Review: How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy

Title: How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy
Cowboys of Decker Ranch Series Book Two
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 480 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.

The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…

The Review:

How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously sweet yet sinfully steamy romance that fans of contemporary westerns absolutely do not want to miss. This second installment in the marvelous Cowboys of Decker Ranch series begins with an unexpected night of passion between childhood friend Suze Carlyle and Brady Caine. However it is not until a serious accident sidelines Suze that their relationship grows into something deeper, but misunderstandings and trust issues threaten their budding romance.

Suze is a highly successful barrel racer who is incredibly focused on her career. Following in the footsteps of her deceased mother who was also a championship barrel racer, Suze is desperately trying to win her grief stricken father’s love and approval. But the biggest reason for her dedication is much more practical: without her rodeo winnings, Suze and her father are in danger of losing the family ranch.  Her devotion to her career has paid off financially but it has left a huge void in her life personally. She is an independent loner without any close friends and while normally this does not bother Suze, after her accident, she is left without anyone to rely on except the last person she wants to see: Brady.

Brady was in and out of foster homes until the Deckers adopted him along with his two foster brothers, Ridge and Shane, as teenagers. He hides the pain of his difficult childhood behind an easy smile and a carefree attitude, but this has earned him a reputation of not taking life seriously. His natural talent as a saddle bronc rider means he wins more than he loses but he is content to coast along without putting any extra effort into improving his career. Brady is charming, good-natured and very popular with the ladies on the rodeo circuit, but his relationships are quick and easy one night stands. There is more to Brady than his superficial outward appearance reveals, but the only person who sees a glimpse of the real man is Suze. However their awkward morning after leads to both of them pretending their night together was meaningless and the two go their separate ways until they work together on a photo shoot that ends in a tragic accident.

The accident is a turning point for both Brady and Suze. For the first time, Brady becomes someone that can be counted on and Suze realizes that she needs more in her life than her career. Suze tries to push Brady away but he stubbornly refuses to give in to her demands to leave her alone. Brady is surprisingly honest about his feelings but Suze is very reluctant to believe that he sincerely wants to be with her. Their relationship is further damaged by Suze’s low self-esteem and her inability to put her complete trust in Brady.

How to Kiss a Cowboy is a captivating romance with a complex and well-developed storyline. The characters are appealing and multi-layered with realistic issues to overcome. This heartwarming addition to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series an emotional, fun and sensual romance that old and new fans of Joanne Kennedy are going to love.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the series HERE.