What do you think?
Rate this book
Americana #3
Sonora Sundown
Love runs wild for a mysterious cowboy and an Arizona hellcat in this Americana romance from the New York Times–bestselling author of Rivals.
It's a Sonora, Arizona, sundown and Brandy Ames has one Where's a cowboy when you need one? Her skittish Arabian gelding turned tail and galloped off leaving Brandy lost in the desert. Then she sees the flicker of fire over the next rise and follows it straight to the camp of a cattle thief. Rugged and drop-dead gorgeous in weathered suede, Jim is a man of few words. There's no time for small talk, anyway. An oncoming sandstorm is forcing them to take shelter for the night—in each other's arms.
Brandy wasn't exactly prepared for his kiss. Willing? Yes. But what was she thinking? Saddling up next to him, Brandy has no idea that Jim has a secret—one that's going to make Brandy the envy of every girl she knows. And inflame the wrath of a few she doesn't. It may have begun as a chance encounter in the desert, but it's about to explode into the most public romance of the year. If Brandy can take the heat.
It's a Sonora, Arizona, sundown and Brandy Ames has one Where's a cowboy when you need one? Her skittish Arabian gelding turned tail and galloped off leaving Brandy lost in the desert. Then she sees the flicker of fire over the next rise and follows it straight to the camp of a cattle thief. Rugged and drop-dead gorgeous in weathered suede, Jim is a man of few words. There's no time for small talk, anyway. An oncoming sandstorm is forcing them to take shelter for the night—in each other's arms.
Brandy wasn't exactly prepared for his kiss. Willing? Yes. But what was she thinking? Saddling up next to him, Brandy has no idea that Jim has a secret—one that's going to make Brandy the envy of every girl she knows. And inflame the wrath of a few she doesn't. It may have begun as a chance encounter in the desert, but it's about to explode into the most public romance of the year. If Brandy can take the heat.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
Janet Dailey
417 books1,881 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 13, 2011
These books were much more enjoyable when I was younger. This book's contrived plot line is highly unbelievable. I guess when I was 16, wearing rose colored glasses, a 20-year-old woman with a 34-year-old man was romantic. Now, I think it's slightly perverted.
20-year-old Brandy, gets lost in the desert and stumbles into the camp of a 34-year-old possible cattle rustler, who turns out to be a famous actor.
I have to remember these books were written in the late 70s. Strong, domineering men were the romantic ideal. But today I wonder, what would a 34-year-old man see in a 20-year-old naive, virgin. More so, what would she see in him? There are 12 years between myself and my husband. We were 44 and 56 when we were married. Our children were grown. He had grandchildren and I find that our ages are somewhat of a block. He grew up on Leave to Beaver and I was a Sesame Street kid.
The other thing that I didn't really like was the abrupt ending. They were not really seeing eye to eye, but she loves him - for no other reason than he saved her. He is annoyed with her jealousy, but he walks in at the end and tells her they are getting married in August. He kisses her and the book ends. Really? What about her parents? What about the wedding plans.
A side note, these books probably should be written in the order they were written because LaRaine who was a minor character in Dangerous Masquerade showed up in these book. If you didn't know the back story on LaRaine some of the comments wouldn't make sense.
20-year-old Brandy, gets lost in the desert and stumbles into the camp of a 34-year-old possible cattle rustler, who turns out to be a famous actor.
I have to remember these books were written in the late 70s. Strong, domineering men were the romantic ideal. But today I wonder, what would a 34-year-old man see in a 20-year-old naive, virgin. More so, what would she see in him? There are 12 years between myself and my husband. We were 44 and 56 when we were married. Our children were grown. He had grandchildren and I find that our ages are somewhat of a block. He grew up on Leave to Beaver and I was a Sesame Street kid.
The other thing that I didn't really like was the abrupt ending. They were not really seeing eye to eye, but she loves him - for no other reason than he saved her. He is annoyed with her jealousy, but he walks in at the end and tells her they are getting married in August. He kisses her and the book ends. Really? What about her parents? What about the wedding plans.
A side note, these books probably should be written in the order they were written because LaRaine who was a minor character in Dangerous Masquerade showed up in these book. If you didn't know the back story on LaRaine some of the comments wouldn't make sense.
November 4, 2024
Un Harmony in perfetto stile "Old School", dove l'age gap è d'obbligo e il protagonista è l'Uomo Che Non Deve Chiedere Mai, ma almeno è sempre coerente con sé stesso. E figaccione, ovviamente.
L'unico punto a favore di questa storia, che si regge sugli stuzzicadenti, pure traballanti. Trama poco sviluppata (peccato, perché si poteva fare qualcosina in più), personaggi spessi come la carta velina, buchi temporali frequenti.
Adoro la Dailey e il suo stile garbato, ma qui l'ho trovata un po' fuori forma.
2 stelle e 1/2
L'unico punto a favore di questa storia, che si regge sugli stuzzicadenti, pure traballanti. Trama poco sviluppata (peccato, perché si poteva fare qualcosina in più), personaggi spessi come la carta velina, buchi temporali frequenti.
Adoro la Dailey e il suo stile garbato, ma qui l'ho trovata un po' fuori forma.
2 stelle e 1/2
February 7, 2026
Typical Dailey where an inappropriate age gap and a chauvinistic sexist and borderline abusive male somehow gets a headstrong but ultimately spineless young woman’s heart. Writing isn’t terrible however it’s eye opening to see how women were both treated and allowed themselves to be treated in the 70s and 80s.
Also yikes on the male protagonist flippantly calling a woman a bitch. Dailey really had some screaming internalized misogyny.
Also yikes on the male protagonist flippantly calling a woman a bitch. Dailey really had some screaming internalized misogyny.
August 21, 2012
This short novel made me blush and giggle like a little schoolgirl.
Enuff said.
Enuff said.
March 5, 2020
My very first read of a Janet Dailey in 1985 during my sophomore year in high school. I cannot forget that milk was supposed to be used as a prop for rain in movie-making...
December 28, 2019
"Sonora Sundown" is the story of Brandy and Jim.
Our h is a born and bred country girl, who loves her horses as much as she adores the sunset and desert. One evening, she gets lost in the wild when her horse deserts her, and comes across a stranger whom she mistakes as a bandit. He frightens, saves and eventually provides shelter to her for the night, only for her to realize the next morning that he is the very famous actor in disguise. The incident gives her notoriety, and she subsequently refutes the H's attempts to court her. But he is determined, and goes behind the h until he eventually charms her with his kisses. But with a OW hell bent on breaking them up, will they find their HEA?
It was hilarious that the OW from book 1 "Dangerous Masquerade" and the h from "A Land Called Deseret" were the same OW in this book two. She was as expected selfish and super bitchy, and eventually the H caught her spreading her poison, kicked her out and bam, the book ended on a hopeful note. Otherwise, the first half was very engaging and had great potential.
Safe
3/5
Our h is a born and bred country girl, who loves her horses as much as she adores the sunset and desert. One evening, she gets lost in the wild when her horse deserts her, and comes across a stranger whom she mistakes as a bandit. He frightens, saves and eventually provides shelter to her for the night, only for her to realize the next morning that he is the very famous actor in disguise. The incident gives her notoriety, and she subsequently refutes the H's attempts to court her. But he is determined, and goes behind the h until he eventually charms her with his kisses. But with a OW hell bent on breaking them up, will they find their HEA?
It was hilarious that the OW from book 1 "Dangerous Masquerade" and the h from "A Land Called Deseret" were the same OW in this book two. She was as expected selfish and super bitchy, and eventually the H caught her spreading her poison, kicked her out and bam, the book ended on a hopeful note. Otherwise, the first half was very engaging and had great potential.
Safe
3/5
July 27, 2019
Brandy falls for the movie star next door - long before she knows he's a movie star, and finds this entire world terribly confusing. The conflict boils down to one thing: can she trust him?
This is another one of those romances that needs to be read in context of the time in which it was written. It's a very 70s, trope-y romance, that regardless was still fun to read. It reminds me of the times I spent reading mom's Harlequins under the covers at night with a flashlight
As a side note? The Arizona descriptions were rather nice, and spot on. I appreciate that Ms. Dailey spent quite a bit of time on the road researching these books.
This is another one of those romances that needs to be read in context of the time in which it was written. It's a very 70s, trope-y romance, that regardless was still fun to read. It reminds me of the times I spent reading mom's Harlequins under the covers at night with a flashlight
As a side note? The Arizona descriptions were rather nice, and spot on. I appreciate that Ms. Dailey spent quite a bit of time on the road researching these books.
May 25, 2025
It’s a sweet romance. No big drama’s. A little bit boring. He courts her, but he doesn’t come across as besotted. What I like most in a HP is when the H is besotted like the H’s in the Charlotte Lamb’s or Sara Holland’s HP’s are and when the H says and does things that make me feel his love for the h.
October 1, 2018
This book was very predictable, shallow, not enough detail with two mostly unlikable characters. I found Brandy's immature, whiny, he was ok. The story if a little far fetched is boring and monotonous. I didn't care for the ending but I managed to finish the book.
January 3, 2023
gd read
February 19, 2023
Read during visit to AZ.... didn't hold up for me.
June 8, 2024
Good
I enjoyed reading this story which I wish as with all Good books could of last ed just a little longer.
I enjoyed reading this story which I wish as with all Good books could of last ed just a little longer.
September 9, 2024
Short and Sweet
Another great love story with Sonora dessert colors in the back ground of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of Az.
Another great love story with Sonora dessert colors in the back ground of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of Az.
Read
March 26, 2026I read this in 1979, so I don't remember much of it. I will have to read it again before completing this review. I just wanted to mark it "read" so that I won't lose it again.
May 28, 2026
This is a good story of a movie star and an insecure lady, set in the Arizona desert.
July 11, 2026
Good read.
For an early novel, it kept me interested even though I knew the outcome! Janet came though again. I hope she enjoyed the trip through the US.
For an early novel, it kept me interested even though I knew the outcome! Janet came though again. I hope she enjoyed the trip through the US.
September 24, 2026
Slow start, but a good book :)
February 6, 2019
Priveliștea unui apus în Sonora se sondează cu rătăcirea prin deșert, cu un salvator misterios, cu o noapte înstelată și cu o furtună de nisip. Brandy crede cu tărie că străinul este un hoț de vite, așa că nu se poate stăpâni să nu fugă și să nu se lupte cu el, atunci când acesta vrea s-o oprească din a se rătăci din nou. În cele din urmă, acceptă că bărbatul n-o să-i facă nimic rău și rămâne cu el. Va descoperi că sub aspectul aparent neîngrijit, se ascunde James „Jim” Corbett, o vedetă de cinema care a vrut să petreacă o vreme singur, departe de luminile reflectoarelor. Când adevărul o lovește în față, Brandy e hotărâtă să-l țină la distanță pe acesta, însă nu așa gândește și Jim care tot îi apare în cale.
O lectură drăguță și nu prea. Mult prea previzibilă și cu o acțiune enervantă. Nu se întâmplă mare lucru în carte, iar povestea de dragoste n-are nimic special.
„Brandy, la aproape douăzeci și unu de ani, era greu de urnit din sânul familiei. Mai mult că pentru asta însemna să-l părăsească pe Rashad și împrejurimile sălbatice, pustii și liniștite ale deșertului Sonora.
Și apusurile. Cum ar fi putut ea să se bucure în oraș de apusurile de soare? Uneori le privea din curtea fermei, alteori, ca acum, călătorea mile întregi prin deșert. Dar niciodată nu le pierdea.”
O lectură drăguță și nu prea. Mult prea previzibilă și cu o acțiune enervantă. Nu se întâmplă mare lucru în carte, iar povestea de dragoste n-are nimic special.
„Brandy, la aproape douăzeci și unu de ani, era greu de urnit din sânul familiei. Mai mult că pentru asta însemna să-l părăsească pe Rashad și împrejurimile sălbatice, pustii și liniștite ale deșertului Sonora.
Și apusurile. Cum ar fi putut ea să se bucure în oraș de apusurile de soare? Uneori le privea din curtea fermei, alteori, ca acum, călătorea mile întregi prin deșert. Dar niciodată nu le pierdea.”
June 21, 2019
- رواية هادئة، رومانسية نقية ناصعة.
- نظراً لكوني قرأتها من قبل منذ عشر سنوات - لا أصدق- فقد تحولت البداية الغامضة المخيفة بعض الشيء إلى كوميدية.
- لم تتصرف "براندي"على نحوٍ سيء، يثير الغبطة كما تفعلن البعض في مثل ظروفها.
- جيم، كان واضحاً منذ البداية في حقيقة مشاعره تجاه "براندي" إنما ظروف لقائهما و الوسط المختلف الذي يأتي منه، تستطيع أن تعطيها مبرر لترددها وخوفها منه في ظل وجود هذه السمراء في حياته.
- لم أشعر بالملل أثناء قرائها بالرغم أنها للمرة الثانية، فهي رواية ظريفة، خاصة عند قرائتها للمرة الثانية وبعد فترة طويلة، حيث تستطيع أن تتذكر بعض من تفاصيلها.
- تصرفات "براندي" العفوية المرتبكة تعطي الرواية مزيداً من المرح الخفيف المضحك، "حين كانت تظن أنها تختبئ وسط الحبال"؟.
- الشيء الوحيد الذي يعيب هذا الصفاء، شرح التفاصيل أكثر من اللازم، ولكنها في بعض الأحيان تنقل لك الصورة كأنك تقف بجانبهم وسط هذه الصحراء الخلابة.
- النهاية والتي تمثل أهم شيء لأي رواية والتي من الممكن أن تجعلك تغضب منها أو تظل تحبها، فقد كانت مقنعة ومرضية ومنطقية.
~ آلاء صادق~
- نظراً لكوني قرأتها من قبل منذ عشر سنوات - لا أصدق- فقد تحولت البداية الغامضة المخيفة بعض الشيء إلى كوميدية.
- لم تتصرف "براندي"على نحوٍ سيء، يثير الغبطة كما تفعلن البعض في مثل ظروفها.
- جيم، كان واضحاً منذ البداية في حقيقة مشاعره تجاه "براندي" إنما ظروف لقائهما و الوسط المختلف الذي يأتي منه، تستطيع أن تعطيها مبرر لترددها وخوفها منه في ظل وجود هذه السمراء في حياته.
- لم أشعر بالملل أثناء قرائها بالرغم أنها للمرة الثانية، فهي رواية ظريفة، خاصة عند قرائتها للمرة الثانية وبعد فترة طويلة، حيث تستطيع أن تتذكر بعض من تفاصيلها.
- تصرفات "براندي" العفوية المرتبكة تعطي الرواية مزيداً من المرح الخفيف المضحك، "حين كانت تظن أنها تختبئ وسط الحبال"؟.
- الشيء الوحيد الذي يعيب هذا الصفاء، شرح التفاصيل أكثر من اللازم، ولكنها في بعض الأحيان تنقل لك الصورة كأنك تقف بجانبهم وسط هذه الصحراء الخلابة.
- النهاية والتي تمثل أهم شيء لأي رواية والتي من الممكن أن تجعلك تغضب منها أو تظل تحبها، فقد كانت مقنعة ومرضية ومنطقية.
~ آلاء صادق~
June 7, 2020
Brandy's encounter with Jim Corbett in the Arizona desert had been like a scene from a movie. But somehow the plot had gone all wrong.
"Regardless of what you've seen in films," someone tried to tell her, "the ingenue rarely ends up in the hero's arms. You're being used!"
Brandy tried to tell herself that she didn't care. But it wasn't true. It didn't matter how crazy she was to have fallen in love with a famous actor, it wasn't something she could change ..
"Regardless of what you've seen in films," someone tried to tell her, "the ingenue rarely ends up in the hero's arms. You're being used!"
Brandy tried to tell herself that she didn't care. But it wasn't true. It didn't matter how crazy she was to have fallen in love with a famous actor, it wasn't something she could change ..
April 8, 2009
This is my FAVORITE FAVORITE of the 50 State books!! And not just because I'm from AZ! haha
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews