What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunnybell #1
Learning to Ride
She never wanted to love a cowboy. . . .
Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn't want to be tied down. When he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he doesn't just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for forever. . . .
Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn't want to be tied down. When he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he doesn't just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for forever. . . .
129 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2016
59 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 26, 2016
I loved this book!
It's a feel good romance. It reminds me of why I fell in love reading romance.
Madeline is a hard worker and wants nothing more than to climb the corporate ladder, and now she has the perfect opportunity to do so, and do it well. Only, she has to move from New York to Sunnybell, Texas. That's asking a lot of her, but she can do it. After all, if her calculations are right her stay will last no more than two years top.
After a few days of being holed up in a motel, she misses the city noise and so she decides to visit the only place open after 8pm on a Thursday. There she meets a cowboy, who she's got no clue is somewhat of a celebrity in town.
Tanner is a former Rodeo star. He never dallies with women from town and thinks Madeline is just passing by. After spending one night together, he doesn't imagine he'd ever see her again and is shocked when he stumbles upon her at a store.
It bothers him that despite their chemistry Madeline acts like their one-night stand didn't mean anything. This becomes a challenge for him because no one's ever rejected him in such a way. He offers to help her clean her front yard. This isn't out of the goodness of his heart, he does this to get closer to her so that it is she who comes begging him later. But she doesn't. LOL!
Madeline seems a little snotty at times. She's the girl from a big city in a little town. She dreams big, and wants to make her place in Corporate America, she's always planning for the future--retirement.
Tanner is more let's live in the moment kind of guy. He wants to enjoy life to its fullest and doesn't want to be tied down to rules and the like. He's super funny, and so sexy I could almost hear his Texan drawl.
They couldn't be any more opposites than they are, but when they get together sparks fly. Their banter is sexy and a bit comical. I really loved this book by Erin.
It's a feel good romance. It reminds me of why I fell in love reading romance.
Madeline is a hard worker and wants nothing more than to climb the corporate ladder, and now she has the perfect opportunity to do so, and do it well. Only, she has to move from New York to Sunnybell, Texas. That's asking a lot of her, but she can do it. After all, if her calculations are right her stay will last no more than two years top.
After a few days of being holed up in a motel, she misses the city noise and so she decides to visit the only place open after 8pm on a Thursday. There she meets a cowboy, who she's got no clue is somewhat of a celebrity in town.
Tanner is a former Rodeo star. He never dallies with women from town and thinks Madeline is just passing by. After spending one night together, he doesn't imagine he'd ever see her again and is shocked when he stumbles upon her at a store.
It bothers him that despite their chemistry Madeline acts like their one-night stand didn't mean anything. This becomes a challenge for him because no one's ever rejected him in such a way. He offers to help her clean her front yard. This isn't out of the goodness of his heart, he does this to get closer to her so that it is she who comes begging him later. But she doesn't. LOL!
Madeline seems a little snotty at times. She's the girl from a big city in a little town. She dreams big, and wants to make her place in Corporate America, she's always planning for the future--retirement.
Tanner is more let's live in the moment kind of guy. He wants to enjoy life to its fullest and doesn't want to be tied down to rules and the like. He's super funny, and so sexy I could almost hear his Texan drawl.
They couldn't be any more opposites than they are, but when they get together sparks fly. Their banter is sexy and a bit comical. I really loved this book by Erin.
March 14, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UPaafQ
The tagline for the Bookshots Flames line from James Patterson is "Novels you can devour in a few hours. And ...impossible to stop reading" and damn if that wasn't true. A cowboy, a city girl, a sleepy little town and unstoppable attraction...Learning to Ride pulled me in and wouldn't let go.
The quick of it is that Madeline's come to a small town in Texas to manage a merger for her company. She plans on sticking around for a year, not get attached, then heading back to the big city and career advancement. Little did she know a local heartthrob and former rodeo star would muck that all up and leave her heart in a tangle.
I really liked these two. They're opposite as can be when it comes to pretty much everything but having a little lust fest over each other but they so worked. Tanner is one of those soul deep good guys that you can't help but fall for. And Madeline. Well, she's a little prickly and a total fish out of water but I enjoyed her and seeing her getting to know the town. The people, the nosiness, the local book club, etc. They were fun, sexy, and entertaining as they felt each other out, butted heads a little and then fell into a sweet little relationship.
Knightley usually does sweet historical romances so it was interesting seeing her taking on a contemporary with a little heat. Details were kept somewhat light but it was nicely done and she felt like a natural stepping into the contemporary world.
All in all, Knightley delivered a fun romance that swept me away and had me smiling...and losing a few hours sleep. Seriously. I couldn't stop reading. Love that!
July 12, 2016
I still prefer her HRs but for a short story it was nice enough. I'll take a cowboy meets city girl story over another rockstar in hiding romance anytime lol
November 29, 2021
Had low expectations going into this and ended better than expected. Would read a sequel with more depth if there was one.
September 18, 2022
City girl meet country boy... sparks fly,,, nice romance.
July 6, 2016
3 stars
I thought this was an uninspired read. I didn't care overly much for Madeline, and because of the abbreviated nature of the book, don't feel like I really got to know Tanner. The romance was rushed, but it had to be to fit into 144 pages. I did enjoy the small town setting, and while the ending was not convincing, all the loose ends were tied up in a neat little bow. Madeline found a new calling instead of her soulless corporate position, and Tanner finally trusted someone enough to make a firm commitment. This is a great choice for beach reading; it's quick, it's light, and it's not mentally challenging.
I thought this was an uninspired read. I didn't care overly much for Madeline, and because of the abbreviated nature of the book, don't feel like I really got to know Tanner. The romance was rushed, but it had to be to fit into 144 pages. I did enjoy the small town setting, and while the ending was not convincing, all the loose ends were tied up in a neat little bow. Madeline found a new calling instead of her soulless corporate position, and Tanner finally trusted someone enough to make a firm commitment. This is a great choice for beach reading; it's quick, it's light, and it's not mentally challenging.
January 11, 2017
One of the best Bookshot Flames I have read so far. Short and Sweet
dnf
January 2, 2018This did not in fact kick my book slump. I'm giving up on it.
*DNF so no rating
*DNF so no rating
February 5, 2017
3.5*
A sweet little romance of opposites attract- the cowboy and the businesswoman. This book only took me 2 hours to read, but it was pretty well fleshed-out, with engaging characters and a fun storyline. Learning to Ride is a great read when you just need a bit of happy in your life.
I'm really loving these BookShots, brilliant idea on Mr. Pattersons part!
A sweet little romance of opposites attract- the cowboy and the businesswoman. This book only took me 2 hours to read, but it was pretty well fleshed-out, with engaging characters and a fun storyline. Learning to Ride is a great read when you just need a bit of happy in your life.
I'm really loving these BookShots, brilliant idea on Mr. Pattersons part!
February 12, 2019
Learning to ride... a book shots from James Patterson... I am a slow reader but this book had me hooked from beganing to end. When I pick up this book I couldnt put it down. I am a sucker for small town cozy romance and that's excatly what this was for me.
August 31, 2016
Learning to Ride by Erin Knightley is one of the first titles published as part of James Patterson's new BookShots Flames imprint. I must admit, at first I had planned to avoid this line, as I don't read James Patterson and I thought the whole concept was kind of gimmicky. But after a string of DNFs, I was hoping to find a short but enjoyable read, so I picked up Learning to Ride. And I really liked it! It helps that it's a cowboy romance--one of my favorite tropes.
Madeline Harper is a bonafide city girl. She works for an aviation supply company, where she's their youngest acquisitions manager. Her New York office has temporarily transferred her to the small town of Sunnybell, Texas, to oversee a high-profile merger.
Tanner Callen is a former rodeo star who has moved back to Sunnybell to help take care of his grandparents. He's the most eligible bachelor in town, but so far no one has inspired him to settle down--until he meets Madeline.
When Tanner sees the obvious city girl in the local bar one night, he's drawn to her immediately. The attraction is mutual and instant. The two share a kiss on the dance floor, which quickly leads to a sexy one night stand--except things don't end there. As it turns out, Tanner discovers that Madeline isn't just passing through town--she's living in Sunnybell for the next year, minimum. He's surprised at first, then delighted to spend more time with her.
Madeline has mixed feelings when she finds out about Tanner's reputation of "Callen the Stallion" and isn't interested in being the subject of local gossip. But she can't deny her attraction to Tanner and wants to get to know him better.
I love a good city mouse/country mouse romance and the chemistry between Madeline and Tanner is convincing. They fall for each other fast, but I didn't feel like it was insta-love. The story just works. It's not all sunshine and flowers, either--there's some conflict when the reality of their divergent lives comes into play and they have to decide if they have a real future together. Tanner also has some heartache in his past that he's reluctant to share.
For a shorter novel, this one packs a punch. In many ways, the book reminded me of a Hallmark Channel movie with sexy times included. (And I love a good Hallmark Channel movie!) I would recommend this to anyone in the mood for a quick read that delivers an emotional story.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of her books.
Madeline Harper is a bonafide city girl. She works for an aviation supply company, where she's their youngest acquisitions manager. Her New York office has temporarily transferred her to the small town of Sunnybell, Texas, to oversee a high-profile merger.
Tanner Callen is a former rodeo star who has moved back to Sunnybell to help take care of his grandparents. He's the most eligible bachelor in town, but so far no one has inspired him to settle down--until he meets Madeline.
When Tanner sees the obvious city girl in the local bar one night, he's drawn to her immediately. The attraction is mutual and instant. The two share a kiss on the dance floor, which quickly leads to a sexy one night stand--except things don't end there. As it turns out, Tanner discovers that Madeline isn't just passing through town--she's living in Sunnybell for the next year, minimum. He's surprised at first, then delighted to spend more time with her.
Madeline has mixed feelings when she finds out about Tanner's reputation of "Callen the Stallion" and isn't interested in being the subject of local gossip. But she can't deny her attraction to Tanner and wants to get to know him better.
I love a good city mouse/country mouse romance and the chemistry between Madeline and Tanner is convincing. They fall for each other fast, but I didn't feel like it was insta-love. The story just works. It's not all sunshine and flowers, either--there's some conflict when the reality of their divergent lives comes into play and they have to decide if they have a real future together. Tanner also has some heartache in his past that he's reluctant to share.
For a shorter novel, this one packs a punch. In many ways, the book reminded me of a Hallmark Channel movie with sexy times included. (And I love a good Hallmark Channel movie!) I would recommend this to anyone in the mood for a quick read that delivers an emotional story.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of her books.
July 25, 2016
This was a really fun and quick read. Madeline was a great character that I could easily relate to. She's career driven and love is the furthest thing from her mind. She's in town for one reason only, to make the deal that will send her back to the big city and cement her promotion into her dream job. But this little town seems to like having her around.
Before she knows it, she's in a reading group, making friends, and has caught the eye of the town's most eligible bachelor, Tanner Callen. Tanner isn't looking for love either, and when he runs into Madeline the first time he's just looking for a good time. His reaction to finding out she was going to be in town for more than a vacation was priceless.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of emotion that both characters felt. It was all so genuine and real that it really made both of them pop off the pages and come to life. It showed in every page and their interactions were incredible. And their interactions weren't all sexual in nature, but each one highlighted the sexual tension between them.
This was actually a pretty tame romance in terms of sexual context, but it didn't skimp on the chemistry. A great quick read that lived up to its expectations.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Before she knows it, she's in a reading group, making friends, and has caught the eye of the town's most eligible bachelor, Tanner Callen. Tanner isn't looking for love either, and when he runs into Madeline the first time he's just looking for a good time. His reaction to finding out she was going to be in town for more than a vacation was priceless.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of emotion that both characters felt. It was all so genuine and real that it really made both of them pop off the pages and come to life. It showed in every page and their interactions were incredible. And their interactions weren't all sexual in nature, but each one highlighted the sexual tension between them.
This was actually a pretty tame romance in terms of sexual context, but it didn't skimp on the chemistry. A great quick read that lived up to its expectations.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2016
What a great little book this is. Sweet love story about country cowboy, Tanner and city girl, Madeline Harper. She transfers, temporarily she believes, to Texas for her job. Wanting to experience a bit of country night life she ends up at The Rebel Yell. This is the local pub. It is there that she meets Tanner. He is everything she didn't know she wanted and it takes her awhile to figure that out. Perfect bedtime read with a HEA.
August 2, 2016
Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
This is the second of the James Patterson book shots I have read and I have to say, I wasn’t really impressed. To be fair, I think the author did a decent enough job. I just find the whole sexy cowboy, beautiful city girl romance is completely overdone. I suppose I just wish that for once there wasn’t such a cliche set up in romance books. Why can’t there more originality in these stories?
I suppose this is why I do not like romances. Because unless there is more going on with the story (an element of mystery, paranormal, sci-fi, something!) I am just not as invested in the story.
But at the end of the day, the book was okay. It just wasn’t my kind of book and I wasn’t a fan. However, if you like romances and are in need of something that is quick, this will be a great book for you.
The Writer's Inkwell
This is the second of the James Patterson book shots I have read and I have to say, I wasn’t really impressed. To be fair, I think the author did a decent enough job. I just find the whole sexy cowboy, beautiful city girl romance is completely overdone. I suppose I just wish that for once there wasn’t such a cliche set up in romance books. Why can’t there more originality in these stories?
I suppose this is why I do not like romances. Because unless there is more going on with the story (an element of mystery, paranormal, sci-fi, something!) I am just not as invested in the story.
But at the end of the day, the book was okay. It just wasn’t my kind of book and I wasn’t a fan. However, if you like romances and are in need of something that is quick, this will be a great book for you.
February 25, 2017
Learning to Ride (Sunnybell #1)
by Erin Knightley (Goodreads Author), James Patterson
LtR is part of the Bookshots series associated with James Patterson and falls into the Romance category. I really liked the previous Bookshots book that was more mystery than romance. This book was 150 pages of boring same old, same old Harlequin-style romance. Girl meets boy in bar, drinks too much and has wild sweaty sex, which the whole town finds out about the next day. Before deciding to give up her big-city life and career (because the women always do in these books), there's the typical fake "No, I musn't!" "I can't resist." junk.
I had to skim most of the book just to make it to the end. I like these short books that don't require a week or two's commitment to complete, but I won't be trying anymore of Patterson's romance books. There's nothing new or interesting about them.
by Erin Knightley (Goodreads Author), James Patterson
LtR is part of the Bookshots series associated with James Patterson and falls into the Romance category. I really liked the previous Bookshots book that was more mystery than romance. This book was 150 pages of boring same old, same old Harlequin-style romance. Girl meets boy in bar, drinks too much and has wild sweaty sex, which the whole town finds out about the next day. Before deciding to give up her big-city life and career (because the women always do in these books), there's the typical fake "No, I musn't!" "I can't resist." junk.
I had to skim most of the book just to make it to the end. I like these short books that don't require a week or two's commitment to complete, but I won't be trying anymore of Patterson's romance books. There's nothing new or interesting about them.
January 1, 2017
Being a huge fan of Erin's historical romances, I was thrilled to have won a signed copy of this contemporary novella! Additionally, I love cowboy romances! This was a city girl meets the retired rodeo star and it is love at first sight story. The first "one night stand" they don't exchange names and Tanner assumes Madeline is in town on vacation. He has seen her staying at the local hotel, so he has been waiting for her to come out, so he can make his move. Madeline is in town on business for a 1 year huge assignment, and Tanner isn't even on her radar. Until he is! Whew! There are some misconceptions and conflicting emotions, mostly on Madeline's part, but I was looking forward to my HEA and wasn't disappointed!
July 6, 2016
So I liked tanner a lot, but Madeline....Not so much. She came off like a snob. She kept attacking Tanner and his life. Then apologizing 10 minutes later. They spent a total of like 4 date together and fought on all of them. But they were so much in love? IDK but "Madeline" (not Maddie) ruined it for me. I'll go 3.5 stars
September 9, 2016
A fun and short romance story. I loved every minute of it! Madeline who only seems to care about work. Her boss in NYC send her down to Texas for a few months to take care of business. One night she meets Tanner in a bar and she has the night of her life. Tanner wants her to see that there is more to life than working all the time. Can he win her over? Read the story to find out!
November 4, 2016
Probably the best of the romantic bookshots so far. I don't feel too cheated on the story, it read well and ended as expected but perfectly. It was the structure of a full length novel squished perfectly into a hundred pages.
Applause for Erin Knightly.
Doesn't help that it was about a small texas town either :P A hot cowboy with an accent? Yes please :)
Applause for Erin Knightly.
Doesn't help that it was about a small texas town either :P A hot cowboy with an accent? Yes please :)
August 23, 2016
This is the 1st book I read by Erin Knightley. I really liked Tanner's character. I thought Tanner was too nice for Madeline. I didn't like Madeline. I thought Madeline was rude. I thought this book's story line was slow & boring. Plus I didn't feel the chemistry between Tanner & Madeline.
August 8, 2016
1.5 stars. Only not a 1 because I didn't Hate it, I just didn't like it. Dull, boring, all the cliches like instalove and can't live without each other after like a month. Blech!
October 6, 2016
Learning to Ride
This is just like any other love story. Short and sweet with no plot at all. I sure hope that James Patterson doesn't write to many like this one.
This is just like any other love story. Short and sweet with no plot at all. I sure hope that James Patterson doesn't write to many like this one.
August 4, 2020
Learning to Ride... its the first book in the Sunnybell series. This series is written by James Patteson and Erin Knightley. This series is differnet then what I know Patterson to write. It is a feel good romance in every way. I Personally love this book. If I could I would rate this more then 5 stars. What can I say I'm a sucker for a feel good romance. This bookshot is a true and true quick read. Like typical bookshots it's a couple hours long and you do not want to put it down.
Learning to Ride
A cowboy, a city girl, a little sleepy town, and a perfect unstoppable attraction.
Madeline Harper is a through and through city girl. She never really saw her self living anywhere but major cities. Whats not to love everything in walking distance, never alone, excitement anytime you want. Madeline is a bigwig bullishness woman that had to relocate to this sleepy town to help with a major merger. She had only planned to live in Sunnybell, Texas for at most a year, just to make sure the merger went through and there was no issues.
Tanner Callen is a true cowboy. He is a famous retired redo rider that is helping out on his family. Since he has returned he has not wanted to be tied down. He just wants to work and have a little fun. What would the harm be in that?
Madeline went out for a bit of the country life when she met the local heart throb Tanner. While they both thought this was going to be a one-night-stand. Little did they know they are neighbors and the whole town may have other ideas.
Will opposite attract? Will they be able to put their differences aside? Will Madeline be able to live in a sleep town, or will Tanner Move to the big city to be with the beautiful Madeline?
Learning to Ride
A cowboy, a city girl, a little sleepy town, and a perfect unstoppable attraction.
Madeline Harper is a through and through city girl. She never really saw her self living anywhere but major cities. Whats not to love everything in walking distance, never alone, excitement anytime you want. Madeline is a bigwig bullishness woman that had to relocate to this sleepy town to help with a major merger. She had only planned to live in Sunnybell, Texas for at most a year, just to make sure the merger went through and there was no issues.
Tanner Callen is a true cowboy. He is a famous retired redo rider that is helping out on his family. Since he has returned he has not wanted to be tied down. He just wants to work and have a little fun. What would the harm be in that?
Madeline went out for a bit of the country life when she met the local heart throb Tanner. While they both thought this was going to be a one-night-stand. Little did they know they are neighbors and the whole town may have other ideas.
Will opposite attract? Will they be able to put their differences aside? Will Madeline be able to live in a sleep town, or will Tanner Move to the big city to be with the beautiful Madeline?
February 15, 2022
Big city New York girl move to a small town in Texas for work. The first night she leaves her hotel room at night is to go to the local bar. She meets the cowboy of her dreams, of course. They spend time together and fall in love, if course. She loses the job in Texas and goes back the the city to find work, because the city is home. The cowboy of her dreams comes to the city to find her and offers to move away from girls beloved ranch to be closer to her. She realizes the Cowboys beloved ranch is where she feels is home for her too, of course. They live happily ever after, of course. I knew the whole story after I read the first chapter. If this had been a longer book, I would not have finished it.
November 29, 2018
Oh my goodness...I’m not really a fan of cutesy love-at-first-site romance novels but this one really worked out for me! James Patterson really hit the nail on the head when collaborating with Erin Knightley for this Flames Bookshots! Not only do I now want to read all of the other “ Flames” versions of these books but I also plan on checking out Erin Knightley as an author, I hope she’s written more!!
The story of Tanner & Madeline is such an adorable one. She reminds me a bit of myself ( oversized sunglasses and from New Jersey, determined to succeed) . Who wouldn’t want their very own Tanner in their lives!? Yes, please !!
The story of Tanner & Madeline is such an adorable one. She reminds me a bit of myself ( oversized sunglasses and from New Jersey, determined to succeed) . Who wouldn’t want their very own Tanner in their lives!? Yes, please !!
March 31, 2019
Short and sweet romantic read about a NYC exec who ends up in a small TX town to handle acquisitions and mergers. She portrays herself as monogomous and a relationship junkie but has a one night stand w/ the one guy all of the girls in town swoon over. After many times that she turns him away they finally end up going out. A bit far fetched with a few occurrances in this book but you know when you pick it up that there won't be a big story line since it is a short romance novel.
November 11, 2025
Aunque me gustó mucho el libro pasado, este me gustó mas por ser mas realista, me gustó que estuviera mas enfocado en la pareja.
Me gustó el final y lo coquetos que eran juntos.
Si nomas me desespero que Maddie fuera muy grosera con él pero mi niño caballeroso nunca se lo tomo a mal y no quito el dedo del reglón 😘, me encantan los hombres caballerosos, son los mejores y mas guapos.
Fueron muy buena idea estos dos libros como bilogia, fui feliz por poco tiempo. Nomas me faltó un epílogo.
Me gustó el final y lo coquetos que eran juntos.
Si nomas me desespero que Maddie fuera muy grosera con él pero mi niño caballeroso nunca se lo tomo a mal y no quito el dedo del reglón 😘, me encantan los hombres caballerosos, son los mejores y mas guapos.
Fueron muy buena idea estos dos libros como bilogia, fui feliz por poco tiempo. Nomas me faltó un epílogo.
January 4, 2018
A rather forgettable book about two people from different worlds drawn irresistibly together. Though he keeps trying to get her to ride the mechanical bull, she only does it once. Not exactly a reason for the book’s title, and the other kind of riding in this book doesn’t seem to need much learning.
May 1, 2018
Loved this book! Despite its brevity, author Erin Knightley treats us to a full story with a well-developed hero and heroine and lots of conflict. I enjoyed watching Madeline and Tanner slowly grow closer as they got to know each other. The secondary characters were fun and helped to bring the town of Sunnybell to life. I look forward to visiting this small town again.
December 31, 2018
It must be this time of year as I am not normally a lover of romance stories. I really enjoyed this story about the city slicker (Madeline) falling in love with a cowboy (Tanner). Tanner is single and just seems like the perfect guy - no hang ups, baggage etc. Having said that - I still could not put the book down, so it's a thumbs up for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews