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The Calamity Janes #5
Wrangling the Redhead
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?"
Horse wrangler Wade Owens treated Lauren Winters like a pretty little interloper who had sashayed onto his turf. Wade's attitude sparked Lauren's temper, but she'd never backed down from a challenge. Weary from her high-profile career, Lauren had returned to Wyoming to reunite with her old friends, the Calamity Janes, and to start over--incognito--as a horse trainer. Wade was a refreshing change from the glitterati--he treated her like a real person. But the wrangler had made clear his distaste for the rich and powerful...would their stormy love endure the maelstrom when Lauren revealed her true identity?
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2001
238 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,515 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 11, 2022
This book was cute but for such a grumpy guy it felt like he fell for her pretty quickly. The piece of her fame towards the end felt a little forced too but definitely helped move the story along. Overall, it was alright but not my favorite by Sherryl Woods.
🌀Synopsis
Lauren is leaving the world of fame. She’s headed back to Wyoming to be with her group of best friends. She’s determined to live a normal life there and goes to work with the horses.
There’s only one thing in her way- Wade Owens. He thinks she’s crazy for working with these difficult horses but understands she has a way with them. The two butt heads so much that they end up having feelings for each other.
Now Lauren has to find a way to break her fame to him and help him understand that isn’t who she is anymore.
🌀Synopsis
Lauren is leaving the world of fame. She’s headed back to Wyoming to be with her group of best friends. She’s determined to live a normal life there and goes to work with the horses.
There’s only one thing in her way- Wade Owens. He thinks she’s crazy for working with these difficult horses but understands she has a way with them. The two butt heads so much that they end up having feelings for each other.
Now Lauren has to find a way to break her fame to him and help him understand that isn’t who she is anymore.
April 1, 2019
Love the series.
June 23, 2013
Terrific finale to the Calamity Janes series!
After two failed marriages, 28-year-old Lauren Winters feels like a failure, in spite of a red-hot acting career in a string of blockbuster romantic comedies and an Academy Award nomination. Needing to get her head back on straight, she escapes to her birthplace of Winding River, Wyoming, to visit friends and family.
Almost the moment Lauren arrives back at her home ranch in Wyoming, she butts heads with arrogant horse wrangler, Wade Owens. Wade didn't grow up with Lauren, and not being a fan of romantic comedies, he has never heard of her as an actress. He just knows she's rich, an interloper in his domain, and assumes she's snooty as sin.
Though she finds herself brangling right and left with Wade, Lauren comes away from their sparring sessions more stimulated than upset. What a refreshing change to interact with someone who isn't in awe of her! And as things heat up between her and Wade, Lauren is even more delighted knowing that whatever Wade feels for her, it is for her alone, not for her fame and prestige. But even as she rejoices in her good fortune, Lauren knows that sooner or later she's going to have to confess to Wade who she really is.
This book is an excellent addition to an exciting romance series. There are lots of sparks and sharp repartee between the hero and heroine. The story has plenty of conflict and tension, but (which is something I personally prefer), remains light drama without too much angsting, and with frequent touches of humor. The sexual relationship between Wade and Lauren is highly emotional, which makes it very hot. Also, if you are a fan of stories set on a ranch, you will like the way the ranch in this book is very authentically drawn.
After two failed marriages, 28-year-old Lauren Winters feels like a failure, in spite of a red-hot acting career in a string of blockbuster romantic comedies and an Academy Award nomination. Needing to get her head back on straight, she escapes to her birthplace of Winding River, Wyoming, to visit friends and family.
Almost the moment Lauren arrives back at her home ranch in Wyoming, she butts heads with arrogant horse wrangler, Wade Owens. Wade didn't grow up with Lauren, and not being a fan of romantic comedies, he has never heard of her as an actress. He just knows she's rich, an interloper in his domain, and assumes she's snooty as sin.
Though she finds herself brangling right and left with Wade, Lauren comes away from their sparring sessions more stimulated than upset. What a refreshing change to interact with someone who isn't in awe of her! And as things heat up between her and Wade, Lauren is even more delighted knowing that whatever Wade feels for her, it is for her alone, not for her fame and prestige. But even as she rejoices in her good fortune, Lauren knows that sooner or later she's going to have to confess to Wade who she really is.
This book is an excellent addition to an exciting romance series. There are lots of sparks and sharp repartee between the hero and heroine. The story has plenty of conflict and tension, but (which is something I personally prefer), remains light drama without too much angsting, and with frequent touches of humor. The sexual relationship between Wade and Lauren is highly emotional, which makes it very hot. Also, if you are a fan of stories set on a ranch, you will like the way the ranch in this book is very authentically drawn.
July 4, 2010
This was my favorite out of the series I think. I liked that it took place a little after the others so it wasn't quite as confusing reading different books that all took place at the same time, not as much repeating as the others either. I didn't like that Lauren didn't tell Wade who she was but other than that it was just a nice read and fun to see where the other characters were after they had been married a bit.
October 16, 2019
This is my first book by Sherryl Woods but it certainly won't be my last. I loved this so much. Just what I needed to keep me warm on chilly October nights.
August 8, 2020
This is book one of a three book set. The first books, have Cassie & Karen stories. Both are full stories in the same book. Book two has Gina & Emma story. Again both full stores in the same book. Book three is Lauren's story alone. I read all the time and also do a number of ARC's for authors. My biggest wish would be that authors would note, put in the title something when books are part of a series. I can not count how may times I have read a really good story to find it is either part 2 or 3.
This happen with these three books, I picked up book two from a thrift store then went and bought 1 & 2. The books should really be read in order. That being said, these books are about 5 women who meet in school, got into a ton of trouble were the Calamity Jane's name come from. They have been friends for life. The all have secrets, problems, have had or will have broken hearts, children and find men with their own set of secrets and problems, things in their past that make their out look on some topics hard to deal with. I love this set of books, Sherryl has a way of making you feel like you are right there in the town of Winding River, Wyoming. You feel their pain, joy, heartbreak and maybe just maybe their love and happy ever after.
If you have nothing to do for a couple of days or week get these three books, lots of snacks, and drinks and settle in for the read of a life time.
I will be re reading these probably more then once.
Sherryl Woods is a new author for me and I have not read one of her books that I haven't fallen in love with..
This happen with these three books, I picked up book two from a thrift store then went and bought 1 & 2. The books should really be read in order. That being said, these books are about 5 women who meet in school, got into a ton of trouble were the Calamity Jane's name come from. They have been friends for life. The all have secrets, problems, have had or will have broken hearts, children and find men with their own set of secrets and problems, things in their past that make their out look on some topics hard to deal with. I love this set of books, Sherryl has a way of making you feel like you are right there in the town of Winding River, Wyoming. You feel their pain, joy, heartbreak and maybe just maybe their love and happy ever after.
If you have nothing to do for a couple of days or week get these three books, lots of snacks, and drinks and settle in for the read of a life time.
I will be re reading these probably more then once.
Sherryl Woods is a new author for me and I have not read one of her books that I haven't fallen in love with..
December 6, 2022
Friends Forever by Sherryl Woods
This is book #5 in the Calamity Janes series. In this book it evolves around Lauren Winters who is a famous movie star that has had enough of that lifestyle and wants to return to her hometown in Wyoming. She stays with her best friend on her ranch. Wade is a cowboy who works on that ranch. He is oblivious to who Lauren actually is but he does have interest in the redhead beauty.
Boy oh boy I did not know I needed a cowboy type romance and I want more of it. There is something wholesome about this story it just made my heart go a flutter with these two. Their chemistry is so bright it will light a fire. I liked the setting as well on a horse ranch in Wyoming what better of a place. I also like the characteristics of the horses on the ranch it add to the story.
This was a fast pace romance story it looks to be a re-release of this story. I will be going back and reading the other books if they are as good as this one I am in for a treat. This was a solid four star read for me. Narrated by Traci Odom she did such a good job it added to my enjoyment of this audio book. She was able to distinguish each character with their own voice. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a solid cowboy type romance this one will fill that need.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a free audio copy of Friends Forever for an honest review. All ideas and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is book #5 in the Calamity Janes series. In this book it evolves around Lauren Winters who is a famous movie star that has had enough of that lifestyle and wants to return to her hometown in Wyoming. She stays with her best friend on her ranch. Wade is a cowboy who works on that ranch. He is oblivious to who Lauren actually is but he does have interest in the redhead beauty.
Boy oh boy I did not know I needed a cowboy type romance and I want more of it. There is something wholesome about this story it just made my heart go a flutter with these two. Their chemistry is so bright it will light a fire. I liked the setting as well on a horse ranch in Wyoming what better of a place. I also like the characteristics of the horses on the ranch it add to the story.
This was a fast pace romance story it looks to be a re-release of this story. I will be going back and reading the other books if they are as good as this one I am in for a treat. This was a solid four star read for me. Narrated by Traci Odom she did such a good job it added to my enjoyment of this audio book. She was able to distinguish each character with their own voice. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a solid cowboy type romance this one will fill that need.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a free audio copy of Friends Forever for an honest review. All ideas and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 2, 2022
In this audiobook, we meet Lauren Winters who left Wyoming for the LA hoping to experience life in the city.
What she never expected was to become a very famous and wealthy Hollywood star. But ten years later, Lauren realizes she not only misses her hometown, but also, life in Hollywood is no longer fulfilling.
Being a sort of horse whisperer, she shocks Wade Owens, the new rancher working as a wrangler at her friends ranch. Wade dislikes the rich, and with reason, since his biological father was one and didn’t care for him or his mother.
But as much as Wade is grumpy when dealing with Lauren , the attraction is there.
What happens when Wade finds out who Lauren really is?
Though I had not read or listened to the previous stories in this series, and at times I felt I was missing the interaction between the friends, it was still easy to follow the story and could be considered a stand alone.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Dreamscape Media.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
What she never expected was to become a very famous and wealthy Hollywood star. But ten years later, Lauren realizes she not only misses her hometown, but also, life in Hollywood is no longer fulfilling.
Being a sort of horse whisperer, she shocks Wade Owens, the new rancher working as a wrangler at her friends ranch. Wade dislikes the rich, and with reason, since his biological father was one and didn’t care for him or his mother.
But as much as Wade is grumpy when dealing with Lauren , the attraction is there.
What happens when Wade finds out who Lauren really is?
Though I had not read or listened to the previous stories in this series, and at times I felt I was missing the interaction between the friends, it was still easy to follow the story and could be considered a stand alone.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Dreamscape Media.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 5, 2022
Lauren Winters has had enough of her Hollywood life and decides to pack it in and head home to her live the life she misses so much. Her best friends and the quiet “normal” life out of the spotlight await her until she figures out what is next for her. She’s a horse whisperer so until she figures out her next move she’s staying with one of her is best friends and husband and helping out on their ranch much to the chagrin of the head horse wrangler Wade. Wade is also terrific at his job, has zero idea of who she is, has a lot of truly outdated old school versions of a woman and their place in the world. Think 1950. Lots of heat between them, but can they get beyond themselves to make it work? Can they get beyond his preconceived ideas and live their best lives? its a fun listen with a sweet HEA. It seemed very familiar to me and it turns out to be a re-release from 2001. I liked it both times, but it does explain some of the old school ideals.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 14, 2022
Tired of being a movie star, Lauren Winters has returned to her hometown to reunite with her high school friends and become a horse trainer. She and Wade Owens, a rancher, cross paths, but he makes it known that he doesn’t like the rich and powerful. Will he feel differently about her once he knows who she is?
What on earth did I just read? These characters were entirely unlikable, and nothing I read made me feel like Lauren and Wade liked each other as people or had a reason to be together; this definitely wasn’t a healthy relationship. I did not know when I requested the audiobook that this was a 21-year-old book, nor that it was the fifth book in a series. It was originally titled Wrangling the Redhead – that title certainly fits the story better than Friends Forever.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
What on earth did I just read? These characters were entirely unlikable, and nothing I read made me feel like Lauren and Wade liked each other as people or had a reason to be together; this definitely wasn’t a healthy relationship. I did not know when I requested the audiobook that this was a 21-year-old book, nor that it was the fifth book in a series. It was originally titled Wrangling the Redhead – that title certainly fits the story better than Friends Forever.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
June 14, 2023
The last Jane is back in Winding River - for good. Lauren is the one who was never expected to stay. After all, she's a big Hollywood star now and in extremely high demand. She's missing something though, and she has decided to stay even though her friends are reluctant to believe it. They have found their forevers, one by one and she wants hers too. She never thinks it's happening when a gruff cowboy takes her to task for trying to get near a very spirited stallion. That's just the beginning of the story of Wade and Lauren. She decides she wants him to know her and like her as the horse wrangler and trainer she wants to be, not as the glamorous movie star. What could possibly go wrong?
June 24, 2021
Lauren Winters has fame and fortune from her Hollywood success but she still feels like she is missing something. When she goes home to Winding River, Wyoming for a reunion with the other Calamity Janes she sees her friends find love and happiness and she longs for that for herself. Because of her high-profile career she jumps at the opportunity to work incognito as a horse trainer for Wade Owens, a cowboy that gets her attention.
Wade Owens does not think much of the rich and powerful. So what will happen when he learns that Lauren has been keeping who she really is from him? Is there any possibility of them having a chance at love?
Wade Owens does not think much of the rich and powerful. So what will happen when he learns that Lauren has been keeping who she really is from him? Is there any possibility of them having a chance at love?
August 19, 2020
Wade and Lauren have their love of horses in common, but will it be enough? He disdains wealth and dishonesty based on his background. His father was a wealthy married man when his mother got pregnant. He didn't support or acknowledge Wade throughout his life.
So Lauren is reticent to share her background which leads to much disappointment to both of them. The wrap up to this story was too quick and a bit more unbelievable for me. But , overall a good story and end to this series. I give it 3.5 stars.
So Lauren is reticent to share her background which leads to much disappointment to both of them. The wrap up to this story was too quick and a bit more unbelievable for me. But , overall a good story and end to this series. I give it 3.5 stars.
February 25, 2018
This was a very predictable book. I saw It coming from the beginning. It was however a very sweet book. Now and then a chicklit, and a hanky-panky romance can sometimes be good in between the novels, detective and murder books and the psychological thrillers. I certainly am glad that Lauren gave up fame and fortune for the man of her dreams.
August 21, 2019
This was the last one in the Calamity Jane series. They are a stand alone read as well, but they are better read in order as they are about friends that support each other through thick and thin. Lauren has finally decided to come home for good and find what she really wants to do work with horses and find a good man. the man has issues he has to get over though.
January 5, 2025
Lauren has come home for a bit and working on the ranch she butts head with Wade who has a problem with anyone who is rich and famous. These two have so much chemistry but what is going to happen when all her secrets come out and he finds out who she really is?
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
March 19, 2020
Good characterization, small town at it’s best
Enjoyable continuation of the ‘adventures’ of the Calamity Janes. Fun to watch them as they proceed with their adult lives. Storyline was rather predictable.
Enjoyable continuation of the ‘adventures’ of the Calamity Janes. Fun to watch them as they proceed with their adult lives. Storyline was rather predictable.
March 20, 2020
Worth the time
Perfect? No, but very engaging. The storyline and characters were well written. I seem to have stumbled into a series from the wrong end but that didn't matter as the story could stand on its own. No cliff hangers when you start at the wrong end of a series.
Perfect? No, but very engaging. The storyline and characters were well written. I seem to have stumbled into a series from the wrong end but that didn't matter as the story could stand on its own. No cliff hangers when you start at the wrong end of a series.
March 22, 2020
Predictable but good read
After I got this book, I realized it was a reissue from several years ago. The good thing is I hadn’t read the series by this author. Lauren and Wade’s story is a nicely written love ❤️ affair...western style.
After I got this book, I realized it was a reissue from several years ago. The good thing is I hadn’t read the series by this author. Lauren and Wade’s story is a nicely written love ❤️ affair...western style.
November 24, 2022
What a great ending to the series! I loved all the glam and the romance and the struggle and the decomposition of toxic masculinity 😂🤣
I gave 5 stars just as a tribute to the end of the series. Definitely paced me at a good momentum to try and finish this challenge!
5 out of 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I gave 5 stars just as a tribute to the end of the series. Definitely paced me at a good momentum to try and finish this challenge!
5 out of 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 5, 2019
Love Lauren. I thought Wade was a jerk. He got over his problem with rich people real quick. Enjoyed the story.
March 19, 2020
Loved this book and the series. I have read MS Woods books for quite awhile and hadn't read this series until recently. I love all her books and this one was just as great as all others
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
May 6, 2021
Love is stronger than hate.
January 26, 2022
2001-2015 - Have it Read it - PB - horses
November 19, 2022
Have to admit this was my least favorite out of the series... BUT what a fun series! I love when how Sheryl focuses on every character in the story with their own book!
December 19, 2022
Overall I like the storyline and the friends , but the male character wade just rubbed me the wrong way , i did not like him so this wasnt as enjoyable read as it could have been ,
January 10, 2023
Ranches, horses, romance... quite an attractive, believable story with well written characters. Easy read. Enjoyable. Just not quite the suspense I crave!
September 22, 2023
The story was good. Not happy with the sex.
May 15, 2024
Predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews