The Cowboy and The Vampire

Nov 05, 2012 Elke rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, novels, own, romance, reread, fantasy, horror, favorites, review

This was one of my first vampire romance novels, way back when that genre was still in its fledgling state and only a handful of authors wrote that kind of stuff, and a book did not automatically have to be followed by dozens of sequels.

This book surely is no milestone in profound literature, but I remember that I enjoyed reading the combination of romance, action and lots of fun very much. Also, I was intrigued with the idea of combining a vampire story with the cowboy theme, something not done...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Kenisha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From what I've read so far, this seems like it's right up my alley. I love a good piece of vampire fiction (guilty pleasures, in these dark, trying times of Twilight), and adding cowboys to the mix just seems to make it all the better.

WIP Review:

It sticks to some of the conventions of vampire mythology (they burn to a crisp in the sunlight, and religious objects can hurt them if belief is held by the person/vampire), and some things have been abandoned (such as garlic acting as a repellent). Wha...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I came across this book, I was intrigued by the title but honestly didn't have high hopes for the content since I avoid romance novels like the plague. However, I popped it into my beach bag and set out for a day on the sand.

*SPOILERS*

I couldn't be happier with Mr. Hays creation of The Cowboy, Tucker. Lizzie and Tucker meet, fall in love and have sex (or vice versa). Then Lizzie gets kidnapped by vamps. Tucker is too late to save the day and Lizzie is turned. Now Tucker is in love with the...more When I came across this book, I was intrigued by the title but honestly didn't have high hopes for the content since I avoid romance novels like the plague. However, I popped it into my beach bag and set out for a day on the sand.

*SPOILERS*

I couldn't be happier with Mr. Hays creation of The Cowboy, Tucker. Lizzie and Tucker meet, fall in love and have sex (or vice versa). Then Lizzie gets kidnapped by vamps. Tucker is too late to save the day and Lizzie is turned. Now Tucker is in love with the Queen of the vamps, they have more sex, he robs a blood bank for her (a sign of true love) and there is an epic battle. In the end, good wins!

Or does it?

One of my favorite parts of this story is that god created vampires along with humans. Vampires are the siphons for/of evil. If they follow the plan for their kind, they help maintain the balance of good and evil by destroying sin. But what happens when the vamps go rogue? The cross and other religious relics no longer have power because people don't believe. That leaves humans with one less weapon against evil. Which is when a conspiracy theorist, militia buddy comes in handy.

I made a statement in my original review that this is not a romance. I was wrong. This is the best kind of romance. There is no mushy gushy, size matters discussions just a cowboy fightin' for his life and his vampire girlfriend fighting to keep her undead self from being a pile of ash or an unholy vessel.

I grieved a little for Snort and almost threw the book into the lake when it looked like Rex was about to become a meal. Who says a gay vampire and a straight old coot can't become friends? Then there is the slinky vamptress everyone loves to hate but turns out the have a soul after all.

I could ramble on and on about the many things I enjoyed about this book but you should just go read it for yourself. I even broke my own cardinal rule about never reading a book twice because I loved it so much and I needed a bit of a refresher before I sunk my teeth into book #2.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally published at Reading Reality

To use the western vernacular that the cowboy-hero of this tale wears like a second skin, this dog should not hunt, but somehow, it does. It should buck the reader off like a ride on badly broken bronco. Instead, you stick with the tale until the bloody and bittersweet end. It's a compulsion. Lizzie and Tucker were mis-matched when she was just a New York magazine writer and he was the man she dubbed "The Last Cowboy."

By the end of the story, they should be...more Originally published at Reading Reality

To use the western vernacular that the cowboy-hero of this tale wears like a second skin, this dog should not hunt, but somehow, it does. It should buck the reader off like a ride on badly broken bronco. Instead, you stick with the tale until the bloody and bittersweet end. It's a compulsion. Lizzie and Tucker were mis-matched when she was just a New York magazine writer and he was the man she dubbed "The Last Cowboy."

By the end of the story, they should be even wronger (and yes, in this story that IS a word) for each other, but they have earned a little bit of peace.

Their enemies will be back. After all, I read The Cowboy and the Vampire to get ready for Blood and Whiskey, the second book in the series (review and interview with the authors on Thursday).

There's more mystery than romance in this story that the authors subtitled "A Darkly Romantic Mystery" and with good reason. When the book opens, Lizzie and Tucker are already in the middle of their love affair. Their only problem is that Lizzie has gone back to NYC, and Tucker is in LonePine (all one word) Wyoming. Their worlds don't normally intersect. Only they do. They just can't figure out how to make anything long term work, no matter how badly they want to.

Then Lizzie's heritage rises up to bite her. Literally. And there's the mystery. And the solution to Lizzie's and Tucker's relationship problem, as well as the cause of a few zillion more problems. As the deep, dark secrets of Lizzie's past, and her potential future, are revealed, she turns to Tucker as the only person she can trust when her world turns upside down. In life, or in death. And whatever comes after that.

Escape Rating B+: The idea that vampires have their own biblical-type texts and their own version of the creation was kind of cool, and more than a bit twisted, in a neat way. Also that one of the leaders of the opposing vampire camps was THE Lazarus. Eternity seems to make for twisted politics yet again, and this set of vamps was wackier than the usual run.

Tucker's family and friends were an absolute hoot. Lenny as the crazy cowboy version of James Bond's Q was beyond priceless, but he's just who you'd want in this situation, not that anyone half normal would ever be in this situation.

I enjoyed the differences between Tucker's internal thoughts and his actual words, he was always more sentimental inside than what he said out loud.

Julius, the evil vampire (this is not an oxymoron in context) was a bit overblown and over-the-top. I'd have believed in him as the big bad a little more if he'd been just a tad less out there on the demonic bwahaha scale.

I also sincerely hope that in the next book there will be an explanation of who or what Lizzie's "voices" are. That one is driving me crazy. Blood and Whiskey, here I come! (The book, not the liquids--maybe I'll need the whiskey...)(less)

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Aug 29, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cnb-reviewers

After witnessing what she believes is the public murder of 20 people, NYC reporter Elizabeth Vaughn she finds herself on the run from what she can only describe as insane people playing at being vampires. Feeling her life is in danger, Lizzie runs to the only place she feels safe, into the arms of her very own cowboy. Showing their resourcefulness, after all they haven’t survived for centuries by being dumb, the vampires manage to track Lizzie down to LonePine, Wyoming with orders to bring her b...more After witnessing what she believes is the public murder of 20 people, NYC reporter Elizabeth Vaughn she finds herself on the run from what she can only describe as insane people playing at being vampires. Feeling her life is in danger, Lizzie runs to the only place she feels safe, into the arms of her very own cowboy. Showing their resourcefulness, after all they haven’t survived for centuries by being dumb, the vampires manage to track Lizzie down to LonePine, Wyoming with orders to bring her back to NYC.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. I found Tucker to be too stereotypical for my liking. I enjoyed him as a character, I just wish he didn’t remind me of every old cowboys movie I’ve ever seen, starting with his trailer and including his busted up, duct taped boots. However, not knowing any real cowboys myself, after all, I am a city girl, what do I know, maybe that is an accurate description of your average cowboy. Tucker wasn’t the only character I found stereotypical. Elita, for instance seemed to play up to the “Trampy Vamp” stereotype. Lizzie, however, I found very realistic. I especially enjoyed how the New Yorker seemed to come out in times of stress. Your average person would give in to hysterics, crying and screaming. Lizzie shows a sarcastic humor and attitude that I found refreshing and familiar. I found myself reading on just to see more of it. Lizzie isn’t the only surprise though. We are also exposed to an average looking vampire and an over weight vampire with a weakness for junk food. Being always exposed to the image of vampires being beautiful and irresistible I found the idea of these guys refreshing. No sparkly vampires to be found here.

If you can get over the verbal explosion of information, this novel will keep you flipping pages. Once started, I found it hard to put it down. It’s as if I needed to know how Tucker, our simple cowboy, would rescue Lizzie from the big city vampires. Will he get there in time? Will Lizzie be seduced to the dark? These are questions that kept me coming back for more. Personally speaking, if this is just the first offering in a series, I can’t wait to read the second. If you enjoy gutsy, hunky cowboys and take charge, no nonsense New Yorkers, I would definitely recommend picking this up and giving it a try. (less)

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Aug 19, 2012 Donna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-books-read, 2011-ebooks-read, 2011-new-authors

This book is not at all what you would expect when starting a vampire novel. It is not strictly any one genre but rather a combination of multiple At some points it reminds you of a classic western while at other times it seems like more of a paranormal romantic suspense. I thought this did vary a lot depending on what city the story was taking place in at the time. For example while in Wyoming it is much more of a classic Western, while in NYC its more of the paranormal suspense.

The story was v...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Andrea Guy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, paranormal, vampire, mystery

There are a lot of vampire novels out there. More then anyone should read, but this one is one of the best. It has a unique, slightly religious twist to the vampire myth, plus it has a totally awesome cowboy.

I love the vastly different way the two leads are written and the story is told from both Lizzie and Tucker's point of views. The parts of the story written from Tucker's point of view are absolutely hysterical.

I really love the way their relationship grew, and even though everything happene...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Donna (BLHmistress) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was an absolute joy to read, I haven't read a book involving cowboys in an awful long time and to combine with my other favorite vampires this book was so much fun and unique at least for me.

The take on the vampire myth was definitely different and I found very fascinating. I can't go too much into it but it was fantastic. I loved, the characters Lizzie is one sarcastic, tough spitfire of a girl. And what can I say about Tucker other than where can I find a cowboy like him. He had a bi...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Jennifer (Books&Barks) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Cowboy and the Vampire, written by the husband and wife team of Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall, is one of the most interesting takes on the vampire legend that I have read recently. First published several years ago, before the craze for all things supernatural really hit, The Cowboy and the Vampire has now been re-released and can hopefully pick up some of these new fans of the vampire genre. The novel mixes religion and vampire lore to create an enchanting world that combines the lonesome...more The Cowboy and the Vampire, written by the husband and wife team of Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall, is one of the most interesting takes on the vampire legend that I have read recently. First published several years ago, before the craze for all things supernatural really hit, The Cowboy and the Vampire has now been re-released and can hopefully pick up some of these new fans of the vampire genre. The novel mixes religion and vampire lore to create an enchanting world that combines the lonesome wild west with the bustling city of New York.

Lizzie Vaughan, a reporter from New York, travels to LonePine, Wyoming for a story and ends up meeting Tucker, an honest to goodness real-life cowboy, horse and dog included. They get off to a rough start - Lizzie manages to get his nose busted - but before long the two find themselves in a relationship. Even after returning to New York, Lizzie can’t forget about her cowboy. After discovering that a new story about the myth of the vampire is actually no myth at all, Lizzie runs back to Wyoming and the safety of Tucker’s arms. Unfortunately for them, Wyoming isn’t far enough to escape the clutches of Julius, a master vampire who turns Lizzie into a vampire as well. That’s because, unbeknownst to her, Lizzie comes from a lineage of royal vampires and her blood has the potential to be very powerful and can change the world as they know it. Thus starts the adventure of a lifetime for Lizzie and Tucker, and several of their friends and allies. One faction of vampires is led by Julius, who hopes to see vampires take over the world, and the other is led by Lazarus (yes, that Lazarus!) who hopes to protect the balance of good and evil and continue the purpose for the complete existence for vampires. Will Lizzie and Tucker survive this battle?

I absolutely adored the character of Tucker. I loved his down to earth personality, which has been shaped by his life of living in the wilds of Wyoming. It was especially funny reading about his observations of New York City. Add in his faithful dog companion, Rex, and what’s not to love? Tucker is lucky to have Rex around, as the little dog saves the day on more than one occasion. The book just wouldn’t have been the same without this special relationship between the two. The love between Tucker and Lizzie is also special. Tucker is willing to do anything for Lizzie, even when it seems that all hope is lost. After learning of Lizzie’s turning, “his mind struggling to keep up with a heart that at the sight of her breathing had immediately and without question resigned itself to her changed circumstances” (pg 202), Tucker robs a blood bank just so she doesn’t have to kill anyone to survive her first few days as a new vampire. How many people would be willing to do that for the ones that they love?

Tucker’s dad brings the practical into this supernatural story. Learning about vampires is ultimately no big deal for him. In his own words, “You just got to do the best you can, no matter what comes along” (pg 299.) Other quirky characters in the story, such as the militia loving, weapon creating Lenny, Lazarus’ long-time friend and fellow vampire Sully, and the vampire seductress Elita, make for a wonderfully entertaining story. I was actually quite surprised by some of the changes that take place by the end of the novel, especially when it comes to Elita. I would love to read more about her and how her character evolves.

I can’t wait to find out more from the world of The Cowboy and the Vampire and hope that a second book in the series is released soon. While this book does have a complete ending, there’s still so much more that can come from Lizzie and Tucker. Overall, if you’re a fan of vampire novels, and you like westerns too, I’d definitely recommend The Cowboy and the Vampire. And if you aren’t a big fan of westerns, I’d still suggest you give it a try!(less)

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Apr 20, 2011 Joanne rated it 2 of 5 stars

I think I finished this book because I'm a perfectionist. And I kind of liked Tucker, the cowboy, even though he was one giant stereotype. Lizzie I cared nothing about. I never did understand why the two of them fell in love. For this book to be called a romance, there was very little about how and why they fell in love. The book started with there already being some sort of romance in place, and then--bam!--they're so in love that they'd die to protect each other. Maybe it's the whole almost dy...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Shelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover

I quite enjoyed this book. I read this one to prepare myself to participate in the upcoming blog tour for the 2nd book. First of all I need to talk about the cover, it's pretty eye catching isn't it? Talk about a cover pulling you in to read a book, this one did that for me. The cover for the next book is just as good. I must confess that I never thought that I would enjoy a book with cowboy in the same title as vampire. It's just two things th...more Full review posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover

I quite enjoyed this book. I read this one to prepare myself to participate in the upcoming blog tour for the 2nd book. First of all I need to talk about the cover, it's pretty eye catching isn't it? Talk about a cover pulling you in to read a book, this one did that for me. The cover for the next book is just as good. I must confess that I never thought that I would enjoy a book with cowboy in the same title as vampire. It's just two things that I don't put together. Tucker, the cowboy, is the one of the best parts of this story.

This is a very unique twist on Vampire lore, drawing deep parallels to The Bible. The world built here is very complex and dark complete with it's own prophecy. I have to admit by being a little skeeved at how Lizzie fits into this particular prophecy, but I have to give major points for originality! Some of the general vampire "rules" apply, but there are some that go beyond explanation, and those lost me just a little, but I am hoping that they will be fleshed out a little as the story progresses.

I didn't mind that the story opens with Lizzie and Tucker already involved with each other. How they met is touched on in memories and that was enough for me. I think that the story here isn't about that, it's about how they cope with what happens afterward that matters most. I don't like that I didn't really get a clear picture in my head of what they look like though. There isn't any real description of them, so I didn't really "see" them clearly. I think that a lot of their personalities show through in the way that they are voiced though.

I am one of those readers who prefers that the story be told all in one POV, but I actually liked that this one switches. It not only switches from 1st person between Lizzie and Tucker, but it switches into 3rd person when covering other characters. This didn't bother me and it didn't mess with the flow of the story. I enjoyed reading Tuckers POV, he is ALL cowboy and you can feel it when you read from his POV. Then it switches to Lizzie and she is all city girl and all that "cowboy" just drops away. It lends a real authenticity to each character and makes you feel like you are really getting to know them.

There are some great supporting characters in this story, not the least of which is Rex, Tucker's dog who goes everywhere with him. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens to some of my favorites.

Tucker and Lizzie are pulled into the middle of a war that they weren't the least bit prepared for. Lizzie has a big role to play in this story which is really just beginning. They are in for a tough road, I think, while she learns just what her future holds. I can't wait to see how it ends.
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Sep 10, 2011 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I was not at all sure what I was getting myself into when I read this book, the title of the book kinda made me stop and go hhmmm, I wonder what this will be like, but like the old saying goes "don't judge a book by it's cover". I was shocked into silence while reading this book, I could not believe a book with this title had me mesmerized to the point that I could not put it down. Now I know what your thinking, your all thinking "Oh Nattie, how could a book about a Vampire and a C...more I have to say I was not at all sure what I was getting myself into when I read this book, the title of the book kinda made me stop and go hhmmm, I wonder what this will be like, but like the old saying goes "don't judge a book by it's cover". I was shocked into silence while reading this book, I could not believe a book with this title had me mesmerized to the point that I could not put it down. Now I know what your thinking, your all thinking "Oh Nattie, how could a book about a Vampire and a Cowboy possibly be any good, what is he her snack" LOL. All I can say is please trust me, I haven't steered you wrong yet (at least I hope I haven't) :)

This is probably the most original story for a Vampire book that I have ever read. The characters were well played out and all worked together to make a wonderful story. Tucker (the cowboy), well I just love Tucker, he doesn't hold back and calls it like he see's it, with his cowboy twang, horse (Snort), dog (Rex), ranch, his father and friend Lenny. Now Lenny, his character is a little out of the ordinary, he's paranoid of everything and the only member of the LonePine militia and makes the most eccentric weapons anyone's seen, I really liked Lenny, he made me laugh and I would love to see more of his character. Lizzie, poor Lizzie, she and Tucker really did fit well together, her character whined a little more than I liked for a main character, but I had to stop and remember if I had been turned into a vampire against my will and had to fight for my life every step of the way I'd whine a bit often as well. Lizzie's character was (even with the whining) a strong hot tempered at times, willing to go through anything if it meant she was with Tucker.

All the rest of the character's you cant help but adore, well except Julius (he's the bad guy) but even for him you have to feel a little bit of pity for him. Elita, I didn't like her at all in the beginning of the story, but she has this tendency of growing on you, and by the end of the book you almost like her lol. I would really like to see more of her character as well. Lazarus (yes the real Lazarus) Satan himself, I liked as well. All of them really fit together and made this a great story. I really hope there is a second book. I highly recommend this book, it was the most surprising read I have had the pleasure of picking up. This book has made me laugh, gasp with disbelief, made me smile, and couldn't stop thinking about it when I couldn't read it. It has suspense, some horror, some mystery, with some romance in the mix. I really hope ya'll (that's my cowgirl twang) lol pick up a copy of this book it is well worth the read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

To read full review and interview visit my blog http://booksfromthepurplejellybeancha...(less)

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Apr 13, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I was pleasantly surprised by The Cowboy and the Vampire. It was funny! I was expecting it to be all dramatic and serious (it says “A Darkly Romantic Mystery” on the cover). I really liked the characters Tucker, his dad, and Lenny. Tucker had most of the humorous parts. In order to help Lizzie, Tucker robs a blood bank for her. I loved that part! How come nobody else has ever incorporated a blood bank robbery into a vampire story?

I never felt a connection with Lizzie. Whenever it was her chapter...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Lucy rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, vampire-silliness

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 02, 2011 Niina rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Vampire Lovers, Cowboy Lovers and Supernatural Mystery Junkies!

Shelves: absolute-favorites, cowboys, fun-and-witty, giddy-kind-of-good, hot-vampire-read, whoa-loved-it

"The Cowboy and The Vampire" Weekend 2nd-4th of Dec 2011! With Review, Guest Blog, Co-author Interview and Giveaway! Find it here!

Living in a small town of LonePine Wyoming, Tucker has spent his life on the ranch in the company of his dog Rex and his horse Snort. Then he meets Lizzie, a reporter, in town doing a piece called “The Last Cowboy”, the New York City girl finally wins/wears him over and the two begin a long distance romance.

Lizzie’s putting finishing touches on her newest article on v...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Alexis Neal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 100-books, sci-fi-fantasy, breakfast-club

This book was much, much better than I expected. It's the sort of book you purchase from the clearance rack on a whim, figuring that it might be just terrible enough to be entertaining. But lo and behold, it's actually a decent book. The leading lady is a bit lacking in personality, it's true, but the titular cowboy and friends pack plenty of punch n the personality department--Tucker, his dad, his paramoid militia-crazed friend, and his loyal dog Rex all liven up the story and add an earthiness...more This book was much, much better than I expected. It's the sort of book you purchase from the clearance rack on a whim, figuring that it might be just terrible enough to be entertaining. But lo and behold, it's actually a decent book. The leading lady is a bit lacking in personality, it's true, but the titular cowboy and friends pack plenty of punch n the personality department--Tucker, his dad, his paramoid militia-crazed friend, and his loyal dog Rex all liven up the story and add an earthiness and humor to the hyper-serious, overdramatized flavor that plagues so many vampire tales.

One of the authors was raised on a farm out Montana way, so there's an element of authenticity and affection in the gentle mockery of the small town West. Indeed, there is much more fondness in the descriptions of life out west than in the comparatively lifeless New York portions of the book. In the initial chapters, the narration switches viewpoints from Tucker--the cowboy--to Lizzie--the New York reporter. In later chapters, a third person narration is adopted, but Tucker's perspective and voice dominate the book overall. Which is probably for the best, since it is the cowboy's take on vampirism that makes the book entertaining.

The authors make some creative modifications to the vampire mythology (including specifically how and by whom new vampires can be made), but I ultimately found the changes too bizarre and convenient to really stick. The authors can't seem to make up their minds whether vampires are inherently good or bad. These vampires have their own bible, a bastardization of the Christian bible, which I found kind of unsettling, and which is usually an indication of evil. It's hard to come back from that and argue that vampires are really a good thing.

The book contains some 'romantic' interludes, but they are fairly discreet--or at any rate not as graphic as those in many romance novels, and the primary romantic relationship, though not formalized by marriage, is at least a monogamous and committed one. As for gore or violence, there is a bit of an ick factor in some of the 'bad vampire' scenes, but nothing too objectionable.

Still, all in all, it was an entertaining story, told with humor and personality. It may not be for everyone, but one look at the title should be enough to tell you whether this is the book for you. (less)

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Nov 06, 2011 Sharon Hamilton rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a great twist on a classic vampire story. The two voices of the main characters, written by both husband and wife writers, makes for a creative soup that was thoroughly enjoyable. I'd like to see how these two manage to live out the rest of their "existence" and hope the writers think about a series here.

There were so many favorite parts, and I don't want to give away any of the plot, so am unable to illustrate just one. But let's say that the vampires are different than you expect, and...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Iris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, pnr

What's more different than a cowboy and a city girl? How about a cowboy and a city girl who happens to be a vampire queen? As incongruous as that sounds, the characters seem to make it work. As a city girl myself, I found Lizzie's sarcasm and attitude during her capture to be hilarious. The New York attitude shone through every word and gesture. Tucker was a bit of a stereotype, the broke cowboy, living in his trailer with nothing but a dog and his horse for company. Stereotypes aside though, I...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Cowboy and the Vampire is so far from the typical vampire tale that one might even consider it more of a spoof on the Romance or Horror genre rather than a serious attempt to present a truly “Darkly Romantic Mystery”. With a driven New York reporter and a lackadaisical true-blue cowboy from Wyoming, Hays and McFall have presented not only a unique twist to the usual vampiric lore, but also a wickedly creative slant on the origin of the vampire and their true purpose in the overall scheme of...more The Cowboy and the Vampire is so far from the typical vampire tale that one might even consider it more of a spoof on the Romance or Horror genre rather than a serious attempt to present a truly “Darkly Romantic Mystery”. With a driven New York reporter and a lackadaisical true-blue cowboy from Wyoming, Hays and McFall have presented not only a unique twist to the usual vampiric lore, but also a wickedly creative slant on the origin of the vampire and their true purpose in the overall scheme of mankind. While the novel has been presented as a Mystery, this reader would beg to differ feeling it would be better described as a Romantic Thrille. Then again, it could be classed under several different umbrellas: Romance, Western, Romantic Comedy, Horror…you get the picture! The Cowboy and the Vampire is a whole mish mash of genre and, whether by design or by mistake, may be of interest to a wide variety of readers.

The technical writing talents of Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall are very nearly flawless. Without a doubt, The Cowboy and the Vampire is astonishingly well-written with solid foundations, clear and concise descriptive narrative, and expertly developed world building. Also not to be forgotten is an endearing cast of characters whose very eccentricities and quirky personalities will have readers at times rolling their eyes in disbelief, at others chuckling with mirth, and all the while said characters will manage to worm themselves straight into the readers heart!

While I did enjoy this story, there were some facets which very nearly ruined the experience. Case in point; for those who have read, or have a copy of, The Cowboy and The Vampire I direct you to page 48 where Lizzie and Tucker have just discussed Lizzie’s desire to stay in Wyoming for a while. Readers are treated to a cowboy’s view of what it means for his love interest to move in with him. While I am certain Tucker’s private thoughts are probably typical of any red blooded bachelor, some might feel that those shared are also chauvinistic and even somewhat degrading to women. Another instance where the private thoughts of Tucker may be construed as somewhat insulting can be found earlier in this same chapter, on page 42. I’m not so sure readers, specifically female readers, will be very receptive to being compared to constipation and other such bodily functions. In this situation, Tucker is patiently waiting for Lizzie to gather her thoughts and provide him with an explanation about what happened in New York that was so serious as to send her running to Wyoming on the spur of the moment. During the wait, Tucker’s mid wanders in contemplation about the similarities between human behavior and letting nature take its course.

Now, the above is not to say that The Cowboy and the Vampire is not an entertaining read, only that Hays and McFall may have taken a wee bit of a risk in using these “not so flattering” comparisons and view points.

While The Cowboy and the Vampire wouldn’t make the top 25 of my 2011 reading adventures, it was definitely an unusual and entertaining experience. From New York to Wyoming to New Mexico, readers are lead on a roller coaster of an adventure wherein a cowboy, a lone reporter come vampire queen, and a myriad of friends and foes will fight for the future of mankind…

While not a masterpiece, The Cowboy and the Vampire is most definitely a job well done!(less)

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Feb 20, 2009 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was hysterically funny. Very unusual is a good word for it, just look at the cast of characters:

A reporter who ends up becoming a vampire.
A cowboy and his dog and horse.
An overweight vampire that remembers Jesus personally.
Your usual cast of mean, creepy vampires.

While it is a teen romance book, it's better than most in that it's not aimed at your typical teen. Don't confuse this with Twilight, folks. I don't recommend it for younger teens because there is some sexual content and viole...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Cynthisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aa_series_last-book-read-in, z_mmxiii, paranormal, rom_and_chick-lit

Marlene at Reading Reality said it best: "To use the western vernacular that the cowboy-hero of this tale wears like a second skin, this dog should not hunt, but somehow, it does." The book SEEMS like a cheap, cliche-ridden attempt at PNR, but once you get into it, you realize there's actually some substance to it. Not a lot, but enough to make it a fun, chewy bite of a read. And, you just can't not like Tucker, the cowboy. (Anyone who drags their cow-dog to NYC is bound to be interesting!) I'll...more

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May 09, 2009 Janet rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-fictional, romance, vampires

I'm just strange enough to have enjoyed this very weird book. Where else can you find vampires that eat HoHos and read the tabloids, an uncooperative horse named Snort, and true love? It defies cataloging. Is it a romance? Is it horror? Is it a western? I guess you could call it a western horror romance. Or a romantic horror western. Or…well, you get the point. And it’s more than a litle gag-inducing. Lizzie’s father can’t just drink any of her blood, it has to be her menstrual blood! Yuck! Tuck...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Jennifer (a.k.a The Book Nympho) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paper-books

3.5 stars

The Cowboy and The Vampire is about good and evil. It has a unique, somewhat religious twist to the vampire myth; where the humans are referred to as Adamites by the vampires.

The story is told from both Lizzie and Tucker's point of views. I enjoyed Tucker’s side a little more since there was some tongue in cheek humor and we got to see some pretty funny side characters through his eyes.

The back of the book states that The Cowboy and The Vampire is “A Darkly Romantic Mystery”, well there...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Bebe Knight rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I hate to be the bearer of bad reviews, but sometimes it just has to happen. And this book is one of those times. I really tried to like The Cowboy and the Vampire by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall (especially when this one had so many good reviews on Amazon), but after a whole month of trying to get through the book I had to give up not even half way through.

I think my turn off was a combination of a couple of things. The writing was a little too in character at times in Tucker’s (the Cowboy) p...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Erin Cole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“…sexy, dark, witty, and nothing less.”

Embark on Tucker and Lizzie’s journey into the dark world of vampires, secret ancient heritage, and their fight to save humanity, with the help of a cowboy and his posse, which includes his peculiar father, weapon/conspiracy-savvy friend, and his faithful, canine companion, Rex.

What I enjoyed most about The Cowboy and the Vampire was the balance of genre—romance, mystery, horror, and comedy, all wrapped up in a delightful adventure that keeps the pages turn...more “…sexy, dark, witty, and nothing less.”

Embark on Tucker and Lizzie’s journey into the dark world of vampires, secret ancient heritage, and their fight to save humanity, with the help of a cowboy and his posse, which includes his peculiar father, weapon/conspiracy-savvy friend, and his faithful, canine companion, Rex.

What I enjoyed most about The Cowboy and the Vampire was the balance of genre—romance, mystery, horror, and comedy, all wrapped up in a delightful adventure that keeps the pages turning.

Lizzie and Tucker fall in love unexpectedly after she literally crashes in on his world, but his cowboy lifestyle and her city life bring them at odds, though only in the beginning—for love teaches them soon that is has no boundaries, even when your lover grows fangs.

After Lizzie, a reporter, interviews a vampire named Julius, and witnesses a gruesome turning of people, she flees to Tucker, unknowing that Julius’ goal is to capture and potentially kill her. And Lizzie is also unaware, much to Tucker’s dismay, that she is at the heart of a 2,000 year-old legend that could ultimately change the structure of good and evil forever.

Tucker and his posse team up with another vampire, Lazarus, to save Lizzie and themselves from Julius’ wrath. Who will live or die becomes a suspenseful journey that will have you cheering to the end.

I found the pacing of this novel very smooth, as authors McFall and Hayes pinpoint key plots and emotional drama in a witty, rich language that balances horror, romance, and comedy. Though Julius’ character fit the classic vampire role, other characters, such as Lazarus, Tucker, Elita, Lenny, and Tucker’s animals were as real as you and me. The dialogue Tucker has with his animals is hilarious, and I think some of that bleeds over into his relationship with Lizzie, which sets up great character development between the two. I also enjoyed the surprising twists layered through the scenes, because they were not only logical, but also added conflict, and progressed the plot well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it is sexy, dark, witty, and nothing less. I gave it five stars for good writing, thorough attention to details and character development, originality, pacing, and a perfect balance of genres.
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Oct 08, 2011 Roxanne Rhoads rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dark and delightful this is a wild look into what happens when you take an old western style cowboy and toss him into a dark and dangerous world of vampires.

Tucker gets thrown into the vampire world when his girlfriend Lizzie discovers she's vampire royalty.

The mess that ensues- vampire war, Lizzie's struggle for her life and soul- make this a worthwhile read.

If you like you vampire fiction less sparkly and more dark and twisted this is a book for you.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Kristina Hansen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's funny that this website lists Cowboy and the Vampire as released in 2010. I read this book back in my senior year of high school, and I even wrote a review for my school newspaper "The Lions Trail".

I loved this book. It's not like typical vampire books. The whole dark, gothic notion that I normally pick up from vampire books at the time seemed non existent. This book was silly, sweet (gotta love that cowboy) and entertaining. Truly original.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 07, 2008 LJ rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary_post_1945, paranormal_fantasy, new_york_city, wyoming, writing_pair

THE COWBOY AND THE VAMPIRE - Okay
Hays, clark and Kathleen McFall

Wyoming cowboy Tucker falls in love with the least likely person: Lizzie Vaughan, a reporter from New York who disrupts his life by writing an article about him, pegging him as the last living cowboy. While researching a new story on vampires, Lizzie becomes frightened, and returns to Wyoming and the waiting arms of Tucker. But the vampires, convinced that she is their queen, track her down, kidnap her, and bring her back to New Yor...more

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Feb 03, 2012 Kriss Morton rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wicked-winter-read-a-thon-feb-3-5

This was so much fun to read. I bought it back in December and didn't finish it but today I was inspired and I am so glad I did.

Cowboys and Vampires and Century old dudes in mud OH MY!

I recommend this to anyone who is tired of the same old vampire myths. It really took on a wonderful twist to the normal myths out there, plus these vampires do not sparkle!

1 like · like · see review

Jul 04, 2012 Adela Cacovean marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Wow! The book sounds very interesting! A very unique combination - a cowboy and a vampire - which could only result in a great novel and a good romance between the two characters. It sounds so different from all the vampire books that are coming out...
It's a must read and I will surely do so as soon as I can.

4 likes · like · see review

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