Title: Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson
Midnight Cowboys Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
One bucking bronco. . .
Oklahoma ranch hand Tyler Jenkins is too young, too sexy, and too damn wild to be tied down by any single woman–for more than a few steamy hours. . .
One hard-working widow. . .
Widowed rancher Janie Smithwick is too busy paying off her debts to play rodeo with a reckless young cowboy like Tyler–no matter how hot he gets her. . .
One midnight ride they’ll never forget. . .
As a rule, Janie should be dating a man her own age, like her handsome neighbor Rohn–not the twenty-four-year old ranch hand he employs. But once Tyler gets Janie alone–held tight in his arms, pressed against his hard muscled body, burning with desire–the widow realizes that some rules, like broncos, are meant to be broken. . .
Review:
Cat Johnson’s Midnight Cowboys series is off to a MARVELOUS beginning with Midnight Ride. This younger man/older woman romance featuring Tyler Jenkins (from the Oklahoma Nights series) is a very sweet and deliciously sensual novel that old and new fans of Ms. Johnson are going to LOVE.
Twenty four year old Tyler Jenkins reminds me of a puppy: exuberant, energetic and eager to please. Tyler is a bit untamed and a little wild, but if you look beneath the playful and flirtatious exterior, you’ll find a loyal, hardworking man with a heart of gold. He is confident, charming and good natured, but when Tyler wants something, he goes after it wholeheartedly. And when it comes to Janie Smithwick, Tyler refuses to let a little thing like a twelve year age difference come between him and the woman that he is ready to settle down with.
It is a good thing that Tyler is persistent, because getting past Janie’s defenses is not for the faint of heart. She never expected to be a widow at such a young age, and she certainly never expected to be lusting after the hot, young cowboy from a neighboring ranch. Janie cannot understand why he would be interested in her but she soon discovers Tyler is pretty hard to resist when he wants something. She throws caution to the wind and begins what she thinks is a casual fling, but much to her shock, Tyler wants a real relationship with her.
Despite their mutual attraction, Tyler and Janie’s relationship begins with an easygoing friendship. Tyler respects Janie’s wishes to keep things platonic, but he slowly but surely works past her defenses. He is content with a slow but steady build to their relationship but when he realizes there is a very real possibility she will begin dating someone else, Tyler makes his move. This coincides with Janie’s change of heart and the two are soon enjoying some very hot and steamy lovemaking. Tyler keeps trying to convince her to take their relationship public, but Janie’s fears and insecurities quickly derail their burgeoning romance.
I have to confess that I do not typically read older woman/younger man romances but there was never any doubt that I was going to read Midnight Ride. First, I am a HUGE fan of Cat Johnson’s cowboy novels and second, there was no way I was going to miss Tyler’s story. I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone because Midnight Ride is an absolutely amazing novel. The romance between Tyler and Janie is incredibly heartwarming and I loved watching their characters grow over the course of the story. Tyler still retains all of the characteristics that make him so appealing but falling for Janie gives him some much needed focus. Janie needs a little playfulness to counter her über seriousness but most importantly, it is time for her to seize the opportunity for happiness despite the risks to her heart.
Midnight Ride is a sinfully sexy and exceptionally charming first installment in the Midnight Cowboys series. It is a fast paced and engaging love story that will delight readers and leave them impatiently awaiting the next book in this terrific series.
Thanks Kathy for the review