Jonel B. (Pure Jonel)
As usual, Vane brings the cowboy way to life in a big way, mixing chemistry with romance, the outdoors with hard work, for an altogether rowdy good time. Her picturesque writing brings the setting forward in a manner that allows readers to see it, not simply read about it, creating the perfect backdrop for her uniquely plotted novel. The way that horses, and mustangs in particular, were developed really worked to further the tale without being completely off the walls. Both of the main characters were quite well developed. I actually quite liked getting to know them. I enjoyed how they were thrown together by circumstances that highlighted both their similarities and differences from one another. The chemistry between them, even if denied at times was impossible to ignore. I did find the fact that they both had tendencies to blame others for the way that their lives were currently turning out to be both ironic and a little tedious at times but, it worked for them for the most part. As a whole this was a fun romance with a twist. It was great to read as a standalone or as part of this series. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Mo Daoust
Victoria Vane’s Hot Cowboy Nights series is one of my favourite series ever because of the very complex characters, and SADDLE UP might be the best of the lot! It is an exceptionally engrossing book, and the Keith Russo is so charismatic, I felt like I had seen him in glossy magazines. Keith is one of the most enigmatic characters ever: he’s half Native American, and this has coloured his views on life, and what he has done for a very long time. He’s never had to work to charm a woman, but the introverted Miranda Sutton changes all that. Their relationship is far from easy, and not all is of their own doing, but what a fascinating road to romance this is! Character development is stellar, to say the least, I could not tear myself away from SADDLE UP; the story borders on hypnotic: I was so engrossed, I never stopped reading. What always surprises, and delights me, from Ms. Vane is how easy she makes it all seem: the dialogues sound so natural, the issues difficult but normal; nothing is ever over the top, but always so captivating. Keith and Miranda are the perfect complement to each other, but Keith is very reluctant to try and overlook his own personal issues; he is rather resistant to change, and stubbornness is his middle name. Miranda is a fabulous heroine: she appears nice and gentle, but she takes nothing lying down; she tells Keith off a few times, she doesn’t fall at his feet like he is used to. It intrigues him, but unsettles him as well. The chemistry between these two is off the charts, even when Keith can’t see straight for his inflexibility. I had the impression of reading a story about real people, they never seemed like fictional characters to me, and there is nothing that can beat that! Every time a new book in this series is announced, I wait impatiently, and SADDLE UP was worth every agonising second of waiting. Amazing! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Isha Coleman
Sex and no substance. I have read a few stories by Ms. Vane in the past months and although I find them enjoyable and entertaining, many have lacked the depth needed to make them unforgettable. Saddle Up took me by surprise because it stayed true to the author but gave added layers into her talent as a writer. I received an ARC of this sensuous read in exchange for an honest review. It was hard not to cheer for these characters. The odds are not in favor of Keith and Miranda but it feels as if a higher force is pulling the strings, helping them along the way. Keith has to learn to accept his heritage and be the best person he can in order to find his happiness. Miranda has to blaze her own trail as well. The wild spirit of the animals loved by both, the beautiful surroundings that are as descriptive and turbulent as the characters themselves and this breathtaking story have me rethinking my original opinion. This time she got it right.
