Jane is a sassy independent gal with tons of spunk who meets her match in gruff, straight-talking cowboy Slade.

"One Lucky Cowboy" was first published in 2009 and has been updated just a touch. The first third of the book seems to include as many colorful Southern sayings as Brown could cram in.


However, as a native Texan who delights in the descriptive turn of phrases, I found them to be a bit much at the start of this one! And, at one point wondered if one or two had been thrown in at the last minute because they just didn't quite fit the context.

And, while the main characters are country at heart, with their social, economic and and educational backgrounds, they probably wouldn't sound quite like hicks or uneducated farmers. I know plenty of farmers and ranchers who are plenty country without abusing the English language constantly with the wrong tenses or contractions. The word don't was used too frequently in place of doesn't for me to believe. They're ranchers, not uneducated, uncaring bubbas. (Granted I was reading an ARC, and thus wouldn't normally mention it, as is customary. Perhaps these were addressed in the final edit? Fingers crossed. However, in are-release, that's not usually the case.)


Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. The banter was other wise witty, the antics laughable as the pair tries unsuccessfully not to like the other. The pace is fast as Jane tries to outrun her murderous fiancé, his even more felonious lover and the stepfather who put out the hit on her so she wouldn't live long enough to claim her inheritance.

Slade's Granny realizes immediately that there's something special about Jane and enlists her audacious sister Ellen's aid in helping her. Slade's convinced Nellie is being taken advantage of by a con. Jane's keeping secrets alright, just not the ones he thinks.

When he does find out... he'd still rather dump her in the nearest swamp or ditch than get more entangled in her mess and the fire burning between them hotter than an August evening in East Texas.

This pair is put through the ringer by and with each other, as they find themselves in hot water time and again. There's action, sparring, humor, sizzle interaction, clever if not kooky characters and some romance too.

I think my love affair with Carolyn Brown began with Lucky In Love book #1 of Luckadeau cousins. So of course I read each and every one of that series falling deeper and deeper in love with the family, friends and local characters that charmed me every turn of the page. That's what I expect from a Carolyn Brown story. So here is actually my review of ONE LUCKY COWBOY from it's originally published time in 2009. Needless to say I had to read it again and my thoughts hadn't changed one bit.
So if you missed it first time around - here is your chance to meet some of the most special characters.

Slade Luckadeau is rip roaring pissed and that is unquestionably odd behavior for someone who is usually rather laidback. But he has good reason, or so he thinks since his grandmother is obviously out of her mind having just hired on as a driver a complete stranger she meets while sitting on a town bench. This stranger is surely running some kind of con job and his trusting granny has been duped. Not Slade though, he knows a con when he sees one and this one comes with a perfect name Jane Day.
Jane is desperately looking for a safe haven for the next six weeks until she reaches the magical age of 25. At that time she can legally wrest control of her family's business out of the thieving hands of her stepfather. But until that time her life is in danger. Jane ran away the day before her nuptials after overhearing a late night discussion between her groom and his sister concerning their agreement with the evil stepfather to orchestrate Jane's death. Sounded bizarre even to Jane who at moments doubts the accuracy of what she believes she heard. Making matters more difficult is the fact that Slade is just waiting for any reason to send her packing. But Jane unknowingly has a supporter at the Lazy L Ranch.
Slade is amazed at how adept at ranching this little slip of a girl is as Jane demonstrates her abilities as a cook as well as a ranch hand having learned all of this at the insistence of her mother. Jane's mother knew the importance of survival skills for a woman and taught her daughter very well. Jane is no pushover and Slade begins to realize she is an enigma. She never backs down and in fact readily meets any challenge toe to toe. The burning question is just who is Jane Day. Obviously intelligent with a smart mouth to boot Jane is giving Slade a run for his money. But when Slade realizes he doesn't want to run from her anymore he faces an even bigger challenge. Protecting her from those eager to have her permanently disappear and at the same time convince her that not only will he keep her safe but keep her in his life.
Carolyn Brown has done it again this time with Jane Day, who is so much more than meets the eye. We once again revisit many of the remarkable supporting cast of the first book of this series, Lucky In Love. Word of warning -- you will not be able to put this one down. So get all chores done before you crack open the book and then enjoy.

Slade is suspicious of Jane right from the start, but their frenemy chemistry is stronger than his determination to believe she's a con artist. Jane's backstory is teased out until we're finally given the whole sordid tale, transforming her into a sympathetic character who is more than a match for the cynical Slade. Neither of these two are what the other thinks they are, and their banter is downright hilarious! Jane is a sassy, feisty firecracker, and Slade soon can't resist her brand of honesty. I really, really loved watching these two get to know each other.

This story pulls you in and grabs hold of you from the very beginning. The writing is amazing, the characters come alive, and the plot is rich and well-structured. The secondary characters are absolutely perfect! Nellie and Ellen are my role-models for life! There's never a slow moment in this book, and resolving the threats against Jane was riveting and brilliantly done. The HEA was beautifully done, right down to the bare feet!

I couldn't love this book more, and it's got a permanent place on my to-be-read-again shelf. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided through NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (not realizing it was a re-release that I had already purchased but hadn't read.)

This was a wonderful story. There were some really great scenes in this book. I just fell in love with the characters. The plot was one that just seemed to enchant me from the beginning. I REALLY have to not start reading in the late evening as I didn't want to put this down. I enjoyed this story immensely. I have noticed that books are being re-released some with even new titles (this one has the same title.) Be careful if you are a Carolyn Brown fan, you may already have this book. I would recommend this story to anyone.

I have enjoyed this author’s Lucky Penny Ranch series so I grabbed this one when I saw it. I didn’t realize it is a re-release from 2009.

This story does not flow well. The writing is not cohesive, it jumps around and is missing pockets of info right from the beginning. Characters are dropped in without explanation as to who they are or how they fit in the story.

Jane Day is a running away from less than ideal circumstances. She somehow ends up getting off her bus and meeting Nellie. Nellie needs a driver and hires Jane, a complete unknown, for the job. She takes Jane back to her ranch where her grandson, Slade, is understandably concerned. However, how he expresses his unhappiness is rude, condescending and obnoxious.

I’m assuming the “banter” between Slade and Jane is supposed to be funny but it was just mean, irritating, ridiculous and asinine.

Nellie and her sister Ellen I think are supposed to come across as full of life, entertaining old ladies. I liked Nellie, but wasn’t crazy about Ellen’s character. Ellen is made out to be a major partier who drinks too much repeatedly and gets behind the wheel to drive. And the family jokes about it. Nope. Not ok in any way shape or form.

I didn’t enjoy any part of what I’d read to this point. So, I’m not going to finish it. I will be looking much closer at pub dates for this author in the future and sticking with newer releases.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Two strong willed, passionate characters hell bent on fighting their attraction!! I absolutely love this author! I've read and re-read her books so many times. This book sets up a phenomenal series!!! Amazing Texas characters, storylines, descriptions and families!

This book will touch all your emotions. It is funny, exciting, romantic, scary, and full of surprises. I loved the banter between Slade Luckadeau and Jane Day aka Ellacyn Jane Hayes. Carolyn has written another winner that will make you not want to put the book down. I also liked Slade's grandmother, Nellie. What a fun character. I received an advanced copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
I have never read a better book. A 5-star rating from me means that it is a book that I will read again and again. ONE LUCKY COWBOY is definitely a 5-star read! Carolyn Brown has written a book that is humorous and entertaining. It also has suspense and romance in equal parts. This author has written a story with more southern cliches than I have ever known. The verbal foreplay between the H and h is hilarious with many unexpected phrases. This book is a winner and sure to please the readers. Well done, Carolyn Brown! A 5-star winner!,

Well, this is a book that I feel failed to live up to it's potential. What should have been a storyline full of pent up passion, humor and a slow simmering romance fell flat. I can enjoy a couple that bickers and spars with each other but this was TOO MUCH! The way that the hero carried on in this book turned him into a real jerk and I never felt he was sorry for any of it and this made me really dislike him. There where some humorous moments in the book from secondary characters. These were truly enjoyable and greatly appreciated. Plot was good, secondary characters enriched the read, this couple for me though didn't work.

Book Info
Paperback
Expected publication: March 6th 2018 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published January 1st 2009)
Original Title One Lucky Cowboy
ISBN 1492649503 (ISBN13: 9781492649502)
Series
Other Editions (6)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown delivers her signature Texas twang in this heartwarming tale about a cowboy and cowgirl who start off at each other's throats...and end up in each other's hearts.

No big blond cowboy is going to intimidate this spitfire

If Slade Luckadeau thinks he can run her off his ranch, he's got cow chips for brains...

This smart-talking ranch woman is giving him serious pains

She's winning every argument, and he's running out of fights to pick...

With his granny up to some serious matchmaking, and trouble with a capital "T" threatening the Double L Ranch, suddenly it's Slade's heart that's in the greatest danger of all...

The Lucky Cowboys series:
Lucky in Love (Book 1)
One Lucky Cowboy (Book 2)
Getting Lucky (Book 3)
Talk Cowboy to Me (Book 4)

What People Are Saying About One Lucky Cowboy:
"Loved it, loved it, loved it! What great characters! What a great story!" --Joanne Kennedy, author of How to Wrangle a Cowboy
"Word of warning--you will not be able to put this one down." --Fresh Fiction
"All of the Luckadeau men are H-O-T! " --Cheryl's Book Nook
"Carolyn Brown takes her audience by storm..." --The Romance Studio

My Thoughts


Talk about your meddling grandmothers, no one has got a leg up on Nellie Luckadeau in that department. Poor Slade finds that out when a young woman whom his granny takes in not only proves to be someone that he suspects is more than she seems but also turns out to be much more then he expected when her secrets are finally revealed.

Jane Day is just trying to stay alive, a fact that is harder to accomplish due to her ex finding a way to the ranch in Texas to finish the job he botched before she has a chance to run again.

Together these two are like oil and water but Jane and Slade hopefully find a way to mix.
From the moment Jane and Slade met there has been tension. Not always the good kind but the simmering, soon to boil over need that categorized their love/hate relationship was always at the forefront of each of their exchanges. None more true when the pair find themselves thrown together in a bid for Jane to finally have a chance at living long enough that she finally understands what true love is.

Second chance at love romance with a little drama, a little humor, a lot of sexy and just enough suspense to keep things interesting.

Okay I know Slade Luckadeau is the kind of character that very few of us would enjoy have a relationship with if her were a real man. However he is a fictional male and as such give the writer creative leeway in giving him every obnoxious alpha male tendency that made him either someone women would be drawn to or want to knock over the head and run from.

Jane Day is also not a female character a lot of women will connect with, but just like Slade since she is fictional we can cut her some slack and forgive a lot of her more irritating qualities.

At least I did so for both of them for the most part and since a lot of the other characters, especially Granny Nellie more than made up for their shortcomings I still give the full Love rating to the book the second time around. After all our opinions of what we like or not is always going to differ no matter the author or the book.

So having previously read the free e-book edition in 2012 that was first released in 2009 it was nice to revisit the series again and even though for some readers this seems to find mixed feelings and thus lower reviews for me it was another win for one of my favorite Cowboy Romance authors.


[EArc from Netgalley]


On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I just love Carolyn Brown. I have since the first book of hers I read. Her genuine flair for cowboy charm and southern hospitality just makes me smile!

My favorite aspect from each book is the humor she infuses. In One Lucky Cowboy, the best lines came from Nellie and Ellen -- when I grow up, I want to be just like them sassy, classy, and a bit smart-assy!

Slade and Jane were both likable characters -- equally flawed and had been burned by love. Their cross-country adventure was fun and flirty. Their banter on the farm helped solidify them as friends before moving to something more.

It was also nice to see others from the Luckadeau family and get a little update.

I haven't read a C. Brown book I didn't enjoy immensely! Looking forward to the next installment.

Jane/Ellacyn overhears a plot for her fiance' to murder her on the honeymoon so he can collect the insurance policy. To add insult to injury, her fiance' is actually the hitman hired by her stepfather to kill her before her 25th birthday so that she can't inherit the ranch and oil company. She immediately runs and is hired under an anonymous name to cook on a ranch in Texas. She thinks this will be the best way to hide for the six weeks until her birthday.

The good: The older women in the story are hilarious. Jane at one point says that she wants to be like them when she grows up. I think I do, too. They live to cause mischief and have a great time doing it. The plot is a good one. Jane stands up for herself easily, and the catfights she gets into with Slade's girlfriend made me smile.

The bad: Jane and Slade bicker and insult each other constantly; the amusement factor died about 1/4 of the way through the book. Unfortunately, this dialogue didn't stop..it continued right to the very end. It's tedious. The villains rarely make an appearance and when they do, it doesn't seem believable. A significant portion of the book seems to be reading lines of movies and entire songs. I got the feeling that there wasn't enough story, so the editor said, "add in some lyrics that the character can identify with."

A woman on the run. A granny with a plan and a suspicious yet attractive man. One Lucky Cowboy is not an average Carolyn Brown novel. Jane and Lucky are complicated. Love may not be on their minds but Granny Nellie make sure is on her agenda. Jane has danger on her mind. Lucky has suspicion in his heart. Nellie has romance on her mind. Who will be the victor in the end? Ms. Brown brings her signature humor to the table while cooking up her own personal blend of intrigue. There are times it falls a bit flat on the mystery end, but the romance never misses on charm.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I loved this book. What a fun read. Not what I expected. Slade and Jane be are wonderful , complex characters that you are rooting for from the start of the book, rofgt on thru till the last page. I was sad the book ended.
5 stars.

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Jane found out that her fiance is a hired assassin.
Of course, Jane run as fast as she could.
Slade thinks that Jane is just trying to swidle his grandmother.
Sparks fly, and now they have to find out if there is more than just some sparks.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!

A author who knows how to write a cowboy story. I found this to be well written and perfectly paced pulling me in from the start. One I didn't want to put down. Jane is a spitfire that only a cowboy like Slade could love regardless of their backgrounds. Twist and turns to keep your interest. You will not go wrong on getting this book.

One Lucky Cowboy by Carolyn Brown is the second book in the Lucky series. It is a re-release but it is still great the second time around too. It is a western romance that is full of sexy cowboys and strong females. It has romance with a bit of suspense and mystery. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all!

One Lucky Cowboy is the second book in the Lucky series written by author Carolyn Brown. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the complimentary copy. This book was previously published.

Jane in on the run and stay hidden for 6 weeks from her ex fiancé and stepfather. She meets Nellie Luckadeau, Slade’s grandma who hired Jane to drive her and help around the house.
Slade is sure Jane is a con artist and is out to fleece his grandma. But none of his attempts to make her leave work.
This is a fun cowboy romance read. I loved the bickering between Slade and Jane. And Slade’s grandma and her sisters were a hoot, they had me laughing through all their shenanigans. The chase and action kept things interesting. I think it was a little slow in certain places and could maybe have been a little shorter and that’s the only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed the arc from Netgalley.

I struggle with this review because I do not want to give away any spoilers and I also don’t want to sound like I did not enjoy the book because I did. What I typically not like in a book worked in One Lucky Cowboy and what I typically like would have taken away from storyline of the book. The only thing I would have changed is at time it seemed angst was simply there to create angst where it wasn’t needed. Kind of a 1 step forward 2 steps back situation, if that was tamed down a bit I would easily give the book 4.5 stars. With that and some inconsistencies within the book I have to say it is a 3.5 star read but the storyline was a 4.5 star read. I definitely think it is worth a read and I hope you enjoy as much as I did.