One Tough Cowboy: A Novel

Lora Leigh · Veronica Chadwick

Jan 2019 · Moving Violations Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

First in a brand-new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick about one man’s pursuit of justice—and unbridled desire.


LAW AND ORDER.
For as long as Samantha can remember, Hunter—a man as strong as steel, with a heart of gold—has been her hero. It came as no surprise to Samantha when she found out that the ranch-hardened cowboy who always protected her from bullies went on to become the town’s sheriff. What does surprise her is how incredibly hot he still is. And how much she still wants him...


PRIDE AND PASSION

And, lo and behold, Hunter still has feelings for Samantha. The long-smoldering heat of their innocent flirtation has grown into a full-raging fire. But when tragedy strikes, and their small-town community is shattered, Hunter vows to do everything he can to keep his childhood sweetheart safe. But can Samantha trust that Hunter has her best interests at heart...and that, after all these years, his love is true?

“Leigh’s books can scorch the ink off the page.”—RT Book Reviews

Ratings and reviews

I loved the instant heat between Sam and Hunter. Teenage attraction blossoms into adult love. With all the mystery and danger surrounding them, they found time to connect. I enjoyed how the story built up, keeping you wondering what was next. Watching Sam and Hunter work as well as play and learn about each other made this a good read. I received an ARC through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

One Tough Cowboy has the potential to be a romantic suspense that is both gritty and gripping. Add in a sexy, alpha male cowboy and this one should sizzle. Sadly, it doesn't. The story starts off well-enough with a handful of suspicious deaths, an old flame rekindled, and corruption in town government, but quickly snowballs into something else. The mystery is still there, but it's overrun by one long sex scene after another once Hunter and Samantha get together. I can understand a strong attraction, but considering the personal stake they each have in this case and that they're both law enforcement, I would've expected them to be able to focus on that at least some of the time. Instead, they act like teenagers who can't control their hormones. The steamy fun certainly has its place, and the authors certainly know their stuff in writing detailed, scorching hot scenes, but it just got to be too much. If only that talent for details had been applied to the actual story, this could've been a terrific read. We do get some moments with terrific banter, and I loved one particular part with Hunter solving a set of riddles, but there are just too many inconsistencies in the story. One such inconsistency lies in the setting. It is supposed to be a small town in California, but the vernacular and several descriptions just don't fit. So much so that I turned back through the book to make sure I remembered the setting correctly. It should also be noted that there is a particularly disturbing scene toward the end that could have and should have been handled much better. The list goes on, but suffice it to say that the cons far outweigh the pros here, at least for me.

Sensual!!! Sizzling!!! Two main characters get reacquainted after years apart. Steamy and suspenseful action packed, fast moving romantic suspense. Her Aunt Dottie dies bringing Samantha Ryder, a police detective in Detroit back to the town where she lived for awhile when young. Hunter Steele is the Sheriff in Deerhaven, California. His family runs the Steele Spur Ranch. Three deaths have occurred recently in the town; the mayor’s wife, the former sheriff and a longtime friend of theirs. To Hunter they are all suspicious. The characters are vivid, very colorful, well define, artfully creative and extremely interesting. The plot includes murder,drug running,sex trafficking and terrorists. All these are being run by corrupt officials. There is plenty of tens, drama, thrills & chills adding to the suspense. I volunteered to read One Tough Cowboy. Thanks to Net Gallery andSt Martin’s Press representative, Natalie Tsay for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

About the author

#1 New York Times bestseller Lora Leigh is the author of the Navy SEALS, the Breeds, the Elite Ops, the Callahans, the Bound Hearts, and the Nauti series.

VERONICA CHADWICK was the author of Rude Awakening and The Warlord's Gift, along with One Tough Cowboy and Strong, Silent Cowboy, co-authored with Lora Leigh.