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Colorado Dreamin' #1
Roses & Rawhide
"This all boils down to one thing—cowboy lust, pure and simple."She’s roses. Caving to her best friend’s crazy ideas is one thing, but Kim Martin knows she isn’t equipped for a two-week pack-horse trip into the Colorado mountains—especially with a rough-edged cowboy as their mountain guide. His outdoor style might jump-start some women’s libidos, but a city woman like Kim finds him—(almost? barely? definitely?) irresistible.He’s rawhide. Thad Winchester’s patience for city women wears as thin as the seat of his jeans—but there is something about the plucky blonde that puts his hard-and-fast, don’t-touch rule, to the test. Kim Martin alternately aggravates and enchants him—but she might just be the woman he needs to share his Flying W. Ranch. If he can get past his rules and make the first move.When things heat up between them, an argument sends Kim flying away from camp on her horse and into the wilds of the mountains. Alone. Can she navigate her way back to the camp? Will Thad find her? And if so, can they work out this push-pull magnetism between them to some sort of positive scenario?This opposites attract, contemporary western romance novel will leave you wondering if these two characters will ever find a happy medium, not to mention their way permanently into each other’s arms.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2010
39 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Maddie James
143 books467 followersMaddie James also writes as Madeleine Jaimes.
The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.
Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”
The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.
Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 25, 2020
This is a wonderful story about 4 people who find love, but are too stubborn, pigheaded and afraid to say it out loud and almost miss their chance. The characters are intriguing, though also occasionally annoying. The descriptions of the scenery and what happens on a pack trip are vivid, though never having been on one, I don't know how accurate.
Kim Martin and Jillie Abernathy became best friends and teach at the same school in Kentucky. Jillie grew up around horses, but Kim was raised to be a "society" woman. They come together to Colorado for a teacher's conference, but on the first night, Kim is exhausted, so Jillie goes out to a saloon and meets Mack Montgomery. Mack is the foreman for his best friend, Thad Winchester at the Flying W Ranch. He had convinced Thad to add trail and pack rides to increase revenue, since with property taxes these days, most ranches are land rich but money poor. He convinces Jillie to come on a scheduled pack ride and she tricks Kim into coming to. While Jillie and Mack are having a great time together, Kim and Thad rub each other the wrong way. She doesn't want to be there and he doesn't think she should. On the other hand they are attracted to each other, but he has a rule about no fraternization between wranglers and guests. Then there is also the Venus and Mars differences.
I actually read the sequel first, The Cowboy's Secret Baby before reading this one and there are a number of inconsistencies about Mack, which I find very confusing, as if the author forgot some of the details in the first book. Aside from that, I enjoyed the books.
Kim Martin and Jillie Abernathy became best friends and teach at the same school in Kentucky. Jillie grew up around horses, but Kim was raised to be a "society" woman. They come together to Colorado for a teacher's conference, but on the first night, Kim is exhausted, so Jillie goes out to a saloon and meets Mack Montgomery. Mack is the foreman for his best friend, Thad Winchester at the Flying W Ranch. He had convinced Thad to add trail and pack rides to increase revenue, since with property taxes these days, most ranches are land rich but money poor. He convinces Jillie to come on a scheduled pack ride and she tricks Kim into coming to. While Jillie and Mack are having a great time together, Kim and Thad rub each other the wrong way. She doesn't want to be there and he doesn't think she should. On the other hand they are attracted to each other, but he has a rule about no fraternization between wranglers and guests. Then there is also the Venus and Mars differences.
I actually read the sequel first, The Cowboy's Secret Baby before reading this one and there are a number of inconsistencies about Mack, which I find very confusing, as if the author forgot some of the details in the first book. Aside from that, I enjoyed the books.
April 3, 2014
The story had a good premise. I liked the idea of a trail ride with the lovely scenery as a backdrop. But I found that both main characters were too stubborn for their own good. The bickering and trying to prove points got old after a while. There was a lot of hiding their feelings behind gruffness. While there were nice scenes of togetherness. the doubts had a way of creeping back in.
September 9, 2019
Originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com
Maddie James does it again. This time it's a book with a cowboy vs. city slicker romance that drew you in immediately. Most of the story takes place in Colorado - the home of the cowboy/rancher. Occasionally there is mention of Kentucky where the city slicker hails from. There are twists and turns throughout as we've come to expect from the author. There is also lots of loving and beautiful scenery that is easy to visualize along with angst and determination or stubbornness on both Thad and Kim's part. The ending is what you hope for but once again the path is anything but straight to get there and it was totally unexpected how it was presented. I would have loved a few more chapters to see how Thad and Kim were able to mesh their lives together as a couple. I recommend not only this book but also suggest you add Maddie James to your to be read pile. I've enjoyed all three books of hers that I have so far read and plan to read others soon.
Favorite Quote: Between panting breaths, pounding hearts, and a mingling of lips and tongues, Kim managed only seconds of lucidity. She was kissing Thad! And she was kissing him back more fervently than she'd ever in her life returned a kiss.
Maddie James does it again. This time it's a book with a cowboy vs. city slicker romance that drew you in immediately. Most of the story takes place in Colorado - the home of the cowboy/rancher. Occasionally there is mention of Kentucky where the city slicker hails from. There are twists and turns throughout as we've come to expect from the author. There is also lots of loving and beautiful scenery that is easy to visualize along with angst and determination or stubbornness on both Thad and Kim's part. The ending is what you hope for but once again the path is anything but straight to get there and it was totally unexpected how it was presented. I would have loved a few more chapters to see how Thad and Kim were able to mesh their lives together as a couple. I recommend not only this book but also suggest you add Maddie James to your to be read pile. I've enjoyed all three books of hers that I have so far read and plan to read others soon.
Favorite Quote: Between panting breaths, pounding hearts, and a mingling of lips and tongues, Kim managed only seconds of lucidity. She was kissing Thad! And she was kissing him back more fervently than she'd ever in her life returned a kiss.
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June 22, 2020
Loved it!
I enjoyed this story. It was interesting, it kept reading to see what was happening next. I think the next book may be just exciting.
I enjoyed this story. It was interesting, it kept reading to see what was happening next. I think the next book may be just exciting.
September 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.i liked the characters and the story line.
I wish I got emotionally involved but ai didnt
I wish I got emotionally involved but ai didnt
June 12, 2014
Jillie and Kim go on a trail ride that Jillie found out about from Mack, a cowboy Jillie is enamored with. On the ride, Jillie comes up with an idea of going on a 12 day pack trail by taking places of two guests who have cancelled. Since neither of the women have ridden before, this is not a good idea. But Jillie wants to be with Mack so she talks Kim into going. Thad is Mack's partner and doesn't want the women to go on the trail but he knew they needed the money so he agreed.
Not only did Kim lie about knowing how to ride, she is a city woman who looks down on cowboys (anyone from the country) and always goes after what she wants, never backing down whether she is right or wrong. Thad is even more stubborn so they don't get along at all. Poor Thad is attracted to Kim but is determined to live by his professional ethics of not getting involved with any of the guests so instead of letting Kim know how he feels about her, he is very nasty and critical of Kim. It made me wonder how they would get through the trail without killing each other.
The description of the country was so clear that I could picture the mountains and streams easily. I really liked the characters, especially Kim and Thad. I couldn't imagine them getting together and was impressed with the way the author made it work out. Kim's best friend, Jillie, was a fun but manipulative person.
One thing that didn't work for me in this story was that Thad or Mack couldn't tell that Kim had no riding experience as soon as she arrived even though she said she did. An experienced rider can tell at a glance if someone knows their way around horses. Because of this, I struggled through the first trail ride. I just ignored that part thinking that I didn't enjoy it because I was a riding instructor/trail guide and know it just wouldn't have happened that way.
This was one of the books I won this book in the Unforgettable Heroes Box Set.
Not only did Kim lie about knowing how to ride, she is a city woman who looks down on cowboys (anyone from the country) and always goes after what she wants, never backing down whether she is right or wrong. Thad is even more stubborn so they don't get along at all. Poor Thad is attracted to Kim but is determined to live by his professional ethics of not getting involved with any of the guests so instead of letting Kim know how he feels about her, he is very nasty and critical of Kim. It made me wonder how they would get through the trail without killing each other.
The description of the country was so clear that I could picture the mountains and streams easily. I really liked the characters, especially Kim and Thad. I couldn't imagine them getting together and was impressed with the way the author made it work out. Kim's best friend, Jillie, was a fun but manipulative person.
One thing that didn't work for me in this story was that Thad or Mack couldn't tell that Kim had no riding experience as soon as she arrived even though she said she did. An experienced rider can tell at a glance if someone knows their way around horses. Because of this, I struggled through the first trail ride. I just ignored that part thinking that I didn't enjoy it because I was a riding instructor/trail guide and know it just wouldn't have happened that way.
This was one of the books I won this book in the Unforgettable Heroes Box Set.
April 15, 2011
In all my life I will never understand men! Why is it that they just can't come out with what they want? Are we all supposed to have daily psychic moments in order to live happily with them?
In Rawhide and Roses, Kim Martin and her best friend Jillie take a few days away for rest and relaxation, however, Jilly is already smitten with cowboy Mack. In a little game of hide and deceit, Jilly manages to get herself and Kim on a pack trail along with Mack, his partner Thad and several others. Not a bad idea if you know what you are doing, which Kim does not.
Enter owner and pack leader Thad Winchester who has an instant attraction to Kim but decides to make her totally miserable because of his professional ethics of not mixing business with pleasure. Typical man!! His criticism and foul temper are the only signals he is giving out. And Kim...well, she is hooked. How in the world will they make it through twelve days of rough terrain, foul moods and strenuous work without killing one and another? Thad Winchester spends most of his time denying what it is he really wants and Kim Martin spend most of her time trying to make him admit what he wants.
Kim and Thad are sexy, stubborn people who need to stop wasting time and get back to what is important in life. You understand the emotional tug, the wanting and the frustration on Kim's part and you want to scream at Thad for his relentlessness in sticking to his guns and holding his feeling too close.
This is just an entertaining and fun way to spend some time. Maddie James is such an excellent writer and her descriptions and dialogue make every adventure even more exciting. This one is a keeper!
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
In Rawhide and Roses, Kim Martin and her best friend Jillie take a few days away for rest and relaxation, however, Jilly is already smitten with cowboy Mack. In a little game of hide and deceit, Jilly manages to get herself and Kim on a pack trail along with Mack, his partner Thad and several others. Not a bad idea if you know what you are doing, which Kim does not.
Enter owner and pack leader Thad Winchester who has an instant attraction to Kim but decides to make her totally miserable because of his professional ethics of not mixing business with pleasure. Typical man!! His criticism and foul temper are the only signals he is giving out. And Kim...well, she is hooked. How in the world will they make it through twelve days of rough terrain, foul moods and strenuous work without killing one and another? Thad Winchester spends most of his time denying what it is he really wants and Kim Martin spend most of her time trying to make him admit what he wants.
Kim and Thad are sexy, stubborn people who need to stop wasting time and get back to what is important in life. You understand the emotional tug, the wanting and the frustration on Kim's part and you want to scream at Thad for his relentlessness in sticking to his guns and holding his feeling too close.
This is just an entertaining and fun way to spend some time. Maddie James is such an excellent writer and her descriptions and dialogue make every adventure even more exciting. This one is a keeper!
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
October 31, 2011
Reviewed By: JoAnne
Review Copy Provided By: Publisher
Maddie James does it again. This time it's a book with a cowboy vs. city slicker romance that drew you in immediately. Most of the story takes place in Colorado - the home of the cowboy/rancher. Occasionally there is mention of Kentucky where the city slicker hails from. There are twists and turns throughout as we've come to expect from the author. There is also lots of loving and beautiful scenery that is easy to visualize along with angst and determination or stubbornness on both Thad and Kim's part. The ending is what you hope for but once again the path is anything but straight to get there and it was totally unexpected how it was presented. I would have loved a few more chapters to see how Thad and Kim were able to mesh their lives together as a couple. I recommend not only this book but also suggest you add Maddie James to your to be read pile. I've enjoyed all three books of hers that I have so far read and plan to read others soon.
Favorite Quote: Between panting breaths, pounding hearts, and a mingling of lips and tongues, Kim managed only seconds of lucidity. She was kissing Thad! And she was kissing him back more fervently than she'd ever in her life returned a kiss.
Review Copy Provided By: Publisher
Maddie James does it again. This time it's a book with a cowboy vs. city slicker romance that drew you in immediately. Most of the story takes place in Colorado - the home of the cowboy/rancher. Occasionally there is mention of Kentucky where the city slicker hails from. There are twists and turns throughout as we've come to expect from the author. There is also lots of loving and beautiful scenery that is easy to visualize along with angst and determination or stubbornness on both Thad and Kim's part. The ending is what you hope for but once again the path is anything but straight to get there and it was totally unexpected how it was presented. I would have loved a few more chapters to see how Thad and Kim were able to mesh their lives together as a couple. I recommend not only this book but also suggest you add Maddie James to your to be read pile. I've enjoyed all three books of hers that I have so far read and plan to read others soon.
Favorite Quote: Between panting breaths, pounding hearts, and a mingling of lips and tongues, Kim managed only seconds of lucidity. She was kissing Thad! And she was kissing him back more fervently than she'd ever in her life returned a kiss.
January 14, 2011
Lia's Review
Kim Martin is a high maintenance, uppity, and a bit snobby woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t back down, ever. Her dream man is all class, so how could it be that suddenly she’s attracted to the rugged cowboy Thad Winchester, who is possibly more stubborn then her?
The book had a slow start but the engaging storyline soon lead into a great love/hate relationship between two people who are completely bullheaded and so stubborn you want to yell at them through the book. The tension between the characters was so thick you could cut it with a knife. The author painted a picture with every word and as a reader, you can clearly see the Colorado mountains, the horse trails, and the camp they set up. Kim came off as a whiny spoiled brat a few times, but had redeeming qualities too.
All-in-all, “Rawhide and Roses” was an enjoyable read.
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
Kim Martin is a high maintenance, uppity, and a bit snobby woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t back down, ever. Her dream man is all class, so how could it be that suddenly she’s attracted to the rugged cowboy Thad Winchester, who is possibly more stubborn then her?
The book had a slow start but the engaging storyline soon lead into a great love/hate relationship between two people who are completely bullheaded and so stubborn you want to yell at them through the book. The tension between the characters was so thick you could cut it with a knife. The author painted a picture with every word and as a reader, you can clearly see the Colorado mountains, the horse trails, and the camp they set up. Kim came off as a whiny spoiled brat a few times, but had redeeming qualities too.
All-in-all, “Rawhide and Roses” was an enjoyable read.
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
December 10, 2011
I did not like anyone in this book. Not one character appealed to me. There was no connection. I didn't understand the over-the-top schemes and haywire, back-and-forth emotions. It was like reading about a bunch of 14 year olds. I especially disliked the "best friend" Jillie. So annoying I wanted to slap her. A huge disappointment.
July 30, 2014
Super cute! I love the ending! It leave a hook for a series on her friend to hook back up with her cowboy back at the ranch. I am praying for a part 2...I haven't looked to see if there is one but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Excellent read.
Excellent read.
November 27, 2011
All of the indiscrepencies and typos were distracting, but it was entertaining.
November 12, 2012
Not my kind of hero!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews