Taming a Jackaroo

by Sidney Valentine

He wants to throw away his future. She’ll do whatever it takes to save hers… Even tame a wild Aussie cowboy.

City girl and serial non-dater, Affrica Clarke travels to Boulia, Australia, to investigate the environmental impacts of the local mining company. Unless she proves herself and wins that promotion, she’ll lose so much more than a pay rise. Yet everything goes wrong the moment she lands in the outback. With no research equipment, only skimpy clothes packed by her best friend to help her score a date, and a tight deadline to submit her report, she’s screwed. So when a sexy cowboy offers to play chauffeur, she’s all over it. But she’s there to shut down the mining activities, not fawn over the guy who’s supporting them, no matter how sizzling the attraction between them.

Billionaire jackaroo, Sam Preston tempts fate as an adrenaline junkie, living each day as if it were his last. Angry and wounded, he’s in town to sell his cattle ranch to the local mining company and be done with his past—until he meets hapless city-chick Affrica, who has no clue about surviving in the desert. Sam doesn’t know how to stop being a daredevil even though Affrica reminds him of the happiness he once had.

Can Sam let go of the past before he loses the one person who's finally breathed new life into him, or is it not possible to truly tame a jackaroo?

Unknown Binding

Published June 10, 2017

About the author

Sidney Valentine is an Aussie girl who loves everything about traveling. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and spends her time exploring the wild outdoors. But she always carries with her a writing pad in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. While she works in marketing during the day, she never stops writing her romance stories set in Australia as a way to rejuvenate from the bustle of the real world. She is often found at local coffee shops with her laptop, writing about people falling in love.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The environment, one of what should be the world’s biggest concerns, right? Affrica Clarke takes it all seriously, especially when she needs to prove herself on the job, so when she heads to Boulia, Australia to investigate the impact a local mining company has on the environment, she never expected to fall for or want to sleep with the enemy.

Sam is an adrenaline junkie, filthy rich and ready to cut ties with his past. The family cattle ranch is all that ties him to Boulia and the local mining company has offered to take it off his hands. Little did he know that the city dwelling Affrica would show up, clueless about the outback, yet passionate about uncovering crimes against Mother Nature. How could he not be attracted to this beauty who is so out of her element, but who sees the world that holds only bad memories for him as a place of beauty that needs protecting from the very people he is in negotiations with? Does make him the bad guy or does it make him a man blinded by what is right in front of him until one feisty woman makes his heart come to life?

Sidney Valentine’s TAMING A JACKAROO is a tale about finding love in the most unexpected places when it was the last thing one was even considering. Affrica is so out of her element, and a bit flighty when it comes to being prepared, but her passion for what she wants to prove is clear. Sam, well, can you say a chip on his shoulder as big as the outback and tunnel vision that only sees what was behind him? As flaming hot as the outback can be, the tension between these two nearly reaches a boiling point, whether it is when they are fighting their attraction, giving in, arguing their side of the story or doing mental fisticuffs with themselves! Affrica must decide if her job and that big promotion are worth more than finding what her heart desires while Sam needs to look out the other end of that tunnel to his future.

A fun read that makes protecting the environment even sexier than what it is! Want some push – me – pull- me romance? Love the battle of the sexes, knowing it could end in a tie? Pack some rugged clothes, leave the LBD behind and discover love, the Sidney Valentine way!

I received an ARC edition from Sidney Valentine in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing (June 10, 2017)
Publication Date: June 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 193 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Christine Rains · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affrica Clarke is determined to prove herself worthy of a full time position as an environmental investigator and get the promotion she needs to keep supporting her sick father. Flying to the Outback, she's left hanging as her equipment goes to another destination and her bag is full of skimpy clothes her roomie packed. That's not going to stop her, though, and neither is the gorgeous billionaire jackaroo, Sam Preston. Wanting to forget his past, Sam is planning on selling his cattle station to the mining company Affrica is investigating. There's something about the city gal that hooks him in a way no other woman has. Will she be able to tame the wild cowboy or lose both him and her case?

This debut romance novel from Sidney Valentine is as sizzling as the Australian Outback. Affrica has a strong voice, fighting for a promotion and the ability to support her father. Sam is a man blaming himself for what happened to his younger brother and throwing himself into dangerous stunts as he plays careless games with his life. The tension between them is immediate and is kept taut all through the story. Not only are the circumstances of why they're in Boulia pitted against one another, but their inner struggles increase the turmoil. Yet their desire is off the charts!

Along with top notch romance, the reader is whisked away to little traveled places. Boulia is a charming town rich with a rugged flavor. Even the Bed & Breakfast Affrica stays in is unique. Huge cattle stations and deep caves. Then add in the little mystery of the Min Min lights, we have a magnificent setting. Plus the perfect place for a out of this world smoking hot first kiss!

I'll definitely be picking up more from Sidney Valentine in the future.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn his sexiness. 5 TAMED HEARTS

How did someone get abs that hard? a man out of a girl’s cowboy dreams. At your service, miss. What was it about her that had him captivated? God, did she realise what she did to him? HOLY JUMPING JACKAROO! What an AUSSIETACULAR story! There are three reasons why I am flummoxed about my reactions & feelings towards this book - 1 - this is a contemporary book (I am a paranormal junkie through & through) 2 - this is the debut release for Sidney Valentine 3 - while there is heat between the characters, it's not an erotica book… But yet... I love, Love, LOVED IT TO BITS!!! Practically from the moment I started reading I was hooked! I absolutely love, Love, LOVE this line and while I can’t take credit for it, I think it is a pretty accurate reflection of my feelings & reaction to this story overall - An emotional waterfall—powerful, instantaneous, and overwhelming. Affrica is this amazing character who has this unique blend of innocence and boldness, while Sam is sexy, he is definitely not your “typical” hero and they kept me entertained & fully engaged throughout the whole book! In fact I couldn’t put it down and just to be sure it wasn’t a fluke, I read it twice –back to back – and loved it just as much the second time as I did the first! Maybe even a little bit more! I have never been to Australia, but it has always been a dream of mine, so when I started reading this book and I realized just how Aussie & Aussie-authentic it is, I squealed!! For the time it took to read the book, I could enjoy my very own Australia holiday like no other, complete with a sexy jackaroo! Sidney's exceptionally engaging & highly entertaining storytelling that's filled with humor, intrigue, secrets, heartbreak, hot thoughts, naughty moments, one feisty city girl & one sexy, moody jackaroo, I was tamed before I knew what hit me! What's that phrase... something about saving a horse and riding a jackaroo?? wink This story exploded to life, transporting me to Australia, then to the Australian Outback where I eagerly, happily and enviously (okay! I was even a wee bit jealous too!) became Affrica, living, feeling, caring, experiencing the full power of the story with, for and as her, but without having to deal with all of the bugs & that heat! Don't believe me? Want to know just how deeply ensconced I was in the story? Well the best compliment I can ever give about an author's ability to transport me into their story & characters is this - I actually had a few panic/claustrophobic attacks when Affrica was caving and checking out a mine!! (She was fine, but I couldn’t handle the feeling of being in a deep, dark cave!) Sidney has done more than "just" impressed me with her debut novel! With her attention to detail, the luscious descriptions, the captivating way the story is told, the multifaceted characters that I feel like I really know, and the way that everything combines perfectly & beautifully together, it brought this story to life and took me on an adventure like no other! The only thing missing was a Koala bear for me to hug! wink

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affricka needed the promotion. Not for her, well, maybe for her own self-esteem, but she had a more important reason. Besides she deserved it. She cared about the environment and making sure mining companies like the one in Boulia weren't abusing the land was important to her. This was her chance to do both. It seemed that everything was against her. Her equipment was delayed. The jerk of a landowner refused to let her take samples she needed to compare to the one who'd made the original complaint. Just to begin with.
Sam didn't want to revisit the memories of being home. No option if he was to sell the ranch his father left him. His brother didn't want it or Sam. They'd been a broken family since he'd left. Then this woman, this hot, not-dressed-for-the-outback piece wanted to mess up his sale.
When he realized he'd been a jerk he tried to make up for it with the lady who just deserved better.
While both decided getting involved wasn't in their best interest, fate and nature seemed to disagree.
This is a good romance with characters with secrets you'll want to know, family mending you'll want to see, and danger you'll want them to escape. Not to mention the romance you'll be rooting for. Don't miss this one. The Outback at its best and worst.
Reviewed for Words Turn me on.

[Robert Defrank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new and interesting setting for a romance, one that I hadn't seen much of before. The author is a resident of Australia and the scenery comes to life. The journey of the two principle characters into the outback makes the book. Affrica, the female lead, is obviously out her element as an urbanite, and Sam has to come out of his depression almost by default to keep her from getting herself killed. The author has a way with characters who are simultaneously endearing and exasperating that draws the reader in. The quality and unique elements set this book about the rest.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Sidney Valentine I have had the pleasure of reading. This book was fun, hot, steamy and informative all in one. It broached a subject not everyone is comfortable talking about it and it did it in a graceful way.
When Affrica is offered a job of a lifetime she cannot resist. But when you think she is a bit over her head she powers through. Jack is the complete opposite of Affrica. All he wants is to be free of his past. He wants to leave and never look back. But when fate intervenes and drops Affrica in his lap. Can he do what he has set out to do from day one?
This book is guaranteed to give you some hot flashes of the good kind. The tension between Affrica and Sam is almost too hot to bare. You can feel it whether they arguing with each other or fighting the attraction they obviously have.
Will they be able to realize what they’ve always wanted is right in front of them? They just have to be willing to give in a little.- By Vanessa

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your smooth romance story but a fantastic story with a couple twist and turns.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.

[Epiphany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my introduction to Sidney Valentine and her writing style. So I had no idea what I was in for. I found this book to be well written and developed. The story idea of environmental issues is a new one for me, but very important to me personally. I did struggle reading this book and I am not really sure why. I did try rereading some just incase I had missed the grab me moment, but just could not get totally into this book, I really wish I could have. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Amy Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


This was a pretty neat story. There was fun banter back and forth, there was a bit of action, some heartwarming romance, and a touch of comedy here and there. There is tragedy and heartache which always tug at the heartstrings. There is a touch of sexiness here and there too, which keeps up the steam factor.

One thing I feel like I really need to applaud the author on were the details and descriptions. This book takes place in Australia and I can only assume, without doing any research, that the author is from Australia as well. I say that just by the things that are talked about, described, word choice are that of which someone who seems pretty native to the area. That being said, had the details and/or descriptions been any less perfect, I would have been lost. I am not from Australia and know pretty much nothing about the country, so when the author references certain scenery, or animals, or simply the locale I didn’t feel lost. I didn’t feel like I was foreign to the area and I felt like it was still very easy to paint a picture in my mind for what was going on. This is not necessarily easily done without overdoing it, and I feel like the author really did a phenomenal job at this. So, good job, I applaud your efforts and appreciate a smooth reading experience.

The relationship between the two main characters was, at times, absolutely maddening. There was obvious chemistry between the two but the actions and conversations that went on drove me absolutely crazy. I think their relationship and their chemistry is reason enough to read the story. It’s one of those that keeps you on your toes and keeps you interested just to see how things work out.

Overall, this was a pretty simple, straight forward read. It was a nice break from reality and kept my mind occupied. I do suggest grabbing yourself a copy, it was quite enjoyable.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from Hot Tree Publishing*

4.5 for me, but my rating is on the upper side of the score because it was different for me, and it gave just enough feels to make me smile in the end. I enjoyed the story and how Affrica was an environmentalist fighting to save the farms and pay the bills, while Sam wanted nothing to do with life and constantly sought the next dangerous thrill. Their attraction but awkward first meeting was hilarious, and though both were a little cringe with the way they had to decide between a new path in life or their it's-been-forever goals, I still ended up liking them a lot. They were different, the story was different, but the hotness was still the same and it was an overall fun read that kept me interested the whole way through.

[Tera Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Sidney Valentine *chuckles* if you are a full author stalker so you can read ALL of their books you will truly know who this is (no I won't tell). I loved how this book showed the tension between Sam and Africa, sometimes we never know that what we wanted is right in front of our face the entire time. There is plenty of secrets, repairing family relationships, danger and of course romance to keep you busy. I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It has all the elements you want in a book: excitement, suspense, and of course you can't forget romance!

Sidney Valentine is an up and coming author who has captured my love of books cravings. Her storyline was breathtaking. I believed her characters absolutely came to life as I read one page after another.

It isn’t enough to say I loved this book; but it’s the book that captured my heart.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was fun.. sexy.. hott.. and funny.. so many interesting things.. feelings.. and it was very well written. i really enjoyed it and im glad i got to review it

[Skye McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously thinking about heading down to Australia to tame a Jackaroo of my own. Great story line with twists and turns. The characters were easy to relate to and fall in love with.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only okay

I think it was an okay story. But the pace was off and it didn't really flow. I even skipped some places because nothing was happening.