Category Archives: Cat Johnson

April 22, 2015 · 11:58 pm

Review: Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson

midnight rideTitle: 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.

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Filed under Cat Johnson, Contemporary, Midnight Cowboys Series, Midnight Ride, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zebra

March 24, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Three Weeks with a Bull Rider by Cat Johnson

weeksTitle: Three Weeks with a Bull Rider by Cat Johnson
Oklahoma Nights Series Book Three Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Brava
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One Broken Man. . .

Cowboy Jace Mills has suffered fewer injuries from bucking bulls than he has from his ex-girlfriend. Following his best friend Tucker’s advice, Jace is convinced it’s time to move on. But with his ex’s tight rein on him, easier said than done.

One Broken Heart. . .

Tara Jenkins learned a lot in her sports medicine courses, but not how to fix her broken heart. So when her brother Tucker suggests using her skills on the rodeo, it gives her the perfect opportunity to ride off into the sunset–or at least run away.

Three Weeks Together. . .

Only problem is, Jace and Tara have had a hate-hate relationship for over a decade, putting up with each other for Tucker’s sake.

With their long history as frenemies, they know sparks will fly now that they’re on the same circuit, they just never expect them to flare into scorching passion. . .

The Review:

Three Weeks with a Bull Rider, the final novel in the Oklahoma Nights trilogy, is refreshingly unique, deliciously sensuous and full of surprises. In this outing, Cat Johnson effortlessly accomplishes what has to be one of THE most difficult things an author must do: transform a previously unlikable character into one that readers will not only love but one that they will root for 110 percent. Thankfully, in Ms. Johnson’s talented and capable hands, Tara Jenkins becomes a heroine that is worthy of Jace Mills’ heart and fans of the series will fall for her as well.

The Central States Rodeo Circuit offers both Tara and Jace the perfect opportunity to escape their real life problems for a few weeks. For Jace, he has been unable to make a clean break from his slightly crazy ex and after their latest confrontation, he is eager to put some distance between them. Tara’s heart was broken when the man she loves marries another woman, so she too is looking for a distraction. Jace decides to hit the bull riding circuit and Tara signs up for the internship she needs to finish up her sports medicine degree. Although these two really cannot stand one another, after Tara’s car breaks down, they reluctantly become traveling partners. Much to their surprise, their animosity gives way to friendship and an unanticipated attraction.

In the beginning, Tara is still the immature, selfish and bratty character readers met in Two Times As Hot but this makes her transformation much more realistic. Once she and Jace are on the road, she is unexpectedly compassionate and understanding when confronted with Jace’s unhappiness over the situation with his ex. She also sees a different side to Jace during his interactions with the younger riders. Their relationship soon becomes a little more relaxed and while they still bicker back and forth, it is not quite as heated as it was at first. Tara takes the responsibilities of her internship seriously and she quickly begins to mature as she carries out her duties. She is headstrong and impulsive but Jace proves to be a calming influence on more than one occasion. Tara is also tenacious and this trait turns out to a good thing when it comes to their evolving relationship.

Older, mature and steady as a rock, Jace is a great guy who sometimes makes questionable decisions regarding his ex. On the positive side, he finally walked away from the tempestuous relationship. On the negative side, he drops everything to rush back whenever his volatile ex calls. Jace is reluctant to talk to anyone about the trouble with his ex, but once he opens up to Tara, she provides some startling insight that might explain his ex’s erratic behavior. Tara suggests a very sexy solution to help Jace put his ex firmly in the past, but he is extremely reluctant to put her plan into motion. But Tara quickly overcomes his resistance and their relationship takes a very passionate turn.

My one word description for Three Weeks with a Bull Rider? Different and as far as I am concerned, this is what makes it an outstanding reading experience. It is the third novel in the series and Ms. Johnson does an excellent job keeping it fresh. Unlike the other books, Jace and Tara are on the road, so outside of a few friends on the bull riding circuit, the story centers exclusively on them. Fortunately, their characters are strong enough to carry the plot and they sort through their feelings for each other without interference from family or friends.

Another big difference is Tara and Jace take the time to get to know one another before they jump into bed together. The sexual attraction between them is always there; it just takes them a while to recognize it. Jace is the more sexually experienced of the two, but for the most part, Tara is the one controlling this part of their relationship. But there is just so far Jace is willing to go and this leads to some incredibly inventive and positively sizzling encounters between them.

The story flows so smoothly and the changes in the characters and their relationship occur so gradually, it takes a while to realize that Tara has matured into an immensely appealing character and that she and Jace are a perfect match for each other. There is no insta-love between them. Instead their feelings for one another grow over time, making the changes in their relationship easy to believe. There are no big misunderstandings to tear them apart, and although Cat Johnson does throw a couple of obstacles in their path, Tara and Jace overcome them with very little drama.

Three Weeks with a Bull Rider is a very strong finish to the Oklahoma Nights trilogy and although it can stand alone, I highly recommend the entire series.

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

2 Comments

Filed under Brava, Cat Johnson, Contemporary, Oklahoma Nights Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Three Weeks with a Bull Rider

September 24, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Two Times As Hot by Cat Johnson

Title: Two Times As Hot by Cat Johnson
Oklahoma Nights Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Brava
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Oklahoma Nights, Book 2

One Good Girl…

After her sister snags a hot Oklahoma cowboy, Emma Hart figures it’s her turn to saddle up. And with two country boys pursuing her at once, she’s in for a wild ride…

Two Sexy Guys…

Lieutenant Colonel Logan Hunt can’t deny the heat between him and Emma is fierce. But Logan isn’t looking for anything serious…just a chance to blow off some steam. So why is he crazy jealous when he sees pro bull rider Jace Mills trying to charm Emma into bed?

Winner Takes All…

Logan knows he and Emma could have something special–and not just because she’s smokin’ hot. Now he has to find a way to prove that even a no-strings-attached guy like him can stick around for the long haul…

The Review:

Cat Johnson’s Two Times As Hot is also two times as sweet, sexy and heartwarming. This second installment in the Oklahoma Nights series is sure to delight old and new fans of the series and it leaves everyone chomping at the bit for book number three, Three Weeks with a Bull Rider (love the clever play on the book titles).

Back in Oklahoma for her sister Becca’s wedding, Emma Hart is not surprised to see Jace Mills, the bull rider she met at the same rodeo where Becca met her husband to be Tuck. What does surprise her is the unexpected attraction she feels for Logan Hunt, Tuck’s best friend. Unfortunately, Emma has already agreed to be Jace’s date for the wedding reception, but with Jace conspicuously missing following the ceremony, Logan gallantly steps in as Emma’s escort. When their sizzling passion proves too hot to resist, Logan and Emma agree to a steamy one night fling. When the night is over, the two reluctantly and regretfully go their separate ways but will an unexpected twist of fate bring them back into one another’s arms?

I really, really liked Logan in One Night with a Cowboy so I was super excited to discover he is the star of Two Times As Hot. I find several things about him appealing but his age and maturity are probably what I love most. Logan is also responsible and steady as a rock and this just makes him all the more irresistible. Although Logan has not had a serious relationship it is not because he plays the field. Instead it is because of his military career and the pure and simple fact he has not met the right person. Which makes it all the more sweet when he begins to fall for Emma.

Emma played a huge role in One Night with a Cowboy and I probably never would have forgiven Ms. Johnson if she hadn’t written Emma’s story ;). First up, I have to say I love the pairing of Emma and Logan. She, too, is older and she needs someone who was willing to put her first. And I am happy to report, Logan is willing, able and thrilled to focus all of his attention on her. That’s not to say their relationship does not hit a few snags. Emma’s life is not in Oklahoma, and after their incredible night together, she returns to New York. An unexpected emergency consumes Logan and the two don’t have any contact after Becca and Tuck’s wedding. But a surprising set of circumstances brings them together and their romance soon takes a delightful turn.

If I had to pick one word to describe Two Times As Hot, I would have to say “real” and I’ll explain why. First, the characters. They are richly drawn and very realistic. Emma is genuinely happy for Becca but she is also a little jealous. She has insecurities but she does not let them consume her or keep her from going after her chance at happiness. Then there is Logan. Due to extenuating circumstances, he finds himself conflicted between family obligations and his career. He has a tough decision to make and there are no easy answers to his quandary. And of course, there is a vast cast of secondary characters who add so much heart and soul to the overall story. They are as well drawn as the primary characters and there is one in particular that readers are going to love to hate :).

But, hands down, what makes Two Times As Hot so realistic are the strong friendships between the various characters. Close knit and loving, they are there for another through thick and thin and all of life’s ups and downs. They are extremely close and their support for another is incredible. The sense of family permeates the story and makes for a very warm and inviting read.

And last but not least, the plot. With Two Times As Hot, Cat Johnson puts a refreshing spin on a familiar storyline and readers will be thrilled with the outcome. A romance that is unique, appealing and delightfully unpredictable. Oh, yeah, it is also sinfully sensual and delectably steamy!

Click HERE for my review of One Night with a Cowboy.

6 Comments

Filed under Brava, Cat Johnson, Contemporary, Kensington, Oklahoma Nights Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Two Times As Hot

February 25, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: One Night with a Cowboy by Cat Johnson

Title: One Night with a Cowboy by Cat Johnson
Oklahoma Nights Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One Sweet Ride. . .

Oh yeah. A single look at the leggy blonde in the stands and Tucker Jenkins is ready to buck all night long. It’s time to forget all about his cheating ex and his usual hands off policy.

One Hot Night. . .

Becca Hart is an East Coast professor. Not a buckle bunny. But no degree can prepare her for the moves of the sexy bull rider she hooks up with at her first rodeo. . .or the shock of finding him at her first Oklahoma State University staff meeting.

One Happy Ending. . .

Tuck knows it’s all about holding on, no matter how wild the ride. Now he just has to convince Becca that a rough start out of the chute doesn’t mean they aren’t a smokin’ combination. . .

The Review:

One Night with a Cowboy, Cat Johnson’s first installment in her new series Oklahoma Nights, is her best work to date and puts her head and shoulders above other authors in the Western romance genre. This unique romance is full of surprises and this dazzling story is sure to delight her fans. If you have not read any of her books, then I highly recommend you begin with this one.

Neither Becca Hart nor Tucker “Tuck” Jenkins are looking for a relationship but their explosive attraction proves too intense to ignore. A year after his divorce from his cheating wife, Tuck has worked through his hurt and anger with a number of one night stands. Becca meets Tuck right on the heels of her breakup with her longtime boyfriend and she is nowhere near ready for a serious romance. So a carefree one night fling is fine with both of them especially since they will never see one another again anyway. Until fate steps in when Becca lands a job at the same university where Tuck also works…

I absolutely adored the pairing of Becca and Tuck. This mismatched and improbable couple have little in common but their intense passion draws them together. Tuck is a quintessential cowboy but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is playful, charming and he positively oozes sex appeal. He is also just perfect for Becca.

New York born and bred, Becca is way out of her comfort zone in Oklahoma, but Tuck gladly takes the sexy slicker under his wing and introduces her to country living. Becca is intense and serious and Tuck is exactly what she needs to bring out her long forgotten flirtatious side. She has serious reservations about getting involved with anyone so soon after her breakup but with Tuck, she decides to throw caution to the wind and live in the moment.

But real life soon intrudes on the happy couple. There is the small matter of the no dating rule between co-workers. Becca is hesitant to commit to a serious relationship. Tuck is afraid to admit what he feels for Becca. Tuck soon panics and makes a snap decision that literally tears the couple apart. But a separation proves to be just what Becca and Tuck need to put their lives and their relationship in perspective.

The sexual tension between Becca and Tuck burns so hot I am surprised my eReader did not catch fire! Their sex scenes are positively incendiary and unbelievably sensual. Some of their scenes are exquisitely detailed and leave little to the reader’s imagination while others just hint at the delicious lovemaking Becca and Tuck are indulging in.

One Night with a Cowboy is a quick and entertaining read that is absolutely superb. It is exceptionally well-written and full of unexpected twists and turns. I savored every luscious word of this amazing novel and the only thing I hated is that it had to end! But luckily for me, this is just the first installment of Cat Johnson’s outstanding Oklahoma Nights series and I am impatiently (but eagerly) awaiting Two Times As Hot.

1 Comment

Filed under Cat Johnson, Contemporary, Kensington, Oklahoma Nights Series, One Night with a Cowboy, Rated B+, Review, Romance

September 22, 2012 · 3:58 am

Saturday Series Spotlight: Cat Johnson’s Studs in Spurs & Giveaway

Title: UnRidden by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Series
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Red Hots!!!, Menage & More
Length: Novel

Summary:

When country boys meet a city girl, everyone is in for a wild ride.

Studs in Spurs, Book 1

Slade Bower and Mustang Jackson are living the high life on the professional bull-riding circuit. The prize money is big, the bulls are rank and the women are willing. But something is missing.

For Slade, waking up in a different city with a different woman each morning is holding less and less appeal. Even Mustang’s creative attempts to shake things up don’t help. Then along comes a big-city author who’s like nothing they’ve ever encountered. Something about her makes Slade sit up and take notice—and Mustang is always up for anything.

Romance writer Jenna Block has a problem—her agent thinks a cowboy book will jump-start her career. A born New Yorker, Jenna doesn’t do cowboys, not on paper, and definitely not in real life. Luckily for her there are two cowboys ready, willing and able to take her out of her comfort zone in every way that counts…and some ways she hadn’t counted on.

Product Warnings: This story contains two hot cowboys, one very lucky woman, hot ménage sex and lots of bull.

Title: Bucked by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Series
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Red Hots!!!, Menage & More
Length: Category

Summary:

This cowboy is looking for more than just an eight-second ride.

Studs in Spurs, Book 2

Mustang Jackson does two things well—ride bulls and love women. So the injury that takes him out of the arena leaves him only one way to make a living. Unfortunately, getting paid to be a stud in front of the camera isn’t as fun as private conquests. When he catches sight of little Sage Beckett, minus the glasses, braces and pigtails he remembers, doing time in his hometown suddenly gets a lot more interesting.

Sage had a crush on Michael long before he started using that ridiculous nickname “Mustang”. Though from what she’s overheard about his string of buckle bunnies, the man more than lives up to it. In the past he always looked right through her. Now that he’s home again, she’s determined to capture and tame this wild stallion, no matter what it takes.

She intends to satisfy her curiosity and move on, but with every touch she’s less sure she’ll ever purge him from her system. Once corralled in her arms, Mustang finds himself thinking that domestication may not be so bad after all.

Except, once she finds out about his side job, she may not stick for the next go-round.

Product Warnings: Contains one well-hung cowboy riding much more than just bulls, some ménage action in front of and behind the camera, some whips and chains and some red-hot cowboy loving.

Title: Ride by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Series
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Category

Summary:

What happens in Vegas…sometimes follows you home.

Studs in Spurs, Book 3

Pro bull rider Chase Reese knew things move faster than an eight-second ride in Las Vegas. He just never expected to be driving home with a national championship under his belt and a wedding band on his left hand with no clue how it got there.

Yet he can’t complain about the stripper bride beside him. From the moment his buddies bought him a lap dance from her, her trembles told him there was more to her than stiletto heels.

Leesa Santiago has met the perfect guy. Her timing couldn’t be worse though. If it was just their explosive sex, she could walk away. But from the moment her lap dance brought her this close to his baby blues, she was hooked. She can’t lie that she couldn’t be happier to bear his name—or guiltier that she’s using it and his Oklahoma farm to hide out from mob hit men.

That’s before Chase’s family gets involved. And his determination to do the right thing pushes her to do the one thing that will keep him safe. Break his heart.

Do cowboy boots mix with stripper heels? And can a love that started out on the wrong foot end up on the right one? That’s the risk you take waking up in Vegas.

Product Warnings: Contains one happy-ending lap dance that will make you squirm, some pretty hot sex between two strangers who also happen to be married to each other, and a huge surprise conclusion.

Title: Hooked by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Series
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Category

Summary:

His last eight seconds could lead to the longest, most satisfying ride of his life.

Studs in Spurs, Book 4

Annie Grant is at the top of her game as an on-air interviewer for the pro bull-riders tour. In all those years standing within microphone range of thousands of sexy cowboys, she’s never been tempted…until now. Now that respected veteran Luke Carpenter is no longer with his longtime girlfriend, he’s back on the market. And Annie is buying.

Luke knows his days are numbered. Every year the rookies get younger, the bulls get ranker and, like it or not, the time is coming when he’ll be hanging up his spurs. After a sizzling hot night with Annie, he realizes that maybe this old dog can learn some new tricks. But quicker than a bull can spin, things get complicated.

A tragedy forces Luke into a no-win decision: hang onto the tail end of his career, or retire early for his family. Either way, he can live with his choice. Question is, can he live without Annie?

Product Warnings: Contains knock-your-boots-off cowboy lovin, some up close and personal interviews of the oral persuasion, and a happy ending…cowboy style.

Read my review of Hooked HERE.

Title: Flanked by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Series
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Red Hots!!!
Length: Novel

Summary:

It’s the perfect plan…until the ties that bind reach into their hearts.

Studs in Spurs, Book 5

Garret James doesn’t need a woman tying him down. Not when the number of buckle bunny notches on his belt—and his position in the pro bull rider standings—are both on the rise. Just when he learns he’s this close to blowing out his bad shoulder, Silver Jordan roars into his life, long, leather-clad legs straddling her Harley. Hell, he might not mind being tied to one woman, if that one woman was her. There’s one problem—she’s his friend’s sister. But once their eyes lock, resistance is futile.

Then Silver offers him a smoking-hot deal. They both get the hottest sex of their lives and he gets access to her health insurance for his career-saving surgery—all wrapped up in a marriage of convenience.

For a while, dodging questions and hiding their arrangement is easy. But in private, they battle emotions between them they never expected to grow. After all, the marriage is only temporary…isn’t it?

Product Warnings: Contains body piercings guaranteed to make you squirm, a very intimately placed tattoo, one clandestine wedding and even more secretive sex.

I am giving away one eBook from the Studs in Spurs series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post telling me WHICH book in the series you would like to win by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

18 Comments

Filed under Cat Johnson, Contest, Saturday Series Spotlight, Studs in Spurs Series

September 18, 2011 · 12:07 am

Hooked by Cat Johnson

Title: Hooked by Cat Johnson
Studs in Spurs Book 4
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Category
Book Rating: B+

Summary:

His last eight seconds could lead to the longest, most satisfying ride of his life.

Studs in Spurs, Book 4

Annie Grant is at the top of her game as an on-air interviewer for the pro bull-riders tour. In all those years standing within microphone range of thousands of sexy cowboys, she’s never been tempted…until now. Now that respected veteran Luke Carpenter is no longer with his longtime girlfriend, he’s back on the market. And Annie is buying.

Luke knows his days are numbered. Every year the rookies get younger, the bulls get ranker and, like it or not, the time is coming when he’ll be hanging up his spurs. After a sizzling hot night with Annie, he realizes that maybe this old dog can learn some new tricks. But quicker than a bull can spin, things get complicated.

A tragedy forces Luke into a no-win decision: hang onto the tail end of his career, or retire early for his family. Either way, he can live with his choice. Question is, can he live without Annie?

Product Warnings: Contains knock-your-boots-off cowboy lovin, some up close and personal interviews of the oral persuasion, and a happy ending…cowboy style.

The Review:

With Hooked Cat Johnson has added another paging turning installment to her bull riding series Studs in Spurs. After years as professional acquaintances, Annie Grant and Luke Carpenter finally enjoy one achingly sweet first date followed by a night of scorching hot sex. Just as their romance is heating up, a tragedy sends Luke home and their relationship seems to end before it has the chance to begin.

Hooked is an engaging novel that is filled with emotion. The characters are beautifully drawn with realistic flaws and vulnerabilities. I love how even though Annie is filled with uncertainly about approaching Luke, she conquers her fear and makes the first move. Luke’s anxiety and nervousness about re-entering the dating world is adorable and his inner dialogue during their date is hilarious.

While Hooked is definitely a romance, Annie and Luke spend a lot of the novel apart. Much of the story is seen through Luke’s eyes as he copes with the aftermath of the tragic event which takes him off the bull riding circuit. It is an unusual approach, but I found that it worked really well for this couple.

Hooked is a compelling read with a unique plot. It is a poignant novel with a great deal of substance and emotional depth. There are a couple of scenes that brought me to tears so be sure and keep the tissues handy.

Cat Johnson does a superb job of keeping the Studs in Spurs series fresh and unique and she brings the sport of bull riding vividly to life. As always, readers will be impatiently awaiting her next installment in this delightful series.

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Filed under Cat Johnson, Contemporary, Hooked, Rated B+, Romance, Samhain Publishing Limited