Every once in a while you meet a book that exceeds your expectations.  COWBOY FEVER by Joanne Kennedy is definitely one of those. COWBOY FEVER is at first glance a lovely romantic tale created by Joanne Kennedy who has a flare for sass and sexiness and shares my love for cowboys and cowgirls. In COWBOY FEVER Kennedy treats us to a story that is rich in warmth and love. The characters are multidimensional, another talent of Joanne Kennedy. In this story we once again acknowledge that people deserve a second chance. Life has a way of burdening people with attitudes that define our reactions to situations.

Jodi and Teague have a unique relationship built on years of friendship and trust. Teague was unfamiliar with each of these. His reputation as the bad boy made it quite difficult for people to trust him therefore making friendships few and far between. Jodi is basically warned off Teague by her mother – for her own good of course. And as Jodi left behind the town she also left Teague.

Jodi used her rodeo queen talents to earn her way toward a degree and profession that was her life goal. Jodi wanted to help kids with disadvantages both mental and physical. Equine therapy fit the bill exactly. And now Jodi is back home following her dream.

Teague is not part of Jodi’s dream and he is not a happy camper. His goal is to get back his girl. The only way he can see to achieve that goal is prove to Jodi that he is no longer that boy with the bad reputation. Easier said than done. People have long memories and gossips wag their tongue unabashedly.

Unfair but expected in a small community. But Teague is on a mission, probably the most important of his life. And luckily for both Jodi and him those goals just might be within his reach. Earning Jodi’s trust is first on his list. Once that goal is reach than Teague can hopefully convince the rest of the town to forget and forgive his youthful past.

Between Jodi, Teague, Courtney (the rhinestone cowgirl want to be) and Jodi’s young clients we are treated to some of the best dialog courtesy of Joanne Kennedy. There are even some delightful four legged critters that round up the cast of characters in this remarkable story with a very important message. COWBOY FEVER is best described as an engaging, entertaining and thoughtful story with a healthy dose of sex and angst.