. There are things Haley does like about Reid, however; she likes his looks, she likes his body, and she likes what he can do to her sexually. Haley and Reid almost hook up before Reid has to redeploy.

Fast forward nearly two years. Reid is on leave from his deployment and travels to California hoping to see Haley. Reid meets her grandparents, who raised her, but not Haley, who is in Alaska on a volunteer assignment to save endangered wolves. Reid then heads home to Wyoming for Christmas, and visiting with his family as well is his ex, Tonya, who is the BFF to the youngest of his three sisters, Krista. Tonya wants a reconciliation. Reid doesn’t. Reid then goes to California, and with a little matchmaking help from Rafael and Yolanda, finds Haley, and then Reid and Haley make love, which Haley is uncomfortable with. Things become even more uncomfortable when Krista and Tonya visit California. They go to Disneyland, where Haley pukes on a ferris wheel ride. Afterward, Haley and Reid break up. Again.

Fast forward five years. The now Dr. Haley Cooper takes a job with Wyoming Game and Fish, and she and Reid come into contact again, but not for happy reasons. While on a hunting trip, one of Reid’s clients killed a wolf, and Haley is furious; she plans an investigation and suspends Reid’s hunting license while the investigation is ongoing. Reid’s private life isn’t any better; his oldest brother, Jared, wants to marry Tonya, who Reid took up with again after he and Haley broke up.
Later, Reid saves Haley from an angry mob at the Wyoming Outfitters Convention and they make love again. After Reid tries to force a commitment from Haley, they break up. Again. They are forced back together when Reid’s family tries to obtain a permit to kill a wolf they claim killed one of their horses; it was actually a grizzly bear, as Reid and Haley discover when they investigate. The bear attacks Haley, and Reid kills it. This is a subject of further controversy when Haley’s former boss/boyfriend/lover/mentor, environmental activist Jeffrey Greene, steals Haley’s cell phone and uses the pictures to mount a smear campaign for both political gain and to hurt Reid. This effort ultimately fails, however, and Haley and Reid get married, find common ground ideologically, and have their Happily Ever After.

Haley and Reid are both strong, mostly likable characters, although depending on one’s views, their respective ideologies may be a turnoff to some. Haley is also extremely inflexible at the beginning but eventually becomes a less rigid individual as the book progresses.

Sex: Lots of sex, although the scenes aren’t as hot as they could be, they’re pretty good as mass-market contemporary romance novels go. On my heat index of 0-10-0 being frigid to 10, incendiary-the love scenes in “Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy” are about a 7.5.

Violence: There is no human against human violence. There are scenes of human against animal violence, which may turn off some readers, but none of the violence is graphically detailed.

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed this book. I would love to see Jared, Krista and Tonya get their own stories. Maybe they’d be less obnoxious if they were getting some action of their own. Note: this book also contains adult language; 3 and 4 letter verbs and 7 letter adjectives.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Part of Victoria Vane's Hot Cowboy Nights series, but you would never know, it works good as a stand alone. This is one of those like/hate books. The first half was utterly a pain, it read like a poor New Adult novel. The blurb lead me wrong, it makes you think to strangers meet and fall in love despite opposite points of view. Well no, it's not that cut and dry.

It starts off in San Diego, Haley Cooper is a college student working on her degree and wants nothing to get in the way with it. She is annoyingly hard headed, opinionated, and naive. I did not like her, at all. Reid Everett is a Marine, cowboy and comes from a long line of hunters. He is strong, sexy, smart and when he finds something he wants he doesn't give up easily. I loved him, he was the only reason I finished the book.

Haley and Reid meet in a bar and start butting heads after she finds out he is a marine. She thinks all marines are man whores. Reid is immediately taken with Haley for some reason he doesn't understand but despite their obvious differences he wants Haley. Brushing Reid off wasn't as easy as she hopped he kept texting her and emailing her her over the next two years. When he comes back he finds her gone to Alaska to save the wolves, but he has an enlightening conversation with her Grandparents. He comes back at Christmas and makes sure they cross paths. After one hot night of sex, and one embarrassing day Haley calls it quits stating that it would never work and their is no hope for a relationship. Reid knows she is wrong but still lets her walk away.

Five years later, second half of the book gets better, Reid has finally left the marines and is back home working as a guide for his family's hunting outpost. Haley has had enough of politics raising money that was going to lawyers rather than the wolves they were suppose to be saving so she took a job that would but her back in the field. Little did she know it would put her right in the path of Reid again. With the fight going on over the wolf population in Wyoming Haley and Reid are on opposite sides. But Reid is more open to her side and listens to her than she is his side until she almost gets killed by a bear and Reid has to save her. Things come into perspective for Haley after that. They find common ground but not before Haley evil ex tries to ruin Reid's career.

Overall I dislike Haley, I love Reid, and the second half of the book was the best part.

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not very often that I'm torn when reviewing a book.

I really liked this story. I liked the idea, I liked the timeframe, I liked the characters.

So why the 4?

...ok, here's where I remind myself that a 4 really isn't bad. 4's are good! They really are! I can't give everyone near perfect scores, right? I still feel like a schmuck, though...

So again, why the 4?

There were just little things that ended up amounting to big things. A good large chunk of the story takes place when Reid and Haley first meet, when Haley is still in school (not yet drinking legal), and Reid is a semi-new Marine who is about to head out on his third tour. I loved watching these two interact because they're so damn different. At first, I really enjoyed the bickering -- but it did get old after a while.

Reid and Haley are what I considered two different sides of the same coin. Because they were back to back, they would never see eye to eye. They both had their opinions, and their lives helped them form said opinions. The thing was, though, they were pretty explosive together, and as much as Haley drove Reid crazy, he wanted to see her again -- even if it was after his deployment.

When all was said and done, though, Haley was sure that they were too different to make it work.

Oh, but Haley, Haley, Haley...

When the two of them are thrown together again due to her wolf conservation project and a tour gone terribly wrong on Reid's part, it was as if the years hadn't passed.

These two -- when things were hot, they were hot. When arguments were heated, they were heated. Neither was afraid to voice their opinion, but the question was whether or not they could bend just a little bit to see the other's views.

So yes. I loved Haley and Reid. I loved their story. I loved that they fought and bickered, but still got along for the most part. Pool and ferris wheels... Oh, those ferris wheels. Gotta love him for sticking around after that one, even though she tried pushing him away (...again). Add in the fact his sister wasn't a big fan... Reid was a good one.

I loved their epilogue ;)

I loved their friendships with Rafi and Yo -- and I loved Yolanda's thought on the whole Reid thing.

So yes, I still feel that my 4 is harsh, but this is a book that will be a re-reader for sure; I also would love to see Reid and Haley again in the future.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

Sharp Shootin' Cowboy, which was originally titled Sharp Shooter when I originally received the advanced reader's copy, is the third book in the Victoria Vane-penned Hot Cowboy Nights contemporary romance series. Reid Everett was introduced in the second book as an old friend of Dirk Knowlton's and I had a feeling then that his story would probably be told next because he was, after all, a cowboy. I enjoy reading stories about characters that are opposites, but I will admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Haley Cooper's for most of the story. She was bullheaded and closed-minded for a really long stretch and while I'm all for sticking by your beliefs in whatever realm of thinking, I'm also one for respecting differences and not insisting that others believe what you believe. Thankfully, and with Reid by her side, she did win me over because she did what she did when it counted...and I shall leave it at that. No spoilers, people!

Aside from Reid and Haley's love story, I enjoyed the struggle they both faced regarding the situation with the wolves roaming the area and how best to handle it. They obviously had differing opinions and both were set in their ways at varying degrees. Both Reid and Haley had strong arguments for why their methods were best and it does make you think about issues like why there is a need to control animal population and whether you agree or disagree with either Reid or Haley. Books that make you think are always a favorite of mine, so kudos to Victoria Vane for setting this romance in the middle of a serious and thought-provoking issue. So far, I've enjoyed the three available novels in the series and I do like that the women the cowboys are partnered with aren't desperately looking for someone to swoop in and ride off on a stallion to safety. Ah, cowboy romances never get old. Sharp Shootin' Cowboy gets four stars. ♥

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that goes back and forth between the two main characters who met at a bar outside of San Diego and because he is being deployed they only write each other. Reid Everett is from Wyoming and is a Marine snipper and while he is deployed the letters stop because he is in an area where they are not allowed to write or make any type of contact with home. Haley Cooper takes this as he has moved on and now so has she. When he comes back to her grandparents’ home he finds out that she is going to a different college and studying something different as well. It takes a while but he tracks her down through a friend and talks to her but over the weekend when she has a bad experience on a ride at Disneyland she bails and does not tell him anything. A few years goes and they run into each once again she is still working for a wildlife program in studying wolfs and is also on again off again dating her one time professor. He ends up going home to his families’ ranch and becomes a guide and during one of the trips a client shots a wolf. This wolf being tagged sets off a signal but also he must report it to the authorities. When getting into town he finds out that she has been hired as the new wildlife protection overseer. Which causes for some acquired moments and as time goes on they still have feelings for each other but the wolfs are coming between them. When she pulls his license to hunt they go out to find any evidence of a wolf killing when her ex comes in and takes the photos out and turns them around to use for donations instead of the truth she must now decide if she wants the job or to find her guy to have a family if he will still have her. This story is more than just a love story it is also about ranchers and the wolf that have been put back into the wilderness, and the pros and cons of both sides. Overall I found this to be a very good book. I got this book from net galley.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review *

Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy is my first read by Victoria Vane. Yet, even though this is the third book in the author’s Hot Cowboy Nights series, I never felt like I was out of the loop while reading because this book is a fantastic standalone read. Not to mention the author is vastly talented with the written word. I was captivated from the first word on.

This book was not at all what I expected given the summary. Which isn’t a bad thing, as this romance took a long time to develop and yet, it read fast enough for me to become both intrigued and invested in the outcome. These characters are on opposite sides on just about everything they both hold dear, and yet, they connect in a way neither of them quite understand.

Haley Cooper is very impassioned about the causes she champions, but even with her steadfast beliefs, I never felt like they were so over the top or made her unlikable as a character. Just the opposite, in fact. I love that she’s so strong in her beliefs, and that Reid is equally strong in his. They challenge each other to think outside the box in ways I wasn’t at all expecting to find in this book.

This is a surprising, thoroughly enjoyable read. Readers will be swept away by both the characters and the issues they believe in. It’s clear from the start that a lot of research went into the creation of this story, in a lot of different ways, and I seriously applaud the author for finding the perfect way to blend it with the story and characters’ journey.

Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy is a very unique romance read, and one I enjoyed from start to finish. So much so, I’ll be looking into this author’s backlist works. Because it’s clear to me after reading this work, I’ve been seriously missing out on some truly great romance reads.