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Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel

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RIVERDALE meets INCEPTION in this twisty and unique YA coming-of-age romance.

Quarterback.
Class president.
Burnout.
We all have our identities.
Most of the time, they come from our circumstances. They're made by others—shoes for us to walk in whether they fit or not.
But what if?
What if we could take off those shoes.
What if we could wear a different pair?
What if those boxes we put ourselves in are better…worse?
And what if, when we do…we’re trapped there for good?
They all call me Cowboy.
She’s the damsel who doesn’t need to be rescued.
And him…he’s the villain.
This is our story. And this is how we want it to be told.

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2020

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About the author

Ginger Scott

91 books3,606 followers
Ginger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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Find Ginger online here:
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Website: https://www.littlemisswrite.com
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5 stars
120 (46%)
4 stars
68 (26%)
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39 (15%)
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25 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Hull.
936 reviews651 followers
January 23, 2020
Well holy moly, that was a TRIP. There's a lot to process with this story; I'm still not certain I followed everything that was actually happening. What I do know is that Ginger Scott's writing and world building are stellar. I mean... what the actual hell did I even just read?? This was wild. Unpredictable. Twisty and complicated and a lot to keep track of. But it's definitely something this author should feel insanely proud of because it's like nothing else I've ever read.

I have to admit that the first half of this book moved a bit slowly for my taste. I was struggling a bit with whether or not I was really feeling it. It's definitely a mood thing because I was anxious for some serious Ginger Scott romance and the romance ended up being very light in much of this book. Again, it was my mood. But somewhere around the halfway mark things picked up and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I had no idea what was going on, where this could go, who these characters truly were. And as it turns out, they didn't either.

This is definitely a book where I feel like I need an expert to dumb everything down and explain it properly to me. I just don't even know what some of it meant. It's trippy and deliberately confusing and somehow it all worked. I think. It's entertaining and unexpected and it's a testament to the author's storytelling that, even though it wasn't totally my jam, I couldn't NOT keep reading. Do I wish I had connected more with the characters? Sure. But truthfully, in a book like this, I have to give myself some credit and recognize that it was near impossible to connect with characters who were so... disconnected.

If you enjoy stories that push boundaries and are completely outside the box, this will be one you'll want to jump on. If you're a Ginger Scott fan, obviously this book is for you. If you need something a bit different to break up the mundane, THIS is definitely for you. And if you're a reader that likes stories that drift far away from reality with a little sci-fi flair, but still feel emotional and complex and somehow relatable at the same time, please go ahead and read this book. And then maybe you can come back afterward and explain it all to me. :-)
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,386 reviews442 followers
January 30, 2020
**Spoiler Free**

5 "What have I done?" Stars

Ginger Scott outdoes herself with this latest book. From the gripping prologue to every "what in the...." moment to the very last work, this book creates a journey that will leave breathless. The edginess Scott always portrays in her YA stories catapults to the next level in Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. This story rocked me hard in a way I never expected. It's honest and raw with a refreshing, complex story spun from interesting characters for whom everyone can relate.

Scott's writing seemed to take on a whole new level as well as she expertly navigates through a complex web of story structure in order to engage and excite the reader by keeping them guessing and needing more. For most of the book I had no clue what was happening or where the story was taking me and I was still glued to the pages. It's not a story I'd typically read at all but Ginger Scott wrote it so I gave this half science-fiction, half coming of age story a try and I'm so glad I did. This story is unique, challenging and well written. Go in completely blind to reviews in an effort to avoid spoilers.

If you're a fan of compelling, twisty young adult wrapped up in strange and unusual circumstances you won't want to miss this!

I also love this cover!



**BETA**
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,640 reviews5,416 followers
November 18, 2020
Wow! Ginger Scott delivers a very different read. I was glued to the story and the characters.
Profile Image for JJ Weir.
1,611 reviews81 followers
June 3, 2020
Out of this world!

Seriously, this book blew my mind. This is unlike any other book I've read by this author. Cowboy is not what you think, Damsel is anything but, and Villain... well, you'll just have to read and see for yourself. Great story! Think "Inception" meets High School.
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
1,141 reviews771 followers
January 30, 2020



HOLY WOW! What did I just read? I’m having trouble forming words to describe the dream I just had in the form of a book. Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. The title taunted me, daring me to discover what it meant. This book was Ginger Scott, but it was also not. This Ginger Scott ditches her signature YA angst. Playing with perception, Scott crafts a perfectly-woven plot as she takes the reader on the most creative and captivating mind game, an addicting adventure that will keep you guessing until the end.




A football star quarterback trying to find his own path as he’s cast in his father’s dark shadow ... Cowboy.
A super smart and seemingly together girl trying to be perfect in an imperfect world ... Damsel.
A troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks with potential not many sees ... Villain.
All worthy but still unsure of their worth.

”Girls don’t need saving.”


Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. This mix of fantasy and suspense with an overarching theme of perception versus reality reeled me in and never let go. Daringly different, dangerously addictive, and immensely imagined, Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel is unique in every way. Stunningly sharp, this story seared itself into my memory. An all-encompassing, epic mind-bender and edgy YA tale with twists, turns, and a touch of romance that’s unlike anything I’ve ever read.

A MUST-READ BOOK; A MIND-BLOWING TIME!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 mind-blowing stars

➡️ https://amzn.to/3aEcAi0




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Profile Image for Ginger Scott.
Author 91 books3,606 followers
Read
February 3, 2020
I am so happy I leapt with both feet into this story. I just knew I had to write it. I had to, even if...even if nobody liked it nearly, or a fraction as much as I did. And here it is, my best-reviewed book to date. Take that, doubt demons.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,338 reviews115 followers
January 31, 2020
4.5 stars

A Coming of Age story that's unlike any other. One that will stretch your imagination and hold you captive as the author masterfully weaves this complicated story together.

Told from three POVs, the Cowboy, the Damsel, and the Villain (their real names aren't revealed until later in the book), we learn how their lives were altered in an experimental program testing dreams.

"What if we could find all of those best feelings - the things that make us our dream versions of ourselves - and then build the perfect medication to correct those things that pull us down?"

This is a question that applies to all three narrators, who feel lost and need guidance.
I'm fairly certain that at some point while reading this, you will say (or yell) "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?!" I know I did at least once. This is a book that requires your full attention. There are parts that are likely to confuse you, that will have all your neurons firing. However, if you are like me, reading over 180 books per year, this story is something completely different, and a refreshing treat.

Sometimes it's okay to indulge your alter ego.

There's not much I can say about the plot line without either a) confusing you, and/or b) giving something away. What I can say is this book challenges the basic idea of dreams vs. reality, and at time, the lines between them blur (note the reference to the movie Inception in the synopsis). There is no romance story that I could compare this to, but if you've read any Sci Fi, there were times I would compare this to Blake Crouch's work (Dark Matter, Recursion), where the author takes the reader on a mind bending journey.

"Dreams are totally devoid of proof and validity. Reality, on the contrary, is the basis of validity." (Source: https://www.differencebetween.com/dif...) This book challenges that basic concept.

If you a ready to take a chance on a wildly imaginative story, with three unique and compelling characters, then buckle up and enjoy the ride!

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

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Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,310 reviews59 followers
January 22, 2020
Just. Wow. I happen to love it when an author steps out of her usual and Ginger Scott did just that in a very big way. With Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel, I honestly didn't know what end was up most of the time. I was trying very hard to put together the pieces of this exquisitely written puzzle while ravenously turning the pages. Right along with Cowboy, Villain and Damsel, my mind was a jumble not really knowing what might be real or simply imagined. But when that 'a-ha!' moment finally made it presence known, no one was cheering louder than I was at how blessed I was to be able to read such a well-crafted and brilliant story.

This is a book that you MUST go into blind. Sure it'll seem a bit off-kilter trying to understand just what Cowboy, Villain and Damsel have signed up for, as 3 seemingly unassuming high school seniors simply wanting to make some extra money. But as their journey gains a bit of momentum, let's just say both their conscious and unconscious thoughts find a way to give their lives a bit of a stir. And that's stating it mildly.

This journey is full of questions and hard decisions fueled by uneasy emotions and the simple desire to want a bit more. These 3 incredible characters could have never even imagined just what they might go through but the way Scott ties it all together and there is a ton to digest, is just wonderful. I literally had tears in my eyes as the end drew near, full of glee at what I had just read.

If you are looking for something completely different and I'm not sure I would even categorize it in the romance category, although love is subtle but very evident throughout, then grab this book. Move out of your own comfort zone and read a story that is thought-provoking and at times surprisingly exciting, keeping a tenderness close at hand as Cowboy, Villain and Damsel find their way out of this wild mystery. Yes I have been purposely vague but trust me, you don't need to know anything more...just go for it and hold on tight.

It is not to be missed and will certainly be at the top of my 2020 reads. I happily give Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel a huge 5+ stars!!
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews63 followers
February 1, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/01/...

4.5 stars — WHAT THE WHHHAAAAATTTTT???? I…don’t know how I’m going to write this review. That was trippy yo. And I was totally sucked in! I mean, I was reading last night in bed and I *knew* had to go to sleep earlier, and it’s after 11, and it says I have 2 hours and 20 minutes left. But you guys, it wouldn’t have been just those 2+ hours. Because even without finishing it, I sat in bed thinking about it and thinking about it, and the same thing would have happened if I’d pushed on. But seriously, that was some compelling reading.

I will let you in on a not-actually-secret secret: I’m not much into psychological thrillers. In fact, if a movie doesn’t spell out all the answers, I grow frustrated and annoyed, because I don’t want to decide for myself…I WANT TO KNOW!!! So, there were some elements of that in this book, and that is the ONLY reason it’s not full 5 stars: because I’m a whiny baby who needs to have things spelled out for me.

The characters were FASCINATING. Like, all so well developed and unique. I will admit that I still had questions about them at the end (see previous paragraph), but I LOVED watching them grow and change as the book went on. It was a really interesting look into these set roles we all have in our lives, and what happens when we admit we don’t fit those boxes.

I’m not going to really go into anything else, because honestly? I went in cold, and I just don’t think there’s any other way to do this story. It was exactly as twisty and turny as I’d been warned, and I so enjoyed the ride. I would seriously LOVE to see this one on film.

I always worry when a book (or anything really) gets super hyped up…like, I always assume I’m going to be the one that it doesn’t work for. Like, I was legit scared to read this book. But it totally lived up to my expectations! *happy dance* I honestly have no idea if it has worldwide appeal, but I bet it hits for a LOT of readers…it just has that suck-in-ability.
Profile Image for Veronika's ReaderFeeder.
497 reviews51 followers
February 12, 2020
Originally posted on Veronika's Reader Feeder blog.

Holy mind blown! What was this? THIS is why Ginger Scott is one of my favorite authors! It was so complex and amazing and freaking genius!! If you liked the movie, Inception I'm pretty sure you will like this book, too. It's YA and Science Fiction and something really different. After a point I wasn't even sure what is dream and what is reality. I loved this unique story so much and highly recommend it to everyone!

Cowboy is the football star of the high school who is pushed toward the sport only by his father. Damsel is a really smart girl who is constantly striving for perfection, trying to stand out of the shadows of her four sisters this way. Villain is a guy from the wrong side of the town who tries to earn the money he will need for leaving his life behind with shady businesses. Seemingly they have nothing in common, yet their paths cross each other through an opportunity that they can't turn down. What if you can take control of your destiny and create your perfect self? Would you take the risk?

Ginger Scott once again dared to step out of her comfort zone and create something quite unique. Like the author's book, A Boy Like You, it wasn't a typical YA novel. This time, the story contained several mind-blowing twists and turns and every time I thought I knew what's going on in the book, came a big twist that laughed at my face.

I'm not saying that I finally got all my questions answered, but the author really built a brilliant world with this novel. I always feel that Ginger Scott is one of the outstanding authors who does not get enough credit. In my opinion, this novel was exceptional too, and I sincerely recommend it!
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,638 reviews96 followers
January 27, 2020
Ginger Scott’s latest novel is absolutely nothing like anything she has previously published. I’ve enjoyed Ms. Scott’s writing style for years, and yet her storytelling in Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel absolutely floored me.

This book is like a house of mirrors. You walk into it knowing things will be a little weird, but just a few steps (or pages) in, you easily lose track of reality.

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see”
--Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen


I loved Ms. Scott’s characterization. Her main characters, Cowboy, Villain, and Damsel epitomize much of the inner turmoil of imperfect lives, self-doubt and teenage hormones. The stress of class performance, parental expectations and family dysfunctionality is palpable. The depiction of daily high school life is spot on. The plot is something I’d love to dissect in a review or a book group, but a review with spoilers would ruin the thrill of the reading the book.

As a young adult novel, the storyline is a bit dark. However, as an adult reader, I found it engrossing. The deep dive into the unknown, the richly layered story and characters made Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel a page-turner. Don’t think, just take that step into the unknown with this latest Ginger Scott novel.


I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Santana Blair.
Author 14 books115 followers
January 25, 2020
You ever read a story that hits every single right note and when you finish you sit for a moment in appreciative awe only to wish you could read it for the first time all over again?

That is what COWBOY VILLAIN DAMSEL DUEL did for me.

I've read everything Ginger has written and even though I picked up this book with full knowledge of the disclaimer that it was different, I don't think I was prepared for how different it was... and then I started to read it... and I was HOOKED.

CVDD took everything I love about Ginger Scott's YA books, flipped it on its head and infused it with something so fantastically unique that I felt like I was discovering Ginger Scott for the first time. My mind was twisted in all the right ways as I worked through the tale of Cowboy, Damsel, and Villain. It kept me on my toes, guessing with every page turn, blowing me away with the real and raw; the edgy and engaging.

The world that was created by Ginger was done with perfection. The characters were beautifully complex and the story builds in such a way that I found it hard to stop reading.

No spoilers.
Pick up this story and read it... the only thing you'll regret is having to put it down.

Can I give it 6 stars?
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,752 reviews55 followers
January 30, 2020
Original review: A Novel Glimpse

Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

I don't know where to start with Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. I have so much to say about it...that I can't say about it because I would spoil the entire thing for you. What I will say is that it's unlike anything Ginger Scott's ever written and maybe even unlike anything else I've read before. It truly was "A Ginger Scott Experience".

How did I feel about Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel? Short answer: I was mind blown. Long answer: I started out thinking things would go one way. Then something would happen and I thought things were going another way. Repeat that scenario a bunch and I was so confused, but in a good way. I don't think I truly figured out where this incredibly addictive, utterly unique story was taking me up until almost the very end. I'm going to be thinking about this book for a long time. It's just... WOW.
Profile Image for Betty Loves Love .
80 reviews
January 18, 2020
From the very first page this book pulled me in. The prologue makes you hold your breath because well, because what is going to happen. This book was an absolute page turner. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next, and then what would happen after that, and after that. I did not know what to expect, or how all of this was going to end, but Ginger did not disappoint. This is not an average YA love story. This book is unique and pure greatness. This will be one of my top reads of the year I am sure of that. Kudos on another great story Ginger!!
155 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2020
Wow, just wow. This book is epic. The storyline and the twists and turns in this book you don't see coming are absolutely fantastic. Ginger Scott is a spectacular writer who draws you into these worlds that you just love.
Profile Image for Siobhan Davis.
Author 119 books9,610 followers
January 30, 2020
CVDD is a contemporary romance with a paranormal twist written in Ginger's inimitable style, and it's a book I found very hard to put down! Trust me, it's best to go into this one blind and just enjoy the sweet, suspenseful ride. 5 AH-MAZING stars.
Profile Image for Inès.
167 reviews
July 17, 2023
4.5⭐️
I went into this book completely blind. Only read it because 'cowboy'. Don't recommend choosing your books this way, but I wasn't disappointed.
This book took me in different directions all at once. Never felt like things were taking too long or it was messy because of the different characters. There was always a connection between all of them. I was constantly engrossed in the story.
The whole nickname thing got tired after a while, but once it became clear why... OMG. So I can excuse my annoyance with the reason.
I think the story works well. The lines get blurred as a reader when you find out Cowboy's real name, just because you don't get the significance of it yet. But once you do, it makes so much sense.
I honestly loved reading this book!
Profile Image for Theresa Ann.
172 reviews63 followers
February 9, 2020
Ginger Scott steps away from her "usual" with Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. And I am so glad that she did. Apparently, Ginger had this one sitting in her head for a while and it took some encouragement for her to put it out there for her readers. She really put herself out on cliff with this one. And she was 100% successful in pulling it off.

This book is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. I really don't read books like this. But if Ginger Scott writes it, I'm reading it! And I've never, ever been sorry that I made that promise to myself after reading Waiting On The Sidelines, so many years ago.

After mulling over what to say for over a week, all I can come up with is that it's amazing, it's twisty, it's curvy, and you have no idea where Ms. Scott is going to take you as you turn the pages. I loved having to THINK while reading this book. YOU will think hard while reading this book. You won't be able to avoid it. You'll ask yourself, "where is she going to take me now?" over and over. That's okay. Go freely where Ms. Scott wants you to go and you will NOT be sorry you did.

The book will be slow and steady at the beginning. It WILL pick up pace and it will throw you down the rabbit hole. Or does it? This a hands down, mind-blowing story, that will leave you with your jaw on the floor at the end. I am STILL trying to figure out certain things. This book is so popular and so mind-bending, it required the creation of a closed discussion group, for just THIS book, for those of us who have read it, to talk about the book. We really needed it.

My best advice to Ginger Scott's readers is to just get the book and read it. Let it take you down the rabbit hole. If Ginger Scott is new to you, I see no reason why you can't start here. I say read the other reviews. They'll all say the same thing. We really want to tell you that this happened, or that happened, but we really can't because of spoilers.

My questions are still:
"What did I just read?"
"WTH?"
"Whaaaaat?"
"Who.....?"
"HUH?"

At 70% in, I literally shook my phone and said "damnnnnnn youuuuuu Gingerrrrrrrr!" out loud.

In 2013, Ginger launched her first novel, Waiting On The Sidelines. I surprisingly loved it. YA was not my genre. I never expected to enjoy it. When Wild Reckless came out in 2015, it immediately shot up to the TOP of the list as my favorite Ginger Scott book. Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel just completely knocked Wild Reckless off the top of my list and bumped it down to second place.

Go get the book, start reading, and let yourself go. You will love this ride!!!!!


Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,883 reviews407 followers
January 30, 2020
Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel by Ginger Scott is an experience beyond my words. I cannot even express half of what I am feeling. Exhilarating? Yes. Mind games? Yes. A distorted yet very relatable reality? Yes. New adult romance set in a surreal yet brutally honest world? Yes. But none of these will tell you how exceptional and groundbreaking this story is.

So the story is set in a small town and three students of the high school. Cowboy is the football jock. Typical jock. Arrogant, shallow, narcissistic and everything. Damsel is the president of student body. Perfectionist, nerdy, genius and breaking down under her own pressure. Villain is the guy from the wrong side of the track. Ďrug dealer, broken soul from a broken home and literally having no care for anything. Their paths are not supposed to cross. But these paths not only collide but they mix and mess up royally. By a magic pill. Because reality and dream are only two sides of same coin.


This story has freaked my brain in epic proportions. Half of the time I was floating in the space between reality, truth and deception. I could not decide which person to trust and whom to despise. Ginger Scott very masterfully put the struggles of teenage lives with all the angst, pain and frustrations. I can tell you my emotions were very real. And this story has left me dazed, shocked and one hundred percent impressed. I could identify with each character in a different way. All the ugly and beautiful parts of life were exposed here. And the author dragged me through heaven and hell.


Some stories cannot be judged by rating stars or a gushing review. Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel by Ginger Scott is such a book. It was a very risky and a lot crazy endeavour. But for me it was very special. Let your mind roam free in the realms of dream and reality and I guarantee you the ride of your lifetime.

Received ARC for honest review
Profile Image for Jade .
644 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2023
“Maybe that happens when you go in through dreams and come out through nightmares.”

This was my first Ginger Scott book and whew! What a book to start with!
I was randomly drawn to this book. I think it popped up in my feed and a mix between the title and cover lured me in I guess. I think in the synopsis, it's compared to Riverdale and Inception but I can't say if it fits to those comparisons either way because they are not things I've watched.


Uhh I'm not even sure how to review this because of it's nature, a mix between sci-fi ish and mystery/mind fuck. I don't read books with this concept often so maybe it wouldn't be as mind fuckery for others. But I have to say, I enjoyed that the book falls into that category for me naturally through the story rather than trying to jump at you with the hype of trying to be said thing. The pace felt natural and even at the start you kinda fall into this false sense of comfort and then the pieces fall together and you're scrambling back trying to see if you missed something. The confusion and the anxiety is all part of the experience. And surprisingly I loved it. I'm sure my brain will obsess over all the details over the next few days because that's the kind of brain I have.

I could say more but again because of the nature of the book I don't want to taint someone else's experience accidentally.

I do think there are certain things that could have been fleshed out. I can also understand why they weren't. I was thinking that maybe something with was going to develop but apparently not lol.

This was an exciting and intriguing read. There's still parts I'm grasping on and wanting to know more but I enjoyed this immensely and curious to see if the author is going to visit these characters again in some capacity. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out.
Profile Image for Shelee at Book Reader Chronicles.
872 reviews25 followers
January 29, 2020
**4.5 Stars**

I don't quite honestly know how to review a book like Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel other than to say that it was a character-driven, wholly consumable read. Scott deployed her usual craft in creating layered, emotional characters—ones with heart, agency, and the ability to toe the line of good/bad—and threw in elements that, on paper, wouldn't normally work but wound up paying off in the best of ways in the end. With a twisty yet romantic, thriller-ish theme, I was enraptured from the moment this story began and I stayed that way long after finishing.

God, I loved what Scott set out to explore with this story. The social themes, the bullshit of labels, boxes, and preconceived judgments, and how each battle affected every character in its own unique way. From leading to secondary, every character was fully fleshed out with a role to play, but they never became caricatures of those roles. The love story, connections, and moments of escapism were powerful, and looking back long after I've finished, there is still so much to unpack after the last twist was revealed. While it had a too-quick wrap-up ending that I felt deserved some more time and tension to explore, I can't ultimately fault it much in the end because so much of it was so well done. This is the kind of read you ponder weeks later because it and the characters have stuck with you. I'm so glad that the author took a chance on straying from her norm to tell this story and I hope she continues to break those walls moving forward because this was a fantastic read.

**Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions**
Profile Image for Stephanie.
895 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2020
What did I just read???? Ginger Scott brings a crazy and unique story that will have you diving head first down a rabbit hole full of crazy plot twists and alternative universes!

Quarterback.
Class president.
Burnout.
We all have our identities.


Cowboy, Damsel and Villain will keep you on high alert while you navigate this crazy journey they are on. It is not a quick read. Be prepared to sit back and take the journey with them. The first half of the book is slow and steady. It had me wondering and guessing where it would all lead. Suddenly, everything starts to make sense. And wow!

“Do you ever feel like you just, I don’t know, want to be anyone else?”

I have not read anything like Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel. Hats off to Ginger Scott for taking a chance and following the story that was in her head and dying to come out! I really can’t say much more without giving anything away.

As I said, I love that Ginger took this chance. I have seen a few authors putting out their stories like Ginger’s – their “I just want to tell this story, but I don’t think anyone will like it.” stories. They are becoming some of my favorites! So take a chance on something different. This is so not your typical YA romance story. Enjoy the ride and see where it take you!

I am more certain that we are all mad. And broken. And forever altered.

4 stars

#AuthorGingerScott #CVDD #CowboyVillainDamselDuel #YA #Unique #RabbitHole #CrazyPOVs
Profile Image for Jenn __Garden Of REden.
1,172 reviews65 followers
February 13, 2020
****Cassie's Review

This isn’t Scott’s first rodeo when writing a book with some significant, but heavy sci-fi elements. However, unlike her duet from a previous year, this book did not fall flat. Every single piece of plot, all the twists, and every character reaction/interaction/action was thought out and connected. I am in total awe of how well this was pulled off. Think of an “Inception” type scenario, but take away all visual cues and write them into a book. Not an easy task, but Scott pulled off, switching into worlds with complete grace. The gradual style in which she let us know each layer was always done at the most precise and appropriate moment.

If you read my above statement and are wondering, “What does this have to do with the blurb??” then here is the answer! For me, the theme of “what we are is who we are… until it isn’t” is showcased multiple ways, but it would be too much of a spoiler to discuss.

I highly recommend this read for those who enjoy mystery AND for those who want the classic YA theme of “there’s always more on the inside” because it is the perfect mashup of both.
Profile Image for Michelle Kampmeier.
Author 46 books78 followers
January 24, 2020
Oh my gosh, this book is so great! It's fresh, different, creative, and suspenseful. I had no idea what was coming, and I love when I'm surprised by a story, which rarely seems to happen these days. It was so engaging, and it had me turning pages for long stretches. I just had to know what the hell was going on. Hahaha. :)

I loved the characters. All three of them are so well done. Each one is unique from the others, and their voices stood out. They had flaws, but they were still relatable and lovable as they each went through their challenging story lines. They are characters I won't soon forget.

This book is twisty and turny, it's surprising, and it's refreshing. So creative. So clever. So well done. I'm so impressed by this author every time she releases a book, but this one has a certain magic to it. I'm excited for everyone who gets to read this book for the first time! Enjoy!
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,299 reviews155 followers
February 10, 2020

MIND BLOWING is the perfect word to describe this book.

I have to tell you I really like my romance to be nice and sweet but even if Cowboy Villain Damsel Duel won't check those boxes I can't say I didn't love this story because there's a lot going on and the author did a brilliant job showing her cards at the right time.

At the start of the novel I didn't feel anything for the main characters but page after page they conquered a special place into my heart, they kept me in suspense for some time in order to find how their stories would have ended and why they were connected.
I won't tell you more about the plot because you have to taste it in first person but I swear you will find the answers at the end of this twisted journey.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Jen Zingaro.
1,126 reviews171 followers
February 1, 2020
WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I READ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
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NO REALLY! WHAT WAS THAT??
My mind is blown.
If you are looking for something light to read..... move on by then because this isn't the story for you.

If you want something that makes you think... like REALLY think.
and KEEEEEP on thinking.... and you STILL HAVE NO IDEA what that was.
Then one-click this baby. It's an unusual love story.... but I think I really enjoyed it.
I was emotional by the time it was all over and my mind is just blown.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews162 followers
February 7, 2020
Explosively entertaining, twisty, and engrossing, I was completely swept away by this completely original and addictive tale!! What is, what might be was never trusted as what you thought was blown out of the water around every turn. The chemistry between the characters was heart warming, and their battle to discover the truth was utterly mind blowing!!! If you're looking for something out of the box, miles away from boring, and something you can escape in, this is your book!!

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
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