What do you think?
Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots
The author of Hot Summer Nights offers a Sex in the City for small-town Southern gals, who like their ice cold and their men red hot in this story of a Tennessee girl who clashes--then sizzles--with a Hollywood producer in town to scout locations for his new movie.
Hardcover
First published August 1, 2006
About the author
Luann McLane
42 books304 followersLuAnn McLane writes sexy contemporary romance with a touch of sass and humor. Published in 2003, her novels have appeared on bestselling lists including USA Today, Nielsen BookScan, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Her books have been featured selections for Rhapsody and Doubleday Book clubs. A love of country music led her to a collaboration with superstar Wynonna Judd with the novel Restless Heart. A member of RWA, she conducts workshops on a local and national level and connects with readers on social media. She divides her time between Kentucky, Florida and Arizona and when she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, beachcombing and spending time with friends and family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 15, 2009
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
This is a cute, fluffy, and endearing romantic romp with quirky characters and lots of Southern humor and charm. It’s a sweet, sexy, fun, breezy, enjoyable quick read that left me smiling. I just wish it was told from 3rd person POV instead of only having Jamie Lee’s 1st person POV because I would have liked more insight into Griff’s character. Still, it’s a delightful contemporary romance that goes down smooth and easy like a cool glass of sweet iced tea! This is my second read by LuAnn McLane, and I definitely plan to read more of her books. 4 stars!
This is a cute, fluffy, and endearing romantic romp with quirky characters and lots of Southern humor and charm. It’s a sweet, sexy, fun, breezy, enjoyable quick read that left me smiling. I just wish it was told from 3rd person POV instead of only having Jamie Lee’s 1st person POV because I would have liked more insight into Griff’s character. Still, it’s a delightful contemporary romance that goes down smooth and easy like a cool glass of sweet iced tea! This is my second read by LuAnn McLane, and I definitely plan to read more of her books. 4 stars!
January 12, 2012
Jamie Lee Carter can't think of any other place she would rather be than Hootertown, Kentucky. She's a gal with simple tastes; beer over fruity mixed drinks, bare feet over painfully high heels. But every now and then something catches her eye. That's why when she meets Hollywood producer, Parker Carrington she can't resist breaking her romantic fast with him...
Hootertown is just what Parker has been searching for. It's the perfect spot for filming his urban horor flick. When he gets a look at Jamie more than atmosphere grabs his interest. However, he's not the only man interested in the lovely beautician. Griff, Jamie's brother's best friend, and the object of her unrequited lust, takes immediate exception to the city slicker in their midst and makes a play for Jamie. Is it too late for Griff to make his move?
Hootertown, Kentucky is a regular small town with all the ingredients and people to make Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots a hilarious read. If the title doesn’t grab you like it did me, then Jaime Lee Carter will.
Jaime Lee is a small town beautician who likes her faded jeans and white t-shirt just fine, thank you very much, and she is not about to change her ways even when fancy-schmancy Hollywood producer Parker Carrington comes breezing into town in his polished loafers and silver-toned Jaguar. But it’s not Parker she is out to impress; it’s her childhood crush, Griffin Sheldon.
Griffin Sheldon has been best friends with Jaime Lee’s brother since they were boys in Spiderman jammies and has always treated Jaime like the sister he never had. But that is all about to change when Jamie Lee and her best friend and working partner set out to capture the men of their dreams.
It's laugh out loud every time Jaime Lee refers to her assets as boobies, and when Parker can’t seem to adjust to small-town life after living in Hollywood but still loves it, or when Griffin passes out right in the middle of doing the deed.
McLane totally captures the essence of small-town life and almost makes you want to trade in your designer jeans for a Texas-sized belt buckle, if it weren’t for the gossip that exceeds its limits at times.
The sex scenes are fantastic, and the moment Griffin finally figures out that he’s in love with Jaime Lee will make you cry. I cannot say enough good things about this book; I read it in about ten hours flat - I couldn’t get away from all the high jinks that Jaime Lee gets herself into. I can’t wait for her next book, The Real McCoy, the story of Macy, Jaime Lee’s best friend.
Hootertown is just what Parker has been searching for. It's the perfect spot for filming his urban horor flick. When he gets a look at Jamie more than atmosphere grabs his interest. However, he's not the only man interested in the lovely beautician. Griff, Jamie's brother's best friend, and the object of her unrequited lust, takes immediate exception to the city slicker in their midst and makes a play for Jamie. Is it too late for Griff to make his move?
Hootertown, Kentucky is a regular small town with all the ingredients and people to make Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots a hilarious read. If the title doesn’t grab you like it did me, then Jaime Lee Carter will.
Jaime Lee is a small town beautician who likes her faded jeans and white t-shirt just fine, thank you very much, and she is not about to change her ways even when fancy-schmancy Hollywood producer Parker Carrington comes breezing into town in his polished loafers and silver-toned Jaguar. But it’s not Parker she is out to impress; it’s her childhood crush, Griffin Sheldon.
Griffin Sheldon has been best friends with Jaime Lee’s brother since they were boys in Spiderman jammies and has always treated Jaime like the sister he never had. But that is all about to change when Jamie Lee and her best friend and working partner set out to capture the men of their dreams.
It's laugh out loud every time Jaime Lee refers to her assets as boobies, and when Parker can’t seem to adjust to small-town life after living in Hollywood but still loves it, or when Griffin passes out right in the middle of doing the deed.
McLane totally captures the essence of small-town life and almost makes you want to trade in your designer jeans for a Texas-sized belt buckle, if it weren’t for the gossip that exceeds its limits at times.
The sex scenes are fantastic, and the moment Griffin finally figures out that he’s in love with Jaime Lee will make you cry. I cannot say enough good things about this book; I read it in about ten hours flat - I couldn’t get away from all the high jinks that Jaime Lee gets herself into. I can’t wait for her next book, The Real McCoy, the story of Macy, Jaime Lee’s best friend.
August 4, 2022
Hootertown, Kentucky is the home of Jamie Lee Carter. She is a hair stylist and a country girl. She prefers beer over appletinis and shorts to fancy dresses.
Parker Carrington is a handsome Hollywood producer. He is scouting movie locations and loves Hootertown for his movie.
He also meets Jamie Lee and likes her a lot.
But Jamie Lee is stuck on her brother's friend, Grief who has been around her whole life. However, she thinks Griff still thinks of her as the little sister.
But Griff and the Hollywood producer are both interested in Jamie Lee and it becomes a bit of a battle for her affection. Fun and light romance.
Parker Carrington is a handsome Hollywood producer. He is scouting movie locations and loves Hootertown for his movie.
He also meets Jamie Lee and likes her a lot.
But Jamie Lee is stuck on her brother's friend, Grief who has been around her whole life. However, she thinks Griff still thinks of her as the little sister.
But Griff and the Hollywood producer are both interested in Jamie Lee and it becomes a bit of a battle for her affection. Fun and light romance.
October 4, 2012
Really fun and cute romance triangle involving a dashing new stranger in town and brothers best friend turned hunkster! Jamie Lee has her hands full quite literally in some parts of this story and I loved reading when she was caught in innocent situations that looked very naughty in front of her nosy neighbors and mother.
I kept rooting for Griff, the brothers best friend turned hunkster, to come out on top because gimme a pickup truck over a Jaguar any day! There's just something I LOVE about a sweaty rugged man who works with his hands! I mean Parker, the movie producer, was okay but just not what I would want.
The characters were simply awesome and I enjoyed all the southern mannerisms and sayings. Being southern myself I felt right at home reading Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. It was like curling up with an old friend!
I kept rooting for Griff, the brothers best friend turned hunkster, to come out on top because gimme a pickup truck over a Jaguar any day! There's just something I LOVE about a sweaty rugged man who works with his hands! I mean Parker, the movie producer, was okay but just not what I would want.
The characters were simply awesome and I enjoyed all the southern mannerisms and sayings. Being southern myself I felt right at home reading Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. It was like curling up with an old friend!
June 1, 2016
This was such a cute and charming story. I loved the plot but mostly the characters. They were relatable and very likable and you couldn't help but falling for them. It was also very funny and I found myself smiling throughout the book.
This was my first story by his author and it won't be the last as I look forward to continuing on with the series.
This was my first story by his author and it won't be the last as I look forward to continuing on with the series.
January 9, 2012
Great fluffy read, with some good country humor!
January 10, 2025
The first smutty book that began my obsession with reading alllllllll those years ago. Deserves a re-read 😍
January 24, 2021
Fresh and Fun Southern Romance
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Jamie Lee is a down to earth girl and for me she really epitomised the spirit of a southern heroine without coming over as a stereotype. Griff is a sexy, brooding cowboy and just reading about him made me want a cowboy for myself! Parker is also a fun character although maybe not as well-developed as the other two. I was pleased that the story wasn't written so that there was one 'good' male lead and one 'bad' guy as this kept you wondering and made it a more realistic story. Jamie Lee's brother and her best friend also featured quite heavily in the story and will more than definitely get a story of their own.
The story itself was fun, fresh and held my interest right through. What I would mention, which might put some people off, is that the story is written in first person so you only ever get Jamie's thoughts, feelings and opinions. Although it wouldn't be my first choice - I did feel in this case that first person made me understand Jamie Lee a little better and you really begin to feel what she feels. And she genuinely doesn't know what Griff, Parker or the other characters are feeling or thinking which makes things interesting and quite true to life. The obvious downside to this type of story (and the reason I only gave it 4 stars) was the ending felt quite one-sided because you only had the story from Jamie's perspective. Slightly disappointing but not enough to ruin what was essentially a good read. It is also written in the present tense which I found quite odd - so "Griff walks to the door" rather than the usual "Griff walked to the door". But again, once you get drawn into the story you barely notice it.
This book is something that I would recommend if you like quirky romance novels or if you like your heroes to be sexy cowboys! It was a fun, light read which passed a couple of hours. 4 stars.
May 12, 2020
A funny story, that is quick and easy to read. I have no idea what's typically Southern about it, but the setting in a small town where everyone knows everyone is a universal thing I suppose. I really liked the quirkiness of the characters, the complications, the headbutting and pranks. It was a good read, it had me laughing a lot. A feel-good book that gives you a little escape from your day to day dabbles.
May 19, 2020
okay so this is a favorite of mine. it's one of those guilty pleasure romance novels that i read as a palate cleanser when i am having trouble focusing on another book.
i have read Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots upwards of 15 times. i adore it. Jamie Lee is sassy and speaks her mind on almost all things. i love her. i love my man Griff. i love the plot. i love the steamy scenes. it's great.
i actually laugh at this which is a feat.
i have read Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots upwards of 15 times. i adore it. Jamie Lee is sassy and speaks her mind on almost all things. i love her. i love my man Griff. i love the plot. i love the steamy scenes. it's great.
i actually laugh at this which is a feat.
November 13, 2017
Very cute, funny, entertaining and charming small town romance story.
December 20, 2019
Cute book. Loved it.♡♡♡♡♡♡☆☆♡♡♡
January 18, 2020
AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING....I just couldn’t put it down
July 18, 2020
A romance novel with Southern Country charm.
Easy reader, light and fun.. with some funny one-liners- very relatable characters. Predictable and sweet.
Enjoyed this one
Easy reader, light and fun.. with some funny one-liners- very relatable characters. Predictable and sweet.
Enjoyed this one
November 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I call it my hallmark book. Loved the southern charm. Can not believe it took so long for Jamie lee and Griff took so long to get together.
January 6, 2023
1st in series. book was great! it was a Southern story without sounding like it was making fun of how Southerns speak. some parts were so funny i actually hooted!!!
January 23, 2024
It was fun. I’d read again
July 9, 2019
Very charming & witty! It’s a great quick summer read. I believe there is a sequel that I’m scoping out.
March 24, 2017
Great book. Funny!!
July 4, 2007
From the Publisher
From the author of Hot Summer Nights
Sex and the City for small-town Southern gals who like their men red hot, and their beer ice cold...
Jamie Lee Carter is living easy in Hootertown, which is teetering on the Tennessee border. No complications until a Hollwyood producer comes to town to scout locations for his new movie. He's got a Jaguar. She's got a pick-up. When these two worlds collide, prepare for sizzle and sparks.
My Thoughts:
This was just the book that I was looking for when I put down The Harlequin, something fun and fabulous.
McLane has a writing style that makes you feel like you are chatting up your girlfriend. Jamie Lee and Macy were instantly friends of mine that I could see myself hanging with on a Friday night.
I was afraid when I first started reading this that it would be more campy humor than I was in the mood for, however I was pleasantly surprised that it was pure fun.
Characterization:
Sometimes authors have a tendency to dumb down their characters when writing small town stories, however McLane kept her characters real and made me want to know more about them. I am eagerly awaiting the next addition to Hootertown
Keep/Swap/Library: Swap
Rating: A
From the author of Hot Summer Nights
Sex and the City for small-town Southern gals who like their men red hot, and their beer ice cold...
Jamie Lee Carter is living easy in Hootertown, which is teetering on the Tennessee border. No complications until a Hollwyood producer comes to town to scout locations for his new movie. He's got a Jaguar. She's got a pick-up. When these two worlds collide, prepare for sizzle and sparks.
My Thoughts:
This was just the book that I was looking for when I put down The Harlequin, something fun and fabulous.
McLane has a writing style that makes you feel like you are chatting up your girlfriend. Jamie Lee and Macy were instantly friends of mine that I could see myself hanging with on a Friday night.
I was afraid when I first started reading this that it would be more campy humor than I was in the mood for, however I was pleasantly surprised that it was pure fun.
Characterization:
Sometimes authors have a tendency to dumb down their characters when writing small town stories, however McLane kept her characters real and made me want to know more about them. I am eagerly awaiting the next addition to Hootertown
Keep/Swap/Library: Swap
Rating: A
December 30, 2010
This it the start of her Cut and Curl series, which I’ve read out of order, but really enjoyed.
In this story, we meet up with Jamie Lee Carter. She’s the daughter of the original owner of the Cut and Curl. Smart-mouthed and sassy, Jamie Lee lives her life to the fullest. Or at least as much as she can in her small hometown. That is, until a hot-shot Hollywood producer checks out Hootertown as a location for a spoof-type horror movie. Jamie Lee is taken in by Parker Carrington and seems to be caught up in all the ruckus that he has caused by coming to Hootertown. The only person who doesn’t seem to be taken by all the nonsense is Griff Sheldon. Griff, a long-time friend of Jamie Lee’s brother Luke, doesn’t want to see Jamie Lee taken for a ride by some yahoo from the city, but he can’t seem to figure out why he cares so much about Jamie Lee.
The sparks really fly in this book when this love triangle gets cooking. This book had me laughing so hard my sides hurt, crying at the end because I was so darn happy, and moved at how I really felt for each character. Check this book out if you need a funny romantic comedy. McLane is a great go-to author for me when I need something to cheer me up.
In this story, we meet up with Jamie Lee Carter. She’s the daughter of the original owner of the Cut and Curl. Smart-mouthed and sassy, Jamie Lee lives her life to the fullest. Or at least as much as she can in her small hometown. That is, until a hot-shot Hollywood producer checks out Hootertown as a location for a spoof-type horror movie. Jamie Lee is taken in by Parker Carrington and seems to be caught up in all the ruckus that he has caused by coming to Hootertown. The only person who doesn’t seem to be taken by all the nonsense is Griff Sheldon. Griff, a long-time friend of Jamie Lee’s brother Luke, doesn’t want to see Jamie Lee taken for a ride by some yahoo from the city, but he can’t seem to figure out why he cares so much about Jamie Lee.
The sparks really fly in this book when this love triangle gets cooking. This book had me laughing so hard my sides hurt, crying at the end because I was so darn happy, and moved at how I really felt for each character. Check this book out if you need a funny romantic comedy. McLane is a great go-to author for me when I need something to cheer me up.
October 18, 2013
Well that was a hoot! lol
This is a cute and endearing romantic story with quirky characters and lots of Southern humor and charm. It’s a sweet, sexy, fun, enjoyable quick read that left me smiling all the way till the end ... BUT ... a couple things I think could have been done a little better is 1)Griff's character was barely even developed and he was the hero of the story. The book was entirely done in Jamie Lee's POV which left no room for Griff's point of view on much of anything ... which brings us to my #2)the ending was waaaaay too WHAM, BHAM, THANK YOU MA'AM "will you marry me?" out of left and right field.
I think because we didnt get to see or hear from Griff at all since his POV wasn't involved in the book, it felt a little unrealistic when he popped the question. I mean one minute she's telling him she's done chasing him and he's letting her walk away and the next page he's asking her to marry him. Of course we knew it was coming, because all novels have a HEA, but it would have been nice if it at least was a little realistic.
This really doesn't take away from Ms McLane's very humorous and easy way of telling a story. The book was still fun and I would recommend it to anyone who loves small town Southern charm :)
This is a cute and endearing romantic story with quirky characters and lots of Southern humor and charm. It’s a sweet, sexy, fun, enjoyable quick read that left me smiling all the way till the end ... BUT ... a couple things I think could have been done a little better is 1)Griff's character was barely even developed and he was the hero of the story. The book was entirely done in Jamie Lee's POV which left no room for Griff's point of view on much of anything ... which brings us to my #2)the ending was waaaaay too WHAM, BHAM, THANK YOU MA'AM "will you marry me?" out of left and right field.
I think because we didnt get to see or hear from Griff at all since his POV wasn't involved in the book, it felt a little unrealistic when he popped the question. I mean one minute she's telling him she's done chasing him and he's letting her walk away and the next page he's asking her to marry him. Of course we knew it was coming, because all novels have a HEA, but it would have been nice if it at least was a little realistic.
This really doesn't take away from Ms McLane's very humorous and easy way of telling a story. The book was still fun and I would recommend it to anyone who loves small town Southern charm :)
December 19, 2008
If you love a good contemporary romance with a hint of Southern fiction and some humor of chick lit, you'll enjoy Luann McLane's Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. Jamie Lee Carter, a beautician at Hooterville, is in a bind. When Parker Carrington, a Hollywood producer comes to her town to scout a location for his movie, she falls in love with him. But, for Griff Sheldon, her brother's best friend and long-time crush, he warns Jamie Lee on his type. Scorned from a past of what might've been, between Griff and Jamie Lee, while she's dating Parker, she still loves Griff, who treats her like a little girl. She's in sort of a love triangle, when Griff at one time, kisses her while drunk, sends Jamie Lee's hearts soaring, she realizes she's in love with him, and tries everything to get his attention, even sleeps with him. In the long run, she does get a man. A great perky romance.
November 21, 2011
Okay...this book started off one way and then like a good dye job...it turned into something else and you couldn't even see the original plot lines...Actually caught me off guard a bit and I like that to be surprised in a book.
Jamie Lee is cute and fun and I just love her and her BFF Macy. Parker the Hollywood interest is charming and an all around great guy...I thought there would be angst there and some self esteem issues but ... (read the book)
Griff...heart beats faster there! Thank goodness Griff came to his senses and decided to put his heart out there for Jamie Lee. I love a big ole cowboy that gets swamped by his lust and emotions and then says all the wrong things...LOL
Great little read...zipped through in like 3 hours! Enjoy!
Jamie Lee is cute and fun and I just love her and her BFF Macy. Parker the Hollywood interest is charming and an all around great guy...I thought there would be angst there and some self esteem issues but ... (read the book)
Griff...heart beats faster there! Thank goodness Griff came to his senses and decided to put his heart out there for Jamie Lee. I love a big ole cowboy that gets swamped by his lust and emotions and then says all the wrong things...LOL
Great little read...zipped through in like 3 hours! Enjoy!
July 15, 2013
The plot had a simple formula that worked. Everything about the characters stood out for me. That says something. The heroine seemed so lost at times, making some questionable decisions that you could not help but connect with her. At times you felt like shouting at her and thumping her love interest on the head. But in the end, everything worked out.
Was not too impressed with the ending though. After all the drama for them to finally realise they had the hots for each other; one afternoon was all it took for all the pieces to fall into place? A little too unrealistic there. A good read nevertheless.
Was not too impressed with the ending though. After all the drama for them to finally realise they had the hots for each other; one afternoon was all it took for all the pieces to fall into place? A little too unrealistic there. A good read nevertheless.
June 25, 2013
I loved this book!! Could not put it down! Jamie Lee and Macy and best friends who make a pact to go for what they want. Parker, a Hollywood producer, comes to town and sweeps Jamie Lee off her feet. She really likes Parker, but at the same time is questioning her feelings for he brother's best friend Griffin. Meanwhile Macy is trying to get Jamie Lee's brother Luke to fall in love with her. I can't wait to read the next book!
March 3, 2014
4 - 4.5 STAR
the story was warm, sizzling and fun..jamie really a down to earth girl with simple dream a hardworking man and shes in love with his brother's friend for years and she wanted to try win his heart one more time and the way she manage to use her plan and it was really sweet he he he
griffin also loved jamie for years but he had low self esteem wether he could made jamie happy but when a hollywood hunk attracted to jamie, he felt miserable and tried to win her heart too he he he
the story was warm, sizzling and fun..jamie really a down to earth girl with simple dream a hardworking man and shes in love with his brother's friend for years and she wanted to try win his heart one more time and the way she manage to use her plan and it was really sweet he he he
griffin also loved jamie for years but he had low self esteem wether he could made jamie happy but when a hollywood hunk attracted to jamie, he felt miserable and tried to win her heart too he he he
July 4, 2007
I love this book cause it's another novel so close to home and one I can definitely relate with.
From the southern drawl to the hot men and the country bars in a 6-ft town - it's more then a girl can ask for!!
I love the attitude and the lust this book brings from beginning to end. A good read for a true southern girl.
From the southern drawl to the hot men and the country bars in a 6-ft town - it's more then a girl can ask for!!
I love the attitude and the lust this book brings from beginning to end. A good read for a true southern girl.
January 1, 2008
Can you tell I have been off of work for a couple of weeks!
This book was also a lot of fun and a quick read. It was the first book I read by LuAnn McLane, but I will definitely be looking for more.
Oh, if you life in Atlanta Bound to be Read Books in East Atlanta has a great selection of cheap used paperbacks.
This book was also a lot of fun and a quick read. It was the first book I read by LuAnn McLane, but I will definitely be looking for more.
Oh, if you life in Atlanta Bound to be Read Books in East Atlanta has a great selection of cheap used paperbacks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews