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Cowboys of Decker Ranch #2
How to Kiss a Cowboy
Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.
The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…
The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
80 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Kennedy
27 books219 followersCheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Laramie County
Books (Most Recent Publications First)
Author Website: www.joannekennedybooks.com
Author Email: Joanne@JoanneKennedyBooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Kennedy-Books/114277591920110
Biographical and Professional Information
Joanne Kennedy's fascination with Wyoming’s unique blend of past and present leads her to write contemporary Western romances with traditional ranch settings. Her books include Cowboy Trouble, Cowboy Fever, and 2011 RITA nominee One Fine Cowboy. Her next book, Tall, Dark & Cowboy, will be released in November 2011. Two more contemporary western romances will be released in 2012.
At various times, Joanne dabbled in horse training, chicken farming, and bridezilla wrangling at a department store wedding registry. Themes that have remained constant throughout her life are Jack Russell terriers, a tendency to confuse fiction with real life, and a fascination with literature that led to careers in bookselling and writing. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with two dogs and a retired fighter pilot. The dogs are relatively well-behaved.
A member of Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Joanne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, www.joannekennedybooks.com.
Speaking Engagements
Joanne is available for speaking engagements on writing, romance, and the West. She teaches writing workshops including Finding Resonant Endings, Starting and Structuring Your Novel, The Strategic Synopsis and other topics related to
Laramie County
Books (Most Recent Publications First)
Author Website: www.joannekennedybooks.com
Author Email: Joanne@JoanneKennedyBooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Kennedy-Books/114277591920110
Biographical and Professional Information
Joanne Kennedy's fascination with Wyoming’s unique blend of past and present leads her to write contemporary Western romances with traditional ranch settings. Her books include Cowboy Trouble, Cowboy Fever, and 2011 RITA nominee One Fine Cowboy. Her next book, Tall, Dark & Cowboy, will be released in November 2011. Two more contemporary western romances will be released in 2012.
At various times, Joanne dabbled in horse training, chicken farming, and bridezilla wrangling at a department store wedding registry. Themes that have remained constant throughout her life are Jack Russell terriers, a tendency to confuse fiction with real life, and a fascination with literature that led to careers in bookselling and writing. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with two dogs and a retired fighter pilot. The dogs are relatively well-behaved.
A member of Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Joanne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, www.joannekennedybooks.com.
Speaking Engagements
Joanne is available for speaking engagements on writing, romance, and the West. She teaches writing workshops including Finding Resonant Endings, Starting and Structuring Your Novel, The Strategic Synopsis and other topics related to
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 3, 2015
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I know when I pick up a Joanne Kennedy book that I’m in for a treat; she has such a way with words and always entertains her readers. I loved the first book in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series so I was excited at the opportunity to read and review How to Kiss A Cowboy which is book two in the series. What I didn’t expect was to see was that Brady Caine, the good time, fun loving, jokester cowboy had way more layers to him than anyone gave him credit for and I really didn’t expect him to fall in love with Suzanne (Suze) Carlyle a ball busting barrel racer who was almost as ornery as her father. One crazy night, and even crazier accident, followed by some big time soul searching leads to a romance they both hoped would happened but felt sure it never would. Confused? Well, that pretty much describes both the hero and heroine for most of this story!
Brady is one of those heroes women should probably hate but there’s just something about them that makes you smile. Sure he’s a man-whore, he has no idea how to have a relationship, he often says the wrong thing even when he doesn’t realize it but underneath is this super sensitive, caring, and loveable man whose childhood shaped him into the man he’s become. There’s no doubt Brady has kind of skated through on his good looks and jovial attitude or that most people don’t take him seriously but when Suze is injured and needs help, he is there to provide it even when she flat out tells him to stay away. He’s a determined kind of guy something most people never see in him but for Suze he’ll do anything.
I’m going to admit that Suze is a freakin’ piece of work; I get that she’s had a rough life losing her mother at 10, living with her father who constantly belittles her, and dealing with trying to win enough money to hang on to their ranch but man she has a sharp tongue and a short fuse temper and she’s really great at using both to cut people down to size, especially Brady. I’m not saying that at times it wasn’t warranted and that her inability to trust wasn’t all her fault but man at times I wondered why Brady even bothered. I do appreciate that she saw more in Brady than most people did and that over time she began to realize that there was an innate goodness in him.
For years these two kind of danced around each other each thinking they weren’t good enough for the other but then one night together changes things for both of them and not in the best of ways. Their relationship was fraught with landmines from the beginning and the fact that neither one of them had any real relationship experience and trust issues to boot it was pretty ugly for most of the book. What I appreciated was that they kept working at it, that they understood they had problems, and that they were both big enough people to admit when they were wrong.
I really loved getting to see Ridge and Sierra from the first book and the boys from the group home where Sierra works. There is something so refreshing about young kids who have seen so much and have no filter sharing just what they think about a situation. Wise beyond his years Isaiah provided some much needed straight talk.
Complicated, tender, sexy, and enjoyable How To Kiss A Cowboy is another fine offering from author Joanne Kennedy and a must read for anyone who loves romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I know when I pick up a Joanne Kennedy book that I’m in for a treat; she has such a way with words and always entertains her readers. I loved the first book in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series so I was excited at the opportunity to read and review How to Kiss A Cowboy which is book two in the series. What I didn’t expect was to see was that Brady Caine, the good time, fun loving, jokester cowboy had way more layers to him than anyone gave him credit for and I really didn’t expect him to fall in love with Suzanne (Suze) Carlyle a ball busting barrel racer who was almost as ornery as her father. One crazy night, and even crazier accident, followed by some big time soul searching leads to a romance they both hoped would happened but felt sure it never would. Confused? Well, that pretty much describes both the hero and heroine for most of this story!
Brady is one of those heroes women should probably hate but there’s just something about them that makes you smile. Sure he’s a man-whore, he has no idea how to have a relationship, he often says the wrong thing even when he doesn’t realize it but underneath is this super sensitive, caring, and loveable man whose childhood shaped him into the man he’s become. There’s no doubt Brady has kind of skated through on his good looks and jovial attitude or that most people don’t take him seriously but when Suze is injured and needs help, he is there to provide it even when she flat out tells him to stay away. He’s a determined kind of guy something most people never see in him but for Suze he’ll do anything.
I’m going to admit that Suze is a freakin’ piece of work; I get that she’s had a rough life losing her mother at 10, living with her father who constantly belittles her, and dealing with trying to win enough money to hang on to their ranch but man she has a sharp tongue and a short fuse temper and she’s really great at using both to cut people down to size, especially Brady. I’m not saying that at times it wasn’t warranted and that her inability to trust wasn’t all her fault but man at times I wondered why Brady even bothered. I do appreciate that she saw more in Brady than most people did and that over time she began to realize that there was an innate goodness in him.
For years these two kind of danced around each other each thinking they weren’t good enough for the other but then one night together changes things for both of them and not in the best of ways. Their relationship was fraught with landmines from the beginning and the fact that neither one of them had any real relationship experience and trust issues to boot it was pretty ugly for most of the book. What I appreciated was that they kept working at it, that they understood they had problems, and that they were both big enough people to admit when they were wrong.
I really loved getting to see Ridge and Sierra from the first book and the boys from the group home where Sierra works. There is something so refreshing about young kids who have seen so much and have no filter sharing just what they think about a situation. Wise beyond his years Isaiah provided some much needed straight talk.
Complicated, tender, sexy, and enjoyable How To Kiss A Cowboy is another fine offering from author Joanne Kennedy and a must read for anyone who loves romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
This story is fast paced and exciting, while also sweet & romantic. Kennedy writes some sinfully hot scenes to top this off. Her inviting writing style makes you want to keep reading. The story is comically addictive at times and so easy to picture. At other times, Kennedy tugs at your heart. I loved all of the action with the horses. Kennedy gives her readers a quick pick at the life of rodeo competitors, showing that it’s not all ribbons and checks.
The main characters in this novel were quite intriguing. Readers really get to see how their early lives shaped who they are today. The strength that you can see in both of these well-developed individuals was endearing. The supporting cast was also very important to the plot of this story. The contrast between blood relations and family was fantastically well done. I couldn’t tolerate the father in this story, which actually made the story that much more poignant. He heightened my connection with the main characters. Even when we found out the rationale behind his actions I still couldn’t relate to him.
As a whole, this was a great read that really put me in the spirit of competition and of family life. It was a well written, well plotted tale that I’d definitely recommend to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters in this novel were quite intriguing. Readers really get to see how their early lives shaped who they are today. The strength that you can see in both of these well-developed individuals was endearing. The supporting cast was also very important to the plot of this story. The contrast between blood relations and family was fantastically well done. I couldn’t tolerate the father in this story, which actually made the story that much more poignant. He heightened my connection with the main characters. Even when we found out the rationale behind his actions I still couldn’t relate to him.
As a whole, this was a great read that really put me in the spirit of competition and of family life. It was a well written, well plotted tale that I’d definitely recommend to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2014
Not many notes or highlights because I was too wrapped up in the book and that means I totally loved it. Brady he can be sweet and caring, "he had a condom in his wallet, but his wallet was in his jeans pocket and his jeans were somewhere beyond the foot of the bed. "Honey, I just need to do one thing," he said. "We cowboys believe in safety first." He has a strange sense of humor, and it's apparent that he cares about Suze I mean the man brings her some girly magazines while she's in the hospital, "he topped the pile with a copy of Cosmo. "Brady!" She blushed. the headline, written in hot pink letters across the top, was "Ten Orgasmic Move's he'll Never Forget!" I really did love this book.
October 19, 2017
Rodeo cowboys and cowgirls! One of my favorite romance themes.
Suze is a barrel racer who is trying to follow in her mother’s championship footsteps. She’s also trying to win the attention and love of her father, but he simply can’t be pleased, no matter what Suze does. Is her father still mourning her mother’s death?
This is the second story in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series and this time it’s Brady’s turn to find romance and love. Brady is a good looking saddle bronc rider and has the eye of all the buckle bunnies. Brady admires Suze as a barrel racer but that seems to be the end of his attraction to her. Until Suze is injured and Brady is blamed. Now he has something he thinks he has to make up to her, but Suze wants nothing to do with the man who seems to have ended her barrel racing career before it even gets started.
This is a good romance with some angst and a lot of a guy chasing a girl. We met Brady in the first book but Ms. Kennedy continues to develop this character here by layering his personality and making him more complex than it first seemed. Good story. I always love a Joanne Kennedy book.
Suze is a barrel racer who is trying to follow in her mother’s championship footsteps. She’s also trying to win the attention and love of her father, but he simply can’t be pleased, no matter what Suze does. Is her father still mourning her mother’s death?
This is the second story in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series and this time it’s Brady’s turn to find romance and love. Brady is a good looking saddle bronc rider and has the eye of all the buckle bunnies. Brady admires Suze as a barrel racer but that seems to be the end of his attraction to her. Until Suze is injured and Brady is blamed. Now he has something he thinks he has to make up to her, but Suze wants nothing to do with the man who seems to have ended her barrel racing career before it even gets started.
This is a good romance with some angst and a lot of a guy chasing a girl. We met Brady in the first book but Ms. Kennedy continues to develop this character here by layering his personality and making him more complex than it first seemed. Good story. I always love a Joanne Kennedy book.
May 23, 2023
Loved this book!
March 6, 2015
Let me just say, this was a very nice book. Once again don't judge a book by its cover. There was no smut in it, just a nice romance. A very light read. Very enjoyable.
August 29, 2019
I'm surprised at how much I wound up liking this book. At first I wasn't sure I was even going to finish it - the super-short chapters with the rapid closed-third POV shifts within the same scene are irritating, and particularly so towards the beginning. It's hard to appreciate a steamy scene as intended when you're distracted by narrative structure, especially when the whole incident concludes in such a punishingly rom-com heteronormative way (Her: "Ooh I tamed him! Lace placemats and french toast for everyone!" Him: "Oh shit I'm late for a meeting! Oh shit, lace placemats!" Her: "Fine, go! Everything is ruined forever!" Him: "I think maybe I screwed up back there. Maybe I should become a better man and stop sleeping around.").
The buildup to both the initial sex scene and the initial crisis made me think I wasn't going to finish the book. But after the initial crisis, it got significantly better. The two lead characters' baggage was slowly unpacked and their wariness of each other made complete sense. The side characters began to emerge, particularly Suze's unpleasant dad Earl (if there's one place I really quibble with this book, it's that the author thought ). Ridge and Sierra were much more sympathetic as side characters than they were as the hero and heroine of the first book. Also, once the crisis hit I had to keep reading because I had to find out what happened to the horse!
I will mention that while the major side characters were well done, but the minor were sketched in with a broad brush. I rolled my eyes when Sympathetic Older Ethnic Lady, Godmother Backstory, and Miss Sexy Red Herring were introduced, particularly Miss Sexy Red Herring. The character was introduced as having a long history with Brady, but she's introduced 2/3rds in and barely has a scene to flounce around in, and dishes up a RIDICULOUS plot to break up our hero and heroine. The fact that it worked annoyed me almost as much as when the stupid "break up the Avengers" plot worked in Captain America: Civil War.
But overall, the good outweighed the bad. For a book with a title that awkward, it really leans more chick lit than romance - I think there were two sex scenes, total, and a lot of time was spent on family baggage and other stresses more traditionally associated with chick lit.
The buildup to both the initial sex scene and the initial crisis made me think I wasn't going to finish the book. But after the initial crisis, it got significantly better. The two lead characters' baggage was slowly unpacked and their wariness of each other made complete sense. The side characters began to emerge, particularly Suze's unpleasant dad Earl (if there's one place I really quibble with this book, it's that the author thought ). Ridge and Sierra were much more sympathetic as side characters than they were as the hero and heroine of the first book. Also, once the crisis hit I had to keep reading because I had to find out what happened to the horse!
I will mention that while the major side characters were well done, but the minor were sketched in with a broad brush. I rolled my eyes when Sympathetic Older Ethnic Lady, Godmother Backstory, and Miss Sexy Red Herring were introduced, particularly Miss Sexy Red Herring. The character was introduced as having a long history with Brady, but she's introduced 2/3rds in and barely has a scene to flounce around in, and dishes up a RIDICULOUS plot to break up our hero and heroine. The fact that it worked annoyed me almost as much as when the stupid "break up the Avengers" plot worked in Captain America: Civil War.
But overall, the good outweighed the bad. For a book with a title that awkward, it really leans more chick lit than romance - I think there were two sex scenes, total, and a lot of time was spent on family baggage and other stresses more traditionally associated with chick lit.
August 13, 2024
I had some issues with book 1 but I was still curious about book 2. I like this family and wanted to see Brady fall in love.
Here we have Brady and Suze. Both are rodeo populars. After an accident that possibly could end Suze's career, Brady decides that he is done with loos women and wild rides. All he wants to do is help Suze get back in the saddle. Suze doesn't ever want to see Brady again, but there he is.
This had a rocky start for me but I soon could not stop reading. We get to see them hook up and it....lasted forever. I was ready for it to end. After the never-ending scene, things got entertaining.
Loved Suze but oh.my.goodness was she a stubborn piece of work. I totally understand it once you learn about her parents you get it. Oof.
Awwwww loved Brady too but I felt so bad for him. He tried so hard but he didn't make some good decisions. Yes, rocky start to their relationship but you can see that they are SO made for each other. It took a lot of work and a lot of talking and some external help.
This was a complicated relationship but it was worth it. I loved watching them fall from lust, to enemies, to friends, to lovers. This was a book I couldn't put down.
In the end, the beginning was rough but after a few pages I was able to fully connect and I didn't want to stop reading. I loved this couple even with all their millions of flaws. I'll give this 3 stars.
ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intense
Here we have Brady and Suze. Both are rodeo populars. After an accident that possibly could end Suze's career, Brady decides that he is done with loos women and wild rides. All he wants to do is help Suze get back in the saddle. Suze doesn't ever want to see Brady again, but there he is.
This had a rocky start for me but I soon could not stop reading. We get to see them hook up and it....lasted forever. I was ready for it to end. After the never-ending scene, things got entertaining.
Loved Suze but oh.my.goodness was she a stubborn piece of work. I totally understand it once you learn about her parents you get it. Oof.
Awwwww loved Brady too but I felt so bad for him. He tried so hard but he didn't make some good decisions. Yes, rocky start to their relationship but you can see that they are SO made for each other. It took a lot of work and a lot of talking and some external help.
This was a complicated relationship but it was worth it. I loved watching them fall from lust, to enemies, to friends, to lovers. This was a book I couldn't put down.
In the end, the beginning was rough but after a few pages I was able to fully connect and I didn't want to stop reading. I loved this couple even with all their millions of flaws. I'll give this 3 stars.
ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intense
May 21, 2023
This book was really good. This is a cowboy romance story.
This book is part of the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series. This story revolved around a woman named Suze. She is a champion barrel racer. Her father stopped paying attention to her once her mother died. Suze has always been a loner who prefers horses 🐎 to people. She ends up meeting Brady Caine who is a saddle bronc champion.
He ends up causing an accident to Suze and after leaving her after spending one night with Suze he is determined to win her heart back. When Suze is devastated about abandoning her championship dreams Brady ends up on her front porch determined to prove himself to Suze who doesn’t feel that she is worthy of a man like him. I really liked Brady and how he worked to gain Suze’s heart. I also liked how Suze was with her horses and how hard she worked. I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
This book is part of the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series. This story revolved around a woman named Suze. She is a champion barrel racer. Her father stopped paying attention to her once her mother died. Suze has always been a loner who prefers horses 🐎 to people. She ends up meeting Brady Caine who is a saddle bronc champion.
He ends up causing an accident to Suze and after leaving her after spending one night with Suze he is determined to win her heart back. When Suze is devastated about abandoning her championship dreams Brady ends up on her front porch determined to prove himself to Suze who doesn’t feel that she is worthy of a man like him. I really liked Brady and how he worked to gain Suze’s heart. I also liked how Suze was with her horses and how hard she worked. I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
September 16, 2021
Brady Caine is a bronc rider and Suze Carlyle is a barrel racer. They are working on a photo shoot for one of their endorsers when a tragic accident happened. Brady lassoed Suze but did not let go of the rope and she was thrown into the bucking chute hitting her head. She wonders if she will ever ride again. He wants to help her and make it up to her so helps out with the horses. He doesn’t tell her until later that someone stole her beloved horse but Brady found him and brought him back. She thinks he is a womanizer and he tells her the only woman he wants is her. Although she loves him, Suze has a problem trusting people and realizes her distrust is costing her the love of the only man she loves.
Thanks Goodreads for a great book!
Thanks Goodreads for a great book!
March 23, 2024
I've been looking for another author to fulfill my cowboy fantasies now that I've read, re-read and re-read again Lorelei James' Rough Riders series. I'm glad to say that I can finally stop looking!
The dynamic between Suze and Brady was wonderful and real. There were times when I couldn't read for the tears in my eyes. And the relationship between Brady and his foster brothers? Reminded me of my other favorite- Maya Banks (KGI series).
Thank you, Joanne Kennedy, for giving me a good ol' fashioned cowboy romance to curl up with this summer. Looking forward to devouring the rest of your works.
The dynamic between Suze and Brady was wonderful and real. There were times when I couldn't read for the tears in my eyes. And the relationship between Brady and his foster brothers? Reminded me of my other favorite- Maya Banks (KGI series).
Thank you, Joanne Kennedy, for giving me a good ol' fashioned cowboy romance to curl up with this summer. Looking forward to devouring the rest of your works.
November 23, 2024
The first book was SO GOOD. Easily one of my fave books this year. What happened? This one dropped the ball. The plot dragged (felt like there was NO plot) and we spent chapters upon chapters on scenes. The photo shoot did NOT have to be like forty pages long. I kept getting bored.
Which is a shame because I actually liked the two main characters. The lack of plot and repeat of conversations just killed it.
Which is a shame because I actually liked the two main characters. The lack of plot and repeat of conversations just killed it.
August 17, 2020
I’ve found recently that I really like cowboy romances and I’ll admit I picked this one up because the title got me. It was cute. I loved that Suze was a strong female lead and Brady was the cowboy player waiting to be tamed by here. Very cute story and I’m now looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
April 24, 2021
Suze and Brady were a great pair! Suze lost her Mother while young and never received any love from her father. Brady had been a foster child until in his teens he was adopted and learned what love was. The way they come together will make you cry and laugh. A very good read no matter how many times I read it.
September 29, 2019
I am giving this book, this great love story a solid ten. I love all the highs and lows between these two. Joanne Kennedy knows how to write a great book. Looking forward to more of them. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆. Thankyou.
April 14, 2021
Figuring out what you feel and what you want out of life and who you want around to enjoy the little moments with can be hard. So is building trust. Brady and Suze have a rocky road but their journey together in this book is fun to read along.
Read
February 8, 2024i need to touch a horse
April 23, 2025
Fun read! Learning more about rodeos and the complexities of sponsorship. I am a fan of cowboy and girl life and a complicated love story!!
February 2, 2015
4.5 stars.
How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously sweet yet sinfully steamy romance that fans of contemporary westerns absolutely do not want to miss. This second installment in the marvelous Cowboys of Decker Ranch series begins with an unexpected night of passion between childhood friend Suze Carlyle and Brady Caine. However it is not until a serious accident sidelines Suze that their relationship grows into something deeper, but misunderstandings and trust issues threaten their budding romance.
Suze is a highly successful barrel racer who is incredibly focused on her career. Following in the footsteps of her deceased mother who was also a championship barrel racer, Suze is desperately trying to win her grief stricken father's love and approval. But the biggest reason for her dedication is much more practical: without her rodeo winnings, Suze and her father are in danger of losing the family ranch. Her devotion to her career has paid off financially but it has left a huge void in her life personally. She is an independent loner without any close friends and while normally this does not bother Suze, after her accident, she is left without anyone to rely on except the last person she wants to see: Brady.
Brady was in and out of foster homes until the Deckers adopted him along with his two foster brothers, Ridge and Shane, as teenagers. He hides the pain of his difficult childhood behind an easy smile and a carefree attitude, but this has earned him a reputation of not taking life seriously. His natural talent as a saddle bronc rider means he wins more than he loses but he is content to coast along without putting any extra effort into improving his career. Brady is charming, good-natured and very popular with the ladies on the rodeo circuit, but his relationships are quick and easy one night stands. There is more to Brady than his superficial outward appearance reveals, but the only person who sees a glimpse of the real man is Suze. However their awkward morning after leads to both of them pretending their night together was meaningless and the two go their separate ways until they work together on a photo shoot that ends in a tragic accident.
The accident is a turning point for both Brady and Suze. For the first time, Brady becomes someone that can be counted on and Suze realizes that she needs more in her life than her career. Suze tries to push Brady away but he stubbornly refuses to give in to her demands to leave her alone. Brady is surprisingly honest about his feelings but Suze is very reluctant to believe that he sincerely wants to be with her. Their relationship is further damaged by Suze's low self-esteem and her inability to put her complete trust in Brady.
How to Kiss a Cowboy is a captivating romance with a complex and well-developed storyline. The characters are appealing and multi-layered with realistic issues to overcome. This heartwarming addition to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series an emotional, fun and sensual romance that old and new fans of Joanne Kennedy are going to love.
How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously sweet yet sinfully steamy romance that fans of contemporary westerns absolutely do not want to miss. This second installment in the marvelous Cowboys of Decker Ranch series begins with an unexpected night of passion between childhood friend Suze Carlyle and Brady Caine. However it is not until a serious accident sidelines Suze that their relationship grows into something deeper, but misunderstandings and trust issues threaten their budding romance.
Suze is a highly successful barrel racer who is incredibly focused on her career. Following in the footsteps of her deceased mother who was also a championship barrel racer, Suze is desperately trying to win her grief stricken father's love and approval. But the biggest reason for her dedication is much more practical: without her rodeo winnings, Suze and her father are in danger of losing the family ranch. Her devotion to her career has paid off financially but it has left a huge void in her life personally. She is an independent loner without any close friends and while normally this does not bother Suze, after her accident, she is left without anyone to rely on except the last person she wants to see: Brady.
Brady was in and out of foster homes until the Deckers adopted him along with his two foster brothers, Ridge and Shane, as teenagers. He hides the pain of his difficult childhood behind an easy smile and a carefree attitude, but this has earned him a reputation of not taking life seriously. His natural talent as a saddle bronc rider means he wins more than he loses but he is content to coast along without putting any extra effort into improving his career. Brady is charming, good-natured and very popular with the ladies on the rodeo circuit, but his relationships are quick and easy one night stands. There is more to Brady than his superficial outward appearance reveals, but the only person who sees a glimpse of the real man is Suze. However their awkward morning after leads to both of them pretending their night together was meaningless and the two go their separate ways until they work together on a photo shoot that ends in a tragic accident.
The accident is a turning point for both Brady and Suze. For the first time, Brady becomes someone that can be counted on and Suze realizes that she needs more in her life than her career. Suze tries to push Brady away but he stubbornly refuses to give in to her demands to leave her alone. Brady is surprisingly honest about his feelings but Suze is very reluctant to believe that he sincerely wants to be with her. Their relationship is further damaged by Suze's low self-esteem and her inability to put her complete trust in Brady.
How to Kiss a Cowboy is a captivating romance with a complex and well-developed storyline. The characters are appealing and multi-layered with realistic issues to overcome. This heartwarming addition to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series an emotional, fun and sensual romance that old and new fans of Joanne Kennedy are going to love.
January 30, 2015
Suze Carlyle has lived in her mother's shadow all her life, with her still in mourning father making sure that Suze can never live up to her champion barrel racer mother. No matter how hard she tries to live up to that shadow, her father doesn't see her for who she is.
Handsome bronc rider, Brady Caine lives for the trill and the buckle bunnies who follow him around like puppy dogs in search of a bone. Suze knows she can never live up to that image, but Brady still admires her for her talent and determination. When things go from hot to cold after a steamy night in the sack, Suze knew that Brady was just out for the fun and not the long term.
At a meeting with some clothing sponsors, Brady suggests that the new female face for the company should be Suze, he is more than shocked to see that they took his suggestion to heart. During a photo shoot everything goes wrong and Suze ends up seriously injured and Brady is to blame. Brady needs to make up for the wrong that he has done Suze, so he appoints himself her slave. Suze however wants nothing to do with the man that most likely has ended her barrel racing career and is putting her income in dire straits. Brady doesn't take no for an answer as he throws himself into helping Suze in any way he can while the pair fall hard for one another.
Brady will not give up until Suze sees the truly talented and good woman she is, trying to undo the harm her own father has done to her psyche. Brady also attempts to get Suze's dad to wake up from his haze and see the beautiful daughter in front of his eyes. When Suze finds her life has been a bit of a sham, Brody is there to help her through.
How To Kiss A Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a heartwarming romance that takes two people who share a love and brings them together despite the differences surrounding their lives. I love how Brady take control of a bad situation and shows Suze that she can have faith in him. He shows her he isn't just that fly by night cowboy out for fun. How To Kiss A Cowboy is a wonderful read that tugs at the heart strings. Very enjoyable!
~KIMBERLY~
Handsome bronc rider, Brady Caine lives for the trill and the buckle bunnies who follow him around like puppy dogs in search of a bone. Suze knows she can never live up to that image, but Brady still admires her for her talent and determination. When things go from hot to cold after a steamy night in the sack, Suze knew that Brady was just out for the fun and not the long term.
At a meeting with some clothing sponsors, Brady suggests that the new female face for the company should be Suze, he is more than shocked to see that they took his suggestion to heart. During a photo shoot everything goes wrong and Suze ends up seriously injured and Brady is to blame. Brady needs to make up for the wrong that he has done Suze, so he appoints himself her slave. Suze however wants nothing to do with the man that most likely has ended her barrel racing career and is putting her income in dire straits. Brady doesn't take no for an answer as he throws himself into helping Suze in any way he can while the pair fall hard for one another.
Brady will not give up until Suze sees the truly talented and good woman she is, trying to undo the harm her own father has done to her psyche. Brady also attempts to get Suze's dad to wake up from his haze and see the beautiful daughter in front of his eyes. When Suze finds her life has been a bit of a sham, Brody is there to help her through.
How To Kiss A Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a heartwarming romance that takes two people who share a love and brings them together despite the differences surrounding their lives. I love how Brady take control of a bad situation and shows Suze that she can have faith in him. He shows her he isn't just that fly by night cowboy out for fun. How To Kiss A Cowboy is a wonderful read that tugs at the heart strings. Very enjoyable!
~KIMBERLY~
February 26, 2015
# OF STARS 5/5 Genre: Romance Cowboys Pages: 463
Overview:
Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.
The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…
ARC Review:
We are introduced to two rodeo stars with a bit of a history and some issues. We follow them through some rough times and misunderstandings. This is the second book in the Decker Ranch Series. I didn’t read the first but I do love the second one.
Will Suze forgive Brady and can they overcome their own problems and insecurities and find what is right in front of them. Will Brady find what was lost and confess or will he keep faking it?
The more I read of this book the more I fall in love with the characters. I am grateful that Joanne was able to write her story in such a way that it pulls you in and you can relate to the characters and feel what they are felling.
I am happy that they were able to work things out and I love how Joanne was able to make it feel like you where a part of the story from beginning to ending. She did a great job describing the Rodeo and everything that happens in them and I am most grateful for that. This is a true Cowboy book and LOVE IT.
Overview:
Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.
The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…
ARC Review:
We are introduced to two rodeo stars with a bit of a history and some issues. We follow them through some rough times and misunderstandings. This is the second book in the Decker Ranch Series. I didn’t read the first but I do love the second one.
Will Suze forgive Brady and can they overcome their own problems and insecurities and find what is right in front of them. Will Brady find what was lost and confess or will he keep faking it?
The more I read of this book the more I fall in love with the characters. I am grateful that Joanne was able to write her story in such a way that it pulls you in and you can relate to the characters and feel what they are felling.
I am happy that they were able to work things out and I love how Joanne was able to make it feel like you where a part of the story from beginning to ending. She did a great job describing the Rodeo and everything that happens in them and I am most grateful for that. This is a true Cowboy book and LOVE IT.
July 9, 2016
Reviewed by Aubrey
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I was so excited to have the chance to read the second book in Cowboys of Decker Ranch series after reviewing the first one. Joanne Kennedy is one of my favourite cowboy romance authors. I was really able to get into the heads of all the characters not just the primary ones. Kennedy creates a world where you want to be a part of and want to be a friend of the characters. Suze could totally be my new best friend and I would help her decorate the farm house with her. You really feel emotionally connected to the characters.
I love how Brady was such a sweet man even though outside of his intimate circle everyone thought otherwise. He was smart and witty but above all he had all the characteristics of the perfect cowboy. Suze and Brady had a connection even if the thread that kept them together broke many times but he made sure to sew it up as long as Suze wanted him to. I loved how happy and positive he always was. Suze’s grumpy father never stopped him from helping Suze or breaking down the walls that Suze had put up.
The little bit of mystery and intrigue was pretty neat to have intermittently with the regular contemporary romance. I liked the plot twists and found the story as whole to be interesting and something that I would read again. Kennedy totally writes a story that stays with you once you finish the book. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series. The entire premise of the series is fun and unique.
Anyone that loves Linda Lael Miller would definitely appreciate this series. The two have many similarities but both definitely have a distinct voice.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I was so excited to have the chance to read the second book in Cowboys of Decker Ranch series after reviewing the first one. Joanne Kennedy is one of my favourite cowboy romance authors. I was really able to get into the heads of all the characters not just the primary ones. Kennedy creates a world where you want to be a part of and want to be a friend of the characters. Suze could totally be my new best friend and I would help her decorate the farm house with her. You really feel emotionally connected to the characters.
I love how Brady was such a sweet man even though outside of his intimate circle everyone thought otherwise. He was smart and witty but above all he had all the characteristics of the perfect cowboy. Suze and Brady had a connection even if the thread that kept them together broke many times but he made sure to sew it up as long as Suze wanted him to. I loved how happy and positive he always was. Suze’s grumpy father never stopped him from helping Suze or breaking down the walls that Suze had put up.
The little bit of mystery and intrigue was pretty neat to have intermittently with the regular contemporary romance. I liked the plot twists and found the story as whole to be interesting and something that I would read again. Kennedy totally writes a story that stays with you once you finish the book. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series. The entire premise of the series is fun and unique.
Anyone that loves Linda Lael Miller would definitely appreciate this series. The two have many similarities but both definitely have a distinct voice.
January 19, 2015
Review of How to Kiss a Cowboy (Cowboys of Decker Ranch #2) by Joanne Kennedy
Review done for Hooked on Books
3 ½ out of 5 stars
Suze Carlyle is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a champion barrel racer. Suze has accomplished a lot as a barrel racer but she can’t seem to win her father’s love. No matter what she does, it isn’t enough for him.
Suze has been in love with fellow rodeo star Brady Caine for a long time. Unfortunately, she is not the gorgeous, good-timing cowboy’s type. She doesn’t think she is as beautiful as the rest of the women he hangs around with and she wants more than a one night stand.
Brady had a tough childhood and doesn’t take life seriously. One night with a woman is all he has ever needed; until he spends the night with Suze. Suze has always fascinated him but he never thought he was good enough for her.
Suze and Brady have a hard time expressing their true feelings for each other. Because of this, misunderstandings and hard feelings occur. An unfortunate accident also changes both their lives.
This was an ok, hot cowboy meets strong-willed female type of story. I thought it needed more angst and action. Cowboy books should be action packed in my opinion. The two characters seemed to spend a lot of time whining and it just made the book drag on.
Review done for Hooked on Books
3 ½ out of 5 stars
Suze Carlyle is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a champion barrel racer. Suze has accomplished a lot as a barrel racer but she can’t seem to win her father’s love. No matter what she does, it isn’t enough for him.
Suze has been in love with fellow rodeo star Brady Caine for a long time. Unfortunately, she is not the gorgeous, good-timing cowboy’s type. She doesn’t think she is as beautiful as the rest of the women he hangs around with and she wants more than a one night stand.
Brady had a tough childhood and doesn’t take life seriously. One night with a woman is all he has ever needed; until he spends the night with Suze. Suze has always fascinated him but he never thought he was good enough for her.
Suze and Brady have a hard time expressing their true feelings for each other. Because of this, misunderstandings and hard feelings occur. An unfortunate accident also changes both their lives.
This was an ok, hot cowboy meets strong-willed female type of story. I thought it needed more angst and action. Cowboy books should be action packed in my opinion. The two characters seemed to spend a lot of time whining and it just made the book drag on.
January 20, 2015
Review done for Hooked on Books
3 ½ out of 5 stars
Suze Carlyle is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a champion barrel racer. Suze has accomplished a lot as a barrel racer but she can’t seem to win her father’s love. No matter what she does, it isn’t enough for him.
Suze has been in love with fellow rodeo star Brady Caine for a long time. Unfortunately, she is not the gorgeous, good-timing cowboy’s type. She doesn’t think she is as beautiful as the rest of the women he hangs around with and she wants more than a one night stand.
Brady had a tough childhood and doesn’t take life seriously. One night with a woman is all he has ever needed; until he spends the night with Suze. Suze has always fascinated him but he never thought he was good enough for her.
Suze and Brady have a hard time expressing their true feelings for each other. Because of this, misunderstandings and hard feelings occur. An unfortunate accident also changes both their lives.
This was an ok, hot cowboy meets strong-willed female type of story. I thought it needed more angst and action. Cowboy books should be action packed in my opinion. The two characters seemed to spend a lot of time whining and it just made the book drag on.
3 ½ out of 5 stars
Suze Carlyle is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a champion barrel racer. Suze has accomplished a lot as a barrel racer but she can’t seem to win her father’s love. No matter what she does, it isn’t enough for him.
Suze has been in love with fellow rodeo star Brady Caine for a long time. Unfortunately, she is not the gorgeous, good-timing cowboy’s type. She doesn’t think she is as beautiful as the rest of the women he hangs around with and she wants more than a one night stand.
Brady had a tough childhood and doesn’t take life seriously. One night with a woman is all he has ever needed; until he spends the night with Suze. Suze has always fascinated him but he never thought he was good enough for her.
Suze and Brady have a hard time expressing their true feelings for each other. Because of this, misunderstandings and hard feelings occur. An unfortunate accident also changes both their lives.
This was an ok, hot cowboy meets strong-willed female type of story. I thought it needed more angst and action. Cowboy books should be action packed in my opinion. The two characters seemed to spend a lot of time whining and it just made the book drag on.
April 27, 2015
This was a delightful second installment about the Decker boys. This time around we got to watch the youngest brother Brady find his path to true love with a sassy little barrel rider named Suze. They both had some trust issues stemming from their not-so-idyllic childhoods and their pasts seemed to come right up and bite both of them in the rear. It was heart-wrenching & heartwarming all at the same time! I love how this author can take a heavily romanticized vocation like 'cowboy' and make it realistic enough that I was able to relate to both the hero and the heroine even though I have never been to a rodeo, never seen a barrel race, nor ever even watched those harrowing 8 seconds on TV. I can also tell you that I can't wait to read about the final brother in this trilogy - the strong, silent, eldest brother with a tale to tell...oh how I loves me some cowboys! Yee-haw!
FTC Advisory: I won a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program. No compensation for my review was given.
FTC Advisory: I won a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program. No compensation for my review was given.
November 3, 2014
This book was another great one from this author. Size was a barrel racer and lived for it. She also lived in the shadow of her mom. She met Brody in school when he came to the decker ranch. They grew up together and gave each other a hard time.brody was a bull rider and loved his buckle bunnies and the rodeo life never ready to settle down. Suze admired him from afar for years. The sex was steaming hot between them and something size could remover that one great night by. You can feel the zinging attraction between the two of then as they talk to each other sometimes it just takes others longer to notice. After the accident Brody does everything he can to help her, heh feels responsible for it. She's just mad cuz he knew better. Can he fight thru the grief together her to understand how much he loves her? Heartwarming romance between two friends that discover more. They are there for each other when it matters most and makes them both better people. The characters are down to earth and all around good people.
February 17, 2015
Cowboys, rodeos, and barrel riders.. oh my. Sara has had a rough life since her mother died. She is a barrel racer, who is responsible for supporting her family's ranch. Sara has had a crush on Brady, a bronc rider and in general man-whore, since high school. The story starts at a rodeo, where Sara runs into Brady and they end up hooking up and talking for the most of the night. He forgets a meeting and has to take off before they can talk. He ends up recommending her for an advertising campaign, she joins him on. After a shot goes wrong, she ends up at the hospital and he decides he will do what ever necessary to help her.
I have read several of Joanne Kennedy books and this was great example of her ability create characters that are realistic, settings that are believable, and excellent dialogue. The hero/heroine have serious chemistry, they can't seem to communicate about their feelings. The story also featured an outstanding supporting cast. I was engaged in the story until the ending.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review from netgalley.com.
I have read several of Joanne Kennedy books and this was great example of her ability create characters that are realistic, settings that are believable, and excellent dialogue. The hero/heroine have serious chemistry, they can't seem to communicate about their feelings. The story also featured an outstanding supporting cast. I was engaged in the story until the ending.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review from netgalley.com.
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