Frosted Cowboy by Charlene Ross

Blurb

A sassy heroine, a frosty drink and a new chance at love—what could possibly go wrong?

Laney Delaney was living the dream. She had a fabulous fiancé and a career as a couture wedding dress designer. But after catching her (not-so-fabulous) fiancé cheating and being accused of upstaging one of her brides at a wedding, Laney finds herself with no boyfriend, no job and no plan.

After some serious soul searching, Laney is determined to start over. She embarks on a design career that takes her from a Rodeo Drive boutique to a flea market stall, but it's worth it—even if it means she has to suck up to her childhood nemesis for help.

At the same time, three very different men vie for her attention: a masseuse/screenwriter with an unfortunate reputation, a stable fireman who just doesn't spark a romantic flame, and the fireman's ridiculously hot co-worker whose illicit under-the-mistletoe kiss still burns Laney's lips.

Professionally and romantically, Laney is on the verge of reinventing her life and finding her true passion—but can she learn to trust again and believe in herself?

Review

The blurb sounds right up my street, but if I'd just seen the cover and the title I'd have passed it by, and that would have been a shame! It wasn't at all what I expected from first impressions - it was funny and sweet and I connected with Laney and the other characters, and I read this book in less than a day.

The story shows how blinkered we can be in the present by what has happened to us in the past, and how easy it can be for anyone to become what we don't want to be. In spite of what I've just written, the novel isn't heavy nor is it particularly deep, but strikes a nice balance between drama and humour.

I particularly loved the relationship between Laney and Jake, and part of me wanted her to tame the irascible bad boy in him at the same time as yelling at her to run for the hills. Tom is a good compromise between the stud and a keeper.

About the Author

Charlene is the co-author of The Making of a Picky Eater and has been featured in Skirt! Magazine and on NPR’s This I Believe series. Before her current life as a Los Angeles suburbanite, she backpacked through Europe, lived in London, worked in the music industry, and became engaged on stage at a U2 concert in Verona, Italy. (Bono even kissed her!) These days she loves spending time with her husband and two children, reading, binge watching TV, drinking coffee at 5:00AM all by herself in peace and blissful quiet while she writes, drinking wine with her girlfriends, listening to music (preferably live), exercising, and relaxing at the beach.

I received this novel form the author in exchange for an honest review.