Take Me, Cowboy

Love on Chance Avenue #1

by Jane Porter

When Jenny Wright’s fiancé leaves her standing at the altar in a Vera Wang bridal gown she can’t afford, she’s humiliated and heartbroken. To have Marietta hero bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witness her shame – makes the rejection even more devastating.

Jenny and Colton grew up in the same rough neighborhood and they both left home right after school to pursue big dreams. Now they’re both back, with Colton as the celebrity chair for the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo, and Jenny in disgrace.

Sexy, rugged Colton didn’t get to be a national champion by chance. He’s a man that takes risks and goes after what he wants. During the rodeo weekend, Colton makes it clear he wants Jenny. Flustered but flattered, Jenny finds it difficult to resist his charm. But what happens when the rodeo ends and Colton leaves town? Will she dare to dream again?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Novella, Contemporary, Ebooks, Fiction

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2013

About the author

Born in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.

As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.

My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).

I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.

After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.

I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.

Reviews

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one hundred and fifty guests sat in the church waiting for the ceremony to begin, Charles was informing Jenny that he no longer wanted to go through with the wedding. Jenny grew up in Marietta and had a difficult childhood. Charles, on the other hand, came from a rich family in Illinois. Their worlds couldn’t be more different. Although he knew that she came from a modest background, now that they were about to get married he was starting to think that she may be marrying him for his money and could no longer go through with the wedding.

Colton Thorpe was driving when he saw a beautiful woman in a wedding dress standing at the bus stop. Sensing that she could use a ride, he pulled over and offered his assistance. Colton was a few years older than Jenny, grew up on the same street, and had a bad reputation, but Jenny had always had a crush on him. Recently divorced, he was back in Marietta to chair the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo. Although Jenny turned down Colton’s offer to drive her home, it didn’t take long for their paths to cross again. It also didn’t take long for the feelings that Jenny had for Colton as an adolescent to resurface. But when Colton makes it known that he wants Jenny just as much as she wants him, will she allow the pain that Charles caused her to affect her future with Colton?

Take Me, Cowboy is the fourth book in The Copper Mountain Rodeo Series. I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with Jenny and Colton’s characters. There’s just something about the way Jane Porter writes that makes you feel like you are a part of the story. Take Me, Cowboy is a must read for anyone who loves hunky cowboys, a strong female character and an amazing story! I definitely recommend this book to everyone! Although it’s not necessary to read the three previous books in the series to get the story in this book, it is definitely recommended as several of the characters have been introduced in the previous books. Once again, another amazing book from the very talented, Jane Porter!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Copper Mountain Rodeo series. This one has Jenny Wright returning to Marietta to marry her boyfriend of three years who is also her boss and from a well to do family. Whilst Jenny has never hidden her less salubrious childhood and family, he uses them as a reason to call off their wedding, suggesting she may be a gold digger. Local man, Colton Thorpe, is returning home to visit when he spots Jenny in her Vera Wang bridal gown, reminding him of a dream princess. They actually grew up near to each other but he doesn't immediately recognise her, unlike Jenny who had a secret crush on him even though he was four years older than her and left the town when she was only fourteen. Their attraction is mutual but their failed relationships make them both initially reluctant to dream of a HEA together - but maybe fate has other plans for them!?!

This is a lovely, relatively short, story with a jilted bride and her hot teen crush finding out that romance does exist and is well worth waiting for. It is an easy read, exploring how the past can impact on present day relationships and interactions as well as showing that even when you think things are at their lowest ebb there is always hope for a much happier, love filled, future if only you are prepared to take a chance on love. I just have to comment on how impressed I am with how this author manages to pack so much emotive writing into even a novella, helping the reader experience the feelings and emotions of the characters through her skilled wordcraft. I have enjoyed quite a few books set in Marietta, by a variety of authors, and have to say they are a brilliant series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this and every one in the set.

Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic Jane Porter style romance. The kind I love and always look forward to reading. This story ranks right up there with my other favorites.

Dumped right before the wedding, Jenny Wright finds out her fiance thinks she is a gold digger. After running from the church in her beautiful Vera Wang gown, Jenny is crying on the street corner when a familiar face from the past pulls up in his truck to see if she is ok. He doesn't remember her, but she will never forget the bad boy Colton Thorpe. The crush she had for years still ignites a fire inside her. He is freshly out of a bad marriage and doesn't trust women and thinks all they want is his money. He'll settle for a night or two and then move on. He doesn't ever want to get married again. Life on the road, riding bulls in rodeos, is what he wants, and it's not a place for a woman. After spending time with Jenny, Colton might change his mind. But, can they both move past their bad relationships (especially Jenny's being very recent)?

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would ever imagine that the day her fiance left her at the altar would be the best day of her life? This is a wonderfully written story that shows us true love can be found when you least expect it. I highly recommend this one!

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020: Dumped at a Wedding

Holy insta-love, Batman. In the space of less than a month, she does from dumped at her wedding, to talking about marrying the hero of this.

It's fine it's a novella bridging two series, but good god.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, short, sweet, sexy read with a cowboy. Did I mention the cowboy? I didn’t realize how much of a thing I had for cowboys but ...

Great light read for summer by the pool.

[Chris Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies.

In the latest installment of the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO series, TAKE ME, COWBOY, we meet Jenny who has just been left at the altar by her fiancé. Fleeing the church, she runs into Colton, who offers her a ride. Can Colton help Jenny forget all about her troubles? Jane Porter has penned a deeply affectionate and gripping novella that is sure to become a fan favorite!

Jenny Wright has come home to Marietta, Montana, to be married. Just as she is about to walk down the aisle, her groom calls a halt to the wedding. He accuses Jenny of being a gold-digger when he finds out that her family is not wealthy. Embarrassed and humiliated, Jenny flees the church and makes her way to the bus stop.

Colton Thorpe is in town for the Copper Mountain Rodeo. As he is driving down the road, he spots a woman in a wedding dress, waiting for a bus. It appears that the woman is in distress, so he stops to see if he can help. After some conversation, he finds out the woman’s name is Jenny and he offers her a ride home.

Colton doesn’t seem to know who Jenny is, but Jenny sure remembers him. She has had a crush on him ever since she can remember. It is clear that there is an attraction between the two of them right away. But Colton has been married before and it has left him guarded against relationships. And Jenny is afraid to give her heart away to another man. Will Colton be the man who makes Jenny forget all about her wedding disaster? And will Jenny help Colton to see that not all women are like his ex?

Jane Porter has added a noteworthy addition to the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO series. Full of romance, angst and tenderness, TAKE ME, COWBOY will pull on your heartstrings and leave you reaching for the tissues. This is the perfect novella to curl up with on a crisp
autumn day!

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...

[Marin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Porter is an excellent writer! Take Me, Cowboy (novella)is Book 4 of the Copper Mountain Rodeo Series and it's a winner! I love the small-town setting. Jilted bride Jenny is heartfelt, strong and determined-you can’t help but cheer for her happy-ever-after.
Old crush Colton is sexy and perfect for Jenny-every woman's dream hero
A story where the characters find true love with someone they least expect--a Hallmark Movie in the making!

[Jess☺️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take me, cowboy is the first Jane porter book I've ever read,for a free girly escape download I thought it was really sweet with a touch of naughty loving.
Great quick read about a woman's heart being broken on her wedding day(but is it?) and then bumps into her high school crush.
Makes you want a cowboy of your own at the end

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

From A Sweet Life Boxed Set

Two-haiku review:

She's left at altar
Runs into her childhood crush
And she still wants him

Really loved this one
Happy ending came too fast
Wish it were longer

[Linda Broday · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read! From the beginning scenes with the jilted bride running down the street to the last kiss and final commitment, the ride was exhilarating. Colton Thorp is a sexy, hot cowboy. Jane Porter is a masterful storyteller.

[Faerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my favourite from this series so far 😊

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Take Me, Cowboy is part of the Copper Mountain Rodeo novella series. I enjoyed the others I have read, even if they did move quickly, but something about this one left me not liking it. It was too quick and easy for what was happening.

Jenny is left at the alter. Her rich boyfriend whom she works with and lives with in Chicago was worried she just wanted him for her money once he sees that she came from nothing. This at first is upsetting, but not because she loved her now ex. It was upsetting because she has tried so hard to get out of her small town and make something of herself only to end up way in debt trying to pay for this wedding that ended up not happening. When she runs off before the ceremony, after being dumped, she runs into Colton. Colton whom she remembers from high school. He is so dreamy and he left just like her, only he made something of himself.

Colton is back in town for the rodeo, but he has no intention of getting involved with anyone again. His ex was a shallow, money grubbing person who didn't really care about him. So now he is done with love. When he sees Jenny he is drawn to her, but then he hears what happens and thinks she might be all about the money as well. Well it only takes like 2 days to fall in love and change his mind. I didn't see it, I didn't feel the connection between them besides a physical attraction. I didn't see where they would ride off into the sunset together and live happily ever after. It was just too quick. She JUST got stood up and he never wanted to be in love again. It was all just a bit too fast.

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, short novella by Jane Porter. I always love Jane's books, so maybe I'm a little biased.

Jenny Wright is left at the alter. This in and of itself is terrible, however, Jenny is in her hometown where everybody knows everything, she's paid for an extravegant wedding that she can't really afford and she was marrying her boss. Her family already has a reputation as one of the poorest in the town--perhaps one of the reasons Jenny has worked so hard at her job in Chicago and become successful--and here she is, dumped and unemployed.

To make matters worse, Colton Thorpe appears. He has a reputation as a "bad boy" and Jenny has had a crush on him since chlidhood. Like Jenny, Colt couldn't escape the confines of their tiny hometown fast enough, but he just happens to be home visiting when he comes upon a beautiful girl in her wedding dress wandering the streets of Marietta. He offers her a ride (no pun intended...) and Jenny begins to question many of the decisions she has made about her life up to that point.

I really enjoyed this one... I am a sucker for a cowboy any time though! This story was the right balance of seweet and sexy for me. COLT was the right balance of sweet and sexy--and everything in between! Take Me, Cowboy is the perfect title because you will want to utter those words when you read this one. Sigh.

Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author got a little caught up on unnecessary details. Did we really need that much information about a restored hotel? No, no we didn't. Did we need that much information about the mountain range? Nope.

The set-up takes too long. Because soon they're spending a few days together and then hang on to your horses (see what I did there?) because it gets super fast. She decides she's always been in love with him at 86%. They're physically together at 91% and by the end of the chapter she's agreeing to drive off with him. The main part of the story is done by 95% and the epilogue is set 10 days later where his declaration of love is made and then he asks her to marry him. I can get past the insta-love and the fact that she thought she was in love (and about to marry!) another man a week prior, but cramming everything else in like that at the end left me reeling and thoroughly unsatisfied.

It's a novella, so it was a fast read. And the writing itself is well done. I just think that the pacing was off, as well as the balance. Would still read another of this author's works on the off chance this was a fluke.

[Donna Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short story. It is about Jenny on her wedding day and her fiance leaves her at the alter. He thinks he is too high classed for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Enter Colton, he is a bull rider returning home to visit his family. They live on the same block but Colton is four years older than Jenny. She is very attracted to him, but has a hard time convincing him she has always loved him even when she was younger. Join them as they struggle to figure out if there is a chance for them or not. a good read

[Fiordiligii · Rating 2 out of 5]

This freebie had a solid and great start and turned bad very much right after the middle. The whole "hero who was burned by a money-hungry ex-wife" trope was solved in such a rushed way, let's talk about marriage after a few days of relationship, even though he previously thought of the heroine in the same line as of his ex-wife, was done very poorly. A B for the first part which captivated me right away, but ultimately I go with a D because the ending was such a let down.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Colton and Jenny. This author tends to not delve too deeply into emotions, which bothers me. Jenny was ready to walk down the aisle with a man that said that he couldn't marry her because she was a gold digger...to me she seemed to be one. Marrying him for a better life. Colton was divorced and was NEVER going to marry again, yet suddenly he's madly in love with Jenny and they are getting married. Her characters go from one extreme to another in about 10 seconds.

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kingdom for a good copy editor

There are so many copy errors it's hard to read. The fact that there is absolutely no time from where she's jilted til the HEA is hard to stomach. They don't love each other because they don't know each other. There's no deep conversations or sharing of life's details because the characters are as deep as a mudhole. She molds herself into the perfect other person. He is deliberately hurtful. Does this seem like a good idea to you?

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay read

Nothing great about this read. Predictable to a point. Girl Juliette on wedding day by her boss/fiancé. He’s a bit of a numpty and then wants her back minus the wedding ring. She meets her childhood crush and it’s all roses...no retribution, no sorting out her life just right into a relationship. Got for free but not an author I’d look for.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like how this started out, and overall I enjoyed the story. I just felt after the beginning it went right to the end. I understand - novella. I think that is why I tend to stay away from novellas, they don't let you visit the world/characters long enough.

[Joy Lobel · Rating 2 out of 5]

JUST OK

It could have been a good book but characters needed to be developed. I rarely rate a book this low that I finish reading
I really like Jane Porter but I would not read it again. Not one of her best. Some of her books are wonderful!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moved a little too fast.

[Belinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf. Poorest drudging and formatting I have ever seen. Received from Netgalley. Would love to read. Didn't get past page one.

[Claire Mackenzie-neville · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written. Poorly edited.

[Denise Vasak · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok. It was a quick read, but it seemed to jump from mundane to OH I LOVE YOU!!!! I don't think I'd read another one.

[AGirlAmongstBooks (Jess Green) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick, easy HEA romance. Overall it was a sweet story....but a little too perfect and easy for me. I would read more by author.

[Murr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book moving along and then wham— the end! What? No real conclusion or resolution.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am disappoint ☹️.

This book started so, so good. We open with the FMC, Jenny, being left at the alter. Jenny was from one of the poorest families in town, and after graduation, had fled to Chicago to make something of herself. She caught the eye of her boss, and they planned to wed in her home town. But when he sees Jenny's family, he second-guesses his decision because he believes that she must be a goldigger.

Leaving the church, Jenny catches the eye of Colton, the town bad boy and famous bull rider. He doesn't remember Jenny, but is attracted to her, until he hears rumors about why her wedding was called off. Colton's ex-wife WAS a golddigger, and he's terrified of making the same mistake.

The tension while these two dance around each other was delicious! The drama doesn't rely on miscommunication, it's a just an unfolding of Jenny's story as they get to know each other. I was totally hooked.

But then the author gets to the end, has them bang once, and suddenly they're in love and Colton is inviting Jenny on his tour, planning for them to live together, and asking her to marry him even though throughout the whole book he swore he would never get married again. It was so quick and anti-climatic. I wish there had been a few extra chapters or something to give those "I love you's" more believability.

Loved the start, loved the idea of the story, needed more at the end.