Saddle Up

Hot Cowboy Nights #4

by Victoria Vane

Award-winning author Victoria Vane lets loose the fourth in the Hot Cowboy Nights series

WILD HORSES COULDN'T BRING THEM TOGETHER...
With exceptional talent and looks, cowboy "horse whisperer" Keith Russo once had the world at his feet - until his career was unwittingly destroyed by an aspiring filmmaker. After being rejected by his family for exploiting his Native American heritage, Keith has no choice but to turn back to his humble beginnings as a wild horse wrangler.

BUT MAYBE THEIR PASSION CAN...
Miranda Sutton always dreamed of making films, until wild mustangs captured her heart. But turning her grandmother's Montana ranch into a wild horse sanctuary proves harder than she thought. She needs someone who knows wild horses. Keith and the mustangs need each other. And while working together to save the herd, Keith and Miranda discover a passion as wild as the mustangs they love.

Praise for Slow Hand:
"Scorching...witty...a red-hot cowboy tale...their sexual chemistry crackles." -Publishers Weekly

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Western Romance

300 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2016

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

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saddle Up is book four in the Hot Cowboy Nights series by Victoria Vane. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and by Victoria Vane.

This was my very first book by Victoria Vane and I truly enjoyed it. It is beautifully told with breathtaking descriptions of gorgeous vistas with roaming wild horses. I could just picture it as the story unfolded. I could practically hear their hooves pounding on the earth. It is the story of two people that loved the wild mustangs so much that they wanted to dedicate their lives to helping them. But the mustangs in turn helped these two to find themselves, and each other.



Keith Russo is half Shoshone. The name his Native American grandfather gave him is Two Wolves. It represented both sides of Keith that were in constant battle, his Indian half and his Caucasian half. Keith had a way with horses and became known as a sort of a horse whisperer, a behavioral clinician. He quickly became famous and traveled the world doing clinics but they slowly evolved into a sort of dog and pony show. A videographer was hired to video him at a clinic. When the videographer’s boss produced the video, it did not present Keith in a positive way which ruined his reputation and career. Now he has embarrassed his people and is forced back to being a horse wrangler. It is on such a project, when Keith was brought in to help with a mustang round up, that he is brought face to face with the woman that ruined his life.

“You don’t even know who you are anymore, and you won’t belong anywhere until you do.”



Miranda Sutton has never wanted anything but to be behind the camera, making movies is what she thought would fulfill her. After film school she is living in Los Angeles but has never felt more out of place. She was so excited when she got the chance to film the famous Two Wolves at his clinic. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. But she was so disappointed in his behavior. It was obvious he thought he was God’s gift to women. But her part in the project was over once she handed over the video to her boss to be produced. Now, a year later, she is more than unhappy with her life. She gets a call from an organization trying to round up the wild mustangs to save them from starvation and certain death. It is an imperfect solution but the only solution at the time. The government has mandated that the event be videoed to prove humane methods are being used. It is here that she comes face to face with the man she met a year ago. The man that seems to now despise her and blames her for ruining his career.



“She’d seen him before as a charming and seductive showman, and now as a brooding, standoffish wrangler. She wondered which version was the real Keith.”

As Miranda and Keith (he is now using his given name) are forced to spend time together and end up being stranded overnight in the desert, Keith slowly realizes that what happened wasn’t Miranda’s fault and his icey demeanor slowly becomes one of respect and attraction. Both Miranda and Keith are struggling for their places in the world. In each other, they each find a part of something they were both missing. But it’s the mustangs that give them both purpose. It is a slow realization, but helping these beautiful horses slowly seems to help both Miranda and Keith find the purpose they were seeking.

“A man with no purpose is a man with no soul.”



This is such a beautifully told story. I loved watching these two grow and develop, both individually and together. It definitely took Keith a lot longer than it did Miranda to find his way, but she was patient. And the epilogue was wonderful. I am so glad my good friend Kathleen convinced me to read this book. I most definitely look forward to checking out more of this author’s work.

[Victoria Vane]

Coming June 2016!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: June 7th, 2016
Story Rating ~ 5 Grab My Heart Stars!
Hero Rating ~ 5 Amazing Stars!
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Wonderful Stars!
Romance Rating ~ 5 Sigh Worthy Stars!
Heat Level ~ 3.50 Sexy, Sensuous Stars!
Ending ~ PRICELESS!!
Overall Rating ~ 5 Battle of Two Wolf Stars!

It’s a fact that Victoria Vane is one of my VERY FAVORITE Authors. With that being said, it has absolutely nothing to do with the ratings I gave Saddled Up. This for me was by FAR Victoria Vane’s BEST WORK!!

The story-line was BRILLIANT! It’s about Miranda Sutton, a young woman who dreams of being a successful cinematographer. Her boss sends her out to shoot some film of a young man, Keith Russo who is conducting a clinic on how to manage problem horses. Right away Miranda can see just how good he is at his job.





A year later, Miranda is tired of filming hemorrhoid commercials. She knows that she’s better than this and she wants to film something that has meaning. So when the chance came for her to film the wrangling of wild mustangs that are on the verge of dehydration and starvation, she jumps at the chance.

When Miranda arrives where the wrangling will take place, she is filming the helicopter that is driving a band of wild mustangs towards the trap. All of a sudden, an airplane flies over purposely scattering the horses. Out of nowhere a man comes flying down the mountain on his horse to try and catch the runaway mustangs. As it turns out, the man just happens to be Keith.





Keith has no problem recognizing Miranda, after all it was her film that ruined his life. When he finds out that she will be following him and a few other men that are going to try and wrangle up the mustangs that got away, he has no problems letting his boss know that he wants nothing to do with her. So instead of getting on a horse and following the men, Miranda ends up in the helicopter to film instead. There is SO much more that follows but I don’t want to give the story away.

I really enjoyed how much knowledge of wild mustangs that was added throughout the whole book. What the Mustangs were going through, what was being done about it and so much more. I learned a lot of things that I never knew before and I found everything so interesting. Of course this was all so perfectly woven into the romance.





While Keith and Miranda were dealing with the mustangs, they also had to work hard before they could make a full commitment to each other relationship wise. I definitely felt the need they had for each other grow stronger and stronger as this book moved along.

The love/sex scenes, OH MY! They were STEAMY HOT and just the right amount to get my motors running. They sure did have amazing chemistry together.

Near the end, something spiritual happens and I fell even deeper in love with this book. It was the perfect touch and settled things nicely for Keith.

If that’s not enough, a triumphant epilogue was added that ended Saddled Up in the best possible of ways for everyone and everything.

This was a FANTASTIC read for me and it’s on the top of my favorite reads so far this year!!


VICTORIA VANE!!

Special Note : Even though Saddled up is the third book in this series, it reads easily as a standalone.

*I received an ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straddling two worlds, a man is forced to choose in this passionate romance set against the world of wild mustang round-ups, ranching, and reconciling a life lived in two worlds. This is the latest release in the Hot Cowboy Nights series and shapes up to be the best yet.

Miranda Sutton, fledgling filmmaker is called by her boss to film a horse whisperer session for a documentary film. She jumps at the chance to film something beyond a commercial and encounters the larger than life and come on strong man who has a way with the horses and the ladies. The encounter unsettled her, but it was brief. Later, a chance gig at the request of a government required documentation comes to film a wild mustang round-up and there she meets him again only now he is hostile Keith Russo who is none to pleased to see her after the documentary destroyed his career. She is captivated by him and equally captivated by the plight of the wild mustangs. Miranda thought she wanted to make films in Hollywood, but a series of encounters with Keith and the horses lead her to rethink her life and find a new purpose that is infinitely more satisfying. Now if only she can get Keith to saddle up and ride with her on this one.

Keith is half-Shoshone and struggling just as much as the wild untamed horses on the range to find his place in a world where he has never belonged. Unsettled by his past failures, struggle with family and his own restlessness, he is ready to lash out when he encounters the camerawoman who worked on that documentary that ruined his career.
But once he can see past that, the woman who hides behind her camera becomes a curiosity for him. Keith doesn't believe he has it in him to settle down, but he is happy to explore an attraction with Miranda who is so much more than she seemed. He unleashes her passion while she challenges him to dream of something solid and permanent for the first time.

I was very taken with this fourth installment in the series- which by the way could be read as a standalone or even out of order the way it is written. Personally, I read it after books one and two without book three and did alright.

But anyway, yes, this one rivals, Rough Rider, for my favorite. I really like when characters are faced with a crisis that is internal and Keith Russo is. Miranda is a great part of the story and gets half the narration, but truly this is Keith's story as he has to figure out who he is and then what he really wants, then he has to come up with the courage and trust to go for it. The author heavily compared him to the wild unbroken horses he works with and the mental image really worked for me.

Keith's internal conflict is only one of the elements. There is some good action with the wild mustang hunt in Nevada and the prison training facilities, the ranch life in Montana, and the sizzling passion between this pair of lovers. There is also Miranda's much gentler, but still there need to find herself just as much as Keith was working toward the same end.

I really loved this pair - plenty of sizzle- yet mostly for how they were together though they have some real head-butting moments. Miranda comes off as a mousy type at first, but she's not. Thankfully. She ends up with big dreams that require hard work (and I'm not just referring to her grandmother's ranch and the horses). Keith was enough to keep her on her toes. In fact, she can get down right pushy when she decides she knows best and it bites her when she pushes too hard at Keith. But then again, he wasn't doing so well with his staring up into the sky and picking his navel routine so he might have needed her verbal boots up the butt to rile him into action. Their relationship is stormy as a result. I'm truly glad she did a hang in there with him because he wasn't an easy man to love, but they were so good for each other and worked well together.

The author does her homework when setting up the backdrop for this book (and others, I've noticed). I'm actually moderately familiar with the settings she wrote in and the type of people who live there. This story rang true and felt authentic. It added depth and heart beyond the passion of the romance whether it was the wild mustang situation, Native Americans and life on the reservation and outside it, or older folks alone and faced with a family ranch that has been home and they may lose because the younger generation isn't interested. Just so many things that added layers and provoke a response in the reader beyond the romance.

All in all, this was a hard-fought, passionate and exciting contemporary western romance with an authentic setting, fascinating backdrop, and well drawn intriguing characters. Definite recommend!

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

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

This is the kind of book that would translate to a fantastic epic movie...

Keith Russo is a half Native American horse whisperer and wrangler. He first meets up with Miranda Sutton while she is part of the team making a documentary about him. When an unexpected and vicious event destroys his career they part ways; only to meet up again when Miranda is hired to document the roundup of wild horses for transport to new homes. Keith is now the head horse wrangler for the group.

Romance blossoms between the couple, but they separate again, as Keith feels unable to commit to a woman. Miranda goes home to her grandparents vast Wyoming ranch, which has not been a working ranch since the death of her grandfather. When Miranda and her grandmother decide to reinvent the ranch as a sanctuary for displaced wild horses, Miranda knows just the horse wrangler they need to help them get the project going…and maybe make it a place where he would want to stay forever.

Saddle Up is a fantastic book by one of my favorite authors. I was impressed by the sheer scope of the story. The research alone into the plight of the wild horses that the Bureau of Land Management are attempting to move to new homes is impressive, not to mention the vivid descriptions of the entire process. It is not necessary to read the first two books of the series to enjoy this highly entertaining story. This is my favorite read by Victoria Vane to date. Highly recommended.

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about the Bureau of Land Management and wild Mustangs.
Overall, I liked this book but some things were discordant in the main characters that stopped me from moving it into a higher rating. I found it odd that Miranda could put up with living in L.A., even though she hated it, feared her boss, and felt not joy in her job because she was so devoted to her dream of making movies and then suddenly walk away to promote making her Grandma’s ranch into a Mustang sanctuary. I also thought that Keith was well portrayed as truly tortured, between his indigenous roots and his white man’s exposure but the author seemed compelled to make him into some kind of lothario too. The character would have been more believable if he wasn’t constantly making sexual advances towards Miranda. . I think it would have been a better book if the the author didn’t try so hard to make it ‘hot’.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

I’ve been a fan of Victoria Vane’s for several years, and I loved the other books in her Hot Cowboy Nights series, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read Saddle Up in exchange for an honest review, I accepted without hesitation. This is another excellent addition to this great series.

Miranda Sutton is on an assignment to film the talented Horse Whisperer, Keith Russo, also known as Two Wolves, in action. When her film is released, it has devastating consequences for Keith and decimates his career.

A year later, Keith is trying to find his place in his grandfather’s world without any success. He receives a call from BLM, an organization rounding up wild mustangs and saving them by finding homes for them. Although Keith doesn’t believe in the program, he is tired of digging holes for fence posts on his cousin’s ranch, so he agrees to sign on as a wrangler.

He arrives to find out BLM has asked Miranda Sutton to film a documentary of the gather to help promote their organization. When passion flames between the pair, can he put aside his resentment, or will he allow it to ruin their budding romance?

Saddle Up is a fast-paced story with a unique plot and interesting characters. As with Victoria Vane’s other books, this one is well-written, and I’m amazed at the amount of research Ms. Vane must have done to write it. The story of the fate of wild mustangs pulled at my heart-strings. I’ve always had a soft spot for horses even though I’ve never spent much time with them. I think horses are some of the most beautiful and graceful animals on earth.

I enjoyed the complex relationship between Miranda and Keith. They are both struggling to find their place in this world while seeing where their attraction will lead them. Fortunately, they find their way and find what they both need together. After all, this is romance!

Now for the reason, I did not give this book 5 Gold Crowns. I felt that the ending was rushed. I cannot go into detail because I do not want to include any spoilers. I just feel that Ms. Vane missed an opportunity to pull at my heart in the epilogue.

If you enjoy a story with a hot cowboy and a determined and feisty heroine, then you will like Saddle Up. While this is the fourth book of her Hot Cowboy Nights series, it is not necessary to read them in order. Happy reading!

[Susan Gorman]

Victoria Vane is known for her sexy romance novels. Saddle Up is not your average cowboy romance—it’s so much better! The author blends the character’s passions: filmmaking and horses and crafts a passionate story which will tug at your heartstrings.
The chemistry between Keith Russo and Miranda Sutton sizzles and the author blends their passions into the story. Their opposites attract romance has a very rocky start and I enjoyed that the author wrote a romance with two strong willed characters. Miranda is a self- contained person who is devoted to her work as a filmmaker. It’s her passion. Keith is part Native American and he traded on his heritage for monetary gain. His family has questioned his motives and are not pleased with him. Most of the story takes place on Miranda’s grandmother’s ranch in Montana and the author’s superb descriptive writing style transports the reader to the ranch. I could see the horses, the fence line and smell JoJo’s coffee. Great dialogue between the couple helps the reader understand the couples desire to work together to save the wild mustangs. This goal is at the forefront of this compelling novel and it is what makes this novel stand out in the series.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the author‘s next book

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

PRE-RELEASE REVIEW - Published on 7th June 2016

As you know I read very few Contemporary Romances but I love Victoria Vane’s Hot Cowboy Nights series with its absorbing and well-researched stories, intriguing characters and scorching hot romances.

Keith Russo(Two Wolves)


Keith Russo was born and grew up in New York but had always felt an outsider in his own family. It is only after he discovers that his real father is a full-blooded Shoshone that he understands why. Eager to explore his Shoshone heritage, he goes to live on the reservation, working on his grandparents’ horse ranch. At first, he embraces his native roots but, as he gets older, the novelty of living on the reservation starts to pall and he leaves. His natural rapport with horses leads to a successful career travelling the world as horse clinician using his Shoshone name, Two Wolves. At first, he is flattered by the female attention he receives but gradually tires of the constant propositions.

When he agrees to participate in a short promotional film about his horse clinic for Starlight Productions, he is instantly attracted to the videographer, Miranda Sutton. With her natural look and direct manner, she is refreshingly different to all the other women he has met. However, when he turns down the advances of the female head of the Starlight Productions, he finds both his reputation and his career ruined by Ms Sutton’s video. He returns to the reservation but, after his grandparents reject him, accusing him of exploiting his Shoshone heritage, Keith is forced to return to his former job as a wild-horse wrangler. Helping a friend with a mustang round-up, the last person he expects to meet is Miranda Sutton.

Miranda Sutton


Miranda grew in a small town in Ohio but has ambitions of becoming a film maker. After graduation and encouraged by her grandparents to fulfill her dreams, she heads for Los Angeles. Once the excitement and glitter wears off, Miranda realises that she doesn’t fit in this world. Her only real opportunity to get behind a camera is as a stand-in videographer on a short promotional film for Starlight Productions about horse clinician, Two Wolves. She feels an instant attraction towards him but knows that “rich and beautiful always won over plain with brains”.

With only work offers of commercials and corporate promos which Miranda hates, disillusionment and disappointment soon set in. When an opportunity to film a wild-mustang roundup for The Bureau of Land Management comes along, she jumps at the chance. The last person she expects to meet is Keith Russo (Two Wolves) who angrily accuses her of ruining his reputation with her video.

Both Keith and Miranda are on a journey to discover their place in the world but Keith’s journey is the hardest. He has always struggled to reconcile his two opposing worlds. He seems strong and self-reliant but fundamentally he has led a lonely, drifting life, never truly belonging.

All my life, I’ve taken a day at a time. I’ve never had a serious relationship or any real responsibilities. I’ve never even stayed in one place for more than a few months at a time. And that kind of life suited me just fine.”

Miranda takes a chance when she decides to give up her job in Los Angeles and return to live with her grandmother Jo-Jo on her ranch in Montana and finds purpose in her life creating a mustang sanctuary on the ranch. I love how Ms Vane portrays the loving relationship between the two and I adore Jo-Jo. She’s not only wise…

“You gotta understand, with men, actions speak much louder than words, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”

but funny too.

There may be plenty of sparks between Keith and Miranda but their relationship isn’t plain sailing. Keith knows that it is more than lust he feels for Miranda but he’s afraid to make any commitment. Trust doesn’t come easy after the hurt and pain caused by his family’s rejection and I like the analogy Ms Vane draws between Keith and the renegade mustang stallion. I also love the way his grandfather’s visions convey that Keith has finally found his place in the world.

Ms Vane’s always writes scorching hot love scenes but my favourite must be the “stallion and mare” conversation which leads to some pretty hot action!

“I’ve had a raging hard-on since you started this whole damned breeding discussion.”
“That was the idea,” she confessed with a giggle.

I like the inclusion of Dirk and Wade Knowlton, characters who provide a link to the previous books, and I also love the Epilogue, although it is tinged with a little sadness.

I have enjoyed the thought-provoking issues Ms Vane brings to this series, whether it is highlighting the daily struggles of the Montana ranching community in SLOW HAND , or presenting the issues surrounding the reintroduction of the wolves in SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY or the controversy surrounding the mustang round-ups in this book. As with the other books, her extensive research is impeccable.



MY VERDICT: Another excellent addition to this absorbing series. A must for all lovers of Contemporary Western Romances.

REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS

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



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

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

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

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Saddle Up, just like a book I reviewed a few weeks ago (Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee) is also a meditation on two different literary visions of “home”. For Keith Russo, home is the Thomas Wolfe version, “You can’t go home again.” For Miranda Sutton, it’s the Robert Frost version, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”

But of course it isn’t nearly as simple as that.

Keith and Miranda first meet a year before the story really begins. At that point, Keith is on top of the world, and Miranda is a lowly and very much put upon intern in Hollywood. Keith, marketing himself as ‘Two Wolves’, is a celebrity horse trainer. Miranda is finishing up her degree in cinematography while interning with an absolute bitch of a film producer. As is not atypical during internships of all types, Miranda does most of the work, and Bibi takes ALL of the credit.

But the filming where they meet Keith is one where Miranda should be glad that Bibi takes all the credit, and gets all the blame for what it does to Keith’s life. When Keith turns down Bibi’s persistent sexual advances, she exposes him as a fraud, using Miranda’s not quite thorough enough research to back up her claims.

Keith’s life in the fast-lane is over, and he and his ignominy go back to the reservation to hide. And to work out his guilt at selling out his heritage for a fast buck. In spite of Miranda’s research, Keith really is half Native American. His paperwork doesn’t show it because his mother tried to pretend that her brief affair with his activist father never happened. But his father’s parents claim him as their own, no matter how unhappy they might be with him at any given moment. Often very.

When they meet again, Keith is at the bottom, and Miranda is on the upswing – even though that upswing is a bit precarious.

No longer an intern, Miranda is now working for Bibi, and doing projects on the side and in secret. Bibi is still a bitch. Keith is part of a wild mustang gather in Wyoming, and Miranda comes to film the project in the hopes of making a documentary. They still have lots of chemistry together, along with a whole lot of mistrust.

In spite of Bibi taking the credit, Keith still blames Miranda for a whole chunk of his problems. Miranda just wants to save the horses. She isn’t sure whether she wants to explore their explosive chemistry – especially when Keith pushes her away in one minute and pulls her in closer the next.

Neither of them is sure what they want to do – not with the horses and certainly not with each other.

While Keith continues drifting around what he wants to do with his life, Miranda takes charge of hers. She leaves behind the Hollywood that has never fit her and goes back home to her grandmother’s ranch, determined to make a go of the place by providing sanctuary for as many wild mustangs as the place can hold.

And a life of purpose for her and for Keith, if he’s willing to accept everything she offers. If he can let himself.

Escape Rating B+: Miranda and Keith are two people who only meet by chance, and probably shouldn’t have much in common. They just have a hell of a lot of combustible chemistry, and an unshakable love for the mustangs that power this story at a gallop.

And even though this is the fourth book in the Hot Cowboy Nights series, it also stands completely alone. (As someone who has read the whole series, I’ll confess to not even being certain where this story falls in the timeline. It seems as if the romance in Slow Hand hasn’t happened yet.)

One thing that Miranda and Keith do both have in common – both of them have found their homes of the heart with their grandparents. Miranda’s parents are dead, and Keith’s want nothing to do with him. It’s their grandparents that give them each sanctuary and a sense of belonging.

But Keith’s grandparents know that Keith’s real home is not with them. He’s straddled two worlds all of his life, even if he didn’t always know it. While his grandparents love him dearly, they both see him as meant for a place that both sides of his heritage can call home.

Miranda goes back to her grandmother’s ranch, because it’s the one place where she receives unconditional support. She is rethinking her whole life, and her grandmother Jo-Jo provides just the right amount of hard work and tough love for Miranda to work through her issues. And Miranda is happy to give back to the woman who has always helped her. Jo-Jo is in her early 70s, and now a widow. The ranch is too big for her to run alone, but she doesn’t want to leave her home. Together they can make it work – if Keith is willing to help.

This is also a sex-into-love romance. Miranda and Keith have hot chemistry from the beginning, but she doesn’t want to be just another notch on his metaphorical bedpost, and he doesn’t think he’s capable of forming a real relationship. Of course they are both wrong.

There’s no villain here, although Miranda’s aunt and uncle make a brief attempt at filling that role. This romance is all about Miranda and Keith finding their way towards each other, with a whole lot of pushing from a herd of wild mustangs. Not that there isn’t an equally big herd running in Keith’s head, pulling them apart. The “come here go away” that Keith emotionally pulls on Miranda drives both her and the reader just a bit batty – with good reason.

The horses steal the show, and the reader’s heart. (Mine was already gone at the beginning, with the utterly marvelous shout-out to Romancing the Stone!)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddle up by Victoria Vane is yet another amazing "Hot Cowboy Nights",#4, but can be read as a stand alone. Set on a Montana ranch.
Well written with captivating characters and a mesmerizing storyline. Cowboys, Indians, wild Mustangs, passion and romance.
Keith Russo, (aka Two Wolves) a half Shoshone Native American, horse Wrangler, "horse whisperer", and hot, sexy cowboy.
Miranda Sutton, always dreamed of making documentaries. But the wild mustangs have captured her heart. She wishes to turn her grandmother's Montana ranch into a wild horse sanctuary, but it's turning out to be harder then she thought it would be. Keith and Miranda both need the horses as much as the horses need them.
From the beginning sparks fly between Keith and Miranda. Will they finally embrace their destiny and let love blossom. Or will they give up all? Can love build from lust and passion?
Hot, sexy and emotionally charged. Please note, the love scenes are sexual but tastefully done. Ms. Vane proves her writing skills with each story, rather Historical or Contemporary romance, she is a masterful storyteller.
Compelling, compassionate and entertaining. This series, just keeps getting better and better. Ms Vane never disappoints her readers. Her knowledge of a working ranch, mustangs and horses is proved in "Saddle Up".
Another must read!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Keith's alpha attitude, “you will this time,” he said. “If there’s one thing I take pride in, it’s pleasing my woman.” I liked Miranda the girl had spunk, “your nakedness is perfectly fine with me,” she replied, stripping off her coat and toeing off her boots. When she looked up again, he’d dropped his towel." I liked this book I thought Keith was a great guy.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 5 stars.

Victoria Vane has written yet another gem of a novel in her Hot Cowboy Nights series. What I've so enjoyed about the books in this series is not just the western theme, the sexual content, and the cowboy romance, it's the depth of her characters, which is certainly present in this latest novel as well.

When we meet half-Native American celebrity horse whisperer and equine behaviorist, Keith Russo (Two Wolves), he's in Rancho Santa Fe, California, giving a demonstration of his techniques and abilities while being watched by Miranda Sutton, an aspiring indie filmmaker, who is tasked with filming him the following day. It's her first real assignment and a chance to prove herself. She's both fascinated by and attracted to Keith, especially since she's barely had so much as a date in the past four years, instead spending her time working on her craft and trying to build a career. Miranda's boss, Bibi, is also present, and after Bibi hits on Keith and he rejects her advances, he knows he's blown his chance at celebrity. The footage, when eventually released, paints him as a phony, a lothario and a charlatan, and he blames Miranda for ending his career.

One year later, Keith is back on the reservation in Wyoming and has been rejected by his family for having exploited his Native American heritage. He's stuck doing what he considers penance, doing ranch chores like digging post holes, stringing wire and mucking out stalls. When he learns that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for wranglers to gather, rescue and relocate wild mustangs to locations where they will have adequate water and grazing, he finally agrees to take on the job.

Miranda, who has been waiting tables while still trying to pursue her career also learns about the horse gather from her friend, Lexi, and when she hears that the BLM wants to film the operation because they are being sued by animal activists, she sees this as a chance finally make the documentary film she's dreamed of, although she knows that it may cost her her job with Bibi. What she doesn't expect is that Keith is head wrangler, he doesn't want her there and when he blames her for tanking this career, he does everything he can to kick her off the operation, blames her aloud for destroying his career, but he fails to rid himself of her--Miranda is going along to film the gather she's been hired to film. When the gather is disrupted by a low-flying plane the mustangs scatter, and she and Keith are forced to spend the night alone in the desert, hoping to recapture and film some of the elusive mustangs the following morning, which gives her the chance to explain that the film that tanked his career was Bibi's doing, not hers, but he's still surly and difficult to work with, and in a reversal of the old adage, familiarity doesn't breed contempt, it breeds attraction, one they act on during the next horse gather they go on.

When the two part ways, Miranda heads to her grandmother's ranch with an idea in her head. She knows that her grandmother has been alone on the ranch since her husband's death, and has no way to keep it going. Miranda thinks it's the perfect place to open a mustang sanctuary, convinces her grandmother that it's a feasible idea and is willing to do that with or without gaining a very reluctant Keith's help, but he does finally agree to help her ready the ranch.

At its heart, this novel is about two lonely people who had dreams that died, and who need to find out who they are and what they really want out of life. It's a slow-moving but never dull coming together of two vastly different characters from two vastly different worlds, and it's well-written as are all of Ms. Vane's novels. It's also very informative about the ongoing problem of what to do with wild mustangs, a cause that is obviously near and dear to the author's heart, and it's makes for a terrific read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Info
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: June 7th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published June 6th 2016)
ISBN 1492635103 (ISBN13: 9781492635109)
Series Hot Cowboy Nights #4
Other Editions (2)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Award-winning author Victoria Vane lets loose the fourth in the Hot Cowboy Nights series

WILD HORSES COULDN'T BRING THEM TOGETHER...
With exceptional talent and looks, cowboy "horse whisperer" Keith Russo once had the world at his feet - until his career was unwittingly destroyed by an aspiring filmmaker. After being rejected by his family for exploiting his Native American heritage, Keith has no choice but to turn back to his humble beginnings as a wild horse wrangler.

BUT MAYBE THEIR PASSION CAN...
Miranda Sutton always dreamed of making films, until wild mustangs captured her heart. But turning her grandmother's Montana ranch into a wild horse sanctuary proves harder than she thought. She needs someone who knows wild horses. Keith and the mustangs need each other. And while working together to save the herd, Keith and Miranda discover a passion as wild as the mustangs they love.

Praise for Slow Hand:
"Scorching...witty...a red-hot cowboy tale...their sexual chemistry crackles." -Publishers Weekly

My Thoughts

Sometime in the 80’s a friend of myself and my husband adopted a few of the wild mustangs that needed re-homing. What stuck in my mind about it was the fact the horses would never trust he or his family members and the reason the memory resurfaced when reading Saddle Up was the fact that those same horses did not in any way resemble the majestic spirited animals that this story seemed to have in abundance.

Guess that is the difference between fact and fiction, also to be quite honest it made for better reading to be given a picture of the horses being quite exceptional rather than just ordinary nags.

To my enjoyment this one was so different than the first three books in the series but it was also exceptionally crafted to appeal to those of us who love to root for the underdog, those of us who are enamored of people who stand up for what they believe in and most of all people who make their dreams come true against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Both Keith and Miranda find what they have been searching for their whole lives, a purpose that makes them happily fulfilled and also one that makes a huge impact on saving the lives of wild mustangs who otherwise would not make it.

The fact that the settings used as background were absolutely fabulously described added an element of beauty to the story that was as welcome as it was surreal at times. Especially when scenes where Keith and Miranda encountered some unexpected wildlife that created drama and tension for them as well as drew them closer to each other.

From it's beginning to the emotion filled epilogue that ended this breathtaking journey Saddle Up will remain in ones heart for a long while as a book should that touches on more than just a beautifully written romance.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

[Aleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Review: Saddle Up by Victoria Vane.



Saddle Up is about two characters who need to find their true purpose in life. Both feel inadequate and don’t know what to do with themselves.

Miranda’s dream in Hollywood seems to have fizzled out and her love of making documentary’s does not pay the bills. The jaded people in LA, somehow don’t effect her personality and although she knows that she can never fit in, her confidence in herself takes a hit. She does seem like a character that needs a little ego boost.

“But I want to be special. I want to matter, or at least feel like I do. That’s why I want to tell stories that matter.”

The fact that she tries to better herself, is the complete opposite of Keith, who basically is living life day by day. No goals, no dreams, no future. Keith was a little bit hard on himself and hard on the budding relationship he has going with Miranda. He’s used to being treated like a “stud” and the only satisfaction he gets is from his sexual relationships. If ever there was a character that needed to redeem himself it was Keith.

I liked the symbolic way a certain wild horse was compared to Keith’s character in this story. A wild, stubborn, unbreakable horse, who would be lost forever if he didn’t calm down. It’s exactly what Keith’s ultimatum would be. If he didn’t shape up, he would end up losing all. Especially, the future he might have with Miranda.

Keith was at times frustrating and Miranda received all the sympathy from me. But, in the end it turned out the best for everyone. Few books make me tear up, and this one had me doing it at the end. So bittersweet, but yet so satisfying. A true happily ever after.

Since this is book 4 in the Hot Cowboy Nights series, it can be read as a standalone. Hot cowboy nights is the perfect name for the series, because the sex scenes are HOT. So prepare for that, maybe melt proofing your e-reader.

Favorite quote:

“...I’m beginning to think even wild horses couldn’t have kept me away from you.”

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and this book in the series is just as awesome as the others. Keith is amazing. Watching him lose everything, feel lost, fall in love and let it take over which is his healing balm and figure out who he is and finally get peace and happiness made my heart happy.

Keith is amazing with horses. He is like a horse whisperer. He used this as a career and got to go many places and do many things. this is how he first met Miranda.

Miranda the stubborn, honest and sweet film maker who went to hollywood hoping to make films to be proud of. Unfortunately this isn’t happening. From the first time her and Keith saw each other there was some attraction. Holy Batcave there was attraction. It pierced the air. She filmed a clinic he was conducting and her boss did something with this video that destroyed Keith and hurt Miranda so when she was offered a chance to film Mustang roundups she took it. This for her was a way to do a film she wanted and how she wanted but also find out if she wanted to stay in Hollywood anymore. She is disillusioned by things and this is her time to find out. It is here that her and Keith find each other again. Granted it wasn’t a nice reunion. Keith was angry and treated hew with distrust and disdain at first. Over time they came to a understanding and found out more about each other. It was during this time that he realized his need for her and wanted more. This is when we some very sweet exchanges but also some sexy intimate times as well. She was a balm to him but they lived in two different worlds and went their separate ways. ONly this didn’t sit well for the confused Keith and one thing led to another and they are now on her aunts ranch.

This is the sexy, intimate and fun story of Keith and Miranda. How the lost and confused Keith finds his way and where he belongs. how Miranda finds herself in the world of Mustangs and feeling peace. How they fell in love and helped each other and be what the other needed and so much more. A sexily written story that entertains and has you smile your way through Keith and Miranda’s story not only the story of them finding love with each other but peace within themselves and who they are meant to be.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Saddle Up
Author: Victoria Vane
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Series: Hot Cowboys Nights #4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Saddle Up" by Victoria Vane

My Thoughts...

Who would have thought that when Miranda Sutton meets Keith Russo while making a documentary about him that they would in the end 'Saddle Up' in the end. I loved how this author was able to give the reader such a intriguing romantic read that involved a 'half Native American horse whisper and wrangler and a film maker [until she decided to work with mustangs]. It seems like meeting Keith was the best thing that could have happened to Miranda as it was the start of her loving mustangs. The characterization of not only Miranda and Keith but also Jo-Jo[Miranda's grandmother] was a internal part of this well written story...all being so well developed, defined and believable. As the story continues we will see what will happen as Miranda and Keith's romances will come about, then then go their separate ways only to come back into play after Miranda's grandmother Jo-Jo [Josephine Mirabelle Sutton] 'decides to reinvent her ranch for displaced mustangs' after Miranda shows an interest in wanting to stay there in Wyoming and help with this venture. Will Miranda get the help she needs from Keith? Why was Keith so against doing this for Miranda? Why did Keith seemed so lost? What had happened to him in his past that had caused this? I loved Keith's pet name for Miranda which was 'Aiwattsi' that was indeed so beautiful along with its meaning. The reader will see from the read that this author did some well done informational research of these wild horses that simply giving the reader quite a interesting read that will keep your attentiveness to the end. Will Miranda and Keith get what they want from each other in the end? To get the answers to these questions and many more the reader will have to pick up the wonderful series "Saddle Up' which is a standalone read and see how this story will all turn out. 'Saddle Up' is this author fourth in this series and was definitely one of my favorite series. Would I recommend? Yes!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Vane’s Hot Cowboy Nights series is one of my favourite series ever because of the very complex characters, and SADDLE UP might be the best of the lot! It is an exceptionally engrossing book, and the Keith Russo is so charismatic, I felt like I had seen him in glossy magazines. Keith is one of the most enigmatic characters ever: he’s half Native American, and this has coloured his views on life, and what he has done for a very long time. He’s never had to work to charm a woman, but the introverted Miranda Sutton changes all that. Their relationship is far from easy, and not all is of their own doing, but what a fascinating road to romance this is! Character development is stellar, to say the least, I could not tear myself away from SADDLE UP; the story borders on hypnotic: I was so engrossed, I never stopped reading.

What always surprises, and delights me, from Ms. Vane is how easy she makes it all seem: the dialogues sound so natural, the issues difficult but normal; nothing is ever over the top, but always so captivating. Keith and Miranda are the perfect complement to each other, but Keith is very reluctant to try and overlook his own personal issues; he is rather resistant to change, and stubbornness is his middle name. Miranda is a fabulous heroine: she appears nice and gentle, but she takes nothing lying down; she tells Keith off a few times, she doesn’t fall at his feet like he is used to. It intrigues him, but unsettles him as well. The chemistry between these two is off the charts, even when Keith can’t see straight for his inflexibility. I had the impression of reading a story about real people, they never seemed like fictional characters to me, and there is nothing that can beat that! Every time a new book in this series is announced, I wait impatiently, and SADDLE UP was worth every agonising second of waiting. Amazing!


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda is finally doing what she always wanted to do make films, so when she finally gets to take some footage she meets a amazing man. Keith (Two Wolves) is a horse specialist and he meets Miranda when she is there to take video of his class. Well her boss takes the film and twists it so bad that Keith is out of a job, so when Miranda comes to film the rounding up of the Mustangs he is furious. He hasn't seen her in a year but as much as he wants her he doesn't trust her. Miranda explained it wasn't her and even though he is leery he lets her come and they begin to form a bond but when the job is done they part again. Miranda is dissatisfied with her life and goes home to her Grandmother JJ and finds her in need on her ranch. Keith goes back to his family and they are not happy because they believe he used his heritage to make money, so he gets a another job moving tons of horses but he stops by to see Miranda at JJs where she tells him about helping her grandmother by taking in wild horses. He tells her he will only stay till they are settled and that he has to leave. Can Miranda convince him how she feels? Will Keith stop being so stubborn and see what's right in front of him? I loved the gentleness of Keith mixing with the determination of Miranda and realization of finding their happiness.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon a an Alpha

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Vane has done it again and has created an amazing read. What makes her stand out is that, whilst it is a romance, the story weaved around it is topical, relevant and raising real issues that ranchers are facing.

Cowboy Keith is a horse whisperer whose career is destroyed by a film filmed by fledgling film maker Miranda. When trying to bring the plight of wild mustangs to the public attention and trying to balance ranchers rights versus the animals rights, their paths cross again. The question is will Keith trust Miranda enough to try to be together after previous events?

Whilst the plight of the wild mustangs is what brings them together, their dreams could drive them apart as they both want different things from life. But dreams can change. Keith is very much like the wild mustangs he is trying to corral, with him not really fitting in anywhere and nobody really wanting him...until Miranda.

I loved this book, the characters and the backdrop. Victoria weaves all the elements together to produce a heartfelt read. The passion that Victoria feels for these stories and the nature around them comes through strongly in her beautiful story telling.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Saddle Up by Victoria Vane
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Oh Victoria. You and your alpha men…sigh…or do I want to swoon??? LOL Whatever I choose will be a good decision.
Two Wolves/Keith is Mr. Tall Dark of Alpha Water. We have seen his life and what he has gone through. He has a movie filmed by Miranda Sutton earlier and it failed. He is angry with her and when he sees her a few years later, he does his best to take it out on her.
Miranda is sooo not having it. She is like “nope but sorry try again son” having it. He may have bullied her before but he will not do it again. PERIOD. Now the book focus is on the horses that Miranda was filming and Keith was “horse whispering” to get them rounded up. The two are a really good couple but Keith is so up in his own head due to his mixed heritage plus Miranda is challenging him on his every turn..LOL GO Miranda!!
As with all Victoria Vane novels, the writing is flawless. Her characters are real and flawed. They are people who we could actually know. They have mega chemistry and are full of fears

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'd like to start my review by expressing how much I admire Victoria Vane's writing. I've been fortunate enough to review a few of her books now - both in this series (Hot Cowboy Nights) and the Hotel Rodeo series - both of which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Although I absolutely loved this story I found the writing style changed in this book and I didn't feel that it flowed as well. It felt a little choppy to me.
It also ends quite abruptly in my opinion and is wrapped up so quickly that I felt slightly robbed.

That being said, Miranda and Keith are great characters and their tumultuous story pulls you in and begs you to root for this couple from different worlds.

Can two people who seem so different use the spark that ignites and blazes between them to overcome their differences? Or are their pasts destined to get in the way?

Despite any criticism, if you're looking for a sweet story, you'll not be disappointed.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sex and no substance. I have read a few stories by Ms. Vane in the past months and although I find them enjoyable and entertaining, many have lacked the depth needed to make them unforgettable. Saddle Up took me by surprise because it stayed true to the author but gave added layers into her talent as a writer. I received an ARC of this sensuous read in exchange for an honest review. It was hard not to cheer for these characters. The odds are not in favor of Keith and Miranda but it feels as if a higher force is pulling the strings, helping them along the way. Keith has to learn to accept his heritage and be the best person he can in order to find his happiness. Miranda has to blaze her own trail as well. The wild spirit of the animals loved by both, the beautiful surroundings that are as descriptive and turbulent as the characters themselves and this breathtaking story have me rethinking my original opinion. This time she got it right.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

First time they met, they learned to hate each other due to misunderstandings.

Miranda Sutton always wanted to be a filmmaker as she moved to Los Angles to fulfill her dream. Things quickly change when she films a document about wild mustangs. When her grandmother’s farm is on the verge to be sell she comes up with the idea to use the farm as a sanctuary.

Keith Russo once had it all until Miranda’s boss document ruined his image. Force to be a horse wrangler when his career declined and his family for exploiting his Native American heritage. He blames Miranda for his downfall.

The time they spent together during the documentary draws them together. As Keith tries To stop her from her sanctuary plans he still finds himself helping her despite declining the job. Will the wild mustangs be able to keep them together or will they tear them apart? A nice love story.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT, HOT, HOT and that is just the characters! This is such a terrific story! The characters are strong willed and searching for their place to belong. Miranda and Keith could not be more different, but yet they are like each other's half to make the perfect whole. Keith is struggling to come to grips what has led him so very far from his family and wondering if he will ever gain their forgiveness and acceptance while Miranda thinks she is following her dream, but doesn't feel like she is doing the right thing. Their first meeting resulted in Keith losing his career because of Miranda's boss, so when they have their second meeting Keith is not very receptive to her. Bring in the wild mustangs and these animals bring these two very different people together in a setting that makes them get to know each other and see that they aren't all that different, plus the fact that their chemistry is off the charts! LOVED THIS!

[Dot Salvagin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Vane has given us an insightful look into wild horses of the west. She interweaves fascinating information about horse gatherings, Native American culture and ranching with a very intense, sizzling romance between skillfully fleshed out characters. As in other books of this series she delves into a topic and does not rest until she explores all areas of research until she can present us with a totally immersive experience.

I highly recommend this book to those who love a fascinating romance read as well as those who love horses.

I received this book free for review from the publisher.
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[Therese Scacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I loved this book from the first page to the beautiful epilogue that made me cry it was so perfect. This was a great story about Keith who is half Native American who happens to be a horse whisperer and Miranda, who is a film maker. I loved how these two worked to safe wild mustangs and tell their story through a film documentary. I have read every book in this series and I have to say that this is my absolute favorite in the series. Victoria has done it again with another phenomenal read!!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is the first book that I read by Victoria Vane. It was really hard to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen with Keith and Miranda. And all the Mustangs' too. If you love reading about soul searching, excitement, adventure, and love. Then this is the book for you. Would definitely recommend this to everyone. Definitely an one-click buy! Keep up all the good work. Can't wait to read your next book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advance copy from net gallery.com.

What an amazing book! I feel in love with this book from the first chapter. It is so well written and the imagery the author created throughout this journey was spectacular! The story line was great and moved at the right pace and the characters and character flaws are easily relatable. Great book and a must read!!