Cowgirl 101

by Laina Villeneuve

What Jo Harding loves most about the summer is being able to retreat from annoying humans. Though her friends say she’d be happier with someone sleeping by her side, she insists that all she needs to be happy are her mules, her dog, and a trail into the backcountry. She has absolutely no time to teach the incompetent, if attractive, newcomer. Daisy Lucero is an eager student from the start. Hired for work in the café, her real dream is to explore the High Sierra wilderness on horseback. While she would love to earn the respect of the handsome woman who inspired her adventure, she may have to settle for pestering her with songs and questions. In the vast classroom of the California wilderness, each woman finds herself tested. Tests of perseverance for Daisy as she learns to ride, and tests of patience as Jo considers whether life is about more than riding alone. It doesn’t take either of them long, however, to realize that neither one of them needs a lesson in chemistry.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Butch Femme, Westerns, LGBT, Horses

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Laina Villeneuve admits that her real-life courtship would read like a blatant plot manipulation. But it all worked out in the end and she and her wife live in Southern California with their three children. An English professor with a passion for lesbian fiction, she also has a lifelong love for horses.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. This was an enjoyable western romance. This is my fourth book by Villeneuve but easily my favorite by hers. I don’t know what it is but horses and cowgirls just go really well in WLW romances. While Villeneuve has written about the wilderness and mountains of California before, this book clicked much better for me than her others have.

The setting of this book is wonderful. You feel transported to a working guest ranch and then into the mountains on horseback and mule. The book just sucks you in and you wish you could actually be there to see what the characters are seeing. Now, I do have to mention that this book starts out a little slow, but once it gets going you don’t want to stop reading until the end.

This book takes place at the same ranch that Take Only Pictures does. It has been a while since I read that book but I actually remember it pretty well and there are a few secondary characters that are in both books. I think chances are very high that if you enjoyed Take Only Pictures that you will enjoy this one too and maybe even enjoy it more like I did. Also, Kat and Wendy from the book Kat's Nine Lives, are celebrating their anniversary by taking a trip in the mountains so it was nice to catch up with those character too. While this book is very connected to other books that Villeneuve has written, this is not an actual sequel, they just take place in the same universe. I think that is nice because you don’t have to worry about reading order and can start with this book even if you are totally new to reading Villeneuve’s stories. And if you have read her before, it’s fun to see past characters again.

I enjoyed the romance but it did have a bump or two. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, or at least dislike and annoyance to lovers. I’m a big fan of this trope so I liked seeing the sparks of conflict between the mains. The more they bickered, the more the tension grew which then turned into sexual tension. So I enjoyed the build-up and the pairing quite a bit. However, I was not as crazy about the angst. I felt it was too small of an issue for such a big blow-up. I agreed with the character who was angry and wronged to feel that way, but if you’re falling in love with someone a little communication should not be hard, on both sides. I get why Villeneuve needed to do this story choice. One of the characters still had some growing to do, but it still drove me a bit nuts. One the good side I thought the ending was nice and sappy sweet.

If you are into westerns and stories that take place out in the wilderness, and if you want to see what it takes to become a cowgirl, this book is for you. I had a lot of fun with this and it was nice to enjoy one of Villeneuve’s books so much. I would actually like to read another book with these characters. I feel like their story together is just beginning.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[Pin · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Laina Villeneuve's novels (six so far) are romances and standalones but all set in the same fictional universe. Each novel is about a new romantic couple and their story, but in a way everything is linked and interwoven (people, events, communities...). In each new book we learn something about characters from past books or we even meet them in some minor roles (here, Kat and Wendy - mains from Kat's Nine Lives - and Gabe and Brenna - secondaries from Return to Paradise).
Cowgirl 101 is a slow-burn romance between two very different personalities set in the beautiful High Sierras of California in summer. The main character Daisy (26) is really likable, while Jo (29) can be trying at times. The story is well rounded with good conflict, and a lot of interesting information about guided mule trips in the wilderness of High Sierras trails.
Just like some of the author's other books, I kind of struggled to get into the story, but when I did, it went smoothly to the end. So have patience and I believe it will be worth it. I was very happy with this book and could easily recommend it.

4 stars
August 12, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED THIS!!!
Jo is very antisocial. She lacks social graces and much prefers to spend time with her mules and her dog in the great outdoors. She doesn’t have time for the pretty but clueless newcomer to the Lodge’s payroll. Daisy’s dream is to explore the High Sierra’s on horseback. She once saw Jo in the Rose Bowl Parade and ever since then she has had the urge to follow in her footsteps. She was hired to work in the café but spends all her free time trying to learn her way around the horses. Even though Jo is less than welcoming, Daisy rises to her challenges and its not long before Jo has to rethink a lot of things in her life….

I LOVED this book!!!! It has cowgirls, horses and mules, a dog, the wilderness, a hunky, angsty ice queen, a sexy woman to thaw her…so much good stuff in here!!! I adored the characters, not just Jo and Daisy but all the others at the Lodge. They added to the homey feel of the staff and became friends. There was so much knowledge imparted about the inner workings of guided horseback camp outs. The scenery was amazing, the sense of the trails and the river etc made me feel like I was there, and how I wish I were, even if there were bears at night. I understood Jo and felt like there was a bit of me in her and I wanted to be Daisy with all her confidence and gumption. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t love about this book and I cannot wait to read another book by this amazing author!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cowgirl 101 by Laina Villeneuve. The cover first caught my eye along with the title and then the blurb. Covers really are very important. I’ve always been attracted to westerns, both historical and modern, so you can see how I would be interested in this novel.

This book has all the elements of an exceptional modern western romance with two unique and individual main characters. Jo Harding is the typical loner, stand-offish type. She is an expert in handling mules, horses, and all the skills needed for leading backpackers and campers up into the beautiful High Sierras Mountains. She has few real friends and wants nothing to do with people like Daisy Lucero, a total greenhorn who doesn’t belong in this job or this place. Daisy is brand new to the job. She doesn’t even know how to ride a horse, but she wants more than anything to learn all she needs to know so she too can go into the High Sierra wilderness. She also has a huge but secret crush on Jo, which makes for a lot of conflict and angst in the tale.

The setting, of course, is gorgeous. The story begins a bit slow, but once you get into the tale, the pacing is good. The romance is kind of an enemies-to-lovers tale and definitely a slow-burn romance, but sweet and satisfying.

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and I’m definitely going to be looking for more of her work. If you love modern day western romance with distinctive and engaging characters set in a stunningly beautiful land, then I can recommend this novel for you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read

This is one of my favorite authors. I think I've read most of her books and it was great to have some previous characters and shout outs in this read. I really liked the dynamic between the two main characters and the supporting characters added to the story. One thing that did confuse me was the Pete relationship. I feel as if it was kind of a big deal but was never really addressed...it felt he was accepting but then not. Maybe it was just me. Anyway, if you're interested a backcountry romance where opposites attract and proving yourself is key to finding yourself...then I think this might be just for you.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
Yes, there were horses and a dog, and that's always a big draw for me. I thought Jo's prickly demeanour would turn me off, but as we grew to understand what went on in her head, I connected better with her. It's easier to appreciate a person if we realize their motivations, and Jo's made sense to me. I could also fully appreciate Daisy's infatuation with Jo, and how that fueled her desire to do well in her job. The development of their relationship made total sense and was completely natural. I also want to say that I enjoyed how well developed the secondary characters were as well.
After a while, I could see the meadows and mountains, and smell the horses and mules. I can well imagine how it must have felt for Daisy to run back to the city.

All-in-all, I'm glad I read this book, and I think anyone else who enjoys WLW books with animals and the great outdoors will too.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover has such a nineties vibe I hesitated a bit to read this one, luckily the story is much better than the cover!

Daisy saw a lone cowgirl at the Rose Day parade, she made such an impression on her that she just had to find out what she does and where she does it. Inspired by this cowgirl Daisy applies for a job at the cafe of a ranch, but she dreams of heading out on horseback to explore the country. Daisy is an eager student, but cowgirl Jo isn't easily impressed by anyone if anything she is more annoyed by a hoo-haw city girl pretending to belong. Daisy is a real quick study and earns the trust and respect of many of the other employees, but Jo doesn't see it or doesn't want to see it. As an absolute slow burn, it takes Jo a very long time to give into Daisy and even then it might not be enough to have a relationship.

The setting of this book is amazing. With the absence of mountains and cowgirls and -boys in my country I felt transported to a completely different place. Yes, the story had some difficulties. There is a disagreement with some major overreacting, it was just too much. And there is so much communication missing between the leading ladies, even just reading body language seems to be too hard for them from time to time. Which is strange when you are just falling in love. And can I just say Daisy basically stalking Jo is a bit of a wrong start for me. She isn't really stalking per se, but following someone based on their look is a bit stalkerish as is trying to do everything to please them. I do like the very sappy ending, it's super cute and sweet.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For sure this is a enemies to lovers read. I was not familiar with this author but I enjoyed the western story of living and working in the back country. If you enjoy not just the outdoors but the back country, this is the read for you. Also, if you like mules, horses, cooking outdoors, and a cool dog, this is the read for you. Jo Harding presents herself as focused and palms facing out. Daisy Lucero presents herself as motivated and ready to learn the "ropes of the trade" from the experienced and seasoned Jo. Although Jo treats Daisy poorly, she works hard and learns quickly.

This read is full of information about what it takes to perform various jobs working for an organization that takes people on back country adventures. Being good at what you do as well as taking pride in what you do is not only important but necessary and to a larger extent...the difference between life and death.

The ending is sappy and leaves you thinking there could be a follow-up because Daisy and Jo as well as the secondary characters are just that interesting.

ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy Lucero wanted to be a cowgirl ever since she’d seen the Pasadena parade where one of the attractions featured riders from a ‘dude ranch’. One cowgirl grabbed her attention making her dream of joining this rider taking tourists into the back country of the High Sierra worth quitting her job and trying her hand at being a ‘cowgirl’. To say she had no idea what she was getting herself into and even though she’d never even rode a horse she still wanted to try. She didn’t mind the hard work and continued to improve though the one ‘cowgirl’ she wanted to notice her only did when it was to give Daisy a hard time.
Jo Harding loved her job as a ‘packer’ leading tourist into the mountains that she loved so much. Hard, dangerous work that required staying alert looking after the people and just as importantly the animals needed to do the job. Jo had no time nor was she willing to give her time trying to lead someone so ill suited for the work, so she decided to take what time she did have proving she was right when it came to Daisy. Daisy did not belong in the mountains.
When I started I didn’t know if I would get past the first few chapters. One of the characters ‘Daisy’ in my opinion came across as a dummy making it a hard read at first but as I got into the book the author started making her come across as someone with a brain. Jo’s character started out being a jerk and even by the end she stayed that way but as we learned her story she was much easier to take. That being said I still enjoyed reading Ms Villeneuve’s book. Actually I’ve liked her work for a while now and after a few chapters into this book I was happy to see she in reality didn’t leave behind the writing that has made her a star author when it comes to lesfic. All in all a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

[Domi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are sometimes dream of being able to head into the mountains on a horse and live the cowgirl life, then this is the book for you. Set in the Sierra mountains we follow Daisy, a first time guide with a company that does backcountry trips, and Jo, an experienced packer more at ease with her mules and the silence of nature all around her.
The background and setting of this story are lovely, I was seriously thinking about going on a trip like that myself. As for the romance; it was okay. I felt both ladies were overly sensitive and the conflict came across as stupid to me. Weird how you can apparently be so in love, but when you are not able to talk about anything...where is the love coming from? It meant that I couldn't care either way if they end up together...I just kept reading because of the mountains and the outdoor life.

*** An ARC was provided in exchange for a honest review. ***

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable cowgirl/city-girl summer romance.

Daisy Lucero's life is changed forever after being inexplicably drawn to the sight-mood-regalness of a mule-wrangler during the Rose Bowl Parade in her hometown of Pasadena. Beset with the need to explore her new-found draw to the High Sierra back country, Daisy signs on for the summer season at the backwoods outfitter. While quickly overwhelmed by all the things she doesn't know (you know... everything) about horses, mules, outfitters and tours, Daisy is determined to make her way. It would be much easier if the attractive mule-wrangler would give her the time of day and help her learn the ropes. But Jo Harding doesn't have time for Daisy, or for any new-comer who can't pull their weight... or for people in general.

Eventually, Daisy's hard work and determination begin to wear down Jo's walls. But a summer may not be long enough to change Jo's whole demeanor and make her willing and able to accept Daisy's attentions.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Harding is a loner who works at a ranch and takes people on trips in the High Sierra wilderness. Her best friends are her dog, Cody, and her mules. She keeps people at a distance.

Daisy Lucero is a student who is hired to work at the ranch café for the summer. She actually saw Jo on TV during the Rose Parade prior to ever arriving at the ranch and was struck by the look in Jo's eyes. From that television appearance Daisy knew that she was attracted to Jo.

Cowgirl 101 details how Daisy meets Jo at the ranch and Jo's negative first impressions of Daisy. Basically Jo doesn't hold much hope for Daisy remaining with the outfitter through the summer. The book describes how Daisy's knowledge grows as well as Jo and Daisy's relationship.

On several occasions throughout the book I felt bad for Daisy since she was trying so hard to learn about the different roles of the outfitter, the wilderness, and the animals, but wasn't receiving any positive reinforcement from Jo. Luckily, that eventually turned around and helped with the evolution of their relationship.

I will say that when I initially started reading the book I was thrown a bit by some of the ranching terms that I was unfamiliar with, but I learned more as the chapters continued.

Overall I would rate the book at 3.5 stars.

I have received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was ok read.

Jo loves summer what she loves most about it that she doesn’t have to spend time with other people. Although she has friends who thinks she should have a life she find with her animals and don’t mind being a loner.

Daisy dreams of exploring wilderness on horseback. She gets her chance to achieve that dream but when Jo the woman who inspired her thinks she can’t take the work decides to prove her wrong.

As Jo tries to escape her attraction to Daisy, Daisy tries to get Jo to open up both women will be tested and will a romance happen or will they walk away. The side characters were funny as they tries to push them together.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[KarenC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. Everything about it is gorgeous, from the setting to the writing style. Personally I dislike everything about camping, so the entire time I read this I was worried about how dirty they must be. But I certainly understand the appeal of horses and nature, and Laina Villeneuve is an expert on these subjects. Her writing is so readable, so beautiful and lyrical, that it makes the story flow even better.

The first half was very slow for me, but I knew that this was a deliberate choice. We needed all that background, all that time to pass, to understand how Daisy and Jo would fit together. This is a clear case of opposites attract and enemies to lovers, and those tropes work beautifully here.

I loved the ending with its 80s/90s music video vibe. Pick this book up and give it a chance through the slower first half. You'll be rewarded with a gorgeous love story.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy has a dream to learn how to ride horses and explore the wilderness on horseback. She's begins working at the cafe servicing a horseback ride guide outfit to bring her in close proximity to her goal. The learning curve is steep and its not made any easier by the prickly cowgirl Jo. Jo is happy to spend the days with her dog and her mules rather than people, carrying supplies for the guests. She's not a fan of the cheerful Daisy who has no experience around horses. But Daisy surprises her at every turn with her determination to learn, and as the two break down the barriers between them their attraction grows. Will Daisy find her place in the wilderness and with Jo or is her dream truly out of her reach?

I've always loved Villeneuve's books but this one was a struggle for me to get into. For much of the first half of the book the two main characters didn't have much interaction and most of their conversations were imagined in their heads about what they might say to each other if they actually were to interact. Eventually they were thrown together and then the story picked up and the tension from the first half of the book turned into some really great chemistry. Jo's character was very unlikable and it was hard to see redeeming elements in it even knowing there was a backstory coming. Daisy was a sweet and strong character and I loved her attitude towards life. I love the setting and I loved seeing some characters from Take Only Pictures so as things picked up towards the end of the book I did enjoy the read. Looking forward as always to what comes next from this author.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, I quite enjoy cowgirl stories. They are strong characters, with a sense of responsibility and respect for nature and people. But this story seemed somewhat strange to me, I really did not understand much the meaning of the attitude of the two protagonists until well into the book. And once I have understood something about why their behaviors, especially Jo's, have not seemed sufficiently justifiable for their actions.

Jo has been a character that in addition to being strange has ended up being even unpleasant. And Daisy is not a completely logical character in her actions either.

And besides, this story has a lot of language related to the activity of horseback riding in the mountains, perhaps too much for my liking.

And the ending is a bit cheesy, which can be good at times, but it wasn't for me in this case.

So a story in which I had more expectations ended up being just ok.

An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review of the story.

Sweet story of city girl following her fantasy fueled dream to a pack ranch in search of her Cowgirl.

The cowgirl is a loaner and is impatient of inexperienced people - along the way to mutual respect, there are. Misunderstandings, misconceptions, stereotypes to be shattered and of course, love.

The only negative- for me - was the cowboy appropriate swearing. Dadgumbit is just distracting. Otherwise, this is a sweet weekend read.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those books where after I finish, it's so clear that this couple has absolutely no chance of staying together nor should they. We have Jo, a cowgirl who acts and speaks like a middle aged Yosemite Sam (her choice words and phrases include: daggum, hoo haw, and poop on a stick (!?)) though is apparently only 29, and Daisy, a recent (high school? all her friends seem to be in college and she's debating going herself, so maybe 20?) grad looking for her calling in the mountains at a...ranch? I honestly have no idea where this story even took place or what was these characters were doing most of the time. They seem to work at some facility, which take guests on either single day trips or week-long journeys by horse into the mountains--but guests don't appear to actually stay AT the facility itself. Aside from that, none of the terminology particular to this line of work is ever really defined. My extent of ranch/horse knowledge comes from Hey, Dude! so there was quite a bit of head scratching.
Anyhow, Jo is essentially the lesbian equivalent of Kristoff from Frozen, without any of the charm, but her obsession is mules and horses rather than reindeer. She frequently expounds upon why mules are better than people and has no problem telling people this to their face after telling them off for not being a "real" cowboy/girl. People still seem to like her and respect her for some reason, despite being a complete dick. No one more so than Daisy, who receives that same dressing down treatment yet apparently likes being verbally abused and disrespected because she keeps pursuing the woman. Aside from never knowing the proper setting, I just could never understand why these characters were behaving the way they were, which most of the time ended up being incredibly juvenile (temper tantrums, refusing to do their assigned job, stomping off in a huff, etc) through the entire course of the book.
These just were my kind of cowgirls, I suppose.


ARC provided by NetGalley

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say I did pay real money for this book and I would have payed more.

[Char Dafoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me rugged, strong cowgirls and this had that and more

This was a different kind of country love story. We got to learn all about pack mules and living life on the trail. The author did a great job with description of the wilderness and all the strenuous work that goes into hauling supplies and making camp at every stop. I'd call this a slow-burn, even if a lot of the interactions between both protagonists was frosty bordering on frigid. Jo was obviously attracted to Daisy from the get-go, but having lived her life mainly around horses who didn't talk back or express emotion, Jo couldn't recognize her attraction toward the feisty and chatty femme. Instead of reflecting, Jo assumed it was more annoyance she felt toward the novice cowgirl and treated Daisy like she was an invalid. A rarity, but I was on the femme's side in this story. Daisy was no wilting flower, yes, she had no idea what she was doing half the time, but it never stopped her from giving up. In fact, it was her resilience that caused her to get in trouble where eventually she ended up pushing herself away as a defense mechanism. Sort of a, "I'll hurt them before they hurt me" kind of deal. I related to that and I couldn't fault her because then I'd have to do the same to myself. There were a ton of side characters in this story, so many in fact, that I struggled to keep everyone straight, but it didn't pull me away too far from the story. I found at times that the animals played an important part and had me chuckling at their stubborn antics.

An adventurous, slightly dramatic, sweet story. 4 stars

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Harding is the ultimate cowgirl, quiet, brooding and with attitude, she loves nothing more than being on the backcountry trails with her dog and her mules. During the summer she spends her time taking tourists on trail horse rides. Daisy Lucero has been employed as a waitress in the cafe at the start of the trails. Her ulterior motive is to learn everything she can about horse riding and the trails so she can spend her time exploring the backcountry and getting to know the cowgirl with the attitude.
If you like your romances to burn slowly then this is the book for you. The chemistry between Jo and Daisy takes a while to develop but when it does it sizzles. I really enjoyed the very different personalities of both characters and was pleased to see that when it came down to it, Daisy stood her ground. The added bonus to this story was the description of the backcountry which made you feel like you wanted to be there.
An enjoyable read.

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the author's other books in this setting, running summer horseback tours in the California High Sierra's. But this one didn't work for me. Daisy falls into infatuation with the idea of working the summer as a cowgirl while watching the Rose Parade. She get's a job to work in the cafe but quickly is learning all she can about horses and helping lead tours. Jo has been doing this job for several summers. Jo is a farrier and loves working, packing and leading mule/horse teams in the Sierra's. She sees Daisy as a joke cowgirl and cuts her no slack. Unfortunately Jo has the communication skills of a gnat. Even when they are sort of getting along and Daisy acknowledges their attraction Jo can't express her thoughts or feelings. The angst moment is cutting and feels forced. I found the grand gesture laughable. The epilogue didn't help me figure out how they were still together and what Daisy is doing the other nine months of the year.

[Dorothy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This outdoor lesbian romance by Laina Villeneuve is funny, original, and rewarding. Set in the trail-riding country of the Sierra Nevadas, it features a star-struck beginner Daisy and her heroine, Jo, whom Daisy first saw riding in the Rose Bowl Parade. While Daisy and reclusive Jo get to know each other, the reader learns about trail rides, outdoor cooking, camping, handling horses and mules, and all the other details involved in this unique lifestyle. The language of horses and the trail pervades the story, even into the love scenes, a charming detail. For me, this would have been a five-star novel except for the occasional confusion of having to reread sentences or paragraphs because it wasn't clear which "she" the word meant. COWGIRL 101 could have been a really top book if the editing had been just a little more careful. Loved the unusual story.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent city girl-cowgirl romance with a good cast of secondary characters. The pace is a little slow at first, though that helps provide the reader a very clear picture of how hard Daisy will work to learn everything she needs to know. By comparison Jo comes across as mostly cranky. While it is easy to see why Jo is interested in Daisy, the reverse is less obvious. Apparently the cowgirl mystic is quite powerful. Fortunately by the end Jo appears to have made some effort to understand, or at least better appreciate, her fellow humans. Daisy forgives Jo's transgressions in short order so the main characters are able to have their HEA. Readers of Ms. Villeneuve's other works will appreciate the cameos of characters from earlier novels.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the nature setting and everything about the hard work of the characters. I really liked all the moments of closeness between the main characters. They were sweet and hot and made me root for them to make it as a couple. Jo is a handsome and hard-working cowgirl that perceives herself as a misfit. All her focus in life is on work. Daisy is searching for something to focus on and follows an inner call to the mountains. No matter what she does, she fears that Jo will perceive her as incompetent and, ultimately inferior and an unequal. I found the conflict to be believable. The chemistry between them was great and I'd like to read a follow-up about how they work on their relationship.

[Cathy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time for me to read a book by Laine Villenuve., and I don't think it will be the last time.
This book start off a bit slow but it is worth sticking with it from about a 3rd in it really gets going and the result is a great story.

Jo and Daisy are both good characters that you'll like straight away, then connection between them is not instant, as you continue to read you hope they get to work things out.

Would I recommend: Yes a nice book to read

[Shula McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting because overall it wasn’t bad, but it had so many loose or unnecessary stuff in it that it could be annoying. Also there’s no such thing as a white horse! Horses can be albino with pink skin and white hair. But otherwise on a white coated horse the skin underneath is grey, and so the horse is classified as grey.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book several week ago, but got really busy and am just writing my review. This was the final book that I wanted to read before I started graduate school and teaching. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review from Bella books and NetGalley.

This was a semi nice romance novel. What I liked was all of the scenes that took place in the backcountry where the author painted such a wonderful picture of the scenery and that is where this book excelled. The author writes well and that is what ultimately kept me coming back, the story though was flat. It was about Jo and Daisy. JO who has been doing backcountry tours for years, and Daisy who saw Jo on tv and decided that she wanted to work with her. It felt a little creepy, but hey if that's the story I can suspend belief for a minute. What I didn't like was how emotionally and verbally abusive Jo was to Daisy and how everyone at the ranch let job get away with it. It was a lot, I was happy when Daisy decided to leave, but felt sad when she and jo got back together. I just felt like they should not have been together and they didn't really have any chemistry. Overall not my favorite book, but it was okay of you can get over the issues of the book.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

I really loved Cowgirl 101. I loved the setting. You could feel the splendor of the mountains. I was glad that mules were a big part of the story. They are so unappreciated.

[Cece S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok