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Spurs & Stilettos
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
Who knew two separate events would turn Hope Trahan’s life completely upside down?
After losing her sister in a tragic car accident and finding her fiancé cheating on her, Hope thought she’d never be the same again. That was, until her best friend drug her down to the rodeo to help clear her head.
It was there where she met Wesley. A sexy, sweet talking cowboy. For the first time in months Hope felt a glimmer hope at the end of a very long, dark, tunnel…
Wesley Tyler was a bronc rider who owned two national titles and was riding his way to the next.
The day he met Hope, he knew he wanted her in his life. However, he soon discovers that Hope carries ghosts with her she can’t quite shake, and her past seems to have a death grip on her.
Does Wesley hold the key to helping her overcome it all? Can he win her over?
Who knew two separate events would turn Hope Trahan’s life completely upside down?
After losing her sister in a tragic car accident and finding her fiancé cheating on her, Hope thought she’d never be the same again. That was, until her best friend drug her down to the rodeo to help clear her head.
It was there where she met Wesley. A sexy, sweet talking cowboy. For the first time in months Hope felt a glimmer hope at the end of a very long, dark, tunnel…
Wesley Tyler was a bronc rider who owned two national titles and was riding his way to the next.
The day he met Hope, he knew he wanted her in his life. However, he soon discovers that Hope carries ghosts with her she can’t quite shake, and her past seems to have a death grip on her.
Does Wesley hold the key to helping her overcome it all? Can he win her over?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2013
12 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Johnson
9 books142 followersAshley Johnson was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA where she still resides with her fiance and their daughter.
She graduated high school in 2003 and then graduated college in 2008 with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.
She has a terrible addiction to Amazon and Google Play and owns more books than she will probably ever read, but can't resist a good story. When she's not reading or writing she loves to cook, that's what happens when living in Louisiana.
Ashley loves to read and write, so that's what she does now.
She graduated high school in 2003 and then graduated college in 2008 with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.
She has a terrible addiction to Amazon and Google Play and owns more books than she will probably ever read, but can't resist a good story. When she's not reading or writing she loves to cook, that's what happens when living in Louisiana.
Ashley loves to read and write, so that's what she does now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 25, 2014
This book is all about Wesley!!!!!
Wesley the devilish looking hot green-eyed rodeo champ, he is such a delicious cowboy. Wesley meets Hope in one of his rodeo day and he was instantly drawn to her. Likewise she was too.
" Nice to meet to you, Hope. I won't bite, I swear. I may nibble and that's it"
Wesley is all about rodeo and being cowboys. While, Hope has a past and she wants to avoid anything to do with rodeo.
How will they survive?
"You have no idea. She had me at hello"
The story felt so rushed and it is was insta-love. The author included too many elements in it and hence it became over-crowded.
Wesley and Hope were definitely a very nice character to read.
I wish their relationship would have taken a slower path.
Thumbs up to the epilogue, I loved it!
If you are looking for a cowboy read and don't mind insta-love, pick it up!
**ARC provided for tour**
April 4, 2014
Let me start off by saying that I really have no interest in cowboys but this cowboy really took my interest. This book was a fantastic read. It really stole my heart from the beginning.
First you meet Hope Trahan and at the time she is engaged to Brad, who is a complete douche bag. She tells of her loss of her sister and the toll it has taken on her life. You also meet her best friend Amber who I loved. Amber and Hope have the perfect relationship as friends. Amber is out going and says what is on her mind. Whereas Hope is a little more cautious. She has her life mapped out but of course as we all know when you try to plan it never happens that way.
Brad shows his true colors to Hope. I was so mad at him. I’m not going to say I didn’t see it coming but I did but still I could have torn his nuts off for her. I will not go into detail of what happened but in the end you will be glad it did happen.
Next you meet Wesley Tyler. *Sigh* Like I said I don’t really care for cowboys but this one I do. He is just how you think a cowboy should be, he is sweet, kind, and very tender hearted. I fell madly in love with him from the beginning. Although he does do some stupid stuff but what man doesn’t do something stupid once in a while.
Hope and Wesley are truly mean to be together. You will find out the destiny or fate, whatever you want to call it, brings them together. I laughed and ugly cried through this book. I suggest you go out and get this book. It’s one you won’t regret reading.
I am giving this book 5 hearts.
First you meet Hope Trahan and at the time she is engaged to Brad, who is a complete douche bag. She tells of her loss of her sister and the toll it has taken on her life. You also meet her best friend Amber who I loved. Amber and Hope have the perfect relationship as friends. Amber is out going and says what is on her mind. Whereas Hope is a little more cautious. She has her life mapped out but of course as we all know when you try to plan it never happens that way.
Brad shows his true colors to Hope. I was so mad at him. I’m not going to say I didn’t see it coming but I did but still I could have torn his nuts off for her. I will not go into detail of what happened but in the end you will be glad it did happen.
Next you meet Wesley Tyler. *Sigh* Like I said I don’t really care for cowboys but this one I do. He is just how you think a cowboy should be, he is sweet, kind, and very tender hearted. I fell madly in love with him from the beginning. Although he does do some stupid stuff but what man doesn’t do something stupid once in a while.
Hope and Wesley are truly mean to be together. You will find out the destiny or fate, whatever you want to call it, brings them together. I laughed and ugly cried through this book. I suggest you go out and get this book. It’s one you won’t regret reading.
I am giving this book 5 hearts.
July 2, 2014
I'll be the first to admit an unhealthy obsession with cowboys, but Wesley may just be the most perfect cowboy ever. This is the first book I have read by Ashley Johnson, her smooth style makes for an enjoyable read. Once I started the book, I had a hard time putting it down. Hope and Wesley's story is engaging and complicated. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Hope has been deeply wounded by the death of her sister, Karlee, in an accident that she survived. She struggles with survivor's guilt and the loss of, not only her sister, but her best friend. Her fiancé doesn't understand why she just can't "get over it". He betrays her, not a surprise given the way he treats her.I was immediately, not a fan of Brad, he's a jerk to say the least
Her friend, Amber convinces Hope to go to the rodeo with her. Before the rodeo, Hope meets a handsome, flirtatious cowboy, Wesley. He is immediately smitten with Hope. Their chance encounter changes their lives. Like all couples, they have issues. She can't stand that he is gone on the circuit all the time, but that is how he makes his living. Overcoming Brad's betrayal and allowing Wesley into her heart is difficult.
The road to HEA is full of potholes for Hope and Wesley. The reader is thrown several curves, but the plot is well paced. The characters are well developed and the sexual tension is sizzling. I love Wesley, he's rugged, yet romantic. He loves with his whole heart and Hope is very lucky woman. I found myself sad that the book had ended, even after the HEA. I look forward to the next book by Ms. Johnson.
Hope has been deeply wounded by the death of her sister, Karlee, in an accident that she survived. She struggles with survivor's guilt and the loss of, not only her sister, but her best friend. Her fiancé doesn't understand why she just can't "get over it". He betrays her, not a surprise given the way he treats her.I was immediately, not a fan of Brad, he's a jerk to say the least
Her friend, Amber convinces Hope to go to the rodeo with her. Before the rodeo, Hope meets a handsome, flirtatious cowboy, Wesley. He is immediately smitten with Hope. Their chance encounter changes their lives. Like all couples, they have issues. She can't stand that he is gone on the circuit all the time, but that is how he makes his living. Overcoming Brad's betrayal and allowing Wesley into her heart is difficult.
The road to HEA is full of potholes for Hope and Wesley. The reader is thrown several curves, but the plot is well paced. The characters are well developed and the sexual tension is sizzling. I love Wesley, he's rugged, yet romantic. He loves with his whole heart and Hope is very lucky woman. I found myself sad that the book had ended, even after the HEA. I look forward to the next book by Ms. Johnson.
January 26, 2014
Read an excerpt and my full review, plus enter the giveaway on the final day of the blog tour at Foxylutely today!
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2014/0...
3.75 stars
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my review
This was a sweet and quick paced read for me and made all the better for the sweet and sexy cowboy it gave me - Wesley.
Wesley is a circuit rodeo rider and a two times belt winning champion. When he is at a rodeo looking to retain his title he comes across the beauty at the food stand and he is instantly hooked.
Hope has been dragged to the rodeo by her best friend Amber. The rodeo is a place that has tragic memories for her due to her sister being killed in a car accident on their way back from one over two years ago. She is also dealing with the shock of finding her fiancé Brad, cheating on her in the most drastic of circumstances. However Hope is a survivor so she pushes herself to meet challenges head on, hence her being at the rodeo that day and coming face to face with the gorgeous Wesley.
Overall I really liked this storyline and the way Wesley pursued Hope, even though at times she was a little hard to connect with. But I suppose with what she has gone through at such a young age it was understandable she would be hesitant and naïve. There were parts I found a little hard to understand, for instance, her finding out who was the saviour at the accident that killed her sister but saved her. Really? Even her parents didn’t know the name of the person? Wouldn’t they have found out every little piece of information and who was involved that night? So yes that was frustrating and the coincidence ginormous!
Also as much as I adored Wesley he really took the biscuit with his decision after his recovery and he finds out about Hope. After all he went through he was willing to be apart? Enter swear words here!
For me the story grew stronger in the last third of the book and kept me hooked to find out the ending, which was lovely.
So yes there was frustration, angst and annoying parts but these were balanced with a gorgeous romance, family reuniting and an even more gorgeous cowboy. What was not to like about that?
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2014/0...
3.75 stars
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my review
This was a sweet and quick paced read for me and made all the better for the sweet and sexy cowboy it gave me - Wesley.
Wesley is a circuit rodeo rider and a two times belt winning champion. When he is at a rodeo looking to retain his title he comes across the beauty at the food stand and he is instantly hooked.
Hope has been dragged to the rodeo by her best friend Amber. The rodeo is a place that has tragic memories for her due to her sister being killed in a car accident on their way back from one over two years ago. She is also dealing with the shock of finding her fiancé Brad, cheating on her in the most drastic of circumstances. However Hope is a survivor so she pushes herself to meet challenges head on, hence her being at the rodeo that day and coming face to face with the gorgeous Wesley.
Overall I really liked this storyline and the way Wesley pursued Hope, even though at times she was a little hard to connect with. But I suppose with what she has gone through at such a young age it was understandable she would be hesitant and naïve. There were parts I found a little hard to understand, for instance, her finding out who was the saviour at the accident that killed her sister but saved her. Really? Even her parents didn’t know the name of the person? Wouldn’t they have found out every little piece of information and who was involved that night? So yes that was frustrating and the coincidence ginormous!
Also as much as I adored Wesley he really took the biscuit with his decision after his recovery and he finds out about Hope. After all he went through he was willing to be apart? Enter swear words here!
For me the story grew stronger in the last third of the book and kept me hooked to find out the ending, which was lovely.
So yes there was frustration, angst and annoying parts but these were balanced with a gorgeous romance, family reuniting and an even more gorgeous cowboy. What was not to like about that?
July 26, 2016
Sassy city girl meets laid back country boy...yes please! It's like two worlds collided here and Wesley and Hope have to learn how to accept each other's lives. Hope still has a lot of emotional baggage that tends to haunt her from the past. Wesley has a job that is dangerous every day.
I love that fate played a part in this story, more than once really. Sometimes people are put in our lives for a reason, and its just meant to be no matter what. Wesley and Hope have a draw to each other and when they are together...sparks fly! Of course there's drama that keeps them apart, and many times you just want to reach in and smack them and have them recognize what's right in front of them! But that's how we all learn. There's definite steam in this book (how could their not be with a hot cowboy!) My first Ashley Johnson book, and I am hooked!!!
I love that fate played a part in this story, more than once really. Sometimes people are put in our lives for a reason, and its just meant to be no matter what. Wesley and Hope have a draw to each other and when they are together...sparks fly! Of course there's drama that keeps them apart, and many times you just want to reach in and smack them and have them recognize what's right in front of them! But that's how we all learn. There's definite steam in this book (how could their not be with a hot cowboy!) My first Ashley Johnson book, and I am hooked!!!
January 26, 2014
Hope appears to have it all in life. She's getting married to a wonderful man and has the job of her dreams. But don't let appearances full you. She may be engaged to marry Brad, but Brad is far from the perfect man. He gives hope a hard time and talks down to her every chance he gets. You see, two years ago, Hope's sister died in a car accident when she fell asleep behind the wheel of her car while they were driving home from the rodeo. Hope still has her best friend Amber by her side and her very loving parents, but she's missing a piece of herself after her sister's death.
Brad has been withdrawing himself from Hope more and more has time has gone by and it all explodes when she finds him in bed with another woman. Brad is desperate to get Hope back, but she's finally ready to let go of Brad and more on with her life. What better way than to go to the rodeo with Amber? It's a struggle for her to return to the last day she was with her sister, but she does it and it's here that she meets Wesley Tyler. Wesley is a sweet cowboy that approaches Hope right away and asks for a good luck kiss.
Amber is determined to make a match between the two of them, and with some luck she gets Hope to go on a date with him. Wesley seems to good to be true but he constantly shows Hope what a good man he can be, even when Brad is relentless to get Hope back into his bed.
But there are obstacles that will keep Hope and Wes apart. The major one? The fact that he's always on the road for work. Hope tries to be understanding of his career but when he's injured and nearly dies, will their new found love be strong enough to survive his career?
I wanted to love this book I really did. It was a cute story, but everything just seemed to move so quickly with so little character development. I wanted to see so much more of them together, but they were never together and most of their relationship was done via text and phone call. Makes it kind of hard for a relationship to work when it's so new and he's never home. It just didn't work out too well for me, especially since she's struggling still with the death of her sister and has to contend with the fact that her boyfriend is never home. Overall the story was okay and for that I'll give it 3.5 stars.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review***
Brad has been withdrawing himself from Hope more and more has time has gone by and it all explodes when she finds him in bed with another woman. Brad is desperate to get Hope back, but she's finally ready to let go of Brad and more on with her life. What better way than to go to the rodeo with Amber? It's a struggle for her to return to the last day she was with her sister, but she does it and it's here that she meets Wesley Tyler. Wesley is a sweet cowboy that approaches Hope right away and asks for a good luck kiss.
Amber is determined to make a match between the two of them, and with some luck she gets Hope to go on a date with him. Wesley seems to good to be true but he constantly shows Hope what a good man he can be, even when Brad is relentless to get Hope back into his bed.
But there are obstacles that will keep Hope and Wes apart. The major one? The fact that he's always on the road for work. Hope tries to be understanding of his career but when he's injured and nearly dies, will their new found love be strong enough to survive his career?
I wanted to love this book I really did. It was a cute story, but everything just seemed to move so quickly with so little character development. I wanted to see so much more of them together, but they were never together and most of their relationship was done via text and phone call. Makes it kind of hard for a relationship to work when it's so new and he's never home. It just didn't work out too well for me, especially since she's struggling still with the death of her sister and has to contend with the fact that her boyfriend is never home. Overall the story was okay and for that I'll give it 3.5 stars.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review***
May 4, 2014
I have to honestly say this is one of my favorite novels especially when it comes to cowboys. The author had me immediately from the amazing cover, which shows the passion of what is to come in this treasure box that is waiting for its readers to the very last page. Hope has been dealt a very bad hand in life especially when two years ago, when her best friend and sister dies in a car accident while Hope lives. While she believes her life is starting to get back on track she find out that not everyone or everything is what she thought! Amber her best friend decides to take her out and show her there is more to the world than what she has been in for the last five years but Hope is definitely scared because on the way back from the Rodeo is exactly where she lost her sister. I love the way that even though Hope has been hurt in the book she does take a stand through some and shows her feisty side, you can see why her and Amber are best friends because Amber is one force that you want to stay away from if you mess Hope. I love the friendship these two have, sometimes blood is not thicker than water and this is one prime example!!!! Westley is a two time champion in bare bronco riding who is gorgeous and definitely a gentlemen that you as a reader will swoon over (I know I wanted to) and when the two meet faith may have played a hand in this little twist.
This author especially knows how to bring her readers in and keep them entertained throughout the whole novel. Of course every good novel has twists and turns and this one does not fail in this but trust me you don’t find out until later on. Secrets can tear two people apart will these two overcome and learn to trust, even though they have been hurt and trust has been broken in the past by others However, can some of these twists tear the two lovebirds apart or will they be able to overcome all the past problems or mistakes to see what life has in-store for their future. I seriously recommend this and can’t wait to go grab another book by this author because if all her novels are as well written and have this much in them I want more.
This author especially knows how to bring her readers in and keep them entertained throughout the whole novel. Of course every good novel has twists and turns and this one does not fail in this but trust me you don’t find out until later on. Secrets can tear two people apart will these two overcome and learn to trust, even though they have been hurt and trust has been broken in the past by others However, can some of these twists tear the two lovebirds apart or will they be able to overcome all the past problems or mistakes to see what life has in-store for their future. I seriously recommend this and can’t wait to go grab another book by this author because if all her novels are as well written and have this much in them I want more.
April 3, 2014
I was provide a copy of the book by the Author/Publisher for an honest review.
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
I just finish reading this book and I love it, this was a quick read, have to say that this book got me mad some time but I love every single minute of it. love the characters and love how the book turn out to be, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Hope, she seem to have everything she wants, a best friend whose always their for her, when she agree to go to the rodeo she lets her boyfriend know about it, after she told her boyfriend and they where in the middle of about to make love he gets a text message, after he answer it he get up a walk out of her and the apartment, after she told Amber her best friend what happened they agree to go out, that night after they got home, she found the man that she though she love in bed with someone else, now two days later and she finds her self at the rodeo with amber, and she keeps remembering the last time that she was their with her sister, the same day that they got into that horrible accident, while she's waiting in line talking to amber, when she turn around to see why amber is so quiet she is strike by the Hot Sexy Green Eyes Cowboy. Wesley Tyler he own two national title, he introduce himself to Amber and Hope, that was the day that they both knew that their life was gone change.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love it how Wesley knew that what he felt for Hope was love at first sight. I love reading about this two and love it how Wesley show Hope how much he treasure and sherry her, I really did not wanted to finish reading this book. Author Ashley Johnson THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing characters and this awesome book love it.
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
I just finish reading this book and I love it, this was a quick read, have to say that this book got me mad some time but I love every single minute of it. love the characters and love how the book turn out to be, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Hope, she seem to have everything she wants, a best friend whose always their for her, when she agree to go to the rodeo she lets her boyfriend know about it, after she told her boyfriend and they where in the middle of about to make love he gets a text message, after he answer it he get up a walk out of her and the apartment, after she told Amber her best friend what happened they agree to go out, that night after they got home, she found the man that she though she love in bed with someone else, now two days later and she finds her self at the rodeo with amber, and she keeps remembering the last time that she was their with her sister, the same day that they got into that horrible accident, while she's waiting in line talking to amber, when she turn around to see why amber is so quiet she is strike by the Hot Sexy Green Eyes Cowboy. Wesley Tyler he own two national title, he introduce himself to Amber and Hope, that was the day that they both knew that their life was gone change.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love it how Wesley knew that what he felt for Hope was love at first sight. I love reading about this two and love it how Wesley show Hope how much he treasure and sherry her, I really did not wanted to finish reading this book. Author Ashley Johnson THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing characters and this awesome book love it.
December 10, 2013
NOTE: I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It is difficult to go through life with one hurdle after another. For Hope the first hurdle, the death of her sister, knocks her down. Still not healed 2 years later, she gets another blow from her fiance the night before being dragged to the rodeo by her best friend.
At the rodeo, she meets champion rider Wesley who is smitten with her from the moment they meet. He pursues her hard despite being busy with his ride that night. Wesley is a sweet, southern cowboy who is confident and caring. He knows exactly what he wants, he wants Hope. Their journey isn't easy and it isn't perfect, but no journey of love is. There are moments you are frustrated, moments you are tearing up, and moments that take your breath away. Each moment builds to tie you to the emotion of this relationship.
Hope grows a lot in this book. She has been treated badly by a man and must learn to trust her instincts again. She is emotionally raw for much of the book. She may come across as weak, but to me she was naive and young and acted much like someone her age and in her situation would have acted. I found her character to be very believable. I loved that Wesley took his time with her and treated her with care.
I loved every moment of this book. I am not a cowboy loving girl, but I loved this cowboy!!
It is difficult to go through life with one hurdle after another. For Hope the first hurdle, the death of her sister, knocks her down. Still not healed 2 years later, she gets another blow from her fiance the night before being dragged to the rodeo by her best friend.
At the rodeo, she meets champion rider Wesley who is smitten with her from the moment they meet. He pursues her hard despite being busy with his ride that night. Wesley is a sweet, southern cowboy who is confident and caring. He knows exactly what he wants, he wants Hope. Their journey isn't easy and it isn't perfect, but no journey of love is. There are moments you are frustrated, moments you are tearing up, and moments that take your breath away. Each moment builds to tie you to the emotion of this relationship.
Hope grows a lot in this book. She has been treated badly by a man and must learn to trust her instincts again. She is emotionally raw for much of the book. She may come across as weak, but to me she was naive and young and acted much like someone her age and in her situation would have acted. I found her character to be very believable. I loved that Wesley took his time with her and treated her with care.
I loved every moment of this book. I am not a cowboy loving girl, but I loved this cowboy!!
September 9, 2016
4 Star Review
Hope appeared to have it all. The love of a fiancée and best friend who adored her...looks can be deceiving. Brad was anything but what he appeared. He wasn't supportive or compassionate. He was demanding and selfish and oh yeah did I mention he was a lying cheating sick son of a .... Anyway you get the point. Hope came home to find the pig in bed with another woman and I was so hoping she would kick him in the nuts or something to make him suffer but well it didn't happen.
He friend (Which also happens to be the cousin of the lying pig fiancée) Stands by her side and makes sure she forgets about the arrogant ass she has already wasted to much of her life on...
And in walks Wesley Tyler the hot beefy cowboy at the rodeo. He is instantly attracted to Hope and ask he in the sweetest way for a good luck kiss.
The innocent front she puts up is completely opposite of the flames she feels inside.
The downfall in the relationship that blossoms between Wes and Hope...
He travels...A LOT!
They barely see one another and that in itself causes great issues in their relationship.
This story was fast paced and an easy read. It was one that held my attention and in the end I was happy with the outcome.
I do wish there was a little more regarding there time together because I loved these characters when they got together.
Hope appeared to have it all. The love of a fiancée and best friend who adored her...looks can be deceiving. Brad was anything but what he appeared. He wasn't supportive or compassionate. He was demanding and selfish and oh yeah did I mention he was a lying cheating sick son of a .... Anyway you get the point. Hope came home to find the pig in bed with another woman and I was so hoping she would kick him in the nuts or something to make him suffer but well it didn't happen.
He friend (Which also happens to be the cousin of the lying pig fiancée) Stands by her side and makes sure she forgets about the arrogant ass she has already wasted to much of her life on...
And in walks Wesley Tyler the hot beefy cowboy at the rodeo. He is instantly attracted to Hope and ask he in the sweetest way for a good luck kiss.
The innocent front she puts up is completely opposite of the flames she feels inside.
The downfall in the relationship that blossoms between Wes and Hope...
He travels...A LOT!
They barely see one another and that in itself causes great issues in their relationship.
This story was fast paced and an easy read. It was one that held my attention and in the end I was happy with the outcome.
I do wish there was a little more regarding there time together because I loved these characters when they got together.
April 4, 2014
Hope has not been able to return to the rodeo since her sister’s death 2 years ago. Never actually getting over the tragic accident that took her sister way to early, she just can’t handle the pain the memories bring to her. That is until her life was turned upside down when she walked in to her house one evening with her best friend. Even though Hope had already been dealt a crappy hand she is determined to not let the bad stop her. She does return to the rodeo only to meet Wesley. Holy Hot Cowboy is all I can say. I instantly loved Hope’s character and could not help but to cheer on Wesley hoping he could break down Hope’s walls. He doesn’t give up, he is persistent and finally makes Hope smile a real smile. Not just the fake smile on the outside to make everyone think she is ok. No, he made her happy and laugh; he brought happiness back into her life. This was a great insta-love book. You could feel the attraction between Hope and Wesley from the minute they met. Even though they have to overcome hurdles, that doesn’t stop Wesley or Hope from trying. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel, and the plus there is a hot cowboy!
Erica-The Book Nuts
Erica-The Book Nuts
January 24, 2014
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet, almost sickeningly so, story of instant attraction.
Wesley is a sweet and strong rodeo cowboy who instantly falls for Hope after seeing her at the rodeo.
Hope is heartbroken after discovering her fiancee is a cheater and unhappily dragged to the rodeo by her best friend. The last thing she's looking for is a handsome cowboy to sweep her off her feet.
This story moved rather quickly with only a few roadblocks in their path to an HEA. The writing was ok but I wanted to feel more connected to the characters.
If you're looking for a quick, sweet read and don't mind insta-love then this is the story for you.
* I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, almost sickeningly so, story of instant attraction.
Wesley is a sweet and strong rodeo cowboy who instantly falls for Hope after seeing her at the rodeo.
Hope is heartbroken after discovering her fiancee is a cheater and unhappily dragged to the rodeo by her best friend. The last thing she's looking for is a handsome cowboy to sweep her off her feet.
This story moved rather quickly with only a few roadblocks in their path to an HEA. The writing was ok but I wanted to feel more connected to the characters.
If you're looking for a quick, sweet read and don't mind insta-love then this is the story for you.
* I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2014
Where do I even begin? In the beginning I think I wanted to jump into the book and ring Brads neck myself! Hope goes out with her best friend Amber, who is crazy by the way, and in comes sexy cowboy Wesley! Swoon!! Wes, is a cowboy which makes him hot right off the bat. He says sweetheart which is an instant swwon. He is steamy, hot and def an alpha in his own way. Hope is scared about everything. I really enjoyed this book. I have no clue why it took me so long to read this! Now that I have, I am gonna recommend the heck out of it! Ashley did a really good job with everything. The sex scenes were really hot! You felt the emotions the characters did! Def a 5 star read for me!! I am happily looking forward to reading whatever this author writes that for sure!! Great job!! <3
April 6, 2014
Where do I even begin? In the beginning I think I wanted to jump into the book and ring Brads neck myself! Hope goes out with her best friend Amber, who is crazy by the way, and in comes sexy cowboy Wesley! Swoon!! Wes, is a cowboy which makes him hot right off the bat. He says sweetheart which is an instant swwon. He is steamy, hot and def an alpha in his own way. Hope is scared about everything. I really enjoyed this book. I have no clue why it took me so long to read this! Now that I have, I am gonna recommend the heck out of it! Ashley did a really good job with everything. The sex scenes were really hot! You felt the emotions the characters did! Def a 5 star read for me!! I am happily looking forward to reading whatever this author writes that for sure!! Great job!! <3
September 10, 2016
This book was a fun read. I love the dynamic between Hope and Amber. But most of all I love Wesley. The ultimate Cowboy with southern manners and all her is a bronco bucking dream. I wanted to kill her ex right alongside with her. I did find some parts of the book that jumped around a little but not enough to deter my enjoyment.
I love the fact that Wesley fights for her no matter what determined to show her what a real man can do for her heart,body and soul. Making her realize that what she had before was a poor excuse of a relationship. But nothing in life is easy and poof Wesley needs to be patient with Hope.
In the end we do get our Happily Ever After and I was thrilled! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know that you will too. Now excuse me I'm gonna watch a rodeo!
I love the fact that Wesley fights for her no matter what determined to show her what a real man can do for her heart,body and soul. Making her realize that what she had before was a poor excuse of a relationship. But nothing in life is easy and poof Wesley needs to be patient with Hope.
In the end we do get our Happily Ever After and I was thrilled! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know that you will too. Now excuse me I'm gonna watch a rodeo!
September 6, 2016
*** An ARC was provided for an honest review ***
Two words: Wesley Tyler. So he's your average cowboy right? Wrong! He's passionate, thoughtful, romantic, sweet, sensitive. He's a great hero! I loved Hope too, she's a strong and likable heroine. I like her relationship with her best friend, they remind me of me and my girlfriends.
I highly recommend Ashley's book!
Two words: Wesley Tyler. So he's your average cowboy right? Wrong! He's passionate, thoughtful, romantic, sweet, sensitive. He's a great hero! I loved Hope too, she's a strong and likable heroine. I like her relationship with her best friend, they remind me of me and my girlfriends.
I highly recommend Ashley's book!
February 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Unlike some authors who use a lot of direct characterization to describe a character's feelings, Ms. Johnson was able to make me feel Hope's emotions- sometimes to the point where I had to stop reading because I felt as uncomfortable as Hope did.
Great story, strong (and real) characters. Would highly recommend!!
Great story, strong (and real) characters. Would highly recommend!!
September 11, 2016
4 Blushing Diva Stars!!!!
As cowboys go, this is one hot cowboy! This was a good story, faced paced, hot, sexy, and emotional. The story has great elements to it like love lost, personal growth, and loss of loved ones. I enjoyed the story very much! This was my first read by Author Ashley Johnson, but it won't be my last!
As cowboys go, this is one hot cowboy! This was a good story, faced paced, hot, sexy, and emotional. The story has great elements to it like love lost, personal growth, and loss of loved ones. I enjoyed the story very much! This was my first read by Author Ashley Johnson, but it won't be my last!
December 10, 2013
If you love sexy cowboys with hearts of gold then this is the book to read. I really liked this book and would recommnd to read. Wesley Tyler has been added to my FBB :)
January 2, 2014
Sweet book. Hope did piss me off a little towards the beginning but at least she redeemed herself. I did enjoy the story and I think anyone who likes the gushy romance stuff this is up your alley.
January 7, 2014
I liked this book the whole story got to me from the begining.
January 25, 2014
4 1/2 stars
February 5, 2014
Meh. This book was good and then it was kind of terrible. The last chunk was a slog for me. Just not my normal choice at all.
November 26, 2016
Not my cup of tea
I usually love cowboy romances but this one was not my cup of tea. There seemed to be a lot of nuances that annoyed me. I would become so annoyed with it I would put the book down for a bit.
I liked Hope and Wesley in the beginning but started to become annoyed with their relationship.
I did read it in its entirety but probably should have stopped early on.
I usually love cowboy romances but this one was not my cup of tea. There seemed to be a lot of nuances that annoyed me. I would become so annoyed with it I would put the book down for a bit.
I liked Hope and Wesley in the beginning but started to become annoyed with their relationship.
I did read it in its entirety but probably should have stopped early on.
February 26, 2022
This book has some serious timeline issues, that any good editor should have caught. It made the story difficult to follow at times. Other than that, as likable as Hope and Wesley are, there is really nothing that happens in this book. Any type of issue or conflict that arises is easily solved and the story continues. Overall, it’s not a bad read, but not really something I would recommend to a friend.
December 6, 2013
My thoughts:
“Spurs & Stilettos” was a fast and cute read that had its ups and downs for me.
I loved how even after the death of her sister and finding out that her fiancée is a cheating scum, Hope is still able to move on and cover ground she had sworn to never touch again: the rodeo.
While being dragged by her bestie, Amber, to a rodeo circuit, she meets Wesley and sparks fly immediately. Heh?
Hope and Wesley go through a lot of trysts stemming from insecurities (well, from Hope) and miscommunication. Some of it I felt were overdramatized and some of it was downright annoying and selfish at times.
I can see why Hope is a little paranoid since her first love/fiancee had cheated on her in their own bed. But, nonetheless, sometimes her fits and reactions made me want to slap her.
As for Wesley, he was sweet, charming, and put up with Hope but he lacked personality and a backbone. Sometimes I thought he was too nice to her and needed to call Hope on her sh3t instead of letting her work herself up and run away. There was though one specific time that he did and I’m glad that he did since Hope deserved that brush off.
I guess what the negatives came down to were that Hope got on my nerves a lot, Wesley lacked character, it was super sappy at times; AND, their romance developed way too fast!! They hardly even knew each other really and they ended up falling head over heels for one another. I get the attraction and yes sometimes you just feel drawn to a person but I think ethically it unfolded at an improbable rate.
I’m not at all saying that this is a bad read because it's not. In my own way, flaws and all, I did happen to in fact like it over all.
I just, in a sense, wanted more depth to the story line. I do get that Hope is dealing with a terrible loss and a painful heartbreak but that was the extent of it all really.
Anyway, for all of you lovesick and cheesy cowboy lovers who love radio with a cheesy romance this is for you! Enjoy!
*P.S. : Please keep in mind that I am but one reviewer and one voice. I still would recommend it to you readers but for me personally it was so-so. Thanks though to the author in sending me a free complimentary ARC of “Spurs & Stilettos! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!*
I loved how even after the death of her sister and finding out that her fiancée is a cheating scum, Hope is still able to move on and cover ground she had sworn to never touch again: the rodeo.
While being dragged by her bestie, Amber, to a rodeo circuit, she meets Wesley and sparks fly immediately. Heh?
Hope and Wesley go through a lot of trysts stemming from insecurities (well, from Hope) and miscommunication. Some of it I felt were overdramatized and some of it was downright annoying and selfish at times.
I can see why Hope is a little paranoid since her first love/fiancee had cheated on her in their own bed. But, nonetheless, sometimes her fits and reactions made me want to slap her.
As for Wesley, he was sweet, charming, and put up with Hope but he lacked personality and a backbone. Sometimes I thought he was too nice to her and needed to call Hope on her sh3t instead of letting her work herself up and run away. There was though one specific time that he did and I’m glad that he did since Hope deserved that brush off.
I guess what the negatives came down to were that Hope got on my nerves a lot, Wesley lacked character, it was super sappy at times; AND, their romance developed way too fast!! They hardly even knew each other really and they ended up falling head over heels for one another. I get the attraction and yes sometimes you just feel drawn to a person but I think ethically it unfolded at an improbable rate.
I’m not at all saying that this is a bad read because it's not. In my own way, flaws and all, I did happen to in fact like it over all.
I just, in a sense, wanted more depth to the story line. I do get that Hope is dealing with a terrible loss and a painful heartbreak but that was the extent of it all really.
Anyway, for all of you lovesick and cheesy cowboy lovers who love radio with a cheesy romance this is for you! Enjoy!
*P.S. : Please keep in mind that I am but one reviewer and one voice. I still would recommend it to you readers but for me personally it was so-so. Thanks though to the author in sending me a free complimentary ARC of “Spurs & Stilettos! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!*
October 27, 2014
I was in such a bad mood starting this book due to a different book I was reading that I ended up not finishing...but once I got just 4% into this book I was long over the bad mood and absolutely in love with this book.
This is the first Ashley Johnson book that I have ever read and I honestly don't know why I took so long to read this book, especially since I have had this book on my kindle for at least a year now.
We start out in this book with Hope remembering the loss of her sister 2 years before while driving home from a Rodeo, which leads us up to her asking Brad (her fiance) if he was okay with her going with her BFF (and his cousin) Amber to a Rodeo.
Amber takes Hope out for a girls night and when they return to Hope and Brad's apartment Hope goes in her bedroom to find some chick riding her fiance...
Who has two thumbs and saw this coming from the beginning???? THIS GIRL!!!
Anywho Hope and Amber go to the rodeo and it is here that Hope meets Wesley Tyler...and i must say out of all the cowboy books I have read so far Wes has been my favorite. I love the way his character was developed...and not just his but all of the character were extremely well developed in this book. Even the story itself was great...I loved this book from beginning to end.
There were a few twists that I did not see coming at all...and some were easily seen coming but not to obvious to where you were like, "REALLY??? That was so obvious."
I highly recommend this book...I got it on Amazon when it was free, not sure if it still is or not but this book is definitely a jewel that got lost in the shuffle and I'm so, so glad I got and I urge you if you have not read it then please give it a chance because this book was amazing.
This is the first Ashley Johnson book that I have ever read and I honestly don't know why I took so long to read this book, especially since I have had this book on my kindle for at least a year now.
We start out in this book with Hope remembering the loss of her sister 2 years before while driving home from a Rodeo, which leads us up to her asking Brad (her fiance) if he was okay with her going with her BFF (and his cousin) Amber to a Rodeo.
Amber takes Hope out for a girls night and when they return to Hope and Brad's apartment Hope goes in her bedroom to find some chick riding her fiance...
Who has two thumbs and saw this coming from the beginning???? THIS GIRL!!!
Anywho Hope and Amber go to the rodeo and it is here that Hope meets Wesley Tyler...and i must say out of all the cowboy books I have read so far Wes has been my favorite. I love the way his character was developed...and not just his but all of the character were extremely well developed in this book. Even the story itself was great...I loved this book from beginning to end.
There were a few twists that I did not see coming at all...and some were easily seen coming but not to obvious to where you were like, "REALLY??? That was so obvious."
I highly recommend this book...I got it on Amazon when it was free, not sure if it still is or not but this book is definitely a jewel that got lost in the shuffle and I'm so, so glad I got and I urge you if you have not read it then please give it a chance because this book was amazing.
August 13, 2014
Hope Trahan was on top of the world, until it came crashing down on her.She lost her sister two years ago in a car accident. She was in the car with her and as such harbours alot of regret and guilt about it. And now her lousy fiance, Brad, who had never really been there for her to comfort her has been cheating on her. Could life get any lower.
Best friend Karlee drags her to the rodeo for a good time. Bronco rider Wesley Tyler is a two time title winner and he runs into the two girls at the canteen before his ride. He flirts with Hope and kisses her hand for luck.
After his win Wesley tells the crowd it was because of his good luck kiss. They meet up afterwards and he kisses her for real.
Hope is not ready for a relationship as she just broke it off with Brad but Wesley is so very sweet, he sends her daisies, he opens doors for her and treats her like a woman longs to be treated.The exact opposite of her relationship with the looser Brad.
They continue to spend whatever time they can together as Wesley goes out of town for competitions frequently. Things develop quickly and deeply. They burn up the sheets together, he pins her hands above the bed and instructs her not to move. He cares about her feelings, wants and desires, both in and out of the bedroom. He is perfect.
He says “May be way too soon to tell, but you just may be what I’ve been waiting for.”
This was a beautiful love story. It was a full length novel so you are really able to sink your teeth into it. We follow these two through a few criseses, her relationship with Brad, an unexpected injury at the rodeo and a few other surprises. They work hard at their relationship but sometimes keep secrets out of the desire not to hurt the other. This is not good as when they come out it is worse.There are fights, there are makeups. I am hoping for a HEA after all is said and done.
I thought the author did a great job. Her writing was easy to read and I found myself easily living out the story through these characters, I shed a few tears, had a few laughs and wanted to slap people a few times. Everything that you hope to find while you are reading.
reviewed by Monice for welovekink(dot)com
Best friend Karlee drags her to the rodeo for a good time. Bronco rider Wesley Tyler is a two time title winner and he runs into the two girls at the canteen before his ride. He flirts with Hope and kisses her hand for luck.
After his win Wesley tells the crowd it was because of his good luck kiss. They meet up afterwards and he kisses her for real.
Hope is not ready for a relationship as she just broke it off with Brad but Wesley is so very sweet, he sends her daisies, he opens doors for her and treats her like a woman longs to be treated.The exact opposite of her relationship with the looser Brad.
They continue to spend whatever time they can together as Wesley goes out of town for competitions frequently. Things develop quickly and deeply. They burn up the sheets together, he pins her hands above the bed and instructs her not to move. He cares about her feelings, wants and desires, both in and out of the bedroom. He is perfect.
He says “May be way too soon to tell, but you just may be what I’ve been waiting for.”
This was a beautiful love story. It was a full length novel so you are really able to sink your teeth into it. We follow these two through a few criseses, her relationship with Brad, an unexpected injury at the rodeo and a few other surprises. They work hard at their relationship but sometimes keep secrets out of the desire not to hurt the other. This is not good as when they come out it is worse.There are fights, there are makeups. I am hoping for a HEA after all is said and done.
I thought the author did a great job. Her writing was easy to read and I found myself easily living out the story through these characters, I shed a few tears, had a few laughs and wanted to slap people a few times. Everything that you hope to find while you are reading.
reviewed by Monice for welovekink(dot)com
April 5, 2014
I give Spurs & Stilettos 3.5 stars.
Spurs & Stilettos is a contemporary romance. Hope was in a horrible accident that resulted in the loss of her sister and 2 years later; she is still trying to move on. She is afraid of losing anyone else in her life and moving forward that she stays in a relationship longer than she should have. She catches her fiancé in a betraying act and heads out to the rodeo with her best friend Amber. At the rodeo she meets Wesley, who is a 2 time champion and he is smitten with her immediately. Wesley begins to court Hope, but she has some demons to slay before she can truly move on and be the person she feels Wesley deserves, and the person she wants to be again before the accident.
Overall I enjoyed Spurs & Stilettos; I thought the characters were warm, likeable, and realistic for the most part. I think there was potential for it to have been two stories or condensed a little, and I was a little disappointed in the epilogue; I felt cheated out of Amber’s story. I think there were predictable parts, but Johnson managed to surprise me a few times. I felt like there were questions asked multiple times, but never really answered such as how did Wesley know where Hope worked? I thought Johnson did a great job of showing how much best friends really do watch out for each and help each other out no questions asked. Sometimes the chemistry between Wesley and Hope was smoking HOT and sometimes it felt a little forced. I did feel vested in the characters and wanted them to get their HEA.
Ashley Johnson is a new to me author and a fairly new author, and I think she has a style that will only get better with each book.
If you like a story that will tug at your heart, make you cry, laugh, cheer, and fan yourself, you will enjoy Spurs & Stilettos!
Spurs & Stilettos is a contemporary romance. Hope was in a horrible accident that resulted in the loss of her sister and 2 years later; she is still trying to move on. She is afraid of losing anyone else in her life and moving forward that she stays in a relationship longer than she should have. She catches her fiancé in a betraying act and heads out to the rodeo with her best friend Amber. At the rodeo she meets Wesley, who is a 2 time champion and he is smitten with her immediately. Wesley begins to court Hope, but she has some demons to slay before she can truly move on and be the person she feels Wesley deserves, and the person she wants to be again before the accident.
Overall I enjoyed Spurs & Stilettos; I thought the characters were warm, likeable, and realistic for the most part. I think there was potential for it to have been two stories or condensed a little, and I was a little disappointed in the epilogue; I felt cheated out of Amber’s story. I think there were predictable parts, but Johnson managed to surprise me a few times. I felt like there were questions asked multiple times, but never really answered such as how did Wesley know where Hope worked? I thought Johnson did a great job of showing how much best friends really do watch out for each and help each other out no questions asked. Sometimes the chemistry between Wesley and Hope was smoking HOT and sometimes it felt a little forced. I did feel vested in the characters and wanted them to get their HEA.
Ashley Johnson is a new to me author and a fairly new author, and I think she has a style that will only get better with each book.
If you like a story that will tug at your heart, make you cry, laugh, cheer, and fan yourself, you will enjoy Spurs & Stilettos!
January 26, 2014
I found that this book reminded me a little of a fairy tale or should I say the story where the girl meets her Knight in Shinning Armour or Prince Charming only to almost mess it up!
The story centers around Hope Trahan who is engaged to Brad who is a complete loser. Brad is one of the kind of guys that does nothing for Hope's self esteem especially after Hope loses her older sister in a car accident two years earlier. Hope is trying to cope without having her sister in her life and Brad only adds fuel to the fire by not having any compassion for Hope whatsoever.
While out one night with her best friend Amber (who I think is just the best friend any girl could want to have as her sidekick) Hope comes home to find the every loving Brad in bed with another women in their bed no less! Ok duce you are done!!!! So goodbye Brad and hello Wesley Tyler...Best part Hope tosses the engagement ring that Brad gave her down the toilet....Love it!
Wesley is a true cowboy with national riding championship titles. He sees Hope at a rodeo that he is appearing in and goes up to her to start a conversation but with that sparks fly for both Wesley and Hope and so Hope is determine to put what happened with Brad in the past and try to move on. Wesley is the complete opposite of Brad, he is sweet, charming, caring, compassionate and handsome only dam problem Brad won't let Hope go. Brad kinda reminded me a annoying knat that you have flying around in your kitchen that you just can't get rid of!
The story has some twist and turns but all good and if you are looking to read a story about finding your prince or should I say cowboy this is the book for you.
I was given and ARC from the author for a honest review.
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