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The Good, the Bad, and the Sexy
The spotlight doesn’t get any hotter than this...
Rachel Marsh doesn’t have time to think about the pampered lives of Hollywood stars. She’s too busy running her family’s Lazy M Ranch in Arizona. But even Rachel has heard of Jackson Stone, the green-eyed movie megahunk known for his sexual prowess both on- and offscreen. Jackson is the last person Rachel would expect to show up looking for work as a cowboy. But that’s exactly what happens . . . and now Rachel has her hands full keeping her mind on the Lazy M--and off Jackson!
After a nasty tabloid scandal, Jackson has decided it would be best to spend a little time out of the public eye. When he stumbles across the Lazy M Ranch, he hatches a brilliant to convince its pretty owner to let him go undercover as a cowboy until things blow over. Jackson sees nothing wrong with spending a little time incognito--especially with a woman like Rachel, who looks as good roping cattle as she does by the light of an intimate campfire. Now, far from inquiring eyes, these two slightly cynical lovers are going to discover just how good they are at being bad . . . and the outcome may be more than downright sexy. It may be true love.
Rachel Marsh doesn’t have time to think about the pampered lives of Hollywood stars. She’s too busy running her family’s Lazy M Ranch in Arizona. But even Rachel has heard of Jackson Stone, the green-eyed movie megahunk known for his sexual prowess both on- and offscreen. Jackson is the last person Rachel would expect to show up looking for work as a cowboy. But that’s exactly what happens . . . and now Rachel has her hands full keeping her mind on the Lazy M--and off Jackson!
After a nasty tabloid scandal, Jackson has decided it would be best to spend a little time out of the public eye. When he stumbles across the Lazy M Ranch, he hatches a brilliant to convince its pretty owner to let him go undercover as a cowboy until things blow over. Jackson sees nothing wrong with spending a little time incognito--especially with a woman like Rachel, who looks as good roping cattle as she does by the light of an intimate campfire. Now, far from inquiring eyes, these two slightly cynical lovers are going to discover just how good they are at being bad . . . and the outcome may be more than downright sexy. It may be true love.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2011
Loved the book! It was so funny and the love relationship developed slowly, as it should be. No hopping in bed too soon for this couple, and when it finally happened it was great. The story dragged a littile around the middle of the book and I got the feeling the author sorta lost control of the plot, but then it picked up and finished just fine.
April 1, 2019
The tropes were fun, even if there weren’t any truly sexy moments between Rachel and Jackson.
August 25, 2012
This was the third book I found at the big rummage sale my town had. The title caught my attention and after reading the back, I decided to buy it and give it a shot.
It was very slow to get to the romance, but it worked for the story. I love Jackson Stone. Hello hotttttnessss. Just another story that shows celebrities are human too. I liked Rachel because she was down to earth and had a level head. She's also a great mother. I liked the two kids and how they acted like siblings right from the get-go. I really enjoyed reading this story even if it was slow at times.
I have a lot of respect for this book because even though it is just a story, it has a lot of truth behind it. Celebrities are entitled to privacy even though their jobs are in the public eye. Be respectful. I also praise this book for being one that tells people to pursue their feelings. If you have a strong connection, love, and passion with someone, go for it! You can get over the bad times together and enjoy the good ones!
Giving this book 4/5 stars simply because of the slow pace. Other than that, it was a good book.
It was very slow to get to the romance, but it worked for the story. I love Jackson Stone. Hello hotttttnessss. Just another story that shows celebrities are human too. I liked Rachel because she was down to earth and had a level head. She's also a great mother. I liked the two kids and how they acted like siblings right from the get-go. I really enjoyed reading this story even if it was slow at times.
I have a lot of respect for this book because even though it is just a story, it has a lot of truth behind it. Celebrities are entitled to privacy even though their jobs are in the public eye. Be respectful. I also praise this book for being one that tells people to pursue their feelings. If you have a strong connection, love, and passion with someone, go for it! You can get over the bad times together and enjoy the good ones!
Giving this book 4/5 stars simply because of the slow pace. Other than that, it was a good book.
July 4, 2024
Not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure how this book would be purely because I feel like the title is kind of cheesy, but I ended up really liking this! Very cute story and I felt like both lead characters were very likable. I was rooting for them so hard. I would definitely recommend this book. I wished for a bit more spice, it was more of the fade to black style spice, not very descriptive. Definitely gave “sweet” vibes.
Spice level: 🌶️
Spice level: 🌶️
March 28, 2019
Delightful in it's simplistic composition
I enjoy comedic romance. It helps to make it more realistic. Emily Carmichael takes the subject of love and romance and makes it entertaining, without too much dragged out drama. A wonderful change of pace. I hope some of her other books will become kindle books.
I enjoy comedic romance. It helps to make it more realistic. Emily Carmichael takes the subject of love and romance and makes it entertaining, without too much dragged out drama. A wonderful change of pace. I hope some of her other books will become kindle books.
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March 3, 2025Donated
October 23, 2016
Fun, but not a lot of reality. Still a romance good to relax with.
January 15, 2017
Fun quick read. Mostly clean with a few scenes.
June 19, 2012
Cute read : I liked that Rachel, although bordering being perfect, does enjoy so much smartening her new fake cow boy helper. Jackson is also quite likable : of course he's a real hunk but he also has a strong sense of humor and shows surprising (or not) ability to convince people to do his job in its stead. Sam, Rachel's son, really bordered on the boring and not realistic too wise, too sober. However Cherie, a major teen pain, highly compensate for that.
A few scenes had me really laughing (especially that dealing with the Mad Sheep Disease). Overall the dialogues were pretty good, characters nice though a bit extreme for some of them (Sam, Cherie and her mom especially).
The rhythme can seem a bit slow for some, as most of the story takes place in a ranch where not much happens. Anyway what I disliked the most was the epilogue, whose tone I did not like (it's part of a book written by one "journalist") and which wraps too much things about what happens in Rachel and Jackson HEA. Even though I agree that things had to be clarified, that was too much, especially considering they were working on better protecting their privacy.
Indeed my quote would be more 3,5 stars than full four, but compared to other books it deserves a bit more.
A few scenes had me really laughing (especially that dealing with the Mad Sheep Disease). Overall the dialogues were pretty good, characters nice though a bit extreme for some of them (Sam, Cherie and her mom especially).
The rhythme can seem a bit slow for some, as most of the story takes place in a ranch where not much happens. Anyway what I disliked the most was the epilogue, whose tone I did not like (it's part of a book written by one "journalist") and which wraps too much things about what happens in Rachel and Jackson HEA. Even though I agree that things had to be clarified, that was too much, especially considering they were working on better protecting their privacy.
Indeed my quote would be more 3,5 stars than full four, but compared to other books it deserves a bit more.
June 5, 2011
this book was pretty interesting at first, if a bit slow-moving in the romance department. It was interesting, the characters were funny and relateable (what 13-year-old girl wasn't like Cherie?!).
However, 3/4 of the way through the book the plot seemed to drag on and on.
Nothing was happening, but the author choose to let us know that in detail for like 40 pages.
So when i finally got around to page 300 or so, i thought "finally! i can finish this book tonight!"
Unfortunately for me, i seemed to be getting a little bit ahead of myself and didn't actually finish the book for another two days.
Those last 20 were hell.
At that point i just wanted Rachel and Jackson to hate each other and go their separate ways.... their relationship wasn't working for me anymore and i just wanted to sleep.
But, of course, Cherie had to go along and do something so stupid that magically fixed Rachel and Jackson's faltering relationship.
I don't remember exactly how the book ended; all i knew is that i was relieved to be able to return the book to the library and go to sleep!
However, 3/4 of the way through the book the plot seemed to drag on and on.
Nothing was happening, but the author choose to let us know that in detail for like 40 pages.
So when i finally got around to page 300 or so, i thought "finally! i can finish this book tonight!"
Unfortunately for me, i seemed to be getting a little bit ahead of myself and didn't actually finish the book for another two days.
Those last 20 were hell.
At that point i just wanted Rachel and Jackson to hate each other and go their separate ways.... their relationship wasn't working for me anymore and i just wanted to sleep.
But, of course, Cherie had to go along and do something so stupid that magically fixed Rachel and Jackson's faltering relationship.
I don't remember exactly how the book ended; all i knew is that i was relieved to be able to return the book to the library and go to sleep!
January 11, 2012
Rachel Marsh leads a simple life on her Arizona ranch with her son Sam. That is until she encounters the movie star Jackson Stone and his daughter on his land and injured after showing off. Trying to dodge the paparazzi after his daughter's latest stunt Jackson comes up with the plan to hide out on the Lazy M ranch and pay Rachel to stay there and pretend to be a ranch hand. Even though he is obviously not a cowboy and needs lots of training the other guys help him out and the other guests dont seem to guess his real identity. Of course over this time he and Rachel spend lots of time together and grow close as she realizes he is more than just a pampered celebrity and him seeing she is more than just a boring woman living in the middle of nowhere.
A cute book. Couldnt stand the ex wife, guess thats to be expected though. Cherie was such a little jerk that it made it hard to have sympathy for her most of the time. Loved her and Sam's pranks though, made me laugh out loud. If you are looking for a light romanche, somewhat light on the romance, then this is the book for you.
A cute book. Couldnt stand the ex wife, guess thats to be expected though. Cherie was such a little jerk that it made it hard to have sympathy for her most of the time. Loved her and Sam's pranks though, made me laugh out loud. If you are looking for a light romanche, somewhat light on the romance, then this is the book for you.
November 27, 2009
I got this book out of a box of freebies, so I didn't have a lot of expectations going in. It was a surprising treat. Good writing, interesting main characters. I've become something of a sucker lately for ranch stories, so this one hit that for me. It was also an interesting look at the nature of celebrity and keeping yourself grounded. Definitely a good read.
June 16, 2008
I love this book & this author. This is a very easy, quick and enjoyable romance novel. I pick this book up every time I need a lift. It is what I like to call a "cotton candy novel." It is light, delicious and easy to digest.
October 30, 2010
I liked this book from Emily Carmichael mostly because of its Western setting, a great cowgirl, a stormy, gothic teenager and a movie star who kept picking himself out of the dust. An as a bonus there was a fantastic border collie. This book was entertaining without being too much of anything.
November 29, 2008
Entertaining romance novel. I enjoy this author -- her plots are creative and she doesn't take the genre too seriously.
August 19, 2015
Pretty good storyline. Loved the protagonists, the 2 kids and the dog. Lots of humor, romance and enough suspense to keep the reader guessing.
October 12, 2012
Good for a beach read. A few funny scenes. Predixtable plot.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews