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Spikes & Spurs #2
Red's Hot Cowboy
He wasn't looking for trouble…
But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble's definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil's not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner—who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot—saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time…
But trouble comes in all shapes and sizes…
Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn't leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.
But if he calls her Red one more time, he won't be the only one accused of murder…
Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door…
But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble's definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil's not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner—who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot—saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time…
But trouble comes in all shapes and sizes…
Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn't leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.
But if he calls her Red one more time, he won't be the only one accused of murder…
Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
About the author
Carolyn Brown
165 books3,921 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 26, 2019
Review of 2019:
After reading more than fifty cowboy romance, I can confirm it was not just because it was one of my first; it's still one of my favorite and a special book to my heart.
________________________
Review of 2011:
Maybe I haven't read enough cowboy's books but this one felt different to me from all the romance novels. Very good diffence.
I admit I picked this book coz I thought the cover was really pretty. My eyes made a really good choice :p I had the kind of feeling I sometimes get from books. The one when I think: "I'll either adore this book or I'll totally hate it." Well... I liked it even more than I thought. Add with chocolate cake, this one was just the perfect date. Made me want to move to Texas, buy a farm or a ranch and find me a nice good ol' boy.
What made it so good for me ?
- First is the "little town" feeling, where everyone knows everyone and are always helping their neighbors.
- The old-fashioned courtship and funny teasing. There was a lot of kissing going on but the author take time to developp Pearl's and Wil's feelings before they jumped each other bones. There was no bullshit between them and they weren't trying to pretend they're not attrack to each other or they didn't know the other is too. It just felt so natural, without the awkwardness that often come with strong feelings.
- There was no drama and surprisingly it didn't made the story less interesting. It shows that sometimes simple is better.
- The dialogue and the flirt was so delicious, it made me giggle. Yeah, giggle.
- With dull characters, this story would have been a disaster. Like I said, no drama, so it needed characters that keep your attention. Can't decide if I liked Pearl or Wil best coz they were both so interesting. Wil have a bad-boy sex-appeal with good guy sensivity. Those are the author's words and it describe so well the kind of man he is. He's just so charming. I want one for Christmas! When we've been introduced to Pearl, I was thinking: "That's the kind of people I would want for a friend." But thinking about it, I wouldn't want her for a friend or a sister coz I'd be too envious of her. She's the kind of woman I would like to be but know I'll never be. She's got a temper but not a mean one. So far from shy or selfish. She's sassy, independant and confident but never arrogant. Generous with others, she's always helping them but not in a annoying little-miss-perfect kinda way.
I think this may be the most romantic book I ever read.
After reading more than fifty cowboy romance, I can confirm it was not just because it was one of my first; it's still one of my favorite and a special book to my heart.
________________________
Review of 2011:
Maybe I haven't read enough cowboy's books but this one felt different to me from all the romance novels. Very good diffence.
I admit I picked this book coz I thought the cover was really pretty. My eyes made a really good choice :p I had the kind of feeling I sometimes get from books. The one when I think: "I'll either adore this book or I'll totally hate it." Well... I liked it even more than I thought. Add with chocolate cake, this one was just the perfect date. Made me want to move to Texas, buy a farm or a ranch and find me a nice good ol' boy.
What made it so good for me ?
- First is the "little town" feeling, where everyone knows everyone and are always helping their neighbors.
- The old-fashioned courtship and funny teasing. There was a lot of kissing going on but the author take time to developp Pearl's and Wil's feelings before they jumped each other bones. There was no bullshit between them and they weren't trying to pretend they're not attrack to each other or they didn't know the other is too. It just felt so natural, without the awkwardness that often come with strong feelings.
- There was no drama and surprisingly it didn't made the story less interesting. It shows that sometimes simple is better.
- The dialogue and the flirt was so delicious, it made me giggle. Yeah, giggle.
- With dull characters, this story would have been a disaster. Like I said, no drama, so it needed characters that keep your attention. Can't decide if I liked Pearl or Wil best coz they were both so interesting. Wil have a bad-boy sex-appeal with good guy sensivity. Those are the author's words and it describe so well the kind of man he is. He's just so charming. I want one for Christmas! When we've been introduced to Pearl, I was thinking: "That's the kind of people I would want for a friend." But thinking about it, I wouldn't want her for a friend or a sister coz I'd be too envious of her. She's the kind of woman I would like to be but know I'll never be. She's got a temper but not a mean one. So far from shy or selfish. She's sassy, independant and confident but never arrogant. Generous with others, she's always helping them but not in a annoying little-miss-perfect kinda way.
I think this may be the most romantic book I ever read.
January 3, 2019
A fiery-tempered red head chucks her city job and takes up running her aunt's smalltown motel and tangles with the bad boy cowboy in the tight wranglers wearing the easy smile who needs a room for the night. Laid back country loving and charm was what I was expecting and what I got in this older title from a long-time favorite author.
Red's Hot Cowboy is book two in the Spikes and Spurs series, but it read just fine out of order and standalone. The couple from the first book are friends of this pair, but the earlier story was completely separate from this one.
Pearl was dissatisfied with her bank job so when her aunt died and left her the Longhorn Inn she chose to keep it rather than sell it making her genteel mama howl. But, as hard as the work is she's pleased with her choice. Then an electric outage on the other side of town on Christmas Eve fills up all her rooms and brings her into contact with one hot cowboy, Wil Marshall. She's been known as a carefree party girl, but Wil spells trouble. She a guy broke her heart and no one else ever sized up so why should Wil be different? Only after flirting their way into several dates and a sizzling night-time encounter makes it clear that they both might have found their match if they can get past their doubts to not lose a good thing.
This one started out fun and feisty with Wil getting hauled out of bed in the wee hours as a murder suspect and Pearl vouching for him. He proves he's more than a pretty face and suddenly her party days and hook-ups along with his fall to the side and they work through past issues and confused new emotions.
The motel in a ranch town was a fun added element as Pearl took care of her guests in particular being a secret stop for an organization helping abuse victims escape their circumstances. It was so fun when Lucy, one of the survivors, joined her as the extra help at the motel.
Then there were their circle of friends who surrounded them. A fun group that I suspect will be the future lead characters in the series. I realized when I spotted mention of the O'Donnells' that I'd read a later series involving folks from that family.
There was some lag in the middle of the story, but then it picked up and I cracked up for both their 'meet the parents' events.
Wil and 'Red' were great together even when her temper was flaring and he was tickled to rile her up. Their flirting and sexy time and their dates were all good times in a slow-burn romance that I enjoyed.
In summary, this was a sassy and satisfying cowboy romance in a series that I want to keep reading. Those who enjoy low angst, gently-paced laid back cowboy romance should definitely give this author and this series a go.
Red's Hot Cowboy is book two in the Spikes and Spurs series, but it read just fine out of order and standalone. The couple from the first book are friends of this pair, but the earlier story was completely separate from this one.
Pearl was dissatisfied with her bank job so when her aunt died and left her the Longhorn Inn she chose to keep it rather than sell it making her genteel mama howl. But, as hard as the work is she's pleased with her choice. Then an electric outage on the other side of town on Christmas Eve fills up all her rooms and brings her into contact with one hot cowboy, Wil Marshall. She's been known as a carefree party girl, but Wil spells trouble. She a guy broke her heart and no one else ever sized up so why should Wil be different? Only after flirting their way into several dates and a sizzling night-time encounter makes it clear that they both might have found their match if they can get past their doubts to not lose a good thing.
This one started out fun and feisty with Wil getting hauled out of bed in the wee hours as a murder suspect and Pearl vouching for him. He proves he's more than a pretty face and suddenly her party days and hook-ups along with his fall to the side and they work through past issues and confused new emotions.
The motel in a ranch town was a fun added element as Pearl took care of her guests in particular being a secret stop for an organization helping abuse victims escape their circumstances. It was so fun when Lucy, one of the survivors, joined her as the extra help at the motel.
Then there were their circle of friends who surrounded them. A fun group that I suspect will be the future lead characters in the series. I realized when I spotted mention of the O'Donnells' that I'd read a later series involving folks from that family.
There was some lag in the middle of the story, but then it picked up and I cracked up for both their 'meet the parents' events.
Wil and 'Red' were great together even when her temper was flaring and he was tickled to rile her up. Their flirting and sexy time and their dates were all good times in a slow-burn romance that I enjoyed.
In summary, this was a sassy and satisfying cowboy romance in a series that I want to keep reading. Those who enjoy low angst, gently-paced laid back cowboy romance should definitely give this author and this series a go.
March 23, 2014
Really fun book. When Pearl inherited her aunt's motel she quit her fancy banking job and moved to Henrietta to run it. She's full of ideas of how she wants to make it better once she's learned a bit more about the business. On Christmas Eve an ice storm knocks out power to half the town and her motel fills up quickly. She rents the last room to Wil Marshall and his dog. He's really hot, but looks like a bad boy to her and she's had her fill of those and tells herself to keep her distance. It only reinforces her belief when the cops come looking for him the next day. But since she knows he has an alibi, off she goes to spring him from jail.
Wil finds Pearl really hot and loves her feisty attitude. He can't resist teasing her whenever he sees her during that long night. He's grateful for her help in clearing his name and gives her a hand at the motel to pay her back for the hours she spent helping him. She may be living and working in the small town, but he sees her as a city girl all the way, especially when he overhears the many calls she gets from men friends in the city. He can't seem to stay away from her though, and keeps finding reasons to be with her.
I loved the teasing between these two. Wil loves calling her Red, which he knows really irritates her, and does it just to see her fuss at him. He's attracted to her, knows she's attracted to him, and is quite willing to pursue that attraction and see where it goes. I loved the way he took her on dates, from going out to dinner to a romantic picnic in the barn loft so he can show her an awesome sunset. He's cautious about having her over to his place for dinner, having been burned by a woman who tried to take over his life. I loved seeing him call her at night so they could talk on the phone, especially if they hadn't seen each other during the day. His sweetness and caring when he took care of her after she fell down his stairs was awesome. I loved that he could tease her one minute and be sweet the next. I also enjoyed seeing that they could be serious together also.
Pearl is a lot of fun. She is definitely independent and has no trouble standing up for herself. The Christmas Eve influx of guests to the motel shows her ability to think on her feet very well. The descriptions of the various guests were fantastic and I loved seeing her deal with the various crises. I loved seeing her give Wil a piece of her mind over his dog, but also save him from the teenage girls who were going to cause him trouble. In spite of being worried about falling for a "bad boy" she took the time to make sure the cops knew he couldn't have committed that murder. I loved seeing her put him to work cleaning rooms when he offered to help. Even though she tried to keep her distance she just couldn't resist being with him. I loved the way they kept trying to outdo each other. The shots competition on New Year's Eve was hysterical.
I loved the development of their romance as they actually took the time to get to know each other. They got pretty comfortable with each other before they pulled their families into the mix. I loved the Sunday dinners that they had with the other's family. Wil's family, especially his mother, were a little hard to like at the beginning. I liked the way that Pearl held her own and the way his mom came around a few days later. Wil's visit to Pearl's family was great. I enjoyed her teasing him before they got there by exaggerating about her female relations and the slightly panicked look he gave her before she came clean. I really liked the whole conversation Pearl had with them while Wil was with her father. It was easy to see where Pearl got her attitude. Especially loved the way she made Wil blush!
The secondary characters always make the books even better. It was fun seeing more of Austin and Rye from the first book and getting their input on the relationship between Wil and Pearl. One of the best characters is Lucy, the abused woman that Pearl hires to help at the motel. I loved her back story and the way it highlighted Pearl's caring personality. It was fun to see Lucy grow from nervous to outgoing and what a big part of the story she became. I liked the way that she and Pearl made taking care of abused women such an important part of their lives. I loved some of the things Lucy said to Pearl and how she did her best to help things along with Pearl and Wil.
Wil finds Pearl really hot and loves her feisty attitude. He can't resist teasing her whenever he sees her during that long night. He's grateful for her help in clearing his name and gives her a hand at the motel to pay her back for the hours she spent helping him. She may be living and working in the small town, but he sees her as a city girl all the way, especially when he overhears the many calls she gets from men friends in the city. He can't seem to stay away from her though, and keeps finding reasons to be with her.
I loved the teasing between these two. Wil loves calling her Red, which he knows really irritates her, and does it just to see her fuss at him. He's attracted to her, knows she's attracted to him, and is quite willing to pursue that attraction and see where it goes. I loved the way he took her on dates, from going out to dinner to a romantic picnic in the barn loft so he can show her an awesome sunset. He's cautious about having her over to his place for dinner, having been burned by a woman who tried to take over his life. I loved seeing him call her at night so they could talk on the phone, especially if they hadn't seen each other during the day. His sweetness and caring when he took care of her after she fell down his stairs was awesome. I loved that he could tease her one minute and be sweet the next. I also enjoyed seeing that they could be serious together also.
Pearl is a lot of fun. She is definitely independent and has no trouble standing up for herself. The Christmas Eve influx of guests to the motel shows her ability to think on her feet very well. The descriptions of the various guests were fantastic and I loved seeing her deal with the various crises. I loved seeing her give Wil a piece of her mind over his dog, but also save him from the teenage girls who were going to cause him trouble. In spite of being worried about falling for a "bad boy" she took the time to make sure the cops knew he couldn't have committed that murder. I loved seeing her put him to work cleaning rooms when he offered to help. Even though she tried to keep her distance she just couldn't resist being with him. I loved the way they kept trying to outdo each other. The shots competition on New Year's Eve was hysterical.
I loved the development of their romance as they actually took the time to get to know each other. They got pretty comfortable with each other before they pulled their families into the mix. I loved the Sunday dinners that they had with the other's family. Wil's family, especially his mother, were a little hard to like at the beginning. I liked the way that Pearl held her own and the way his mom came around a few days later. Wil's visit to Pearl's family was great. I enjoyed her teasing him before they got there by exaggerating about her female relations and the slightly panicked look he gave her before she came clean. I really liked the whole conversation Pearl had with them while Wil was with her father. It was easy to see where Pearl got her attitude. Especially loved the way she made Wil blush!
The secondary characters always make the books even better. It was fun seeing more of Austin and Rye from the first book and getting their input on the relationship between Wil and Pearl. One of the best characters is Lucy, the abused woman that Pearl hires to help at the motel. I loved her back story and the way it highlighted Pearl's caring personality. It was fun to see Lucy grow from nervous to outgoing and what a big part of the story she became. I liked the way that she and Pearl made taking care of abused women such an important part of their lives. I loved some of the things Lucy said to Pearl and how she did her best to help things along with Pearl and Wil.
July 9, 2013
I love me an 'aww shucks' cowboy. Our boy Wil Marshall was the real deal! As Pear had said,
"Can't have one of those guys who are all boots and no cattle!"
This was a fun, fairly angst-free read. I kept expecting some suspense but none came. No worries! It was hot and sweet and I loved the fact that it was actually written in a backwoods country way.
What started this country romance?
A power outage.
![]()
A crazy dog.
A crazier, lazier cat.
An "almost" arrest.
A fall down the stairs.
"I hear you were trying to fly with no wings!"
And the rest is history!
... "Why do you let him call you Red?"
"Three times... three times"
Hehehe
"Can't have one of those guys who are all boots and no cattle!"
This was a fun, fairly angst-free read. I kept expecting some suspense but none came. No worries! It was hot and sweet and I loved the fact that it was actually written in a backwoods country way.
What started this country romance?
A power outage.
A crazy dog.
A crazier, lazier cat.
An "almost" arrest.
A fall down the stairs.
"I hear you were trying to fly with no wings!"
And the rest is history!
... "Why do you let him call you Red?"
"Three times... three times"
Hehehe
October 27, 2022
Disappointed
I always enjoy Carolyn Brown's stories of female friendships but in this book they were just an afterthought. All this book was about was these two characters having sex. I have nothing against a good love scene, but all this story did was contrive ways for these two to get naked. And it was BORING at that. There were so many opportunities to focus on the women and their relationships but every single one was missed. If I had known that the book was originally titled Red's Hot Cowboy, I never would have bothered with it. I guess we know why it was renamed and red released.
I always enjoy Carolyn Brown's stories of female friendships but in this book they were just an afterthought. All this book was about was these two characters having sex. I have nothing against a good love scene, but all this story did was contrive ways for these two to get naked. And it was BORING at that. There were so many opportunities to focus on the women and their relationships but every single one was missed. If I had known that the book was originally titled Red's Hot Cowboy, I never would have bothered with it. I guess we know why it was renamed and red released.
May 9, 2018
What a fun book! I love Carolyn Brown's style of writing. She makes you feel like you are part of the story. Fun spunky character's and always the ever hilarious older ladies! Pearl inherits her Aunt's motel in a small town. The fun begins when a sexy cowboy named Wil comes to spend a night in her motel and the very next day the cops come to arrest him for murder! Mistaken identity! Great humor and moments that you want to thump both characters in the head. Hang on for the ride!
August 7, 2018
A fun read
July 28, 2024
One of the best Carolyn Brown books I have ever read, which is a lot. I need me a Wil for sure.
August 9, 2011
More a 3,75
This one can be read as a stand alone even if it is in a series. We met Pearl and Wil briefly in book 1 and in this book they meet each other for the first time.
This book is just sweet as butter on fried chicken, oh wait, that wasn't a good one, I am not good at creating these sayings. Brown just this way with words in the book but I am not as good as her. And I love those sayings! This book just makes me want to get a cowboy of my own, listen to country music (which I have started to do) and just enjoy it all. It had me smiling and looking around the room for someone to tell how darn sweet it was.
On to the story: Pearl had a good job but gave it up to run her aunt's motel. Sure the work was hard, but she wanted change and I liked how she just took a chance like that. She is also really sassy and she meets her match in Wil. A cowboy and farmer to the core, and he is just the man to tame her. Together they were just lovely. It's lust at once, but they still take it sort of slow (I said sort of), get to know each other and realize that they are just meant to be. The book is truly their story, how he courts her and how they get their HEA.
There is also the plot about the help she hires at the motel and I liked Lucy. And of course we meet everyone we met in book 1. There are more cowboys who will fall in love and I can't wait to read about the O'Donnell brothers.
Conclusion:
The word is sweet. I love the characters, the way they interact and the whole atmosphere. She makes me want to read more books just like this.
Rating.
Yes I will say it again, sweet as pecan pie (which I have never tasted but I hope it is sweet)
This one can be read as a stand alone even if it is in a series. We met Pearl and Wil briefly in book 1 and in this book they meet each other for the first time.
This book is just sweet as butter on fried chicken, oh wait, that wasn't a good one, I am not good at creating these sayings. Brown just this way with words in the book but I am not as good as her. And I love those sayings! This book just makes me want to get a cowboy of my own, listen to country music (which I have started to do) and just enjoy it all. It had me smiling and looking around the room for someone to tell how darn sweet it was.
On to the story: Pearl had a good job but gave it up to run her aunt's motel. Sure the work was hard, but she wanted change and I liked how she just took a chance like that. She is also really sassy and she meets her match in Wil. A cowboy and farmer to the core, and he is just the man to tame her. Together they were just lovely. It's lust at once, but they still take it sort of slow (I said sort of), get to know each other and realize that they are just meant to be. The book is truly their story, how he courts her and how they get their HEA.
There is also the plot about the help she hires at the motel and I liked Lucy. And of course we meet everyone we met in book 1. There are more cowboys who will fall in love and I can't wait to read about the O'Donnell brothers.
Conclusion:
The word is sweet. I love the characters, the way they interact and the whole atmosphere. She makes me want to read more books just like this.
Rating.
Yes I will say it again, sweet as pecan pie (which I have never tasted but I hope it is sweet)
July 1, 2013
Woohoo! I was so excited when I received Carolyn Brown's new book to review! I love her writing and her books are awesome! Those cowboys just get me excited.
Katy Pearl Richland 'Pearl' is a party girl. But when her aunt passes away and bequeaths everything to Pearl, she doesn't waste much time leaving the big city for a small town. She's new new owner of The Loghorn Inn motel and it may be run-down, but Pearl has some ideas. She loves owning her own business but she doesn't like the fact she doesn't have time to party or a date.
When the power goes out, the Inn gets full for the first time and Pearl is on her toes catering to her guests needs. Wil Marshall may be a nice tall drink of water but Pearl keeps murmuring to herself that he is a bad boy.....bad. When he gets arrested while staying there for murdering someone, her instincts are right on. But Wil is innocent and he can't keep his eyes or his hands off of Pearl. They give as good as they get and the sparks fly in this western contemporary romance.
Ms. Brown is a superstar at writing western romances and Red's Hot Cowboy is full-throttle fun. The characters are spitfires with hearts of gold. The chemistry between Pearl and Wil will knock your socks off and the whole cast is entertaining, as only Ms. Brown's can be. Another surefire winner! I loved it!!
Katy Pearl Richland 'Pearl' is a party girl. But when her aunt passes away and bequeaths everything to Pearl, she doesn't waste much time leaving the big city for a small town. She's new new owner of The Loghorn Inn motel and it may be run-down, but Pearl has some ideas. She loves owning her own business but she doesn't like the fact she doesn't have time to party or a date.
When the power goes out, the Inn gets full for the first time and Pearl is on her toes catering to her guests needs. Wil Marshall may be a nice tall drink of water but Pearl keeps murmuring to herself that he is a bad boy.....bad. When he gets arrested while staying there for murdering someone, her instincts are right on. But Wil is innocent and he can't keep his eyes or his hands off of Pearl. They give as good as they get and the sparks fly in this western contemporary romance.
Ms. Brown is a superstar at writing western romances and Red's Hot Cowboy is full-throttle fun. The characters are spitfires with hearts of gold. The chemistry between Pearl and Wil will knock your socks off and the whole cast is entertaining, as only Ms. Brown's can be. Another surefire winner! I loved it!!
February 25, 2024
He wasn't looking for trouble...
But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble's definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil's not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner—who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot—saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time.
...But Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes
Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn't leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.
But if he calls her Red one more time, he won't be the only one accused of murder.
Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door.
A fun love story, two people together both full of spit and vinegar. The plot was well done and a pleasure to read.
October 26, 2013
A pretty good story with likeable characters. Parts of it dragged, though, with a lot of interaction with relatives and supporting characters that didn't add a thing to the story line. The author throws in a lot of colloquial speech which really doesn't add that much to the plot. I got really tired of reading present participles that ended with "in'". The dialogue is also full of colloquialisms and just plain bad grammar -- lots of ain'ts, done goods, me ands. I guess it's supposed to add local color, but towards the end of the book I found myself paying more attention to the language than to the plot.
I've read a couple of the author's other books and liked them a lot. This one not so much. I'll keep on reading her but with caution.
I've read a couple of the author's other books and liked them a lot. This one not so much. I'll keep on reading her but with caution.
February 28, 2022
Too Many Sex Scenes
I have loved all Carolyn Brown books. They are usually written around interesting characters and very entertaining. But this book was overloaded with sex scenes, starting almost in the beginning. It was too much like pulp paper backs. I was very disappointed.
I have loved all Carolyn Brown books. They are usually written around interesting characters and very entertaining. But this book was overloaded with sex scenes, starting almost in the beginning. It was too much like pulp paper backs. I was very disappointed.
April 14, 2018
Red hot sex
No this one wasn't that good , no story really, and you get tired of the dialogs , and then there is the sex, I like a good sexy book but that's all this one is and the two of them thinking, no this one is boring and disappointing, compared to her other books.
No this one wasn't that good , no story really, and you get tired of the dialogs , and then there is the sex, I like a good sexy book but that's all this one is and the two of them thinking, no this one is boring and disappointing, compared to her other books.
July 23, 2012
I've read a few Carolyn Brown books that I have enjoyed a lot, but this one just didn't do it for me.
February 12, 2014
Nothing happens….no drama, no villain, no conflict, just a whole lot of nothing.
July 14, 2022
too much
Just not what I’ve grown to expect from Carolyn Brown. Language was unrealistic for this Texas girl. Very little substance and too much sex.
Just not what I’ve grown to expect from Carolyn Brown. Language was unrealistic for this Texas girl. Very little substance and too much sex.
October 22, 2011
Carolyn Brown and I have done a back-and-forth dance through her books that can rival the Cotton-Eyed Joe. I usually enjoy her characters. Her humor is down-home. The storyline concepts she envisions are fun. But after reading five or six of Ms. Brown’s books, they’re starting to sound the same. Red’s Hot Cowboy hits each of these points straight on, no deviation at all.
While Pearl, aka Red, a name she despises, is feisty and pretty much knows her own mind and does what she wants, she’s also a little too pushy, too brash-y when it comes right down to it. This is all conveyed through dialogue versus actions, especially when these characters carry on conversations. I just can’t get past the fact that folks just don’t speak to each other the way these characters do a good portion of the time. There’s always a tone of antagonism, irritation, anger much more than there is of teasing or laughter. Which is sad, because Ms. Brown has a great sense of humor. I do find myself chuckling here and there at something her characters say or do. But all of that is negated when you have a heroine you don’t like very much.
Pearl has left her banking job when she inherits the motel her beloved aunt owned for years, a place at which Pearl visited during her younger years and still holds special memories of it in her heart. She’s been wanting to do something different with her life, so she jumps at this opportunity. And she flourishes from the moment the first customer walks through her doors. It’s now Christmas Eve and she’s not expecting much business, but when the electricity goes out all over Henrietta, Texas, her rooms on the outskirts of town fill up fast, lights and heat still working. One of those seeking comfort is Wil Marshall, a sexy cowboy who is going to be nothing but trouble.
The man and his dog are minding their own business, after a delightful repartee with the red-headed motel owner, when the police arrest Wil for murder. Thank goodness Red is willing to be his alibi, even despite threatening him within an inch of his life if he ever calls her that silly nickname again. She’s not willing, however, to be anything more than that, and he thinks she really wouldn’t want to be saddled to just one man. But that doesn’t deter this cowboy. And I’m not sure why. From moment one Pearl is rather mean when dealing with Wil. She’s mouthy and rude, so for the life of me I can’t understand why he comes back for more. I enjoyed Wil a lot, so much more than Pearl. He’s lately been thinking about the future, a family, things a man knows he’ll eventually need and want in his life. He’s a gentleman. He’s fun. Ripped and sexy too. What’s not to like? Pearl does acknowledge these things here and there, in between erroneously believing he’s a bad boy. I never could figure out why she thought that. Wil goes out of his way to get close to Pearl, and I have to say I like his romanticism. He had my heart from the beginning.
And that’s usually how it goes with me when reading Ms. Brown’s stories. I always like the hero, but the heroine very rarely works for me. I know the author is trying to make her spunky and independent, but she never reads that way most of the time. That’s part of my assertion that her books are starting to sound the same. The same mold is used for heroine after heroine. I know Ms. Brown can write women outside of this mold, I’ve read two of her books that feature women so very different from the Brown heroine norm. Those types of heroines need to happen more often. And the dialogue needs to change. A beginning point would be to use contractions. Characters are too stiff and awkward without this little bit of punctuation, and it’s also difficult to read, pulling you out of the story way to often. But all characters sound the same, have the same voice. There’s nothing distinct about them when they speak. I have a feeling they all sound like Ms. Brown herself or perhaps someone very close to her. Head-hopping is also a big problem, which I’ve mentioned in reviews before, so I won’t say any more than that on this particular subject.
Another nitpick I have is the heavy-handedness in the use of description. Where it should take only a paragraph for non-essential things to be described, Ms. Brown uses two or more to get her point across. Ninety-nine percent of the time, readers don’t care about whatever is being described, so it needs to be toned down. A lot. Here’s an example from Chapter 17 when Wil takes Pearl to meet his family and they’re at the dinner table:
"'There’s the dinner bell,' Jessie said. He took his place at the head of the table. Martha Jane sat on his right with Amelia and then her husband next. Carleen’s husband took the other end of the table with Carleen to his right. Wil pulled out a chair beside his sister and seated Pearl before taking his customary place to his father’s left.
After Martha Jane delivered a very brief grace, Jessie picked up the platter of chicken and passed it to Wil. He took a leg and passed it on to Pearl who forked a leg and sent it on to Carleen who took a piece of white meat and handed it over her shoulder to one of the grandchildren. That kid took a piece and sent it on to the next kid who did the same and gave it back to Carleen’s husband."
I. Don’t. Care. I can’t imagine any reader caring who sits where and who takes what piece of chicken at the table. All of that could have been said in a line or two. Without nameless kids. Or it could have been left out entirely, because the very next paragraph after this is all that’s needed. And this book is full of examples such as this about a multitude of pointless things. That’s when a reader starts skimming a book, and no author wants that. I know Ms. Brown is quite capable of getting to her point very succinctly.
There are a few nice moments in this book. The first is the introduction of Lucy Fontaine. She’s just escaped from her abusive husband, and a friend of Pearl’s recommends she hire Lucy to help out at the motel. Lucy is so appreciative of the offer of help and she’s not afraid of hard work. This is where Pearl becomes the type of heroine who a reader can like and enjoy. She feels for Lucy, as any woman would. They come up with the idea of making the motel an underground sanctuary for abused women who have finally had enough, taking their children and running. Pearl gives those helping these women discounts on the rooms, fills the refrigerators with food, the rooms stocked with clothes and other amenities the rest of us not in such dire circumstances take for granted. There’s even a point in the story where the bus driver for these escapees tells them about his sister, and that actually brought tears to my eyes.
I also like that Wil and Pearl get to the point where they talk on the phone at night before going to bed, waiting to consummate their relationship until they know one another better, even though lust courses through them when they’re together. Wil sends Pearl a text, “I miss you.” How sweet is that? He romances Pearl just as sweetly, my favorite scene is in the hayloft with a tray of food and other romantic thoughts from this man.
So I know Ms. Brown can put together a story that does and will hold a reader’s interest more than a few chapters at a time. Tightening the writing, not writing dialogue the way you personally speak, and toning down your heroines (and even secondary characters) in deed but most especially in speech would be a terrific beginning. Keep the humor and change your heroes only very slightly.
Otherwise, skimming can very easily become a way of life for any reader of these light-hearted westerns.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
While Pearl, aka Red, a name she despises, is feisty and pretty much knows her own mind and does what she wants, she’s also a little too pushy, too brash-y when it comes right down to it. This is all conveyed through dialogue versus actions, especially when these characters carry on conversations. I just can’t get past the fact that folks just don’t speak to each other the way these characters do a good portion of the time. There’s always a tone of antagonism, irritation, anger much more than there is of teasing or laughter. Which is sad, because Ms. Brown has a great sense of humor. I do find myself chuckling here and there at something her characters say or do. But all of that is negated when you have a heroine you don’t like very much.
Pearl has left her banking job when she inherits the motel her beloved aunt owned for years, a place at which Pearl visited during her younger years and still holds special memories of it in her heart. She’s been wanting to do something different with her life, so she jumps at this opportunity. And she flourishes from the moment the first customer walks through her doors. It’s now Christmas Eve and she’s not expecting much business, but when the electricity goes out all over Henrietta, Texas, her rooms on the outskirts of town fill up fast, lights and heat still working. One of those seeking comfort is Wil Marshall, a sexy cowboy who is going to be nothing but trouble.
The man and his dog are minding their own business, after a delightful repartee with the red-headed motel owner, when the police arrest Wil for murder. Thank goodness Red is willing to be his alibi, even despite threatening him within an inch of his life if he ever calls her that silly nickname again. She’s not willing, however, to be anything more than that, and he thinks she really wouldn’t want to be saddled to just one man. But that doesn’t deter this cowboy. And I’m not sure why. From moment one Pearl is rather mean when dealing with Wil. She’s mouthy and rude, so for the life of me I can’t understand why he comes back for more. I enjoyed Wil a lot, so much more than Pearl. He’s lately been thinking about the future, a family, things a man knows he’ll eventually need and want in his life. He’s a gentleman. He’s fun. Ripped and sexy too. What’s not to like? Pearl does acknowledge these things here and there, in between erroneously believing he’s a bad boy. I never could figure out why she thought that. Wil goes out of his way to get close to Pearl, and I have to say I like his romanticism. He had my heart from the beginning.
And that’s usually how it goes with me when reading Ms. Brown’s stories. I always like the hero, but the heroine very rarely works for me. I know the author is trying to make her spunky and independent, but she never reads that way most of the time. That’s part of my assertion that her books are starting to sound the same. The same mold is used for heroine after heroine. I know Ms. Brown can write women outside of this mold, I’ve read two of her books that feature women so very different from the Brown heroine norm. Those types of heroines need to happen more often. And the dialogue needs to change. A beginning point would be to use contractions. Characters are too stiff and awkward without this little bit of punctuation, and it’s also difficult to read, pulling you out of the story way to often. But all characters sound the same, have the same voice. There’s nothing distinct about them when they speak. I have a feeling they all sound like Ms. Brown herself or perhaps someone very close to her. Head-hopping is also a big problem, which I’ve mentioned in reviews before, so I won’t say any more than that on this particular subject.
Another nitpick I have is the heavy-handedness in the use of description. Where it should take only a paragraph for non-essential things to be described, Ms. Brown uses two or more to get her point across. Ninety-nine percent of the time, readers don’t care about whatever is being described, so it needs to be toned down. A lot. Here’s an example from Chapter 17 when Wil takes Pearl to meet his family and they’re at the dinner table:
"'There’s the dinner bell,' Jessie said. He took his place at the head of the table. Martha Jane sat on his right with Amelia and then her husband next. Carleen’s husband took the other end of the table with Carleen to his right. Wil pulled out a chair beside his sister and seated Pearl before taking his customary place to his father’s left.
After Martha Jane delivered a very brief grace, Jessie picked up the platter of chicken and passed it to Wil. He took a leg and passed it on to Pearl who forked a leg and sent it on to Carleen who took a piece of white meat and handed it over her shoulder to one of the grandchildren. That kid took a piece and sent it on to the next kid who did the same and gave it back to Carleen’s husband."
I. Don’t. Care. I can’t imagine any reader caring who sits where and who takes what piece of chicken at the table. All of that could have been said in a line or two. Without nameless kids. Or it could have been left out entirely, because the very next paragraph after this is all that’s needed. And this book is full of examples such as this about a multitude of pointless things. That’s when a reader starts skimming a book, and no author wants that. I know Ms. Brown is quite capable of getting to her point very succinctly.
There are a few nice moments in this book. The first is the introduction of Lucy Fontaine. She’s just escaped from her abusive husband, and a friend of Pearl’s recommends she hire Lucy to help out at the motel. Lucy is so appreciative of the offer of help and she’s not afraid of hard work. This is where Pearl becomes the type of heroine who a reader can like and enjoy. She feels for Lucy, as any woman would. They come up with the idea of making the motel an underground sanctuary for abused women who have finally had enough, taking their children and running. Pearl gives those helping these women discounts on the rooms, fills the refrigerators with food, the rooms stocked with clothes and other amenities the rest of us not in such dire circumstances take for granted. There’s even a point in the story where the bus driver for these escapees tells them about his sister, and that actually brought tears to my eyes.
I also like that Wil and Pearl get to the point where they talk on the phone at night before going to bed, waiting to consummate their relationship until they know one another better, even though lust courses through them when they’re together. Wil sends Pearl a text, “I miss you.” How sweet is that? He romances Pearl just as sweetly, my favorite scene is in the hayloft with a tray of food and other romantic thoughts from this man.
So I know Ms. Brown can put together a story that does and will hold a reader’s interest more than a few chapters at a time. Tightening the writing, not writing dialogue the way you personally speak, and toning down your heroines (and even secondary characters) in deed but most especially in speech would be a terrific beginning. Keep the humor and change your heroes only very slightly.
Otherwise, skimming can very easily become a way of life for any reader of these light-hearted westerns.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
March 30, 2020
Former party girl Pearl Richland inherited a small rundown hotel from her aunt and has decided to be an entrepreneur instead of a banker. Having spent her summers there growing up, fond memories, a lot of work and knowing a few of her neighbors help Pearl settle in quickly.
When a storm blows the electricity in the area, rancher Wil Marshall decides he’d rather spend the night at the Longhorn Inn rather than his own home with the fireplace. Little did he know he get the treat of meeting the new girl in town, be stalked by teen-aged girls or be roused from him bed at gunpoint by police for murder!
Quite a few of the characters from Love Drunk Cowboy made appearances. Pearl and Wil had chemistry and a nice flirt through the read but it went too long and her inner dialog too repetitious. Thankfully, editing errors (typos, wrong words and too many words) didn’t take away the fun of the read but annoyed throughout.
Rating: 3.5stars
When a storm blows the electricity in the area, rancher Wil Marshall decides he’d rather spend the night at the Longhorn Inn rather than his own home with the fireplace. Little did he know he get the treat of meeting the new girl in town, be stalked by teen-aged girls or be roused from him bed at gunpoint by police for murder!
Quite a few of the characters from Love Drunk Cowboy made appearances. Pearl and Wil had chemistry and a nice flirt through the read but it went too long and her inner dialog too repetitious. Thankfully, editing errors (typos, wrong words and too many words) didn’t take away the fun of the read but annoyed throughout.
Rating: 3.5stars
May 13, 2017
He wasn't looking for trouble...
But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble's definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil's not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner-who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot-saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time...
But trouble comes in all shapes and sizes...
Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn't leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.
But if he calls her Red one more time, he won't be the only one accused of murder...
Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door
But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble's definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil's not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner-who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot-saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time...
But trouble comes in all shapes and sizes...
Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn't leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.
But if he calls her Red one more time, he won't be the only one accused of murder...
Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door
September 14, 2024
Have seen this author's books around for years, at the library, the breakroom at work always had quite a few, but this is the first book of hers I have read. It is not what I expected! It is romantic and hot with humor and emotion sprinkled in. Love the cowboy theme and Pearl the red headed spitfire that inherits her grandma's motel and leaves the city to run it. Side characters had a lot of depth and the Lucy the runaway abused wife was smart and well done.
Wil the hot cowboy was a good guy. Yeah he was handsome and had been around a lot but never once he meets Pearl. The story was interesting, charming and true to Texas with the weather issues!
Wil the hot cowboy was a good guy. Yeah he was handsome and had been around a lot but never once he meets Pearl. The story was interesting, charming and true to Texas with the weather issues!
March 6, 2022
THE HONEYMOON INN by Carolyn Brown (formerly RED’S HOT COWBOY) of Spikes & Spurs series. The motel, once known as the Longhorn Inn, is now the Honeymoon Inn. LOVE STRUCK CAFÉ is a bonus story
THE HONEYMOON INN has lively characters in quirky small-town Texas where one feisty woman trade in her city heels for cowboy boots and finds herself in a fiery fling with a cowboy so hot and sexy, he’ll make you swoon.
Carolyn Brown writes sassy contemporary romances with tender and passionate love scenes, sexy, hot cowboys, sexy banter, sassy women, and so much more.
THE HONEYMOON INN has lively characters in quirky small-town Texas where one feisty woman trade in her city heels for cowboy boots and finds herself in a fiery fling with a cowboy so hot and sexy, he’ll make you swoon.
Carolyn Brown writes sassy contemporary romances with tender and passionate love scenes, sexy, hot cowboys, sexy banter, sassy women, and so much more.
October 4, 2011
Ok, so I'm into cowboys right at the moment and that is just the way it is! I never thought I would be--there have been many years when I looked at an American historical or contemporary "Western" novel and just shuddered. No way, no how! Just give me another gorgeous Regency historical and I'll be a happy camper, or so I said. Yet I find myself enjoying American historicals more and more and as well as gravitating toward those tall, broad-shouldered, dark, handsome, mysterious cowboy types. Go figure.
In the process I have discovered some really good books and some very good authors. I think Carolyn Brown is one of those. This particular novel is the second book in her "Spikes and Spurs" series. The main characters are completely new and references to the first book are not very obvious unless the reader has read that first novel: Love Drunk Cowboy. This is definitely a stand alone book. Yet it bears the marks of good writing, unique characters, sparkling repartee, humor, and an underlying emotional stream that also embraces a social ill or two.
Another reason I liked this book will be obvious to anyone who knows me personally--as a redhead I had a really hard time when people referred to me as "Red." I would invariably respond: "That's not my name!!" The only person who got away with that was my favorite uncle who I adored, who I saw very little because of geographical location, and who always treated me like I was his daughter (as he had no children of his own). Anyone else got a dirty look and perhaps a few well-chosen "not nice" words. So it was with this heroine. Pearl just didn't like it, period! And she made her feelings known whenever the occasion arose. She finally caved and allowed Wil to call her that because of his solicitous care and kindness when she sustained a mild concussion and multiple bruises after a bad fall. And I think she became more and more accepting of his calling her by this nickname because her feelings for Wil were getting warmer as time went on.
This story is really about the need for a very bright, very driven woman to make her own way in the world even though her education, family expectations, and career path seemed to be pointing in a different direction. Throughout the narrative Pearl reasserted her desire, her need to be her own person, even though her refined, Georgia-raised aristocratic mother seemed unable to accept her for who she was. Pearl loved being the owner of an old motel in a little burg in Texas rather than an up and coming banking executive. She loved opening her doors to people of all kinds, of being a part of an "underground" effort to protect abused women and children, of using her mind and resources to live her own style. She loved driving a vintage Cadillac, of sharing her cat with Lucy who lived and worked at her motel, of sharing her life with her best friends, of using her inheritance to allow a best friend to launch her own dream. Pearl was her own person and she was determined to remain so.
Yet Pearl's heart was no longer satisfied with the thrill of the chase, the flirting, the dizzy tingles of lust and first attraction. She knew she had to face her past, her collection of "demons" associated with love, her fears of being once again abandoned by someone to whom she had given her heart. Both she and Wil needed to trust--I think she more than Wil, really--and recognize that being with one man, especially a man to whom she was precious, was what she desired and for which she hungered more than anything.
I really love a good story, a good love story--to be exact--but a story that brings in lots of interesting side issues. This novel does just that. Pearl's good friend Austin (whose story is featured in the first book) is still lurking. But Pearl's best childhood friend, Jasmine, is a woman who also had a dream and the account of her "liberation" is a part of this novel is a way that does not take away from Pearl and Wil's story, but really enhances the reader's understanding of how Pearl's mind works and her degree of loyalty to those who have stood by her through thick and thin. Austin's two bachelor brothers-in-law are hanging around, wafting in and out of the narrative, actually being present to put just a bit of pressure on Wil to make up his mind about his relationship with Pearl, not a presence to be taken lightly, as it turns out. Both those guys would have loved to date the beautiful redhead. (Raylen's and Dewar's stories are coming up in future books, I have a feeling.) I think you'll like Pearl's grandmother and great-aunt Kate--two very open-minded and open-hearted women who bicker constantly about tradition vs modern thinking where women are concerned, and their responses to Wil are just a hoot!
If you like cowboys, I think you'll like this series and this book. Just lots of fun, good relationship, fun family scenes, the push-pull of a growing relationship between two people who have been around for a while and who feel a growing need to be "settled." It is about friendship and loyalty, generosity and healing, kindness and caring, and lots of good humor. It is the kind of book I found incredibly satisfying for an afternoon read and one I am delighted to have encountered. This novel will be turning up in stores very soon if not already on the shelves, and I encourage you to get it.
I give this novel a rating of 4.25 out of 4
This review was originally posted by Judith on Book Binge.
In the process I have discovered some really good books and some very good authors. I think Carolyn Brown is one of those. This particular novel is the second book in her "Spikes and Spurs" series. The main characters are completely new and references to the first book are not very obvious unless the reader has read that first novel: Love Drunk Cowboy. This is definitely a stand alone book. Yet it bears the marks of good writing, unique characters, sparkling repartee, humor, and an underlying emotional stream that also embraces a social ill or two.
Another reason I liked this book will be obvious to anyone who knows me personally--as a redhead I had a really hard time when people referred to me as "Red." I would invariably respond: "That's not my name!!" The only person who got away with that was my favorite uncle who I adored, who I saw very little because of geographical location, and who always treated me like I was his daughter (as he had no children of his own). Anyone else got a dirty look and perhaps a few well-chosen "not nice" words. So it was with this heroine. Pearl just didn't like it, period! And she made her feelings known whenever the occasion arose. She finally caved and allowed Wil to call her that because of his solicitous care and kindness when she sustained a mild concussion and multiple bruises after a bad fall. And I think she became more and more accepting of his calling her by this nickname because her feelings for Wil were getting warmer as time went on.
This story is really about the need for a very bright, very driven woman to make her own way in the world even though her education, family expectations, and career path seemed to be pointing in a different direction. Throughout the narrative Pearl reasserted her desire, her need to be her own person, even though her refined, Georgia-raised aristocratic mother seemed unable to accept her for who she was. Pearl loved being the owner of an old motel in a little burg in Texas rather than an up and coming banking executive. She loved opening her doors to people of all kinds, of being a part of an "underground" effort to protect abused women and children, of using her mind and resources to live her own style. She loved driving a vintage Cadillac, of sharing her cat with Lucy who lived and worked at her motel, of sharing her life with her best friends, of using her inheritance to allow a best friend to launch her own dream. Pearl was her own person and she was determined to remain so.
Yet Pearl's heart was no longer satisfied with the thrill of the chase, the flirting, the dizzy tingles of lust and first attraction. She knew she had to face her past, her collection of "demons" associated with love, her fears of being once again abandoned by someone to whom she had given her heart. Both she and Wil needed to trust--I think she more than Wil, really--and recognize that being with one man, especially a man to whom she was precious, was what she desired and for which she hungered more than anything.
I really love a good story, a good love story--to be exact--but a story that brings in lots of interesting side issues. This novel does just that. Pearl's good friend Austin (whose story is featured in the first book) is still lurking. But Pearl's best childhood friend, Jasmine, is a woman who also had a dream and the account of her "liberation" is a part of this novel is a way that does not take away from Pearl and Wil's story, but really enhances the reader's understanding of how Pearl's mind works and her degree of loyalty to those who have stood by her through thick and thin. Austin's two bachelor brothers-in-law are hanging around, wafting in and out of the narrative, actually being present to put just a bit of pressure on Wil to make up his mind about his relationship with Pearl, not a presence to be taken lightly, as it turns out. Both those guys would have loved to date the beautiful redhead. (Raylen's and Dewar's stories are coming up in future books, I have a feeling.) I think you'll like Pearl's grandmother and great-aunt Kate--two very open-minded and open-hearted women who bicker constantly about tradition vs modern thinking where women are concerned, and their responses to Wil are just a hoot!
If you like cowboys, I think you'll like this series and this book. Just lots of fun, good relationship, fun family scenes, the push-pull of a growing relationship between two people who have been around for a while and who feel a growing need to be "settled." It is about friendship and loyalty, generosity and healing, kindness and caring, and lots of good humor. It is the kind of book I found incredibly satisfying for an afternoon read and one I am delighted to have encountered. This novel will be turning up in stores very soon if not already on the shelves, and I encourage you to get it.
I give this novel a rating of 4.25 out of 4
This review was originally posted by Judith on Book Binge.
June 6, 2022
This book is also known as Red's Hot Cowboy. Will meets Red and the resulting police incident begins their relationship. It does get better from there, though. Wil is a rancher and Pearl is one at heart even though she is now the owner of a small motel. She isn't sure enough about Wil to trust him all the way but eventually they both take that leap of faith. The book is full of sassy aunts, Southern and Texas mamas, quieter dads, and impudent children. It will make you laugh, though.
October 1, 2022
Five stars
I have been reading Carolyn Brown's book for as long as she has been writing. Every once in a while I stumble across one that I missed. This is one of them. As always, her books are full of spunky, sassy leading ladies and drop dead handsome , hunky men. Add those ingredients to the books being set in my home state of Texas and I am sold. I highly recommend it to readers young and old.
I have been reading Carolyn Brown's book for as long as she has been writing. Every once in a while I stumble across one that I missed. This is one of them. As always, her books are full of spunky, sassy leading ladies and drop dead handsome , hunky men. Add those ingredients to the books being set in my home state of Texas and I am sold. I highly recommend it to readers young and old.
October 19, 2017
Wil Marshall is certainly not looking for a relationship and definitley not love. The same went for Pearl Richland. She inherited the Longhorn Inn from her aunt Pearletta and was happy as an innkeeper. A power outage brought Wil and Pearl together...now you can read this and follow their trip to a happy ever after. I loved every minute of this book and was sad for it to end.
May 6, 2019
Library. I liked it alright for a library book. I enjoyed reading the story of Wil and Pearl but, I'm not sure if I will be reading the next book because it's not available in the library and I really don't think this series is worth a purchase.
But it is a light read and it was ok entertaining.
But it is a light read and it was ok entertaining.
August 14, 2022
Red's Hot Lover was the former title
Even though the title changed and the book cover, I hadn't read it before! In fact, I read the paperback fro!m our local library. Cute story, good book. I don't believe In have ever read a bad book of Carolyn Brown's! Wouldn't want the name Pearlita tho'!
Even though the title changed and the book cover, I hadn't read it before! In fact, I read the paperback fro!m our local library. Cute story, good book. I don't believe In have ever read a bad book of Carolyn Brown's! Wouldn't want the name Pearlita tho'!
September 19, 2022
As this was my entry in to Carolyn Brown’s work, I have to say this book was the perfect one to start on. I’m a hospitality lover (hotel junkie to be specific) and this plot reeled me in and sealed the deal with a fun cowboy romance. With undertones of women empowerment sprinkled in, this story had many takeaways and was easy to paint a picture in my head. Highly recommend!
September 27, 2023
I have always liked anything that I have read by Carolyn Brown including the Spikes and Spurs series. The series is about three city girls who trade in their high powered lives for cowboy boots & move to the country town of Red River. Once they are in Red River they seem to also be attracted to hot cowboys. Who can't love a good cowboy romance.
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