Having met young Jenna and Quinn in “Cowboy, Unexpectedly”, it was lovely to meet them again now as the romantic couple in “Hot on the Trail”, mature and really ready to commit. I loved the way Vicki Tharp wrote this process of them growing and learning as people and as a couple, and how the events taking place, the other characters and even the ranch animals have a role in this complex web.
Quinn and Jenna are great characters, honest, strong and solid, with a few vulnerabilities that only make them more human; Quinn is recovering from a devastating helicopter crash, fighting by all means to return to the military life (his final decision about it shows how he has changed and grown). Jenna is an amazing young heroine, fulfilling all the potential her character had shown in “Hot on the Trail”.
Nonetheless, I felt that their undercover operation was a bit thin, what with their connections with the Lazy S Ranch.
It was great to meet Hank and Mac and Boomer and Sydney again. Boomer is fantastic in his role as a father, fiercely protective of young Pepita.
There are some new characters that left me curious, such as St. John and Gill Brant, perhaps they’ll be featuring in future stories.

Overall a good mystery murder romance. I was enjoying the story of the mysterious death and discovery of Quinn's friend, found at Jenna's ranch, and the coming back together of the two. I also liked the big bad biker Moose, and the idea of working with horses. What I didn't like as well was the Mexican drug cartel influence, the selling of women, and the drugs. A lot thrown into the story, and seemed excessive at times. Overall though, I was kept interested to the end, and would recommend the story and author.

Hot on the Trail is book three in the Lazy S Ranch series by Vicki Tharp. I have loved this series from the first book. They have everything that for me makes reading my favorite thing to do. There is plenty of sweet romance, sexy times, and nail biting suspense. You can read these as stand alones but the characters all follow through in each book and the bad guy in this book is a continuation from the previous book. And believe me, the previous two books are worth taking the time to read first.

Jenna Nash has sacrificed everything for her veteran’s equine rehabilitation program. Four years ago, she turned down the proposal of the man she loved because he wanted her to go with him as a military wife when he knew that her dream was to stay on the Lazy S and to help veterans. Now, after eighteen months of paperwork and jumping through hoops, she has her first client, ironically, the best friend of her former boyfriend. After one month on the ranch, though, the unthinkable happens and he is found dead. With her program in trouble of being cancelled, she needs answers as to how he really died.

Quinn Powell has been grounded ever since his helicopter crash. His arm was badly burned and he hasn’t been released for duty by his doctor yet. Then, he got word that his best friend was dead, the friend he recommended for Jenna’s rehab program. So he uses some of his leave to go home to the Lazy S to help deal with his friend’s death. Only that means seeing Jenna again. It’s been four years but he never completely got over her.

The details just don’t add up. The police want to label it as a suicide but Quinn and Jenna aren’t convinced. So they decide to do a little investigating on their own. At the same time, these two have the opportunity to get to know each other again as the adults they are now. What they shared all those years ago is still there but the issues haven’t changed. When this is over, Quinn is going back. His dream is in the skies. It’s what he was meant to do. And Jenna’s dream is on the ranch helping veterans. It wouldn’t be fair for either of them to give up their dreams, even if their hearts are broken all over again.

What an amazing book. I’ve grown to love everyone in this family and I loved getting more of how all of their lives are doing. As always, this family sticks together, no matter what. I knew Quinn was brave but oh my gosh, Jenna was too. She’s one tough woman. And she’s also a woman who is still in love with the only man she has ever cared for. Get ready for some nail biting suspense as they dig deeper into the investigation. This is such an amazing series. Vicki Tharp’s writing is spell binding. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Jenna and Quinn make a formidable couple and I enjoyed reading their story. I was a bit confused about Jenna's age through the story. Quinn comes across as a near-30 year old so I assumed Jenna was of like age. But parts of the story led me to believe she must be much younger, most likely in her early 20s.

Where are you, Kurt?

He seems pretty strong to me. I like that his CO is a woman.

Are they sure that's how he died? Maybe wait for the coroner's report. This seems too clean.

The sheriff actually makes Barney Fife look like a Rhodes Scholar.

Is Mac pregnant, or is it something more serious?

Poor Catherine.

Huh. Hank must have had Jenna quite young.

Eli is pretty cool for a horse.

Woman, why must you always tag along?

What the hell? Moose, who are you?

This is not the time for an episode!

Mac, you know you are pregnant. Stand down!

And you thought the campfire eulogy was beautiful...

Hot on the Trail is book three in Vicki Tharp’s Lazy S Ranch series, and some how I have managed to miss book two. That said, Quinn and Jenna’s story was awesome! I loved the chemistry between these characters and the sexy, sassy, no holds barred banter that they engaged in so easily.

Ms Tharp is definitely on a winner with this series and I’ll be making sure that I don’t miss any future instalments.

I really enjoyed this book! My first time reading from this author and I was impressed. Old sweethearts Quinn and Jenna reunite after a veteran in Jenna's recovery program, and Quinn's best friend, turns up dead. They start digging and realize this wasn't an accident, but murder. As Quinn and Jenna grow back together, they turn over every stone to find out who did this, not even realizing that it turns out to be an even bigger problem. I am on the edge of my seat to see how the murder part of the book turns out and I am also in love with how Quinn and Jenna's romance reignites.

I loved when Quinn would tease his woman, "he gave her his cheesiest, cockiest grin. “Hey, darlin’, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but there’s no exaggeration where little Quinn is concerned.” Quinn's woman often times surprises him, "she gripped the box of condoms and dropped it on the table in front of him. He choked mid-chew and dropped the sandwich onto the plate. He pounded a hand to his chest, swallowing hard, as if all the moisture had left his mouth. “Holy ***l,” he sputtered. “Give a guy some warning.” I liked this book, I liked Quinn.