SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the saga of Marine sniper Reid
Everett and Wildlife expert Haley Cooper. Their story spans
a period of about eight years as they weave in and out of
each other's lives at various points in time. The couple
first meet in a dive bar, just before Reid is about to be
deployed for Iran as a scout sniper. Reid is proud of his
job and service to his country. Haley, on the other hand,
is quite distraught about what Reid does; as most of his
views on life and the world are diametrically opposed to
hers. Still, the attraction between them is undeniable.
They wind up emailing each other for a time after Reid
leaves for Iran and Haley returns to college where she is
studying to be a veterinarian.
Haley eventually develops a passion for the plight of wolves
in the wild, and becomes a Wildlife Biologist. Her research
and work take her to remote areas for extended lengths of
time, and the couple eventually lose contact with each
other. When they accidentally meet a few years later, their
affair picks up again; but once again circumstances force
them apart. Haley finds their differences in view make it
too difficult to maintain a relationship with Reid, and they
part ways.
Once his eight year hitch with the Marines is up, Reid goes
home to Wyoming and joins the family Hunting Expedition
business as a wilderness hunting guide. In the meantime,
Haley has accepted a post in Wildlife Management in Wyoming,
and their paths cross for the third time. This time, Reid
is determined that their relationship will work, no matter
what their differences in view are.
SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the kind of story that stays with
the reader long after they finish the book. Once again, the
breathtaking beauty of Wyoming is vividly brought to life,
and the plotline about the plight of wolves in the wild is
meticulously researched and presented. Author Victoria Vane
does an exceptional job of presenting both sides of the
issue fairly. The wolves need to be protected and saved,
but at what cost to the livelihood of the ranchers who
continually lose stock to the preying wolves?
Although my personal views are more closely aligned with
Reid's, due to the impartial writing, I was always able to
see Haley's side of the issue, especially once her eyes were
opened and she loosened up on her narrow stance on the
subject. The richly detailed story, the lovely vibrant
prose, and the passionate romance leave the reader rooting
for Haley and Reid to make a go of their relationship
despite their often polarizing differences.
SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the third book in Victoria Vane's
excellent western Contemporary Romance Hot Cowboy
Nights
series. The story is only loosely tied to the other two
books, and can easily be read standalone. SHARP SHOOTIN'
COWBOY is my favorite book of the series so far, and is a
highly recommended read to romance lovers everywhere.
Weary warrior... After eight years as a Marine sniper,
war-scarred Reid Everett is back in his native Wyoming. He
knows and loves this rugged land, so working for wildlife
services to reduce the booming wolf population suits him to
a T.
Caring crusader... Wildlife biologist Haley Cooper is
desperate to make a difference. Leaving the world of
academia behind, she accepts a position as a wolf advocate
to protect the animals she loves.
Raw attraction... Their jobs set them on a collision course,
but chemistry sparks like wildfire between Reid and Haley.
They'll have to brave some rough territory if they hope to
reconcile their polarizing views with a passion that won't
be denied.