Book Review: Learning The Ropes- T.J. Kline

Title: Learning The Ropes 

Author:  T.J. Kline

Publisher/Year: Avon Impulse/2014

Genre: Romance, Cowboy, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format:  ePub from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Juicy Stuff:

Rule #1—Don't lose focus...

Barrel racer Alicia Kanani has had a long road to the top – and she's not quite there yet. Finances have always been tight, and in the glitz and glam world of professional rodeo, that means that second best is probably the best she can hope for. With the National Finals coming up, she's certainly not looking for a pair of cowboys to distract her.

Rule #2—Don't gamble what you can't live without…

Playboy Chris Thomas is sure Alicia's the perfect woman for his level-headed team roping partner, David Greenly. It seems like a match, until Chris realizes he wants Alicia for himself. The stakes have been raised; David and Chris are supposed to be a team, and this time, they're on opposite sides.

Can Alicia rope this playboy's heart, or will they find themselves too tangled up to let true love in?

How It Made Me Feel:

I don't even know where to begin!  I absolutely loved this book from the beginning to the end.  It was a book that took me to a place very much like home with characters I knew I would be friends with if given the chance.  I loved the fact that the rodeo was the background.  Being a horse person myself, having horses as such big parts in books can either crash or succeed.  This book succeeded on so many levels.  It was obvious that the author has a background in horses herself, and her writing was a positive reflection of that.  Plus, who can say no to sexy cowboys?  I know I can't! :3 

What I Thought Worked:

I loved how dimensional Chris was.  He had the one persona that was on fire at each and every rodeo, but there was also that softer side that only a few saw and even then, it was few and far between.  I loved that he had humanistic problems that made him think and make mistakes and react passionately.  He was a real character to me, as well as Ali and David. 

What I Thought Didn't Work:

As cliche as it might be to hear, I wish the book hadn't ended.  I could have easily kept on reading about their lives and interactions and riding the horses.  I wasn't ready for the ending and I am still wishing for more.

Rating

Why It Got That Rating:

It's been a while since I've read an equine related romance novel that I could stand 100% behind.  I loved how correct the author was in her equine terminology and rodeo descriptions as well as how perfect her characters were.

Who Would I Recommend To:

I would recommend to anyone looking for a hot cowboy to fall for, contemporary romances, or even chick lit readers who want to read something a little different. I would recommend 18+, as some of the scenes get a bit steamy. But there are only a few. :)