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Wild West #1
Lasso the Moon
Motivated by a childhood promise, Paris Garrett travels to the wilds of Arizona Territory to seek fame as a stage actress. Never mind that she doesn't possess a lick of experience or that her true passion is songwriting. Before he died, her beloved papa encouraged her to reach for the stars. She promised to lasso the moon! She's already slipped free of her over-protective brothers. Nothing and no one, especially some badge-wearing Romeo, is going to rein her in or stand in her way.
Joshua Grant's life went from diamonds to dirt in less time than a rattler strikes. His uncle was killed, leaving him with an opera house he doesn't want, and forcing him to quit the law enforcement job he loved. The topper: In order to keep his sidewinder snake of a cousin from inheriting, he has to honor his uncle's will and marry within two weeks. Life can't get much worse, and then he falls for an eccentric, spitfire songwriter with a mysterious past and a passel of troublesome admirers. Marrying Paris is about as smart as kissing a coyote, but that's exactly what he intends to do—whether she likes it or not. Together they could realize their dreams. That's if they don't drive each other crazy first!
Joshua Grant's life went from diamonds to dirt in less time than a rattler strikes. His uncle was killed, leaving him with an opera house he doesn't want, and forcing him to quit the law enforcement job he loved. The topper: In order to keep his sidewinder snake of a cousin from inheriting, he has to honor his uncle's will and marry within two weeks. Life can't get much worse, and then he falls for an eccentric, spitfire songwriter with a mysterious past and a passel of troublesome admirers. Marrying Paris is about as smart as kissing a coyote, but that's exactly what he intends to do—whether she likes it or not. Together they could realize their dreams. That's if they don't drive each other crazy first!
335 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Beth Ciotta
42 books471 followersStorytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 8, 2017
I don't usually read westerns, but I love Beth Ciotta's books - so I gave this one a try. It was good but I love her other books so much more! I'm still going to try the others in this series as well though because I love her books!
November 9, 2021
Much more than ordinary
A something-for-everyone read. Original features in the story with a colorful cast of characters. It kept me engaged and entertained.
A something-for-everyone read. Original features in the story with a colorful cast of characters. It kept me engaged and entertained.
May 30, 2015
Lasso the Moon by Beth Ciotta
"Reach for the stars" Pa said. "I'll do better than that." Paris promised. "I'll lasso the moon."
Remembering her promise, Paris sets out on her own to become a musical actress at the Desert Moon opera house. But in the times of the old west, this isn't proper behavior, nor did Paris care. She expected to live life so her songwriting got better. Unfortunately a bar fight, that was absolutely not her fault, delays her debut a bit. Former Sheriff Joshua Grant is captivated by this creature and is called to lend a hand in getting her out of town before more damage can be done.
A romping romance with oodles of humor. And heart. As Paris and Josh get to know each other, they also learn more about themselves and their own dreams. Paris is adorable and so sweet, I was really glad to get to know her and hope to revisit her in the future. It will be fun to see how she changes the Wild West town she has made her own.
“He’d aimed on escorting the troublesome minx to a respectable hotel directly after retrieving her carpetbag. Sometimes good intentions aren’t worth spit. Especially when that minx is downright cuter than a kitten. Spurred on by raw lust and rotgut, he’d thrown caution to the wind. He’d kissed her. In the middle of the street. Without regard to her reputation. He’d been set to apologize when she’d shocked him by initiating a second kiss, a deeper kiss, a kiss that prompted a hard-on you could break a branding iron on.
Then, without so much as a “see ya’ later,” she’d hauled butt away from him faster than a lone scout from an Apache tribe. He didn’t know what to make of her, but he liked her spirit, not to mention the way she felt in his arms. That worried him.”
Excerpt From: Ciotta, Beth. “Lasso the Moon: A Wild West Romance (Book 1).”
"Reach for the stars" Pa said. "I'll do better than that." Paris promised. "I'll lasso the moon."
Remembering her promise, Paris sets out on her own to become a musical actress at the Desert Moon opera house. But in the times of the old west, this isn't proper behavior, nor did Paris care. She expected to live life so her songwriting got better. Unfortunately a bar fight, that was absolutely not her fault, delays her debut a bit. Former Sheriff Joshua Grant is captivated by this creature and is called to lend a hand in getting her out of town before more damage can be done.
A romping romance with oodles of humor. And heart. As Paris and Josh get to know each other, they also learn more about themselves and their own dreams. Paris is adorable and so sweet, I was really glad to get to know her and hope to revisit her in the future. It will be fun to see how she changes the Wild West town she has made her own.
“He’d aimed on escorting the troublesome minx to a respectable hotel directly after retrieving her carpetbag. Sometimes good intentions aren’t worth spit. Especially when that minx is downright cuter than a kitten. Spurred on by raw lust and rotgut, he’d thrown caution to the wind. He’d kissed her. In the middle of the street. Without regard to her reputation. He’d been set to apologize when she’d shocked him by initiating a second kiss, a deeper kiss, a kiss that prompted a hard-on you could break a branding iron on.
Then, without so much as a “see ya’ later,” she’d hauled butt away from him faster than a lone scout from an Apache tribe. He didn’t know what to make of her, but he liked her spirit, not to mention the way she felt in his arms. That worried him.”
Excerpt From: Ciotta, Beth. “Lasso the Moon: A Wild West Romance (Book 1).”
June 3, 2015
I am not normally a fan of anything in the western genre, but this book, and the two others currently available in the series, were written by Beth Ciotta. Being am avid fan of her writing style, I decided to give this series a go. I was immediately pulled into the story through the obvious adoration of a daughter for her oft absent father. Flash forward 10 years, both of her parents have died and the now 19 year old daughter has struck out on a journey into the wild west to realize her dream of being a musical actress. A young, innocent, naive, fiesty girl traveling alone through the untamed west leads to all sorts incidents, some humorous and some infuriating. Paris Garrett was not looking for love. She was never going to get married because marriage equaled broken hearts and dreams. Nope. She was going to live an unconventional life. Sheriff Joshua Grant turns in his badge to take over the opera house owned by his deceased uncle, who was like a father to Joshua. He didn't have a clue how to run the establishment, but he was going to make sure his uncle's business continued on in his honor. Now he just needed to find a woman who would agree to the business deal of being his wife since a stipulation in his uncle's will for Josh to inherit the business required Josh to be married within a specific time frame. Josh wasn't interested in love. He would never again allow himself the vulnerability of being in love. Unbeknownst to either Paris or Josh, their path's were destined to cross as each one of them headed towards the same moon. During their journey we meet a wonderful cast of interesting characters including Paris's four older brothers, two of whom are famous themselves. I am looking forward to the next books and what develops with some of these characters!
April 13, 2014
***Received from Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***
Let's see. Where do I start?
We'll start with Paris. I love her individuality. In a time when women were little more than housewives and childbearers, Paris aspired to be more. Her theatrical background certainly ensured she would dream big, but dreaming big and pursuing those big dreams are two entirely different things. With a little bit of help, she slipped away from her overprotective brothers and made West in pursuit of her dreams.
Until she met Joshua Grant. Or maybe it's the other way around, lol. Joshua's orderly life is already in chaos with the sudden acquirement of an establishment he doesn't want. He sure doesn't need the complication Paris brings with her. But what a fine-looking complication she is. She's his complete opposite, probably is everything he shouldn't want in a lifelong companion, but she turns out to be exactly what he needs.
I loved reading this book. There's humor, bickering, love, suspense, and humor. Did I say that already? Honestly, I can't remember reading a historical western where the heroine made me laugh so much. Actually, I don't remember laughing so much reading a historical western period. This is a terrific story with the right combination of fact and fiction, sprinkled with humor and love to make it a romance I will definitely read again.
Let's see. Where do I start?
We'll start with Paris. I love her individuality. In a time when women were little more than housewives and childbearers, Paris aspired to be more. Her theatrical background certainly ensured she would dream big, but dreaming big and pursuing those big dreams are two entirely different things. With a little bit of help, she slipped away from her overprotective brothers and made West in pursuit of her dreams.
Until she met Joshua Grant. Or maybe it's the other way around, lol. Joshua's orderly life is already in chaos with the sudden acquirement of an establishment he doesn't want. He sure doesn't need the complication Paris brings with her. But what a fine-looking complication she is. She's his complete opposite, probably is everything he shouldn't want in a lifelong companion, but she turns out to be exactly what he needs.
I loved reading this book. There's humor, bickering, love, suspense, and humor. Did I say that already? Honestly, I can't remember reading a historical western where the heroine made me laugh so much. Actually, I don't remember laughing so much reading a historical western period. This is a terrific story with the right combination of fact and fiction, sprinkled with humor and love to make it a romance I will definitely read again.
Want to Read
February 15, 2016347p Motivated by a childhood promise, Paris Garrett travels to the wilds of Arizona Territory (1877) to seek fame as a stage actress. Never mind that she doesn't possess a lick of experience or that her true passion is songwriting. Before he died, her beloved papa encouraged her to reach for the stars. She promised to lasso the moon! She's already slipped free of her over-protective brothers. Nothing and no one, especially some badge-wearing Romeo, is going to rein her in or stand in her way. Joshua Grant's life went from diamonds to dirt in less time than a rattler strikes. His uncle was killed, leaving him with an opera house he doesn't want, and forcing him to quit the law enforcement job he loved. The topper: In order to keep his sidewinder snake of a cousin from inheriting, he has to honor his uncle's will and marry within two weeks. Life can't get much worse, and then he falls for an eccentric, spitfire songwriter with a mysterious past and a passel of troublesome admirers. Marrying Paris is about as smart as kissing a coyote, but that's exactly what he intends to do-whether she likes it or not. Together they could realize their dreams. That's if they don't drive each other crazy first!
June 2, 2015
Let me start by saying I do not usually read Historicals. But, some authors, I will read whatever genre they write - Beth Ciotta happens to be one of those authors - and I wasn't sorry reading Lasso the Moon. A very naïve young woman runs away from her brothers in California to the wild Arizona Territory to make her mark on the entertainment world. Paris has a special knack for finding trouble. Ex-sheriff Josh Grant has a special knack for always being around when Paris finds trouble. They have both been put on a track not necessarily of their choosing by loved ones - Paris by her father and Josh by his father-figure uncle. Neither wants to fall in love. Along the way, they have to deal with out-laws like his cousin. Getting to their destination and his taking over the Desert Moon and her singing on the stage there is not easy, with her brothers on the way to find her and take her back home and his cousin determined to ruin him. What they find is you have to figure out what your dreams are - not the dreams imposed upon you by others. Sometimes love is worth the risk.
June 3, 2015
Lasso the Moon
Paris Garrett made a promise to her father that she cannot break. She is a talented singer, pianist,and songwriter,
but she knows her over-bearing older brothers will not let her perform on stage, so she disguises herself as a boy
and runs off to the Desert Moon to fulfill her promise. During her travels, a new song gets stuck in her head and
she needs a piano to get it to gel. At a stage stop, she sees a honky tonk and goes in knowing there will certainly
be a piano inside.
Sheriff Josh Groves is at his "retirement" party at the honky tonk. He sees this feisty little bundle of trouble and
wades in to settle the havoc she has created.
Paris and Josh's paths continue to cross and the passion between them is heavy with lust. The book is filled with
humor and passion, some sinister events, a few rather dim-witted bad guys, a sweet woman the men of Chance
don't want to hurt, and a hero with a heart of gold.
I love Ciotta's books. Historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but this was great fun and I will read the rest of
the series.
Paris Garrett made a promise to her father that she cannot break. She is a talented singer, pianist,and songwriter,
but she knows her over-bearing older brothers will not let her perform on stage, so she disguises herself as a boy
and runs off to the Desert Moon to fulfill her promise. During her travels, a new song gets stuck in her head and
she needs a piano to get it to gel. At a stage stop, she sees a honky tonk and goes in knowing there will certainly
be a piano inside.
Sheriff Josh Groves is at his "retirement" party at the honky tonk. He sees this feisty little bundle of trouble and
wades in to settle the havoc she has created.
Paris and Josh's paths continue to cross and the passion between them is heavy with lust. The book is filled with
humor and passion, some sinister events, a few rather dim-witted bad guys, a sweet woman the men of Chance
don't want to hurt, and a hero with a heart of gold.
I love Ciotta's books. Historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but this was great fun and I will read the rest of
the series.
September 18, 2015
Lasso the Moon: Peacemakers: Old West - Author Beth Ciotta. *****
This was an outstanding Western Romance. It was sensitive with such warmth between the two characters. A serendipitous meeting become a deep love.
Josh Grant is a recently retired sheriff and Paris a want to be star. Paris has spent her whole life dedicated to music. Although sheltered by her four older brothers since her parents died when she was quite young. She is driven by her love for music and considered freakish.
Although from different backgrounds they were kindred spirits. Some of the passages in this book were very touching and soul searching others just hilarious. I was laughing out loud with some of the interactions and conversations. This is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it. This is my first Beth Ciotta read but I do intend to read many more of her books.
This was an outstanding Western Romance. It was sensitive with such warmth between the two characters. A serendipitous meeting become a deep love.
Josh Grant is a recently retired sheriff and Paris a want to be star. Paris has spent her whole life dedicated to music. Although sheltered by her four older brothers since her parents died when she was quite young. She is driven by her love for music and considered freakish.
Although from different backgrounds they were kindred spirits. Some of the passages in this book were very touching and soul searching others just hilarious. I was laughing out loud with some of the interactions and conversations. This is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it. This is my first Beth Ciotta read but I do intend to read many more of her books.
January 15, 2008
Boy, does Beth Ciotta know how to write smooth-flowing, easy-on-the-eyes prose. This western romance is great fun. Set in the late 1800s, the story belongs to Paris Garrett who plans to become a famous singer and performer and heads out alone for a town called Chance in response to a classified ad. Former sheriff Joshua Grant thinks it improper for her to be traveling alone and since he's headed toward Chance anyway, he makes every effort to escort her there even though she's determined to go it alone. Plenty of bad guys and hijinks and fun along the way with more to come when she reaches her destination. Once you've finished this book, you'll be ready to read the second in a planned three-part series, "Romancing the West."
June 16, 2015
There are some authors that I will read even when they depart from my preferred genre (contemporary) and Beth Ciotta is definitely one of them. And Lasso the Moon was definitely worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed this love story set in the Wild West...a quirky heroine on a grand adventure, an honorable hero who reluctantly falls head over heels in love, a fun setting which often brought to mind the short-lived The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (minus the sci-fi aspects). I'm eager to dive into the rest of the series.
April 19, 2011
I really wish there were half stars. 3.5 on this one.
A very cute read, solid, with fun but simple characterizations and more Western clichés than you could swing a lasso at, but it's well done so it sings by quickly. Perfect when you need a light read and if you're even mildly into the Western genre.
A very cute read, solid, with fun but simple characterizations and more Western clichés than you could swing a lasso at, but it's well done so it sings by quickly. Perfect when you need a light read and if you're even mildly into the Western genre.
February 16, 2013
It was so nice to read a book with characters that were kind and honest. Paris and Josh cared about family and integrity. I loved reading about a female character who wasn't moody and overly assertive. Paris knew what her goals were and was determined to reach them but she still showed kindness to the people she met along the way. She wasn't afraid to accept help when she needed it.
January 8, 2014
My first Ciotta book and I just LOVED it! Couldn't put it down. I especially liked the fact that her heroine was funny and not prone to the overly dramatic "girly" fits that a lot of heroines have. This was a fun and quirky book, with wonderful characters and some laugh out loud scenes. Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
February 2, 2015
If you are looking for an off-beat, heads-over-heels romantic Western full of fights, quips, twists, and quirky characters, this is the book for you. Between Paris trying to fulfill her father's dream and Josh trying to keep his inheritance from his dastardly cousin, the reader is treated to plenty of action, romance and hilarity. Do take the time need to entertain your self with this fun read!
July 15, 2015
A cute story
A fast moving read, lots of action, lots of Kevin's, lots of words of the mouth not really meant. Lesson to be learned is to live your own dream and not another person's.
A fast moving read, lots of action, lots of Kevin's, lots of words of the mouth not really meant. Lesson to be learned is to live your own dream and not another person's.
July 29, 2015
As a reader of Ms. Ciotta's contemporary romances, I was thrilled to discover her series set in the Old West. The characters draw you in and make you care about the outcome. Add in some steamy romance and you have a charming winner.
July 29, 2012
Super Cute Western Without All The Sometimes Heavy Historical Stuff !!! Loved The Trilogy !!!
June 22, 2013
Silly read. Hard to connect with the characters.
December 23, 2013
Fun book to read.
April 12, 2014
A quirky heroine with a dream, a strong hero, and lots of adventures on the way - Lasso the Moon is a fun read that made me laugh and root for the characters.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews