Woo Me

The Outback Bachelor Ball #2

by Karina Bliss

Can true love overcome a bad hide day and a series of unfortunate events?

Disillusioned in love, Jen Tremaine is done with men. So when her best friends dare her to wear a cow costume to their reunion at an Outback Bachelor and Spinster Ball, she's all over it. Who would have thought dressing as a heifer would make her irresistible to a bunch of lasso-twirling, drunken cowboys?
Maybe you should have thought this through, says the sexy security guard who keeps finding her at the center of trouble. Even though Jen's always dismissed soul mates as a load of bull, the sizzle between them is making her wonder: What if you met The One while wandering lonely as a cow? Would you find the courage to become a believer?
When ex-Special Forces soldier Logan Turner is roped into helping out with security at the B&S ball, he isn't expecting to find love - but after months in all-male company he sure is hoping for lust. He certainly isn't expecting to fall for a feisty, funny, trouble-making Cowderella. Only problem is, she's leaving Australia tomorrow. Convincing Jen they can still have a future together may wind up being the toughest mission of his life.

Woo Me is Book 2 in The Outback Bachelor Ball Series. Don't miss out on Book 1 - Win Me by Joan Kilby and Book 3 – Wait For Me by Sarah Mayberry.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Australia, Adult, Novella, Military Fiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2015

About the author

New Zealander Karina Bliss has written a biography for a rock star, swapped identities with her twin, raised three orphaned children with her ex husband, worn a cow costume to a Bachelor and Spinster ball, considered marriage for the sake of a baby, and been mayor of a small town.

Oh wait, that’s her characters.

Outside her imagination, she’s always been a professional writer, first as a travel journalist and then as a romance author. Her deeply held convictions include: love conquers all; yoga pants are daywear; and what a woman really wants is a man who cleans. Unfortunately, she does not live with one, (nor indeed has raised one). Please buy her books so she can pay for one.

She has also swum with sharks. They were very small. Babies, really. But still count.

Career highlights have included being the first Australasian to win a Golden Heart from the Romance Writers of America. Her debut, Mr Imperfect, won a Romantic Book of the Year Award in Australia, and her first self-published title, RISE, a rock star romance also finaled.
Other books in the Rock Solid series are FALL, PLAY and (coming soon), RESURRECTION.

Find out more and sign up to her newsletter at www.karinabliss.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarinaBlissA...
Twitter @BlissKarina
Email: karina@karinabliss.com

Reviews

[Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

*This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.*

Logan and Jen sure did woo me! The novella begins with a Bachelor and Spinster Ball, Jen and her friends Beth and Ellie are all dealing with some love issues so they all decide to go to this country ball. Each novella deals with a separate heroine and her respective adventures; Woo Me focuses on Jen.

Now, due to a dare she can’t refuse, Jen goes to this ball dressed in a costume – as a cow. Logan is an ex-soldier who helps out his little sister by working security at the ball. Now, you may think this couldn’t possibly work, but it does! Jen is an urban girl, independent, strong – I liked her a lot. Logan, despite his tough exterior hides a caring and protective personality. They’re so well matched, IMO and their chemistry was incredible. There was no instalove, which is always appreciated; the characters do get to know each other a bit before getting together.

Moreover, I loved the tension, and I’m pleased to say I liked both characters separately before I liked them as a couple. That’s always good, in my book. Furthermore, the sexy times – once the moment arrived, it was sizzling HOT! Jen and Logan have some mean chemistry together. It didn’t feel like a one night stand at all (not that there’s anything wrong with those, mind you!), it’s just that I really felt the connection between Jen & Logan; like I knew them for a long time. And I sure wouldn’t have minded knowing them a little longer either. This novella is only some 100 pages long, but it made me swoon, laugh and ache. There were a lot of secondary characters, for example Wayne, who provided comic relief – I really would’ve loved more scenes with him, LOL. Then Lily, Logan’s little sister… Had this been longer I’m sure all those characters would’ve been further explored!

Overall, it left me wanting more. And I believe this just speaks about Karina Bliss’ amazing writing abilities. It takes talent to create good romance in just 100 pages. Novellas are always more difficult to write than full-length novels, at least that’s what I think.

This is my second time reading Karina Bliss, and her stories are always real, but never dull, sexy and emotional at the same time. I can say she quickly became one of my favorite romance authors.

*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three best friends, who have had a bad play at love, decided to return to Australia for the Outback Bachelor and Spinster Ball.

Jen decides to go to the ball as a cow, yes a cow. Wearing a cow costume, she peruses the ball incognito. Until she is finds herself in need of rescue and saved by a sexy security guard.

Logan is retired special forces trying to find his way as a civilian. His sister talks him into helping with security for the annual Outback Bachelor and Spinster Ball. He was taken with a sexy cow and couldn’t help but want to know more about her.

This the second book in The Outback Bachelor Ball series. Each book follows one of the friends through the journey to find love. Although they are written to complement each other, each book stands perfectly alone.

Funny, feisty and fast, Woo Me is a splendid contemporary romance in a compact novella length plot. This insta-romance will have you laughing out loud and cheering them on.

I received this ARC copy of Woo Me from Karina Bliss in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 20, 2015.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this twist on cinderella - or should I say, Cowderella. ;) Review to come

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

Three best friends, one in love with a man who doesn't see her that way, one whose husband cheated on her with a series of women and one whose boyfriend has announced he is getting back together with his ex-wife and wants her (the girlfriend) to quit her job as it makes his ex-wife uncomfortable that they work together!

To cheer themselves up they decide to attend the local Outback Bachelor and Spinster Ball. Our heroine Jen (she with the boyfriend who is getting back together with his ex-wife) gets double-dared to wear a cow costume to the ball by her friends (mainly to stop one of her other friends from wearing it).

I had thought I had read this book, but perhaps I had read one of the other novellas in the trilogy, Jen finds it oddly freeing to hide behind a costume which hides her face, so many people assume it's a man inside the costume, one man in particular catches her eye - the guy checking IDs at the door.

Ex-Special Forces soldier Logan Turner was expecting to be a guest at the ball, right up until his sister volunteered him for security duties. He had doubts about admitting the guy in the cow costume but it was wearing a black tie so he let it slide. Now every time he looks round the cow seems to be in the middle of some kind of bother. The woman in the cow suit might be a magnet for trouble but she's also kind of cute and feisty.

Romance over one night, but since Jen is going to New Zealand for a job, is there a future for Logan?

This was a cute, short, fun read and a Kindle freebie at the moment.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review posted on Got Fiction?

This is the second book in a 3 book series where each book has a different author. It’s really cute and fun, and at the moment, each book is $.99!

I read them out of order, and even though each book has the same main event (The Bachelor and Spinster Ball) at its center, and each book has overlapping scenes, they stand alone, and you won’t be confused.

This is one of those books that flashed across my Twitter feed and the blurb caught my eye. A girl who wears a cow costume, head and all, to a black tie affair, meets the guy of her dreams, but then gets caught in a port-a-potty without clothes or cow costume? Oh you bet I’m in!

And I wasn’t disappointed! This is a fun story that primarily takes place at the Bachelor & Spinster Ball. Women are in evening gowns, and men wear suits and tuxes. It’s such a fun plot!

Jen is mad at men, and love in general, since her boss just broke up with her to go back to his ex-wife. But she’s not exactly heartbroken, since she hadn’t really been in love with him. Although she had been planning for their future. They’d been dating for about a year, and he’d encouraged her talk of a future and children.

He was actually the only part I didn’t like. He was given too much credit, too much page time, and too much of her attention for me to like him. He was made to be sympathetic, going back to his wife and kids, but…he was a douche. I don’t get why he couldn’t have just been a jerk, why make him sympathetic?

So Jen and her 2 besties decide that men suck and they’re going to meet back up in Australia and go to the Outback Ball. But Jen is dared to borrow Ellie’s cow costume and go like that. Jen readily agrees, and off they go.

Logan is just recently out of the Special Services (Australia’s Special Forces?) and his sister roped him into doing security detail at the ball. Imagine his surprise when some bloke walks into the ball dressed as a cow, on the arms of two beautiful women, only for him to find out that he’s a she. And that he likes her quite a bit. Before ever even finding out what she looks like, he’s falling madly for her.

Jen gets tricked out of her costume by some girl who begs to trade her outfits, and ends up stuck in her bra and undies in a port a potty. Luckily Logan came to her rescue, and gave her his shirt. The two have an amazing night, but Jen has to leave for New Zealand the next day, so it can only be the one night. Or can it?

This was fun, and I feel like with the novella-length that Karl the douchey boss was unnecessary. But on the whole, it was cute, sassy, and satisfying.

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

This is the second in a trilogy, each book written by a different author but all concerning three friends who went to boarding school together and have been best friends ever since. They may live in different countries, but they are still there for one another. After a particularly traumatic time for them all, they decide to meet up and go tot the Outdoor Bachelor and Spinster Ball, not realising that this event will change all of their lives - for the better!

It actually doesn’t matter what order you read these novellas in, they each focus on the events from the point of view of one of the friends and this one concentrates on Jen Tremaine, who is disillusioned with love after her 'boyfriend' decided to go back to his ex-wife and suggested she should leave her job as his ex wife doesn't like them working together! She decides to go meet up with her best friends and go to the ball but she's not wanting attention so she agrees to the dare and, instead of dressing immaculately as she usually does, she attends in costume - and not just any costume . . . . she goes dressed as a cow! This gets her into all kinds of bother as the wrangler lasso her, she struggles with the heat and keeps being rescued by the attractive security man, ex-Special Forces soldier Logan Turner. The attraction between them is hot but she doesn't believe in love at first sight, isn't ready for another romance, doesn't do 'one night stands' and is ready to run. He's only had short term relationships, isn't sure what he wants to do now he's left the armed forces and she leaves to travel to New Zealand tomorrow. With so many things to stop them developing any long term relationship, will they give love a chance?

Talk about fighting to not have a relationship! If anything can go wrong it seems it will for this usually independent young lady and, whilst she usually sorts it out for herself, at the Ball Logan always seems to be there to back her up and support her. The cow costume and the antics it inspires give this novella some brilliant laugh out loud moments but there are also some heart breaking ones, too. This story runs through the full gamut of emotions as so many things seem to block the path of true love for this pair, a real roller coaster ride!

Needless to say, I highly recommend these to anyone who enjoys their romantic reads with strong young ladies, handsome Aussie heroes and an excellent plot in an action packed novella. I've now really enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy and can’t wait to read the last one!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

So forget what I usually say about love at first sight, because this is essentially that and it SUPER worked for me. I also appreciate the immediate ending and the epilogue, because it made me much more confident in an eventual future.

[Gaufre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fun, and light romance. What's not to like?

[ALPHAreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

SERIES review

‘The Outback Bachelor Ball’ is a contemporary rural romance novella series from Canadian Joan Kilby, New Zealander Karina Bliss and one of my favourite Aussie romance authors, Sarah Mayberry. The novellas can be read out of order as stand-alones, but they are probably best read as a trilogy – with first novella ‘Win Me’, followed by ‘Woo Me’ and concluding with ‘Wait For Me’.

Confession: I don’t particularly like rural romances. I know, I know – stone the flamin’ crows, and after I wrote a whole spiel about why people should read New Adult romance and not reject the entire subgenre out of hand too! I know. I can’t help it – but when I think “rural” I’m more likely to go to a ‘Wolf Creek’ place than a men of ‘McLeod’s Daughters’ headspace. Luckily, the ‘The Outback Bachelor Ball’ wooed me with Joan Kilby’s first instalment, ‘Win Me’ – in which we’re introduced to the series’ three heroines, who are as dubious about rural Australian courtship as I am;

Amused, Ellie and Beth exchanged glances. Jen was always efficient and super organized. Ellie clicked on the link and the first photo that came up was of a naked, drunken cowboy gyrating with an empty beer can on his dick. They all howled with laughter.
“Now there’s your Prince Charming,” Jen said.
“Oh, yuck. It’s all drunken yobs, wet T-shirt competitions and if you’re lucky, a quick fuck in the back of a truck.” Beth said, checking out the site. “Even the title sucks – Bachelor and Spinster Ball. I’m not a dried-up old spinster, I’m a highly desirable…” She hunted for the right term.
“Spachelor?” Jen suggested and they dissolved into fits again.
— 'Win Me' by Joan Kilby

Ellie McFarlane is our first heroine – she’s coming home from America where she’s been learning all about cattle ranch management, and though she’s excited to take charge of the family business, she can’t deny that returning home to her long-time crush and station manager Rick Drummond is another plus. But Ellie has to contend with Rick’s sense of proprietary when it comes to his feelings for his boss’ daughter (the man who is also his mentor, and more of a father to him).

Second novella ‘Woo Me’ is about Jen Tremaine; prickly and disillusioned with love – until she turns up to the Outback Bachelor and Spinster Ball with her two best friends, and keeps running into sexy security guard Logan Turner … he’s an ex-Special Forces soldier and their chemistry is electric.

Third and final is Sarah Mayberry’s ‘Wait For Me’, about Beth Walker who is coming off heartbreak and scandal after it was revealed that her country music star husband had been cheating on her, and for a long time. She’s leaving America and coming home to Australia, and her two besties – Jen and Ellie – who are keen to help Beth mend her broken heart. But the person who really ends up helping is an old friend called Jonah Masters, rising country music star and someone Beth shared a connection with many years ago …

Tying all three novellas together is the women’s friendship, and the B&S ball that acts as the setting to their ‘Stella Got Her Groove Back’ moments;

He didn’t trust himself to speak, so he simply pulled her close, tightening his arms around her and resting his cheek on the top of her head. No woman had ever felt so right, so at home in his arms and he figured he would be chasing this feeling for the rest of his life, always trying to find the same sense of peace and belonging.
— 'Wait For Me' by Sarah Mayberry

I rather enjoyed these rural romance reads – some a little more than others – but I do think that each one had a hand in chipping away at my rural romance hang-ups. I liked that the women’s friendship was the foundation for the series, and that the authors went into the more ludicrous aspects of the famed B&S ball – arguably, that dose of reality didn’t endear me to rural romance settings, but I appreciated the honesty.

Sarah Mayberry’s ‘Wait For Me’ was my favourite of the novellas – arguably because it has that cheating spouse storyline I weirdly like (I’m in the romance-reading minority on this one, trust me – I know) and probably because it had that hint of a ‘Nashville’ storyline with the country music scene (I admit: I went to a Keith Urban place … not a bad place to be, at all). I loved that Mayberry drew out Beth and Jonah’s complicated history, and I always love a good ‘Sliding Doors’ second chances romance.

‘The Outback Bachelor Ball’ is a pretty great little bundle of rural romance – and I’m saying that as someone for whom this is not her go-to subgenre! My overall rating probably more reflects that I thought the first two books were okay, but Mayberry's was more of a 4/5 for me ... so I'm splitting the difference.

3.5/5

[The_Book_Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first time reading Bliss. I think I'll look into trying more of her books though. A quick read, I did enjoy this one.

[Dabney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved other of Ms. Bliss's books but this one was a snoozer.

[Venessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pov: male and female (main characters)

Main characters: Jen and Logan

Minor Characters: Beth and Ellie (her best friends since childhood), Lily (his sister), Karl (her ex), Rick (her friend/Ellie's crush)

My thoughts:

This was another good quick story. It was insta love, which I usually dislike, but the characters are constantly acknowledging it and using it as a reason to not be together. I enjoyed how realistic the back and forth was.

After reading all 3 books I wish there was more. I really enjoyed all three, even though I only intended to read the story by Sarah Mayberry. I liked how the characters moved in and out of each others stories, which I imagine was hard to do when each author handled each main character. Nothing seemed out of character after reading all 3. I liked how the girls were going through their own problems but dropped everything to be there for each other.

It was a great series overall.


Synopsis:

Jen's parents went through a nasty divorce due to her fathers cheating when she was young. They shipped her to boarding school so she wouldn't be in the middle of all the fighting. She met Ellie and Beth while at school. She had issues with abandonment.

She worked at a fancy hotel and started dating a coworker named Karl. Karl was newly divorced when he fist started asking her out. She waited months before she finally said yes. She wanted to make sure he was over his ex wife. One day while she was working late he went to her office to tell her he was reconciling with his ex wife. She was shocked and hurt but put on a brave face. He expected her to quit or transfer but she refused to leave the hotel she helped make successful and she knew she didn't do anything wrong.

2 weeks later there was a work party and Karl brought his ex wife. Jen decided to be a bigger person and told the ex there were no hard feelings and things wouldn't be awkward. Karl's kids showed up and Jen realized they were hurt and confused. She knew what it felt like to be a child of divorce and decided to do what was best for the kids. She resigned.

Ellie suggested the Outback ball and Jen decided to wear an old cow costume. She figured it would keep the men away.

Logan joined the army when he was young. Recently one of his close friends was killed and he realized it was time for him to get out. He went back home and his sister volunteered him to help with security at the Outback ball, which she planned. He was hoping to meet women but helped his sister anyway.

He notices the cow and Beth and Ellie when they first arrive. He assumes the cow is a man and can't believe the man got two women dressed like a cow. Jen notices the security guy check out Ellie and Beth.

The girls split up and Jen sits at the bar for a glass of water, the cow suit is hot and she's getting dehydrated. She sees Logan patrolling the party. A stranger bumps into her and she scolds him. The stranger is a young kid and she can tell it's his first party and he's nervous. decides to help him out.

She dances with the stranger and gets even more dehydrated. She tells the kid to dance her towards some young girls then she'll trade places with one of them. He enthusiastically agrees and spins her toward the girls. She loses her balance and crashes into the girls.

Logan sees the drunk cow and pulls him to his feet. He asks how much the cow had to drink and is shocked when a woman answers. He tells her his name but she won't give him hers. She's flirty. She drops her tag (everyone is given a numbered cow tag when they enter to use as an ice breaker) and he picks it up for her. She tells him to keep it. He tells her to keep drinking water.

She decides to change out of the costume but runs into drunk boys first. They lasso her and she asks them to stop. They pull her close and she starts getting nervous then angry. She ends up head butting one guy and tying his hands. The boys apologize and tell her they were just kidding. She offers to take the big she head butted to the first aid tent when Logan shows up.

He was looking for her and brought her a bottle of water. She takes off the cow head and is a little embarrassed about her looks after wearing the head for so long. They talk for a little bit but he gets called away for security issues. She tells him her name.

She tries to find their tent but can't remember where it is. She tries to open the zipper on the costume to get her phone but it jams. She decides to go back to the party to find Ellie but security won't let her back in. She pretends she's undercover and trying to test the guard and tells him to call Logan to vouch for her.

Logan comes and walks her inside. She tells him about the zipper and he cuts the hooves off the costume so her hands are free. He helps unstick the zipper. Her phone falls out of the pocket and he puts his number in it before giving it back. He tells her its for emergencies. She takes his phone and gives him her number too.

She goes inside and a tipsy girl comes to her and asks if they can swap clothes. She agrees and goes to the restrooms to change. She hands over the costume and the girl grabs it and runs off. The girl yells that she had to do it as a bet. Jen is embarrassed and can't leave the restroom because she doesn't have any clothes. She realizes her phone is in the costume and can't call for help.

Logan finds his sister and asks to be relieved of duty because he wants to ask Jen out for a drink. His sister finds someone to cover for him. He calls Jen to ask her out but a man answers and says he doesn't know a Jen. He assumes she gave him a fake number and starts heading to his campsite.

On the way he bumps into the cow costume. He says hi and realizes a man is inside. He grabs the guy and asks where is Jen. The guy tells him they swapped clothes and she's wandering around somewhere. Logan recognizes his voice from the phone call earlier and the guy tells him everything. He takes the guy to the security tent and goes to the restrooms to find Jen.

He calls her name and she answers from one of the stalls. She tells him she has no clothes and he gives her his shirt. When she comes out he can tell she was crying but she puts on a brave face and he admires her. He realizes he's developing feelings for her.

He asks her to get a drink and she hesitates because she thinks she looks terrible. She asks if he has a brush and he calls his sister. Lily comes and gives him a brush and Jen her compact and lipstick. Logan begs Lily for her shoes and she hands them over.

They go have their drink and get to know each other. She finds him easy to talk to. She tells him she's leaving the next day for a job in New Zealand. He's incredibly attracted to her and finds her even more interesting the more he gets to know her. He offers to be her rebound guy because he wants to convince her to give him a chance. She's wary. He tells her he won't try to kiss her unless she initiates it.

Eventually she asks what they're doing and he tells her it could be the beginning of something great. She tells him what's the point because she's leaving. She tells him she doesn't do one night stands and ends the date.

He walks her back to her cabin but she doesn't want him to leave. He kisses her on the cheek and leaves. She regrets it immediately. She realizes she still has his sisters shoes and his shirt so she decides to find him and use the items as her excuse.

She finds him and sees him holding her cow tag from earlier. She decides to give him a chance and kisses him. They end up going back to his campsite. He's attentive and sweet. They use their hands and mouths on each other and she falls asleep in his arms. He feels a sense of rightness and peacefulness. She wakes up in the middle of the night and they end up sleeping together. She feels uninhibited and carefree with him.

In the morning he wakes up and she's gone. He looks outside the tent and sees her trying to sneak away. He calls her and asks how could she just leave without saying goodbye. He asks if the night before meant anything to her like it did to him. He asks why she won't explore things with him. She tells him she didn't want to ruin things by him getting to know her. She thinks she'll disappoint him because she's usually not so uninhibited and adventurous.

He tells her he's scared too but he's willing to take a chance on her. He asks her to stay and talk things through. She agrees to stay for coffee. She tells him all the reasons it wouldn't work (he's a country guy and she's a city girl, she's leaving for New Zealand and he wants to settle in Australia). He tells her they can take it one hour at a time. He suggests she meet him in an hour at the breakfast tent of she wants to try.

She goes back to her campsite and sees Ellie. They both start to cry and realize their nights didn't work out the way they wanted. Jen decides it's better to leave and imagine what could have happened with Logan instead of trying and disappointing him. They leave and as they pass security Jen ducks down in her seat. Ellie asks what happened and Jen tells her. Ellie tells her she's lucky she won't have to see Logan ever again.

Jen realizes she made a mistake and makes Ellie stop the car. She decides to go for it and runs back to the campgrounds. She runs into Rick and tells him she has a date with destiny.

Logan was walking back to his campsite when he saw Jen in Ellie's truck. He thought she was going for coffee or something but noticed her glancing back several times. He realizes she was fleeing from him. He's hurt but gets a call about a security issue and goes to check on things. Some young boys were doing donuts and crashed their car.

Jen cleans up and goes to the breakfast tent for their meeting. He doesn't show up and she waits. After 45 minutes she realizes he isn't coming. She figures he realized how complicated she was and decided she wasn't worth it. She calls Rick to see if he can give her a ride. Rick shows up and offers her a breakfast burrito and she bursts into tears.

Rick asks what happened to her date with destiny and she tells him she was stood up. Rick, who's hurt Ellie left him (book 1), tells Jen you stick around if someone is important. Jen realizes he's right and stops by the information desk to leave him his shirt and a note. She writes that it's ok he didn't show up and that she hopes he has a nice life. She gets onto ricks car and he drives her home.

Logan is dealing with the wreck and can't stop thinking of Jen leaving. He starts to think maybe she was coming back. He realizes he missed their meeting time and calls his friend to check if Jen is waiting for him. His friend sees a girl matching Jen's description looking at her watch waiting and starts to approach her when a guy shows up and she goes to him. (Jen meeting Rick after she was stood up). His friend asks what's going on and Logan tells him she was dropping off something off for him. His friend checks the information desk but nothing is there.

Logan meets his sister for breakfast and she can tell he's depressed. He tells her he met a cow and might be in love. His security friend shows up with his shirt and tells him there's a note in the pocket. He reads Jen's note and realizes she came and he didn't. He gets angry with his friend because Jen was there.

He's desperate to find her and asks his sister for a list of everyone who bought tickets to the party. He starts calling the girls and leaving voicemails if they don't answer.

Eventually Ellie calls him back. She asks if he's the guy who hurt her friend and he explains what happened. He tells Ellie he saw Jen leaving and assumed she wasn't going to show. Ellie tells him how Jen changed her mind at the last minute. Ellie tells him Jen already left for the airport. He asks for her flight info. Ellie asks what he'll do if he doesn't make it before Jen leaves. He tells her he'll go to New Zealand.

Jen calls Ellie from the airport to check in and Ellie tries to stall her. Ellie asks her to wait in the arrivals section to people watch, saying it'll lift her spirits. Jen does and Logan shows up.

Logan apologizes for missing her and tells her it was all a mistake. They kiss and decide to try the long distance thing. They both imply they're in love with each other, but both acknowledge the relationship was sudden.

6 weeks later he moves to New Zealand to be with her. He gets a job in her hotel and they love together. At the end of her 3 month contract she's offered a permanent position. She declines and tells Logan all her decisions will be based on what's best for them. She tells him she wants to go back to Australia while he pursues a career in search and rescue. They are very happy together.

[Linda H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woo Me (The Outback Bachelor Ball Book 2)

The most entertaining and wonderful love story, I have ever read. A definite soul lifting read. I just loved it's fun loving antics and romance.

[HatGirl8]

11/13/2015

[The Sleeping Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, short read with humour.

[Sheri (Tangled Up In Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books

I received a copy of this book, from one of the series authors, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

So let me just start this off by saying that as a general rule or whatever you want to look at it as, insta-love absolutely drives me crazy. Now there are the rare exceptions here and there where I truly love the storyline so I grudgingly let it slide because the rest of the book was just too good to toss aside because of that one thing. I'm still a little miffed but whatever. Then there are the books that are even more rare than that. The ones that I don't even flinch or roll an eye at. The ones where a couple falls right into love and I find myself sitting here saying "Yes! Yes! And get married and make hundreds of babies and all the things!!" Woo Me fell into the 3rd category here. Color me surprised.

It's all about the characters, truly. I instantly fell in love with Jen. I instantly fell in love with Logan. So why in the hell should they not instantly fall in love with each other? Oh dear, now I'm defending it. See how much I adored these two?

When I briefly met Jen in book one I really didn't think I was going to end up liking her. I was worried she was going to come off snobbish and materialistic because she really seems like the type when you first meet her. It's like a gut reaction. But it didn't take but a moment to dismiss that snap judgement and just really love her. Beginning to end, well nearly, this girl is like a walking disaster. If something could possibly go wrong with her it will happen. I mean, a lot of those moments are pretty freaking funny even though you still feel horrible for her. She makes it extremely easy to sympathize with her and pray that things will turn around for her.

Logan is just a huge ball of sweet, wonderful sexiness. He also happens to be there for nearly every bad thing that goes wrong with Jen's night and never quite catches her in a good moment. And yet he's like the knight in shinning armor type of guy. He doesn't even hesitate, he's just there and pulls her out of a few jams and doesn't feel the need to run for the hills thinking "whoa this girl is a mess" instead it intrigues him and I think that made me love him even more. The first time he sees the real her she's covered in sweat and practically dehydrated, not exactly at her most glamorous self and he doesn't care. He sees something in her and it's not about the pretty package that she normally is. I love that.

They had this incredible connection that left me a swooning puddle of goo. I mean it was so strong I felt it and like from the first moment you see the sparks and feel the tingles between them I was ready to say "Okay. Happily ever after. The end. Now. Before someone messes up!"

Sigh.

Sometimes you just have to let go of all your ideas of how love should be and just believe in the magic and every once in a while a book or a set of characters will come along and let you feel that magic and think sure that could happen. This is one of my books. It was sweet and funny and full of feels. Loved it! (See what a mush it turned me into?)

Huge thanks to Joan Kilby for the ARCs for this entire series and the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen's story! Totally adorable--and full of cow puns. Total win :)

Loved, loved, loved Jen and Logan. I was a little confused at the beginning, when Jen's talking to her just-became-her-ex about how she wasn't leaving her job, since we know from book one ( Win Me ) that she does leave her job, and I couldn't imagine from what she was saying to her boss/ex that she would be leaving--what would make her change her mind?

It ends up being a darn good reason. Heartbreaking, but the right decision...

Sigh. Poor Jen.

Fortunately, though she doesn't know it, Logan is just around the corner.

Sexy, helps-his-baby-sister-out-in-a-pinch, former special forces, white knight in a tuxedo Logan.

"There could not be two siblings less alike than he and his 'it'll all work out with fairy dust and positive thoughts' sis."

(Sorry--I loved that quote. It had to go in.)

Jen and Logan's story is a clever twist on the Cinderella theme--"Cowderella", if you will--where our prince is left with a cow onesie named Clarabelle instead of a boring old shoe. (Okay, so Cinderella's shoe is anything but boring--I'd totally go for the killer shoes any day. But the cow costume is a welcome twist nonetheless; and anyway, heels and the Outback don't mix, or so we're told.) I loved how Logan kept coming to Jen's rescue, without it being a "look at the poor, helpless heroine" type of deal.

I also loved that they both recognized from the start that they'd barely just met each other and though they were willing to take a chance and see where their relationship was going to go (or at least they were willing eventually, after the near-panic wore off), they also knew that instalove isn't exactly realistic. Or, as Logan puts it, "It's impossible to fall in instalove with a cow." (Sure, buddy. Keep telling yourself that until you believe it.)

Their black moment feels achingly real, and is nicely resolved--and the "three months later" epilogue was very cleverly written. I had to re-read parts of it to assure myself of Ms. Bliss's cleverness. Yep, she totally is.

And did I mention this story's adorability factor? :)

The three books in the Outback Ball series all happen concurrently, but there's only a minimum of repetition, which I really appreciated. Since you've only got the space of a novella here to work with, you want each story to focus as much as possible on the couple in question--which they do. They're also surprisingly spoiler-free; sure, you know who each heroine's going to get involved with, but since you could figure that out from the book's blurb, that's not a problem.

I also love that each book in this series gives us just enough of a glimpse of the next one to totally hook you--sneaky, yet effective, ladies! Totally looking forward to Beth's story now...(not that I wasn't already, it's just that much more now, thankyouverymuch).

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[JG · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a combination: A cowboy, a soldier, and a country music star. Add to the mix three fun loving women and hey presto, you have The Outback Bachelor Ball; a simply scrumptious trilogy.

The second in a three book serial written by three different authors: Joan Kilby, Karina Bliss and Sarah Mayberry, this instalment continues with three friends who have reunited for the Outback Bachelor & Spinster Ball. One recently separated from her husband (Beth), one jilted by her long term lover (Jen) and the other ready to return home to face the man she has always loved but failed to capture (Ellie), this is certainly a fun if albeit emotional ride.

This story surrounds Jen and the gorgeous Logan, who is my personal favourite so far!!! There is some overlap from book 1 as the story is told from Jen’s perspective but we soon start where book left off - with Logan looking for his cowderella aka Jen. As expected, with Jen’s sass and Logan’s sex appeal they soon hit it off but will Jen be able to go through with a one night stand with Logan? Will Logan convince her to give love another chance? And more importantly, will she ever see him again after moving to New Zealand?

I really enjoyed this second instalment. As I said before, the premise intrigued me and the concept of three tantalising alphas convinced me to give the series a read. I am now heading to read Beth’s story and with Jonah back in her life, Beth has to decide whether she wants to experience another relationship lived under public and press scrutiny.

These books can be read as stand-alone stories but I would recommend reading them in order in order to full enjoy the characters and the romantic path they take.

Copy provided by the author in return for an HONEST reivew.



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[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hero is Sweet and Sexy

FINAL DECISION: A book that is funny and sweet and I liked the relationship between the characters. This story ends up being satisfying to me especially because of the epilogue.

THE STORY: Jen Tremaine has just been dumped by a co-worker who decided to return to his ex-wife. Jen is getting ready to start a new job the day after the Bachelor and Spinster ball she is attending with her friends and doesn't intend on starting any relationships. On a dare, Jen attends the ball in a cow costume which gets her into trouble with some men and she ends up meeting one of the men working security. Logan Turner is ex-special forces and is doing a favor for his sister in working the ball. The two have a serious attraction but Jen knows that they only have one night together, but what happens when they both want more even knowing that so much is against them.

OPINION: I liked this story mainly because Logan is such a sweetie. Once he keys in on Jen, he is determined to make things work. This novella is also funny. I liked the good natured humor and the almost romantic comedy aspects of the story made me smile as the two kept missing opportunities to know that they really want to be together. The story is sweet and rather simple, but I genuinely liked the characters and liked how the story resolved. I thought it was particularly smart to have the epilogue which allowed the reader to see that their relationship is going to work long term.

WORTH MENTIONING: I loved the cow costume.

CONNECTED BOOKS: WOO ME is the second book in The Outback Bachelor Ball. The three books of the series are interconnected and meant to be read together even though each stands on its own.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Having been dump by her boyfriend has left Jen totally insecure about men and forever love. In this sweet and passionate story, she is double dared into stepping out of her secure and pragmatic world to let her hair down for one night. Little did she know the consequences of such an act would have on the rest of her life.

Retired Special Forces Logan Turner is just looking to relax and take breath after his service to his country. All he wants is an uncomplicated life and perhaps a wife and kids to go with it. Not sure what his future will bring, he agrees to help his sister by providing security to an outback Bachelors and Spinsters Ball for a couple of hours. Little did he know he would be called to assist and protect a passionate, complicated and intriguing woman who would steal his heart.

Love-at-first-sight does not exist... right? What happens when the chemistry is undeniable and the bond they forge is stronger than geography? Something's gotta give!

Once again this author's story has left me with a permanent smile on my face. That is how I know I have been thoroughly entertained. I welcome more stories and smiles in my future from this author.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here: http://bookbinge.com/2015/10/review-w...

To be perfectly honest, I expected Bliss to write the book featuring the country music star. I was surprised to see Bliss author this novel instead. She did really well with it, though. I really enjoyed Jen’s character. She was tough and a bit cynical, but also had a good heart and a lot of moxie. I cracked up while she was in the cow suit. She was quick witted and sharp. I liked her a lot. Her issues with love and her desire to protect herself made perfect sense. I was glad to see Logan push to break down her barriers.

Logan wasn’t as well fleshed out as Jen was, but I still really enjoyed him. He was strong and steady, and just what Jen needed. His determination to do the right thing and his strong values really came through. I liked that he was willing to take a chance on Jen and push for a future.

I was very satisfied with the ending, both in terms of their relationship and in the way it advanced the next story. This series is really working for me.

[Bungluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Karina Bliss and will read anything she writes. That said, I jumped into this story set in Australia, the middle one of a three-part series by three authors, even though I usually don't like these collaborations. Ms. Bliss did not let me down.

Our hero is a SAS soldier who has retired after a bad experience. No, he doesn't mope and whine. He acknowledges his problems and gets on with his life, (the novelty!) He is also open to the possibility of love. Really, a remarkable fellow in Romancelandia.

Our heroine has been disappointed in love yet again, but still believes in love, though not for herself. She's believable and sympathetic.

These two people meet through a series of happenings and find each other. More important, they make an effort to BE with each other. I can believe in their HEA; they will MAKE it happen.

I only wish the author had had more time to tell me more of their story.

Now off to read the rest of the series.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karina has long been on my auto-buy list. She made me a die-hard fan with Rachel and Devin’s story from What The Librarian Did. If you haven’t read the book yet, I highly encourage you to give it a try, you won’t regret it :)

She carries on with her impeccable style in Woo Me, a story based around three women and a cow costume. Yes, you read this right.

Jen and her two friends decide to get away together after going through disastrous relationships. What follows is a comedy of mishaps culminating with Jen getting rescued from hunky Logan Turner.

This story was in turns funny, sweet, and poignant.

Favorite line:

He kissed her. Claimed her. And then she moved and claimed him.

This book is a quick read that romance lovers are bound to enjoy.

I give Woo Me 4 lovely stars
First posted on http://jacqbiggar.com

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com

After the man she was seeing leaves her for his ex-wife, Jen Tremaine decides she’s through with men. However, that decision isn’t so easy when she accepts the dare her two best friends have challenged her with. That she’s to wear a cow costume to the Bachelor and Spinster Ball they plan to attend. She never expected it to attract so much attention, whether it be good or bad. But when trouble strikes and a handsome security guard comes to her rescue, she begins to see the error of her ways. That perhaps there are still good men available, and that maybe he’s the right one for her, if she’s willing to take a chance. Read More

[Talking Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenn's character had me laughing in book one of the series. In the second book of the series, Woo Me by Karina Bliss, we see a deeper side to Jen who is wrestling her own broken heart and life changing challenges. Logan sweeps into the story in swoon worthy style :D Often Jen's knight in shining armour much to the delight of this reader :D Their attraction simmers throughout the read and Logan is very much the gentleman. I liked the story and I liked the characters. Another good read in the Outback Bachelor Ball series.
4 stars
Review copy received from the Author

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in the series but it wasn't really necessary to understand or enjoy this one. I found the situation and connection believable and the characters were well written. I ached for Jen's situation in the beginning of the book but that just made the ending that much more satisfying. Being the vindictive little wretch that I am, however, I still wish that asshole had gotten some comeuppance.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

From cow suits, to missed timing, to finding love where neither expected to, Woo Me is a fantastic read. Karina Bliss has long been a favourite, and this - book two in the Outback Bachelor Ball series - is definitely worth taking a couple of hours out of your day to enjoy.

Review to come.

[Robert J Schooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

What a sweet romance with the feel of Australia. I love this series, realist ice with strong characters. The description of the scenery and environment make me want to book a vacation. A delightful quick read, enjoy!

[Lisa Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Outback Bachelor Ball series. The pacing was excellent and the characters were well developed. The humor is well balanced. Even so, I felt as if the author depended upon "circumstances" too much to rate this book a 5*.