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Cowboys of Decker Ranch #3
How to Wrangle a Cowboy
Lindsey Ward is shocked when her grandfather leaves his ranch to her, complete with a ranch foreman who's difficult and annoyingly attractive. Lindsey thinks she has no choice but to sell the ranch, but Shane Lockhart is determined to change her mind…
Shane is determined that working and living at the Ward ranch is the only way to raise his young son properly. In order to stay at the ranch he calls home, Shane will have to warm the heart of the most stubborn, appealing woman he's ever met - opening up his own heart in the process.
Shane is determined that working and living at the Ward ranch is the only way to raise his young son properly. In order to stay at the ranch he calls home, Shane will have to warm the heart of the most stubborn, appealing woman he's ever met - opening up his own heart in the process.
472 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
51 people are currently reading
247 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 38 reviews
November 4, 2025
Lindsay Ward is finally returning home. Unfortunately, it’s for her grandfather’s funeral. She left the ranch years ago when her and her grandfather had a blow out about Lindsey’s fiancée. When Lindsey chose to marry her fiancée, her grandfather disowned her. It was a rash actions that left a lot of hurt in its wake.
Lindsay is shocked to discover that her grandfather left her sole owner of her grandfather’s ranch even though her grandmother is still alive. Lindsay must decide what is best for grandmother and the ranch but the ranch foreman, Shane, and Lindsay don’t see eye to eye.
The will and the ranch become embroiled in a land grab and a disgruntled family member adds even more grief on Lindsay’s shoulders.
The story was a hard won romance with a few side scenes that seemed to stall. Overall it was quite enjoyable, with lots of sparks between Shane and Lindsay. 3.5 Stars
I received this ARC copy of How to Wrangle a Cowboy from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Feb. 2, 2016.
Lindsay is shocked to discover that her grandfather left her sole owner of her grandfather’s ranch even though her grandmother is still alive. Lindsay must decide what is best for grandmother and the ranch but the ranch foreman, Shane, and Lindsay don’t see eye to eye.
The will and the ranch become embroiled in a land grab and a disgruntled family member adds even more grief on Lindsay’s shoulders.
The story was a hard won romance with a few side scenes that seemed to stall. Overall it was quite enjoyable, with lots of sparks between Shane and Lindsay. 3.5 Stars
I received this ARC copy of How to Wrangle a Cowboy from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Feb. 2, 2016.
April 12, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Cowboys! I love cowboys. And I was kind of digging the set up on this one. After her long estranged grand dad passed away Lindsey's come back home for the funeral only to find out she's now the new owner of a sprawling family ranch. Even worse? She's gotta deal with the ranch foreman who just rubs her wrong. She's sure he's trying to con her grandmom. And his feelings aren't much more friendly towards her and her intentions. That could totally lead to some fiery interactions, right?
Alright, despite a set up I would typically enjoy and a single daddy hero (total sucker for those!) How to Wrangle a Cowboy turned out to be a DNF at the 50% mark. There were just too many things I couldn't get past that landed it in the meh category.
Alright so...
>>>No logical thought process on the heroine's part. She's dead set on believing the hero is out to con her grandmother and steal from them. And I still can't figure out why other than he was a foster kid way back when. He's been in the area since he was a kid, he's worked for the ranch and her grandparents his whole adult life. He's the freaking foreman and cares about her grandmom and has ties to the community. That's one long ass con job if he's really out to just steal from the family. She just made no sense and even 50% in was still contemplating his con-man status.
>>>Outside drama that just didn't make any real sense. The grandfather's will was updated a week before he died. And yet...an illegitimate child he knew about and left out is blackmailing the heroine/estate saying he'll take them to court and win the ranch if she doesn't pay him hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the lawyer is like well you gotta give him the money and pay him off. And so begins her path of idiocy in not telling anyone of the issue and trying to figure out how to sell off items at the ranch like the freaking cattle the ranch is for! and acting like she'll need to sell the whole ranch (millions) to payoff a couple hundred thousand in blackmail. Um. What?
>>>If you have no clue how to run a ranch don't be a bitch to the only person there who does and cares about the ranch and is logically acting like you're an idiot for contemplating selling the backbone of the ranch.
"Do what you want. It's your ranch. But I can't run it without cattle."
"Point taken. I'm glad you realize it'snot your decision to make." She adjusted her posture, doing her best to look down on a man who topped her by at least four inches. "It seems to me you've been making the decisions around here for much too long."
He's the fucking ranch foreman. He SHOULD be making decisions. It's his damn job! Ahhh!
>>>Erratic thoughts/behavior on the parts of both the hero and heroine. I don't trust you. I want you. I think you're a con man/gold digger. Oh what soft skin you have. It might be love. How dare you not trust me! even though I'm hiding things from you too. Lets fall into bed! Love! Hate! On and on and usually within seconds. They just didn't feel stable at any point.
>>>A heroine who couldn't stop crying. She just came across as weak. Any time she felt overwhelmed or needed to end an argument...the tears started up. Fucking A! Grow a damn pair.
>>> I liked the hero well enough but really he was nothing special. I did love that he was a daddy and trying to be there for his young son. But there wasn't anything gripping about him.
>>> Other than them sniping at each other and randomly being overcome and kissing each other there was no connection and then when they've maybe mended fences and are thinking about being together (still not sure where that came from) instead of, you know, dates, spending time together, etc they're just ooo lets go fuck! and have inner thoughts of love. Again made no sense at that point in time.
>>>Flowery language. It was just exhausting. ex-- A cry escaped him, low and guttural, and she gazed down from the peak of ecstasy to see him clench his fists and throw his head back like a man in pain. Giving in to the gravity of the real world, she dove from the heights like a falcon that closes its wings and plunges earthward.
All in all, meh. Her overreactions after they had sex had me tapping out. There was just nothing pulling me in or urging me to keep going.
~~~~~~~~notes~~~~~~~~
Yeah, no. I'm done.
~
So close to DNFing this read. Blerg! The heroine is a struggle and her train of thought...not very logical. They both have such erratic behavior/thoughts. The 'big issue' everything revolves around doesn't seem like it would really be a valid issue legally. Saving grace is that I love the hero with his son. But other than that he's not really grabbing me either.
February 1, 2016
3 stars
How to Wrangle a Cowboy was an OK read.
While I enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between Lindsey and Shane, my enjoyment was affected by how wordy this read turned out to be.
It felt like the inner dialogue went on far too long to be realistic and o.m.g did Shane jump to conclusions and in a negative way. I found myself frustrated and talking to my kindle telling Shane to go talk to Lindsey instead of jumping to assume the worse... sigh
What I did love was the secondary characters, especially Lindsey's grandmother and Shane's little boy, they made it easier for me to get over my wordy issue lol
Overall the storyline held my interest from the first page and left me feeling satisfied that Shane and Lindsey were going to have a happy life ahead.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
How to Wrangle a Cowboy was an OK read.
While I enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between Lindsey and Shane, my enjoyment was affected by how wordy this read turned out to be.
It felt like the inner dialogue went on far too long to be realistic and o.m.g did Shane jump to conclusions and in a negative way. I found myself frustrated and talking to my kindle telling Shane to go talk to Lindsey instead of jumping to assume the worse... sigh
What I did love was the secondary characters, especially Lindsey's grandmother and Shane's little boy, they made it easier for me to get over my wordy issue lol
Overall the storyline held my interest from the first page and left me feeling satisfied that Shane and Lindsey were going to have a happy life ahead.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
January 31, 2016
Kennedy writes romance that’s real and characters that capture your heart. Her vibrant descriptions easily transport readers to this fantastic area where families stick together and working the land still means something. The plot of the novel is very character driven, creating an emotional yet extremely fun tale that I couldn’t put down. I loved feeling as if I were part of this story while I was lost in its pages.
Cowboys are a breed apart. Kennedy definitely proves that with this novel. Shane is the epitome of a true cowboy with a dark past. I love how the author highlights his work ethic and caring nature. His mixed emotions really shine through, creating the full picture for me. Lindsey’s go-get-em attitude really makes her stand out as a character to watch. I loved how fun and strong she was, despite what she’d been through and what she was going through. Together these two make a great couple in the present, despite the fact that they’re regularly at odds, but that’s not all. Kennedy melds the present with flashbacks of the past to create a complete picture of the main characters. Knowing where these two came from makes it so much easier to understand where and who they are in the present.
Once again Kennedy has created a story that epitomizes western life today while also filling it with romance and heat, creating the perfect mix. This is an author and a series that I’ll be following closely in the future.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Cowboys are a breed apart. Kennedy definitely proves that with this novel. Shane is the epitome of a true cowboy with a dark past. I love how the author highlights his work ethic and caring nature. His mixed emotions really shine through, creating the full picture for me. Lindsey’s go-get-em attitude really makes her stand out as a character to watch. I loved how fun and strong she was, despite what she’d been through and what she was going through. Together these two make a great couple in the present, despite the fact that they’re regularly at odds, but that’s not all. Kennedy melds the present with flashbacks of the past to create a complete picture of the main characters. Knowing where these two came from makes it so much easier to understand where and who they are in the present.
Once again Kennedy has created a story that epitomizes western life today while also filling it with romance and heat, creating the perfect mix. This is an author and a series that I’ll be following closely in the future.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2016
Shelly's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This being book 3 in the Decker Ranch series, had me a little leery about reading it out of order, but I found I had no problem reading this as a stand alone even though it was part of a series.
Lindsey has her life turned upside down when she finds out her Grandfather left her his ranch, with foreman included. The last time she saw him she left things in a bad way and feels guilty she never had a chance to get her forgiveness from him and let him know she got her life back in order. Now with the challenge of turning the ranch into something she can be proud of and her Grandfather would want is her challenge, but there are forces that are going to challenge her beliefs and herself.
Shane has spent the majority of his life working for Lindsey Ward’s Grandfather and after he passes he is worried he will not only lose his home, but now his job. But when he finds out his Granddaughter is taking over the ranch and plans to shake a few things up Shane is thrown for a loop and not sure what to think now. Growing up he has had it tough, but now with his family and Lindsey showing him loving someone is not wrong and to let your feeling show Shane’s life becomes more.
Joanne Kennedy wrote a superb book with Lindsey and Shane’s story, they both have a lot to work through, but the story captivates you and has you cheering for their happy ending. It has twists and turns along the way and when you thought you knew who was behind things, you just might have to think again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This being book 3 in the Decker Ranch series, had me a little leery about reading it out of order, but I found I had no problem reading this as a stand alone even though it was part of a series.
Lindsey has her life turned upside down when she finds out her Grandfather left her his ranch, with foreman included. The last time she saw him she left things in a bad way and feels guilty she never had a chance to get her forgiveness from him and let him know she got her life back in order. Now with the challenge of turning the ranch into something she can be proud of and her Grandfather would want is her challenge, but there are forces that are going to challenge her beliefs and herself.
Shane has spent the majority of his life working for Lindsey Ward’s Grandfather and after he passes he is worried he will not only lose his home, but now his job. But when he finds out his Granddaughter is taking over the ranch and plans to shake a few things up Shane is thrown for a loop and not sure what to think now. Growing up he has had it tough, but now with his family and Lindsey showing him loving someone is not wrong and to let your feeling show Shane’s life becomes more.
Joanne Kennedy wrote a superb book with Lindsey and Shane’s story, they both have a lot to work through, but the story captivates you and has you cheering for their happy ending. It has twists and turns along the way and when you thought you knew who was behind things, you just might have to think again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 23, 2020
If I could give this a -10 I would. This book was painful to read and it took me a long time to convince myself to actually finish. The overall story line was interesting and I had decently high hopes it would be at least a typical romance but the constant back and forth for no reason other than a look was too much for me. It was a lot of ”I love him” “I love him not” and not enough actual juicy story. There were multiple avenues they could have used to provide more detail but opted to play out the back and forth love-hate relationship of feelings for hundreds of pages instead.
Potential love child tries to come in and throw a wrench in the plans and it’s barely even talked about and after all the build up it just ends? It’s just a casual “oh yeah he’s nothing I know about him” and a quick email and that while story line just disappears? No confrontation at all? Give me a break.
If you want a ice romance about a cowboy - skip this one and find a better series. There are plenty that are less painful to read.
Potential love child tries to come in and throw a wrench in the plans and it’s barely even talked about and after all the build up it just ends? It’s just a casual “oh yeah he’s nothing I know about him” and a quick email and that while story line just disappears? No confrontation at all? Give me a break.
If you want a ice romance about a cowboy - skip this one and find a better series. There are plenty that are less painful to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2021
The last in the trilogy of the Decker Ranch where three young boys are adopted out of foster care and given a life and a future to be proud of. Although their past haunts them, Shane has struggled the most to leave the past there and overcome the obstacles from his tortured childhood. His life, so carefully crafted as to not be hurt again comes to a bend where his future with his son Cody and the Lazy Q Ranch’s granddaughter Lindsey suddenly become more important than he ever thought possible.
November 6, 2021
Enjoyed! Couldn’t put it down! The Cowboy was wary because of his previous experience, protecting his son and not wanting to make the same mistake again! The woman was reluctant to get involved again because of her previous bad choice! I would recommend this book to all my friends and neighbors who spent time in the West!
June 23, 2018
DNF....thought the storyline had potential but really disliked the "heroine " and made it difficult to read cause she was a blooming dingleberry.
Read
February 8, 2024this book needed more horses
November 23, 2024
Good - light heartfelt romance, but drug on a bit longer than necessary.
August 31, 2017
This book had really good promise and started out interesting enough for me. Then, about halfway through it started to get rushed and choppy. I liked the characters, especially Cody, and the storyline had some interesting plot points. But, there seemed to be something disconnected in the writer's style of writing.
February 2, 2016
The final installment in Joanne Kennedy's heartwarming Cowboys of Decker Ranch series, How to Wrangle a Cowboy is a sweet love story that is healing and uplifting.
Lindsey Ward and her grandfather Bud parted on bitter terms and unfortunately he passed away before they could mend the rift between them. Despite their estrangement, she is stunned to discover she will inherit the family ranch instead of her beloved grandmother, Grace. Lindsey is disillusioned by a stranger's claim against the estate but in an effort to protect her grandfather's memory, she keeps the situation from her grandmother and their trusted ranch foreman, Shane Lockhart. Trying to handle the predicament on her own, Lindsey considers selling the ranch, but can she bear to part with her grandfather's legacy?
Recently divorced and still trying to recover financially, Lindsey deeply regrets not acting sooner to make amends with her grandfather. Her grandmother is quick to assure her that Bud harbored no ill feelings toward her and that he wanted nothing but happiness for her. Lindsey would like nothing better than to remain on the ranch but she needs to raise a large sum of money in a short amount of time in order to keep information about her grandfather from becoming public knowledge. She turns to Shane for advice and they immediately lock horns over her plans.
Shane is one of three foster brothers who spent their teenage years on a neighboring ranch. He is deeply scarred by the damage inflicted by his drug addicted parents and his experiences with some of his foster families. Recently reunited with his six year old son, Cody, Shane is protective of those he loves and he finds it very difficult to trust that his good fortune will last.
Sparks fly between Shane and Lindsey from the very beginning and they spend a great deal of the story giving in to their attraction only to have their issues come between them time and again. Shane remains emotionally closed off, distant and mistrusting of Lindsey's plans while her experiences with her ex-husband leave her zealously guarding her independence. Lindsey is quick to make assumptions about Shane without discussing things with him first and this causes friction between them on more than one occasion. Their relationship is fraught with tension as lack of communication and trust take their toll on their fragile romance.
How to Wrangle a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously steamy contemporary Western romance. Shane and Lindsey are multi-faceted protagonists whose life experiences have left them a bit wary and guarded as they try to protect themselves from further pain and disappointment. The plot is engaging but it is a little busy since multiple story arcs occur simultaneously. The novel wraps up with a heartfelt epilogue that is quite sweet. A wonderful conclusion to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series that old and new fans are sure to love.
Lindsey Ward and her grandfather Bud parted on bitter terms and unfortunately he passed away before they could mend the rift between them. Despite their estrangement, she is stunned to discover she will inherit the family ranch instead of her beloved grandmother, Grace. Lindsey is disillusioned by a stranger's claim against the estate but in an effort to protect her grandfather's memory, she keeps the situation from her grandmother and their trusted ranch foreman, Shane Lockhart. Trying to handle the predicament on her own, Lindsey considers selling the ranch, but can she bear to part with her grandfather's legacy?
Recently divorced and still trying to recover financially, Lindsey deeply regrets not acting sooner to make amends with her grandfather. Her grandmother is quick to assure her that Bud harbored no ill feelings toward her and that he wanted nothing but happiness for her. Lindsey would like nothing better than to remain on the ranch but she needs to raise a large sum of money in a short amount of time in order to keep information about her grandfather from becoming public knowledge. She turns to Shane for advice and they immediately lock horns over her plans.
Shane is one of three foster brothers who spent their teenage years on a neighboring ranch. He is deeply scarred by the damage inflicted by his drug addicted parents and his experiences with some of his foster families. Recently reunited with his six year old son, Cody, Shane is protective of those he loves and he finds it very difficult to trust that his good fortune will last.
Sparks fly between Shane and Lindsey from the very beginning and they spend a great deal of the story giving in to their attraction only to have their issues come between them time and again. Shane remains emotionally closed off, distant and mistrusting of Lindsey's plans while her experiences with her ex-husband leave her zealously guarding her independence. Lindsey is quick to make assumptions about Shane without discussing things with him first and this causes friction between them on more than one occasion. Their relationship is fraught with tension as lack of communication and trust take their toll on their fragile romance.
How to Wrangle a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously steamy contemporary Western romance. Shane and Lindsey are multi-faceted protagonists whose life experiences have left them a bit wary and guarded as they try to protect themselves from further pain and disappointment. The plot is engaging but it is a little busy since multiple story arcs occur simultaneously. The novel wraps up with a heartfelt epilogue that is quite sweet. A wonderful conclusion to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series that old and new fans are sure to love.
January 29, 2016
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
Ah cowboys, in the words of the Dixie Chicks, cowboy take me away. I love cowboys, maybe it is because I grew up in Texas and I met my husband on a farm with cows and horses, who knows, but I love em. So when this book popped up, I was ready to go. Unfortunately for me, this book just did not work for me at all.
So the number one reason why this book didn't work for me was basically the writing style. The author often used twenty words when five would have sufficed, there was more than one point in the book where I would skip five or ten pages and still know exactly what was going on, it was like it took forever for the book to progress, making the pacing feel sometimes painfully slow. Another big problem for me was that the two main characters, Lindsey and Shane both have a thought process that reminds me a lot of a ping pong ball. I mean the jump from idea to idea in there head, in one paragraph they think one thing, and in the next they have concocted some kind of conspiracy and they think something completely irrational, then of course followed by thinking something different yet again. Look I love getting an idea in a characters thought process, but honestly the way that the author writes the POVs of the characters just makes things so disjointed that it really threw me off.
So as for the characters themselves, I liked Lindsey the most. Anytime you start a book with a funeral you know there is going to be some emotional upheaval. I did like the progression of Lindsey's character, I liked how she came into her own in this book, especially when she decided to follow her dream of making an animal shelter. I love people who try to protect animals, so I was inherently more likely to like her just on that alone. I liked that she was tenacious and that she stood up for herself throughout the course of the book.
As for Shane. Well, to say I didn't like him, well it would be accurate. I thought he was kind of a jerk truth be told. He loved jumping to conclusions, and doesn't believe in talking to anyone about anything, which drove me batty. What's worse about Shane though, at least for me, is that he always reaches for the worst in people. I really don't like how he judges everyone so poorly, I mean I get he had a bad childhood, I get that he was a foster kid, but he's an adult with a pretty good life now, and he has been exposed to a lot of people who have been very kind to him, so the way he is just automatically a judgmental jerk was a huge turn off.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I just couldn't. It wasn't for me. Too long, slow pace, and characters that didn't really speak to me resulted in a book that just didn't do it for me.
Ah cowboys, in the words of the Dixie Chicks, cowboy take me away. I love cowboys, maybe it is because I grew up in Texas and I met my husband on a farm with cows and horses, who knows, but I love em. So when this book popped up, I was ready to go. Unfortunately for me, this book just did not work for me at all.
So the number one reason why this book didn't work for me was basically the writing style. The author often used twenty words when five would have sufficed, there was more than one point in the book where I would skip five or ten pages and still know exactly what was going on, it was like it took forever for the book to progress, making the pacing feel sometimes painfully slow. Another big problem for me was that the two main characters, Lindsey and Shane both have a thought process that reminds me a lot of a ping pong ball. I mean the jump from idea to idea in there head, in one paragraph they think one thing, and in the next they have concocted some kind of conspiracy and they think something completely irrational, then of course followed by thinking something different yet again. Look I love getting an idea in a characters thought process, but honestly the way that the author writes the POVs of the characters just makes things so disjointed that it really threw me off.
So as for the characters themselves, I liked Lindsey the most. Anytime you start a book with a funeral you know there is going to be some emotional upheaval. I did like the progression of Lindsey's character, I liked how she came into her own in this book, especially when she decided to follow her dream of making an animal shelter. I love people who try to protect animals, so I was inherently more likely to like her just on that alone. I liked that she was tenacious and that she stood up for herself throughout the course of the book.
As for Shane. Well, to say I didn't like him, well it would be accurate. I thought he was kind of a jerk truth be told. He loved jumping to conclusions, and doesn't believe in talking to anyone about anything, which drove me batty. What's worse about Shane though, at least for me, is that he always reaches for the worst in people. I really don't like how he judges everyone so poorly, I mean I get he had a bad childhood, I get that he was a foster kid, but he's an adult with a pretty good life now, and he has been exposed to a lot of people who have been very kind to him, so the way he is just automatically a judgmental jerk was a huge turn off.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I just couldn't. It wasn't for me. Too long, slow pace, and characters that didn't really speak to me resulted in a book that just didn't do it for me.
January 17, 2021
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
HOW TO WRANGLE A COWBOY (COWBOYS OF DECKER RANCH #3) is a contemporary romance that is set in a small town in Wyoming that has seen better days and lots of cowboys. The book opens at a funeral for Bud, the owner of the Lazy Q Ranch, who is a larger than life character even in death.
Kennedy's HOW TO WRANGLE A COWBOY kept me emotionally involved throughout even though I haven't yet read the first two books in the series. There was enough background information that I didn't feel lost. We are introduced to multifaceted characters that have a depth to them as well as a rich history to each other and the town. There are several stories going on at once but all are interrelated even when they don't appear to be. This is Shane and Lindsey's story and what a story it is.
The descriptions of the scenery, the ranch buildings, the town, the trailer park and the animals are so vivid I feel that I am there. There are family and friends, animals, dreams, jobs, reminisces, surprises, laughs, happiness, fear, danger, threats, anger, hurt, sorrow, secrets, distrust, lots of heat up the sheet moments and love in various forms - between parents and children, spouses, grandparents and grandchildren and even people and the animals. Cody, Shane's son that he was reunited with after six years, is a cutie but wise beyond his years given how he lived with his mom who was looking for the good life. Grace, Lindsey's grandmother and Bud's widow, is aging with some dementia but still has a lot of life left in her and keeps everyone on their toes. There are a variety of townspeople but they have a bond that helps to keep the town going. There was some closure especially with the epilogue and a happily ever after with a few twists of its own but there were several loose ends that needed to be addressed. Not knowing if there is going to be another book in the series since there are three brothers and three books but it would be nice if there was even a novella written to give me the closure I'm looking for and tie up the loose ends.
Kennedy is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books if this is her style of writing since I love most books set on western ranches with cowboys. I do want to read the first two books in this series, HOW TO HANDLE A COWBOY and HOW TO KISS A COWBOY, as well as other books she's written.
I rated the book 4.5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
HOW TO WRANGLE A COWBOY (COWBOYS OF DECKER RANCH #3) is a contemporary romance that is set in a small town in Wyoming that has seen better days and lots of cowboys. The book opens at a funeral for Bud, the owner of the Lazy Q Ranch, who is a larger than life character even in death.
Kennedy's HOW TO WRANGLE A COWBOY kept me emotionally involved throughout even though I haven't yet read the first two books in the series. There was enough background information that I didn't feel lost. We are introduced to multifaceted characters that have a depth to them as well as a rich history to each other and the town. There are several stories going on at once but all are interrelated even when they don't appear to be. This is Shane and Lindsey's story and what a story it is.
The descriptions of the scenery, the ranch buildings, the town, the trailer park and the animals are so vivid I feel that I am there. There are family and friends, animals, dreams, jobs, reminisces, surprises, laughs, happiness, fear, danger, threats, anger, hurt, sorrow, secrets, distrust, lots of heat up the sheet moments and love in various forms - between parents and children, spouses, grandparents and grandchildren and even people and the animals. Cody, Shane's son that he was reunited with after six years, is a cutie but wise beyond his years given how he lived with his mom who was looking for the good life. Grace, Lindsey's grandmother and Bud's widow, is aging with some dementia but still has a lot of life left in her and keeps everyone on their toes. There are a variety of townspeople but they have a bond that helps to keep the town going. There was some closure especially with the epilogue and a happily ever after with a few twists of its own but there were several loose ends that needed to be addressed. Not knowing if there is going to be another book in the series since there are three brothers and three books but it would be nice if there was even a novella written to give me the closure I'm looking for and tie up the loose ends.
Kennedy is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books if this is her style of writing since I love most books set on western ranches with cowboys. I do want to read the first two books in this series, HOW TO HANDLE A COWBOY and HOW TO KISS A COWBOY, as well as other books she's written.
I rated the book 4.5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
February 5, 2016
Vikki’s Musings
This is the first time I have read a book by Ms. Kennedy. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read How to Wrangle a Cowboy in exchange for an honest review, I found the book description intriguing, so decided to accept. I am so glad I did.
Lindsey Ward comes back to Wyoming for her grandfather’s funeral. Although estranged, he wills her the ranch with the provision, her grandmother can reside at there for the rest of her life. Lindsey has an up and coming veterinarian practice she needs to get back to, but needs to get the ranch on a firm footing.
When she meets the foreman of the ranch, Shane Lockhart, the sparks fly, and not just the kind where two opposing opinions exist. The physical attraction between them burns hotter than a fire cracker.
When a man claiming to be her grandfather’s son threatens to tell her grandmother her husband had an affair long ago, Lindsey has to come up with a large amount of ready cash she doesn’t have. Will she give in to the blackmail, or let the cards fall? Can she change her plans and allow this rugged cowboy and his adorable son into her life?
I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting characters in this book, from the grandmother and Shane’s little boy to the cowboy’s brothers and their wives. The storyline is great and the pacing is good. However, I did feel the book could have been tightened up a bit. There were a few scenes that didn’t move the story along very much, hence, the 4 Gold Crown rating.
I like Lindsey, the heroine, in this story. She has her heart in the right place, even though, at times, I wanted to shake her. She’s feisty, but completely loyal to her grandmother and is willing to sacrifice a lot to protect her from what could destroy her fragile emotional state. I loved her great love for any animal that crosses her path. She’s a well-rounded character and she hasn’t let the hard knocks of her life get her down.
Shane is a bit of a lost soul. Abandoned by his parents, he grew up in foster homes. He’s made a few mistakes in his life but accepts responsibility for them. His love for his son is fierce, and he will do whatever is needed to keep him from harm. Even though he has had his heart stomped on by his son’s mother, he’s still willing to take a chance on a lifetime with Lindsey.
If you enjoy a good cowboy story with a great story and moving love story, then you will love How to Wrangle a Cowboy as much as I did. I plan to go back and read the other books in this series. Happy reading!
This is the first time I have read a book by Ms. Kennedy. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read How to Wrangle a Cowboy in exchange for an honest review, I found the book description intriguing, so decided to accept. I am so glad I did.
Lindsey Ward comes back to Wyoming for her grandfather’s funeral. Although estranged, he wills her the ranch with the provision, her grandmother can reside at there for the rest of her life. Lindsey has an up and coming veterinarian practice she needs to get back to, but needs to get the ranch on a firm footing.
When she meets the foreman of the ranch, Shane Lockhart, the sparks fly, and not just the kind where two opposing opinions exist. The physical attraction between them burns hotter than a fire cracker.
When a man claiming to be her grandfather’s son threatens to tell her grandmother her husband had an affair long ago, Lindsey has to come up with a large amount of ready cash she doesn’t have. Will she give in to the blackmail, or let the cards fall? Can she change her plans and allow this rugged cowboy and his adorable son into her life?
I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting characters in this book, from the grandmother and Shane’s little boy to the cowboy’s brothers and their wives. The storyline is great and the pacing is good. However, I did feel the book could have been tightened up a bit. There were a few scenes that didn’t move the story along very much, hence, the 4 Gold Crown rating.
I like Lindsey, the heroine, in this story. She has her heart in the right place, even though, at times, I wanted to shake her. She’s feisty, but completely loyal to her grandmother and is willing to sacrifice a lot to protect her from what could destroy her fragile emotional state. I loved her great love for any animal that crosses her path. She’s a well-rounded character and she hasn’t let the hard knocks of her life get her down.
Shane is a bit of a lost soul. Abandoned by his parents, he grew up in foster homes. He’s made a few mistakes in his life but accepts responsibility for them. His love for his son is fierce, and he will do whatever is needed to keep him from harm. Even though he has had his heart stomped on by his son’s mother, he’s still willing to take a chance on a lifetime with Lindsey.
If you enjoy a good cowboy story with a great story and moving love story, then you will love How to Wrangle a Cowboy as much as I did. I plan to go back and read the other books in this series. Happy reading!
February 6, 2016
I received and ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is.
Although this is the third novel in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series, it's the first one I've read, and for the most part I enjoyed it.
Grace Ward has just lost her husband, the love of life for the past 50 years, who died in an accidental fall from a horse. At graveside with her stands Shane Lockhardt, her ranch foreman. Arriving late to the funeral is Grace's granddaughter, Lindsay, who's been estranged from her grandparents for years, ever since she married a surgeon, Rodger, of whom they didn't approve. She should have listened to them. To her great surprise, and Shane's consternation, her grandfather bequeathed her the cattle ranch, all 40,000 acres of it.
Lindsay is a veterinarian, and her former husband helped finance the opening of her practice, but he never expected her to actually run it. After the divorce, she had to refinance and is now deeply in debt. Shane assumes that, as best, she'll return to her practice and allow him to run the ranch just as he has been for years. At worst, Shane fears she'll sell the ranch, pocket the money and head back to Charleston. Lindsay is torn--she never expected to receive anything from her estranged grandfather, and when a man who uncannily resembles him tells her the ranch should have been his and then tells her she can pay him $200,000 and he won't sue her for all of it, she's caught between a rock and a hard place. What Lindsay has always dreamed of is opening an animal sanctuary--a shelter for abandoned and abused animals of all kinds, a notion of which her grandmother, Grace, who has done just that for the horses she so loves, heartily approves.
None of the financial issues seems to stop the growing attraction between Shane and Lindsay. Add in the fact that the woman who Shane impregnated in high school and who then hit the road with his son, whereabouts unknown, for the past six years, shows up and the ranch, drops off his son, Cody, and leaves as quickly as possible. Shane and his two brothers were abused and abandoned as children, shuffled from foster home to foster home, and back to a dreadful shelter in-between for years. He's closed off emotionally, at least until he's reunited with his son, but once you open that door, can you ever really close it again?
There's a lot of drama packed into this novel, a lot of misunderstandings, miscommunications and a lot of soul-searching, but it all makes for an engaging, albeit long, but nevertheless heartwarming read.
Although this is the third novel in the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series, it's the first one I've read, and for the most part I enjoyed it.
Grace Ward has just lost her husband, the love of life for the past 50 years, who died in an accidental fall from a horse. At graveside with her stands Shane Lockhardt, her ranch foreman. Arriving late to the funeral is Grace's granddaughter, Lindsay, who's been estranged from her grandparents for years, ever since she married a surgeon, Rodger, of whom they didn't approve. She should have listened to them. To her great surprise, and Shane's consternation, her grandfather bequeathed her the cattle ranch, all 40,000 acres of it.
Lindsay is a veterinarian, and her former husband helped finance the opening of her practice, but he never expected her to actually run it. After the divorce, she had to refinance and is now deeply in debt. Shane assumes that, as best, she'll return to her practice and allow him to run the ranch just as he has been for years. At worst, Shane fears she'll sell the ranch, pocket the money and head back to Charleston. Lindsay is torn--she never expected to receive anything from her estranged grandfather, and when a man who uncannily resembles him tells her the ranch should have been his and then tells her she can pay him $200,000 and he won't sue her for all of it, she's caught between a rock and a hard place. What Lindsay has always dreamed of is opening an animal sanctuary--a shelter for abandoned and abused animals of all kinds, a notion of which her grandmother, Grace, who has done just that for the horses she so loves, heartily approves.
None of the financial issues seems to stop the growing attraction between Shane and Lindsay. Add in the fact that the woman who Shane impregnated in high school and who then hit the road with his son, whereabouts unknown, for the past six years, shows up and the ranch, drops off his son, Cody, and leaves as quickly as possible. Shane and his two brothers were abused and abandoned as children, shuffled from foster home to foster home, and back to a dreadful shelter in-between for years. He's closed off emotionally, at least until he's reunited with his son, but once you open that door, can you ever really close it again?
There's a lot of drama packed into this novel, a lot of misunderstandings, miscommunications and a lot of soul-searching, but it all makes for an engaging, albeit long, but nevertheless heartwarming read.
December 14, 2015
If hearing of the passing of her beloved grandfather wasn't shocking enough for Lindsey Ward, hearing that he left his ranch to her was enough to knock her world off of it's axis. The last time they saw one another things were definitely left on bitter terms, and for that Lindsey has carried a lot of regret, and frequently thought she should make amends with her grandfather. But now that he is gone she won't get that opportunity, which is almost more than she can bare, especially since the person causing all of the turmoil between them is no longer part of Lindsay's life. Her grandmother reassures her that their little spat didn't change his love for her and that the best way for her to move on, is to just let the regret go, and try to turn her newly acquired property into something she can be proud of, and what her grandfather hoped she'd use it for... but Lindsay is swimming in debt and thinks she may have to sell the ranch, and let her dream job go.
Shane Lockhart has spent the majority of his life working for the Ward family on their lavish ranch, and has enjoyed every minute it, but now that his boss has passed away Shane is concerned that he may not only be losing his home, but his job too. His bosses beautiful and highly tempting granddaughter is home to claim the ranch and sell it off to the highest bidder, but Shane isn't ready to let the ranch go or see her sell something that is so rich with family history to a complete stranger. Now he must find a way to convince her to keep the ranch, and also keep him from losing everything he has worked so hard for...
This was my first experience with Ms. Kennedy's work, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, so much so, I plan to make a return visit to the series very soon! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Shane and Lindsey's story, and watching them find their happy ending. The story line captivated my attention right from the start, and had me flying right through the pages, because I just had to know what was going to happen next!!
If you like small town romance with a western twist, and handsome cowboys, then look no further...this is DEFINITELY the perfect read for you!! Shane is sure to capture your heart and leave you swooning like a lovesick fool!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by SourceBooks Casablanca Publishing in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
Shane Lockhart has spent the majority of his life working for the Ward family on their lavish ranch, and has enjoyed every minute it, but now that his boss has passed away Shane is concerned that he may not only be losing his home, but his job too. His bosses beautiful and highly tempting granddaughter is home to claim the ranch and sell it off to the highest bidder, but Shane isn't ready to let the ranch go or see her sell something that is so rich with family history to a complete stranger. Now he must find a way to convince her to keep the ranch, and also keep him from losing everything he has worked so hard for...
This was my first experience with Ms. Kennedy's work, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, so much so, I plan to make a return visit to the series very soon! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Shane and Lindsey's story, and watching them find their happy ending. The story line captivated my attention right from the start, and had me flying right through the pages, because I just had to know what was going to happen next!!
If you like small town romance with a western twist, and handsome cowboys, then look no further...this is DEFINITELY the perfect read for you!! Shane is sure to capture your heart and leave you swooning like a lovesick fool!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by SourceBooks Casablanca Publishing in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
February 1, 2016
I think I can safely say there's not too much that's more appealing than a rough and rugged cowboy who also happens to be a single parent to a sweet little boy. And if he's a sexy ranch foreman who's taking care of business while looking after the elderly ranch owners, even better!
Lindsey Ward left her grandparents' ranch years before after her granddad issued an ultimatum to not return if she married her fiancee. Even though her marriage fell apart, Lindsay never returned to the ranch until she was summoned for her grandad's funeral. She's hoping he forgave her and left her some small token of his affection, so imagine her shock when she finds she's inherited the entire ranch she knows nothing about running.
Shane Lockhart had a rough beginning in life and ended up in foster care but he's worked his way up to foreman of the ranch owned by Bud and Grace Ward. He has been working for the Wards for years and surreptitiously looking after them, especially lately as Grace has been suffering from the beginnings of dementia and she seems even more confused now that Bud is gone. When Shane finds out that veterinarian Lindsey has inherited the ranch, he hopes she will be anxious to just return to her out-of-town practice and leave him to continue running things. So imagine his shock when she decides she'll probably sell the ranch and put the money into an animal rescue project, leaving him out of a job and his son without the only home he's known.
Now, you know there's going to be some Wyoming fireworks between these two as they try to work things out while fighting the ever growing sparks of attraction. This is a fun February release just in time for Valentine's Day!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. It's the third book in a series, but works just fine as a stand alone novel. You can read more reviews like this one at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
Lindsey Ward left her grandparents' ranch years before after her granddad issued an ultimatum to not return if she married her fiancee. Even though her marriage fell apart, Lindsay never returned to the ranch until she was summoned for her grandad's funeral. She's hoping he forgave her and left her some small token of his affection, so imagine her shock when she finds she's inherited the entire ranch she knows nothing about running.
Shane Lockhart had a rough beginning in life and ended up in foster care but he's worked his way up to foreman of the ranch owned by Bud and Grace Ward. He has been working for the Wards for years and surreptitiously looking after them, especially lately as Grace has been suffering from the beginnings of dementia and she seems even more confused now that Bud is gone. When Shane finds out that veterinarian Lindsey has inherited the ranch, he hopes she will be anxious to just return to her out-of-town practice and leave him to continue running things. So imagine his shock when she decides she'll probably sell the ranch and put the money into an animal rescue project, leaving him out of a job and his son without the only home he's known.
Now, you know there's going to be some Wyoming fireworks between these two as they try to work things out while fighting the ever growing sparks of attraction. This is a fun February release just in time for Valentine's Day!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. It's the third book in a series, but works just fine as a stand alone novel. You can read more reviews like this one at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
June 8, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
There were moments when I enjoyed How To Wrangle A Cowboy. Moments. Yet the rest of the time spent in this world involved wanting to toss a Kindle against a soft surface (so I wouldn’t break it for the next book!), needing to have a serious talk with Lindsey about her convoluted ways of coming to the conclusion that Shane is a con man, and Shane’s inability to see the good in any freaking thing around him aside from his son. I just…(insert sigh) … it could have been so much different. But it wasn’t.
I am equally certain that there are just as many readers who love this story and won’t understand why I didn’t. That’s okay, we all have triggers and buttons that get pushed while reading a story. What made this an just okay read for me were the things that simply didn’t make any kind of sense – even for the perpetually stupid. Really – you have a cattle ranch and in order to raise needed money you’re thinking of selling off…cattle? Really? What is a cattle ranch without cattle? I could rattle off a slew of things that just didn’t make sense to me – but why. I’m still going to be left with my opinion and you’re going to make your own once you read it.
The author is new to me – and I’ll give her another shot, not every story is going to be for every reader but that doesn’t mean the author isn’t great and talented. So yeah, I’ll try again. Just this one disappointed because I believe it could have been amazing if the characters had reacted differently to situations. No, I’m not a writer and I cannot do what they do — I am a reader, and I know what I enjoy. And really, that enjoyment is the bottom line for me.
*I received an e-ARC of How To Wrangle A Cowboy from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
There were moments when I enjoyed How To Wrangle A Cowboy. Moments. Yet the rest of the time spent in this world involved wanting to toss a Kindle against a soft surface (so I wouldn’t break it for the next book!), needing to have a serious talk with Lindsey about her convoluted ways of coming to the conclusion that Shane is a con man, and Shane’s inability to see the good in any freaking thing around him aside from his son. I just…(insert sigh) … it could have been so much different. But it wasn’t.
I am equally certain that there are just as many readers who love this story and won’t understand why I didn’t. That’s okay, we all have triggers and buttons that get pushed while reading a story. What made this an just okay read for me were the things that simply didn’t make any kind of sense – even for the perpetually stupid. Really – you have a cattle ranch and in order to raise needed money you’re thinking of selling off…cattle? Really? What is a cattle ranch without cattle? I could rattle off a slew of things that just didn’t make sense to me – but why. I’m still going to be left with my opinion and you’re going to make your own once you read it.
The author is new to me – and I’ll give her another shot, not every story is going to be for every reader but that doesn’t mean the author isn’t great and talented. So yeah, I’ll try again. Just this one disappointed because I believe it could have been amazing if the characters had reacted differently to situations. No, I’m not a writer and I cannot do what they do — I am a reader, and I know what I enjoy. And really, that enjoyment is the bottom line for me.
*I received an e-ARC of How To Wrangle A Cowboy from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
January 8, 2016
Lindsey has her life turned upside down when she finds out her Grandfather left her his ranch, with foreman included. The last time she saw him she left things in a bad way and feels guilty she never had a chance to get her forgiveness from him and let him know she got her life back in order. Now with the challenge of turning the ranch into something she can be proud of and her Grandfather would want is her challenge, but there are forces that are going to challenge her beliefs and herself.
Shane has spent the majority of his life working for Lindsey Ward’s Grandfather and after he passes he is worried he will not only lose his home, but now his job. But when he finds out his Granddaughter is taking over the ranch and plans to shake a few things up Shane is thrown for a loop and not sure what to think now. Growing up he has had it tough, but now with his family and Lindsey showing him loving someone is not wrong and to let your feeling show Shane’s life becomes more.
This being book 3 in the Decker Ranch series, had me a little leery about reading it out of order, but I found I had no problem reading this as a stand alone even though it was part of a series. Joanne Kennedy wrote a superb book with Lindsey and Shane’s story, they both have a lot to work through, but the story captivates you and has you cheering for their happy ending. It has twists and turns along the way and when you thought you knew who was behind things, you just might have to think again.
Shane has spent the majority of his life working for Lindsey Ward’s Grandfather and after he passes he is worried he will not only lose his home, but now his job. But when he finds out his Granddaughter is taking over the ranch and plans to shake a few things up Shane is thrown for a loop and not sure what to think now. Growing up he has had it tough, but now with his family and Lindsey showing him loving someone is not wrong and to let your feeling show Shane’s life becomes more.
This being book 3 in the Decker Ranch series, had me a little leery about reading it out of order, but I found I had no problem reading this as a stand alone even though it was part of a series. Joanne Kennedy wrote a superb book with Lindsey and Shane’s story, they both have a lot to work through, but the story captivates you and has you cheering for their happy ending. It has twists and turns along the way and when you thought you knew who was behind things, you just might have to think again.
February 10, 2016
This is the first book I read by the author and it was a good story. The author knows how to write to keep you focused & hooked into the story. This book is about second chances and how to get your cowboy that you always wanted.
Lindsay comes back home after being gone for years. She didn't leave on the best terms with her grandma & grandpa all because of decisions she made. However, she is returning home to her grandpa's funeral and wishes that she could've talked to him before he passed. Now she finds out that he has left her is ranch with a foreman that she's always had a crush on. She isn't sure she can run the ranch let alone deal with Shane but she isn't going to give up.
Shane has seen it all and has loved Lindsay for a long time, when she left she also hurt him. Now that she is back in town, he believes things will be different and he may need a new home. When he learns that Lindsay was left the ranch, he judged her on what she planned on doing until he was told the truth. He only can help her the best he can but also he must let her know how he feels.
The characters have that connection and the more you get into the story, the stronger the connection forms and grows. The spark that they have is hot and steamy. The both face the battles together and when they need help they turn to others, no matter what it's a strong front and no one will be able to come in between it. Overall, a great story.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Lindsay comes back home after being gone for years. She didn't leave on the best terms with her grandma & grandpa all because of decisions she made. However, she is returning home to her grandpa's funeral and wishes that she could've talked to him before he passed. Now she finds out that he has left her is ranch with a foreman that she's always had a crush on. She isn't sure she can run the ranch let alone deal with Shane but she isn't going to give up.
Shane has seen it all and has loved Lindsay for a long time, when she left she also hurt him. Now that she is back in town, he believes things will be different and he may need a new home. When he learns that Lindsay was left the ranch, he judged her on what she planned on doing until he was told the truth. He only can help her the best he can but also he must let her know how he feels.
The characters have that connection and the more you get into the story, the stronger the connection forms and grows. The spark that they have is hot and steamy. The both face the battles together and when they need help they turn to others, no matter what it's a strong front and no one will be able to come in between it. Overall, a great story.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
February 26, 2016
This book was my first by Ms. Kennedy, and I'm glad I read it. Though is started out slow, it picked up the pace and held it for the rest of the book.
I loved the chemistry between Lindsey and Shane. It went from a slow simmer to an all out explosive mix -- they had sex on the dining room table, people! That's hot!
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Shane's love and devotion to his son. When I read that he dropped everything at the age of 18 to chase after his baby-momma to get his son back, I nearly sobbed. How many 18 year old boys would do that? I fell in love with him in that moment.
I love Grace, she was a hoot. I didn't much like Shane's brothers, but then again, I didn't read their books, so I don't know them personally, LOL.
There were only a few things that bothered me about this book -- the main one being Lindsey's flightiness. She was ALL OVER THE DAMN PLACE! She couldn't make a concrete internal decision about anything, and she often made the wrong ones. I felt for Shane and the treatment he endured as a child, and I sided with him on the whole Rescue Ranch thing. I love animals, but not enough to risk my livelihood or legacy to save them all.
Anyway, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good old fashioned heartwarming, yet sexy, cowboy romance.
I loved the chemistry between Lindsey and Shane. It went from a slow simmer to an all out explosive mix -- they had sex on the dining room table, people! That's hot!
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Shane's love and devotion to his son. When I read that he dropped everything at the age of 18 to chase after his baby-momma to get his son back, I nearly sobbed. How many 18 year old boys would do that? I fell in love with him in that moment.
I love Grace, she was a hoot. I didn't much like Shane's brothers, but then again, I didn't read their books, so I don't know them personally, LOL.
There were only a few things that bothered me about this book -- the main one being Lindsey's flightiness. She was ALL OVER THE DAMN PLACE! She couldn't make a concrete internal decision about anything, and she often made the wrong ones. I felt for Shane and the treatment he endured as a child, and I sided with him on the whole Rescue Ranch thing. I love animals, but not enough to risk my livelihood or legacy to save them all.
Anyway, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good old fashioned heartwarming, yet sexy, cowboy romance.
March 24, 2016
"How to Wrangle a Cowboy" by Joanne Kennedy is a contemporary western romance. This is book three in the "Decker Ranch" series. It can read as a standalone. This is veterinarian Lindsey Ward and ranch foreman Shane Lockhart 's story.
Lindsey has a veterinarian practice in Charleston. She hasn't been home in a long time due to a disagreement with her grandfather. Lindsey's grandfather died and left her his Wyoming ranch. Shane is foreman on her grandfather's ranch. He wonders whether he will keep his job and home. This is a real concern for Shane with raising his son alone. Plus, Shane has always been attracted to Lindsey.
The book is full of drama, suspense, romance, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments. There is a lot going on in this story, but the author keeps your attention with all the twist and turns in the story.
A sweet and passionate romance. The characters were very likable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the ranch and landscapes. A very enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Sourcebooks for an honest review. FYI, contains mature content.
Lindsey has a veterinarian practice in Charleston. She hasn't been home in a long time due to a disagreement with her grandfather. Lindsey's grandfather died and left her his Wyoming ranch. Shane is foreman on her grandfather's ranch. He wonders whether he will keep his job and home. This is a real concern for Shane with raising his son alone. Plus, Shane has always been attracted to Lindsey.
The book is full of drama, suspense, romance, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments. There is a lot going on in this story, but the author keeps your attention with all the twist and turns in the story.
A sweet and passionate romance. The characters were very likable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the ranch and landscapes. A very enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Sourcebooks for an honest review. FYI, contains mature content.
June 13, 2016
This book was difficult for me to stick with. It felt disjointed and forced and to be honest, I really didn't feel any attraction between Shane and Lindsey other than we are told that they are attracted to each other. They both were irrationally stubborn and refused to listen to each other or give each other the benefit of the doubt. There were many eye rolls on my part as I read this story.
Both Shane and Lindsey jumped to love so fast that it didn't feel believable. Then, they both have trust issues and doubt each other's intentions. Within the same page, their feelings jump from love to hate to distrust to lust...it's like a ball ricocheting around and it's hard to keep up. And the drama was manufactured and so crazy it felt really forced.
I just never felt anything with this book, and I love cowboys. I was glad to put it into my completed shelf and move on.
Both Shane and Lindsey jumped to love so fast that it didn't feel believable. Then, they both have trust issues and doubt each other's intentions. Within the same page, their feelings jump from love to hate to distrust to lust...it's like a ball ricocheting around and it's hard to keep up. And the drama was manufactured and so crazy it felt really forced.
I just never felt anything with this book, and I love cowboys. I was glad to put it into my completed shelf and move on.
November 18, 2015
Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:
How To Wrangle A Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy was one of those books that had me smiling, scowling at the characters every now and then, and had me sighing in contentment. It was sweet, sexy, frisky, and downright fun!
Shane and Lindsey were some seriously wonderful characters. Both had issues they needed to work out, and when they were in the same vicinity of one another sparks flew and tempers soared and soon, so did their passion! I really enjoyed this story. The characters are feisty and amazing while story took my breath away. It was SUCH an enjoyable romance. I will be watching for more book by Miss Kennedy, that;s for sure.
How To Wrangle A Cowboy gets a SHINNING FOUR SHOOTING STARS! Fun, inspirational, full of charm, smoking chemistry and steamy sex. A VERY GOOD READ.
How To Wrangle A Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy was one of those books that had me smiling, scowling at the characters every now and then, and had me sighing in contentment. It was sweet, sexy, frisky, and downright fun!
Shane and Lindsey were some seriously wonderful characters. Both had issues they needed to work out, and when they were in the same vicinity of one another sparks flew and tempers soared and soon, so did their passion! I really enjoyed this story. The characters are feisty and amazing while story took my breath away. It was SUCH an enjoyable romance. I will be watching for more book by Miss Kennedy, that;s for sure.
How To Wrangle A Cowboy gets a SHINNING FOUR SHOOTING STARS! Fun, inspirational, full of charm, smoking chemistry and steamy sex. A VERY GOOD READ.
March 2, 2016
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Lindsay Ward has finally returned home, unfortunately it as for her grandfather’s funeral. After having a fight with her grandfather about her ex husband she hasn’t been back since. Lindsay is shocked to discover that her grandfather has left her the entire ranch. Now she needs to learn how to run it and make her own dreams come true with her foreman, Shane.
I felt that the beginning of the book was a little slow to start and the relationship between Shane and Lindsay was a little rocky but they worked it out in the end. I loved the relationship between Cody and Lindsay, it was adorable how she connected with Shane’s little boy. The sizzling attraction between Shane and Lindsay was brilliantly done and I felt that it really pushed the story along for me.
Lindsay Ward has finally returned home, unfortunately it as for her grandfather’s funeral. After having a fight with her grandfather about her ex husband she hasn’t been back since. Lindsay is shocked to discover that her grandfather has left her the entire ranch. Now she needs to learn how to run it and make her own dreams come true with her foreman, Shane.
I felt that the beginning of the book was a little slow to start and the relationship between Shane and Lindsay was a little rocky but they worked it out in the end. I loved the relationship between Cody and Lindsay, it was adorable how she connected with Shane’s little boy. The sizzling attraction between Shane and Lindsay was brilliantly done and I felt that it really pushed the story along for me.
June 11, 2016
What a wonderful story of heart, perseverance, and romance. Although I have not read the other two in the series, I did not feel I had missed anything. Lindsey and Shane were both so scarred and scared of loving in this book. With the love of Lindsey's Grandmother, Shane's little boy, the people from the park, and of course the animals, you have a story that will melt your heart. I have to say, it was one of the most uplifting stories I have read in a very long time. I did love the bit of humor at the end of this HEA as well. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves romance and a wonderful story of overcoming the past. Joanne Kennedy is a wonderful writer and I have to admit, it has been a long time since I have read any of her books. I want to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me the chance to read and review this one. 4.5 Stars!!
February 26, 2016
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsey Ward returns to the Lazy Q Ranch in Wyoming after her grandfather's death and soon discovers that it is her inheritance from him. She remembers the ranch as a happy place from her childhood and she begins to recapture those happy and lighthearted moments again. Her foreman, Shane Lockhart, can't help but want to share her happiness but finds it much more difficult to embrace it completely. Now that he has his seven year old son living with him, his life has already changed in so many ways. Can Lindsey open Shane's heart to a love as open as the Wyoming sky?
This is the first time I've read any of this author's books, but I will definitely look for more of them in the future!
Lindsey Ward returns to the Lazy Q Ranch in Wyoming after her grandfather's death and soon discovers that it is her inheritance from him. She remembers the ranch as a happy place from her childhood and she begins to recapture those happy and lighthearted moments again. Her foreman, Shane Lockhart, can't help but want to share her happiness but finds it much more difficult to embrace it completely. Now that he has his seven year old son living with him, his life has already changed in so many ways. Can Lindsey open Shane's heart to a love as open as the Wyoming sky?
This is the first time I've read any of this author's books, but I will definitely look for more of them in the future!
February 8, 2016
Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
Lindsey Ward is stunned by the fact that her late grandfather has left his ranch to her. She wasn’t expecting him to include her in his will, not after she made the worst decision of her life — choosing her fiancé over her family. However, the moment she takes control of the ranch, it seems she might not be able to keep it when someone blackmails her. By making her believe they have more of a claim on the property. Read More
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