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Hot to Trot
With her acting career in the doldrums, thirty-something Kate Thornton plays internet backgammon to while away the hours. Playing against others from Beijing to Bolton is like having a window on the world, and she soon makes many online friends, finding herself increasingly drawn to Andy, the Canadian cowboy. When he falls from his horse and breaks his arm, Kate rushes to his aid in the South Cariboo, only to find that Andy is at least as attractive as she expected—but he is not expecting her. In fact, he has no idea who she is. Should she stay or should she leave? After such an embarrassing beginning, do she and Andy stand a chance? Somebody has been playing tricks on them both, but who? And why?
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
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51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 15, 2016
Picked this up at an old library book sale about 5 years ago and thought it looked like a pretty naff chic-lit, until the time came when that was what I really needed to read. Having very low expectations I really enjoyed this book, which follows a thirty-something actress who's having a bad time at life across the globe to meet 'Andy the Cowboy' to help out at his ranch. Turns out the guy she met on the backgammon site isn't who she thought and it all goes from there.
You can pretty much guess the ending, but the middle was less cheesy and way more enjoyable than I could have guessed. Nice pleasant read.
You can pretty much guess the ending, but the middle was less cheesy and way more enjoyable than I could have guessed. Nice pleasant read.
December 26, 2023
2.5 Stars.
There was a lot to like about this book, and then there were parts that really bothered me.
The stuff I liked was how easy it was to read. Whenever I opened the book, I got sucked into the story. The book was relaxing and had an easy flow while reading. I really want to emphasize this before I go into anything else, it was a really nice book to read about a basic rancher's life and everyday cooking. Actually made me want to cook.
I really enjoyed that Andy had some self-reflective abilities that had nothing to do with Kate being in his life. This rarely happens in romance novels, especially when it's a "cowboy" kind of character with a traumatic backstory.
I thought the mystery was interesting but it wasn't the story's focus anymore when it was finally solved, which made it feel anticlimactic.
Some of the things I didn't like included:
Kate is noisy! Kate was noisy yet helpful for most of this book, but it was extremely annoying and frustrating for me when she started snooping into Andy's parental relationship with Robyn. It was none of her business to go snooping about that specific fact and Andy was slowly opening up to her, so she could have waited and gently pushed if she was so interested. Plus, why would she want to jeopardize the relationship she had with Andy when it was just getting intimately started? Kate didn't even have a good reason for this invasive investigation. She was also asking for more information from people who didn't know about Robyn and Andy's relationship, which I found infuriating! She was outing that Andy wasn't Robyn's biological father to others who hadn't known to begin with. AND THEN, she kept trying to get information out of people who did not want to disclose any personal information about others, which was commendable of Peggy.
The thing that got me the most was that Kate actively took a private photo and scanned it JUST so Gary could BLOW UP THE PHOTO TO INSPECT IT FURTHER!? Gary even sent a photo of it to his husband? That's messed up! How is it either of their business? It's not. Their actions are so invasive and such a breach of privacy, and it gets brushed over so quickly by the end of the book. I felt like this plotline wasn't given as much attention to fixing the trust as it should have been, given the level of trust that was broken.
This plotline also felt forced, like it was added just so Kate would have a reason to leave for the dramatic ending. It was just annoying and it took me out of the story. :(
Gary is called Strange Gary just because of his sexual orientation. There was also the older stereotype of making a man who is gay extremely effeminate and often calling himself a lady. Which confused me for a bit because I couldn't tell what sex he was when he was first introduced. He was an endearing character, but I didn't like the stereotyping.
It also felt like there was barely any romance in the book until the last 20 pages. I didn't mind this too much because I enjoyed the writing and story throughout the book, but if someone read this hoping for romance, they might be disappointed.
Overall, a delightful read full of self-reflection and some annoying plot threads. But the characters are very endearing and I felt like my heart was warm and full of affection for the characters at the end. <3
There was a lot to like about this book, and then there were parts that really bothered me.
The stuff I liked was how easy it was to read. Whenever I opened the book, I got sucked into the story. The book was relaxing and had an easy flow while reading. I really want to emphasize this before I go into anything else, it was a really nice book to read about a basic rancher's life and everyday cooking. Actually made me want to cook.
I really enjoyed that Andy had some self-reflective abilities that had nothing to do with Kate being in his life. This rarely happens in romance novels, especially when it's a "cowboy" kind of character with a traumatic backstory.
I thought the mystery was interesting but it wasn't the story's focus anymore when it was finally solved, which made it feel anticlimactic.
Some of the things I didn't like included:
Kate is noisy! Kate was noisy yet helpful for most of this book, but it was extremely annoying and frustrating for me when she started snooping into Andy's parental relationship with Robyn. It was none of her business to go snooping about that specific fact and Andy was slowly opening up to her, so she could have waited and gently pushed if she was so interested. Plus, why would she want to jeopardize the relationship she had with Andy when it was just getting intimately started? Kate didn't even have a good reason for this invasive investigation. She was also asking for more information from people who didn't know about Robyn and Andy's relationship, which I found infuriating! She was outing that Andy wasn't Robyn's biological father to others who hadn't known to begin with. AND THEN, she kept trying to get information out of people who did not want to disclose any personal information about others, which was commendable of Peggy.
The thing that got me the most was that Kate actively took a private photo and scanned it JUST so Gary could BLOW UP THE PHOTO TO INSPECT IT FURTHER!? Gary even sent a photo of it to his husband? That's messed up! How is it either of their business? It's not. Their actions are so invasive and such a breach of privacy, and it gets brushed over so quickly by the end of the book. I felt like this plotline wasn't given as much attention to fixing the trust as it should have been, given the level of trust that was broken.
This plotline also felt forced, like it was added just so Kate would have a reason to leave for the dramatic ending. It was just annoying and it took me out of the story. :(
Gary is called Strange Gary just because of his sexual orientation. There was also the older stereotype of making a man who is gay extremely effeminate and often calling himself a lady. Which confused me for a bit because I couldn't tell what sex he was when he was first introduced. He was an endearing character, but I didn't like the stereotyping.
It also felt like there was barely any romance in the book until the last 20 pages. I didn't mind this too much because I enjoyed the writing and story throughout the book, but if someone read this hoping for romance, they might be disappointed.
Overall, a delightful read full of self-reflection and some annoying plot threads. But the characters are very endearing and I felt like my heart was warm and full of affection for the characters at the end. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2020
Not great. Unbelievable capabilities of the characters. Easy flow.
July 17, 2025
Fun and cute.
February 17, 2013
'Hot to Trot' by Lou Wakefield is my belated Valentine's Day tie-in review. I chose to read this as it is a romantic comedy. I have to say that the opening of the story captures the reader's imagination and pulls you in with wit being the main essence between the main character, Kate Thornton, and an elderly woman, Minnie McAlpine.
Kate Thornton is a thirty-something British actress who has had some bad luck with her career of late. She has used up her spare time playing Backgammon on the Internet and in doing so, she has built up a relationship with one of the regular players, 'Andy the Cowboy'. Whilst 'Andy' is kind with his gameplay and sympathetic to her career situation, Kate learns that he has had a fall and broken his arm, thus making it difficult for him to make ends meet on his ranch, Blue Yonder, in Canada. Without giving him the heads-up, Kate decides to fly out to Canada to hopefully be of some assistance to 'Andy'.
It is on this flight that Kate is seated next to Minnie McAlpine. Minnie hears of the situation that Kate has put herself in and although Minnie is very friendly and likeable, she also has a quirky side to her. Minnie is full of ironic and sarcastic remarks which couldn't help but put a smile on my face.
The synopsis for this novel is very interesting. It is the idea of dropping everything you know to go and help out a person that you thought you knew, with the added possibility of some romance. However, when Kate reaches Blue Yonder she finds out that Andy doesn't have a broken arm and isn't aware of her at all. The real Andy, for me, was not a typical hero. He was quite rude, set in his ways and limited to his lifestyle. He didn't welcome new ideas and was very miserable. His behaviour towards Kate was mostly ignorant and a little hostile in places. Kate isn't sure whether to stay or go and therefore, on a romance level for me there was nothing. I didn't feel much in the way of a connection towards the characters.
Kate is obviously a friendly woman who likes to assist wherever she can. As the novel moves on Kate's character becomes more irritating. Although she wants to help Andy she stretches herself by going through his office drawers, asking locals on his situation, etc. I didn't like these situations and, as a reader, made me feel uncomfortable. Kate's character begins really nice but she becomes interfering and nosey.
I found the middle of the story quite lengthy and long-winded and as the story moves on it loses the sense of humour we began with. Kate has the mystery to solve of who it was that she was playing on the Internet with, calling themselves 'Andy the Cowboy'. This takes up a great deal of the novel but it moves forward quite slowly, with Kate acting as a local gossip with neighbours of Andy's, who she doesn't even know herself. This was a little cringeworthy. However, throughout the novel there are little twists to keep the reader guessing on who the culprit is behind 'Andy the Cowboy'.
The ending of 'Hot to Trot' did disappoint me. After having such a lengthy middle to the story the end seems like only a few pages. Throughout the novel the romance was missing and I was hoping that it would more than make up for this at the end. But I'm afraid I didn't feel it. This seems such a shame as the book began on a high note and was quite enjoyable. Minnie McAlpine is my favourite character and, even though she has a role throughout the book, it would have been nice to have mentioned her more. If there were more intense and intimate moments with Kate and Andy, with the humour lasting throughout, then this novel would be much more notable.
Kate Thornton is a thirty-something British actress who has had some bad luck with her career of late. She has used up her spare time playing Backgammon on the Internet and in doing so, she has built up a relationship with one of the regular players, 'Andy the Cowboy'. Whilst 'Andy' is kind with his gameplay and sympathetic to her career situation, Kate learns that he has had a fall and broken his arm, thus making it difficult for him to make ends meet on his ranch, Blue Yonder, in Canada. Without giving him the heads-up, Kate decides to fly out to Canada to hopefully be of some assistance to 'Andy'.
It is on this flight that Kate is seated next to Minnie McAlpine. Minnie hears of the situation that Kate has put herself in and although Minnie is very friendly and likeable, she also has a quirky side to her. Minnie is full of ironic and sarcastic remarks which couldn't help but put a smile on my face.
The synopsis for this novel is very interesting. It is the idea of dropping everything you know to go and help out a person that you thought you knew, with the added possibility of some romance. However, when Kate reaches Blue Yonder she finds out that Andy doesn't have a broken arm and isn't aware of her at all. The real Andy, for me, was not a typical hero. He was quite rude, set in his ways and limited to his lifestyle. He didn't welcome new ideas and was very miserable. His behaviour towards Kate was mostly ignorant and a little hostile in places. Kate isn't sure whether to stay or go and therefore, on a romance level for me there was nothing. I didn't feel much in the way of a connection towards the characters.
Kate is obviously a friendly woman who likes to assist wherever she can. As the novel moves on Kate's character becomes more irritating. Although she wants to help Andy she stretches herself by going through his office drawers, asking locals on his situation, etc. I didn't like these situations and, as a reader, made me feel uncomfortable. Kate's character begins really nice but she becomes interfering and nosey.
I found the middle of the story quite lengthy and long-winded and as the story moves on it loses the sense of humour we began with. Kate has the mystery to solve of who it was that she was playing on the Internet with, calling themselves 'Andy the Cowboy'. This takes up a great deal of the novel but it moves forward quite slowly, with Kate acting as a local gossip with neighbours of Andy's, who she doesn't even know herself. This was a little cringeworthy. However, throughout the novel there are little twists to keep the reader guessing on who the culprit is behind 'Andy the Cowboy'.
The ending of 'Hot to Trot' did disappoint me. After having such a lengthy middle to the story the end seems like only a few pages. Throughout the novel the romance was missing and I was hoping that it would more than make up for this at the end. But I'm afraid I didn't feel it. This seems such a shame as the book began on a high note and was quite enjoyable. Minnie McAlpine is my favourite character and, even though she has a role throughout the book, it would have been nice to have mentioned her more. If there were more intense and intimate moments with Kate and Andy, with the humour lasting throughout, then this novel would be much more notable.
March 27, 2013
this was an audio book, if it had been a book I don't think I would have finished it.
It is a chick lit, but I found that I had trouble keeping track the characters, there were too many.
Kate Thornton is a soap opera actor. The trouble is people are having trouble separating Kate from the character she plays. She even has death threats sent to her.
She is hiding in her flat playing internet Backgammon and strikes a friendship with Andy the Canadian Cowboy. Kate decides to help him when she learns that he has fallen from his horse and is struggling to raise his daughter and run the ranch.
When she arrives on the ranch she finds out that Andy hasn't fallen from his horse, never played online Backgammon and doesn't know who she is. The trouble he is hot, hot HOT! And has a temper to match.
This is where it becomes chick lit and the predictable happens. Kate falls for Andy, Andy's daughter loves Kate and wants her to marry Andy - Andy doesn't want a bar of this. In fact he is nasty to her, but she takes it like a doormat.
I started to lose interest. I listened to this all the way through (because I had already invested 5 hours in it), but I should have given it the flick. Two stars is generous.
I will still listen to audio books, but I've had my fill of chick lit
It is a chick lit, but I found that I had trouble keeping track the characters, there were too many.
Kate Thornton is a soap opera actor. The trouble is people are having trouble separating Kate from the character she plays. She even has death threats sent to her.
She is hiding in her flat playing internet Backgammon and strikes a friendship with Andy the Canadian Cowboy. Kate decides to help him when she learns that he has fallen from his horse and is struggling to raise his daughter and run the ranch.
When she arrives on the ranch she finds out that Andy hasn't fallen from his horse, never played online Backgammon and doesn't know who she is. The trouble he is hot, hot HOT! And has a temper to match.
This is where it becomes chick lit and the predictable happens. Kate falls for Andy, Andy's daughter loves Kate and wants her to marry Andy - Andy doesn't want a bar of this. In fact he is nasty to her, but she takes it like a doormat.
I started to lose interest. I listened to this all the way through (because I had already invested 5 hours in it), but I should have given it the flick. Two stars is generous.
I will still listen to audio books, but I've had my fill of chick lit
July 18, 2012
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
I enjoyed this book with the unusual story line even though I did think it was a stretch in places. How the main character, Kate, could travel so far to help someone she only met online actually happens, but how she stays with being unwelcomed and wiggles her way into their lives felt outrageous to me at times. It never felt completely implausible though which is a credit to Lou Wakefield’s writing.
I had a difficult time with the slang in the dialogue meant to capture the ranching voice. I found it wasn’t consistent, only appearing sporadically and I could have done without it as I felt it made the daughter especially seem uneducated (and for some reason was mostly in her dialogue) which she wasn’t. It irritated me that it appeared randomly and would have like it to be used throughout the book or not at all.
I don’t have anything other than that to gripe about. It was an easy read, fast and kept me intrigued enough to find out who the mysterious person was at the other end of the computer. Not my favorite, but not terrible either.
I enjoyed this book with the unusual story line even though I did think it was a stretch in places. How the main character, Kate, could travel so far to help someone she only met online actually happens, but how she stays with being unwelcomed and wiggles her way into their lives felt outrageous to me at times. It never felt completely implausible though which is a credit to Lou Wakefield’s writing.
I had a difficult time with the slang in the dialogue meant to capture the ranching voice. I found it wasn’t consistent, only appearing sporadically and I could have done without it as I felt it made the daughter especially seem uneducated (and for some reason was mostly in her dialogue) which she wasn’t. It irritated me that it appeared randomly and would have like it to be used throughout the book or not at all.
I don’t have anything other than that to gripe about. It was an easy read, fast and kept me intrigued enough to find out who the mysterious person was at the other end of the computer. Not my favorite, but not terrible either.
November 28, 2008
(as talking book)
Kate plays online backgammon every evening and makes friends with AndyTheCowboy. When she hears that he has broken his arm and is struggling on the ranch, she flies out on a surprise visit to help him. But when she arrives, she finds that no-one knows what she is talking about – including the real Andy. What should she do now ?
This was a fun and heart-warming story, with a interesting plot, full of plenty of twists. It certainly had more depth to it than the chick-lit I was expecting it to be and I was impressed by it.
Kate plays online backgammon every evening and makes friends with AndyTheCowboy. When she hears that he has broken his arm and is struggling on the ranch, she flies out on a surprise visit to help him. But when she arrives, she finds that no-one knows what she is talking about – including the real Andy. What should she do now ?
This was a fun and heart-warming story, with a interesting plot, full of plenty of twists. It certainly had more depth to it than the chick-lit I was expecting it to be and I was impressed by it.
August 12, 2011
Sent to me for the Yorkshire Day Book Exchange on Bookcrossing.
This book has a similar plot to Cold Comfort Farm where Flora Poste goes to live on a farm where she isn't wanted and sets about improving everyone's lives. Kate 'I can do anything' Thornton isn't usually a character I like but I liked the story, all the mysteries. You only got Kate's view so were also in the dark.
This book has a similar plot to Cold Comfort Farm where Flora Poste goes to live on a farm where she isn't wanted and sets about improving everyone's lives. Kate 'I can do anything' Thornton isn't usually a character I like but I liked the story, all the mysteries. You only got Kate's view so were also in the dark.
January 18, 2008
Not usually the sort of thing that I read but I was bored at work.....
Actually not a bad book at all :)
Actually not a bad book at all :)
June 17, 2008
Not a bad book. A bit predictable. You can pretty much see the ending from the start. An enjoyable read but not something that you couldn't put down.
August 27, 2010
I think this book is good for idiots. However, it has some good storyline.
June 8, 2016
It's a nice read and in some ways it inspires you !
June 12, 2013
Every woman deserves a cowboy. Want one too. Hah!
November 28, 2013
Cute, quick read. Totally predictable in terms of the romance but still a fun read.
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