Vonna Harper instills a thrilling story with Wild Ride. The adrenaline and the emotions run deep. Jordan and Cougar are strong characters and ignite the pages. Their interaction is very well-written and the chemistry is explosive. I loved how Cougar sought to help Jordan ease through her past troubles to get past her fears. This is one terrific tale that surrounds the reader with the pure excitement of being at a rodeo.

Cowboy in Paradise by PJ Mellor
Tyler Last is ready to say goodbye to sore muscles and wild women. Leaving the rodeo circuit he heads to his grandmothers home at Paradise Cove. To his surprise, grandmother has remarried and ventured into a partnership with a sleaze ball. He can’t believe his grandmother is willing to turn her beachfront property into a place for the rich. Tyler is certain grandmother is being taken and isn’t even aware of the shady partner. He soon has other problems when he meets Meg Holder. Meg sends enough heat through him to start a forest fire. Of course Meg lives a double life, that even Tyler knows nothing about, and she has no idea what her scheming boss is up to. After she and Tyler start sharing some time together, passion flames hotter than the sun but when Tyler learns the truth about Meg will the fires between them slowly begin to smolder?

Cowboy in Paradise is an absolute delight. There are so many fun moments that had me in stitches, with Tyler, Meg, and even the grandmother. PJ Mellor blends a marvelous read that keeps the reader entertained. She even makes Tyler’s horse a part of the script and witty. I enjoyed how she turned Tyler around and allowed him to see the importance in life when he went to his grandmother. Meg is a feisty girl that I enjoyed immensely.

Saddle Sore by Nelissa Donovan
After a pack of wolves are set free, in the wilderness, Cassandra Darling, a conservationist, is sent to check on why slain livestock, in the nearby town, has been supposedly caused by the wolves. What she finds is an angry town and one furious man, Dean McCabe, an Arizona rancher, is head of the pack and tired of losing any livestock. He doesn’t take it lightly when Cassandra comes to the area meddling into their affairs. He may be furious, but the handsome man catches Cassandra’s eye. While she makes sure that no more animals turn up slain, she and Dean slowly find themselves drawn to each other. She finds it hard to keep alert with the cool, suave Dean so close to her as she tries to save the Mexican Gray Wolf. The government found the safe land for the wolves and she is certain they are not responsible for the onset of the dead livestock. Can Dean see past her beauty to help her with the situation and find the real person behind the slaughter as their growing love sizzles?

Saddle Sore by Nelissa Donovan is simmering with passion, intrigue and suspense that works like a magnet pulling in the audience. Dean comes off a bit curt and Cassandra stands right up to him in this delicious tale. Sometimes it is hard for the two to stay separated. This charismatic read holds more than just love and romance; it holds a special meaning, especially when it comes to the wolves. Uplifting, and full of a wide range of emotion, this story is wonderfully told.

Rodeo Man by Nikki Alton
Anna Hartley is surprised to receive a phone call from her boss informing that she no longer has a job. How can that be when she was just sent on assignment? She is devastated and thinks her life can’t get any worse until her fiancé expresses he has been cheating. No, things can get worse. After she gets in her car and drives down a dusty road, she has car trouble, but luckily something good happens when a handsome rodeo man comes to her rescue. Maybe some things are beginning to get better in her life. Grant Olson is willing to help Anna; not only with her car, but in any other way he can be of help. In no time they feel an instant heat, and the flames only pull them into each others arms. When it comes time for Anna to finally wake up to reality, she must choose whether to go home or stay in the arms of the best thing that has come into her life.

Rodeo Man is an edge-of-the-seat intense read as Anna and Grant give new meaning to passion. Nikki Alton creates a hot, erotic tale that makes this couple practically read the others mind as they interact with their bodies. They make sure to keep their minds and bodies busy in this creative read.

The Cowboy consists of four engaging stories that will affect each reader differently. Hot and sassy, with tons of spice, they are sure to please. Each author depicts beautiful scenery, captivating characters and enough heat to start a forest fire. I would suggest just sitting back in a cozy chair and savoring each read, while reading about some sexy and hot cowboys that turn the thermostat up more than a notch.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Linda L.
September 25, 2007