After a week of dawdling in the sleepy town of Sunnybell,
Texas, Madeline Harper needs to do something to entertain
herself, even though it's a far cry from what she's used
to in New York, but then again she'll be in Texas for
only a year. Madeline is living in a dingy motel, until
she can move into her new home; spending a year or two in
Sunnybell is part of that promotion she has long been
awaiting. She settles for the town's honky-tonk bar,
where she sees a real honest to goodness cowboy. Former
rodeo star Tanner Callen had spotted
the lovely Yankee before. When he notices her in the
bar he acts upon it, and asks Madeline to dance. She
usually doesn't dance, but after two beers, Madeline is
more than amenable to the sexy stranger's offer. Sparks
fly to a point where Madeline invites Tanner to her hotel
room, something she's never done before. They don't know
each other's names, and when she wakes up the morning
after, Tanner's left, which pleases Madeline. No one will
ever know about her little escapade. But she never thought
about
the gossips, nor did she know that Tanner is the local
heartthrob, and her new neighbor!
LEARNING TO RIDE, is part of the newly launched BookShots
Flames series and the brainchild of the
great James Patterson. Erin Knightley, better known for
her lush historical romances, tries her hand at
contemporary romance and succeeds admirably. LEARNING TO
RIDE is a light, fun romance, and while a short read --
which is the purpose of the exercise -- Ms. Knightley
provides a story rich with character development. I could
easily picture Madeline and Tanner, I found their flirty
banter very enjoyable and genuine. In spite of their
initial issues, neither stoops to pettiness, which was
quite refreshing. I love how Ms. Knightley brings Texas
to life, conveying the sights and sounds with clarity.
LEARNING TO RIDE is charming and cute in the best way,
with a delightful ending that will have booklovers
cheering.
She never wanted to love a cowboy. . . .
Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn't want to be tied down. When
he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything
about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his
playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he
doesn't just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for
forever. . . .