Hailey Cooper and Reid Everett first meet in a bar, she and Reid are instantly attracted to each other, however Hailey soon realises she has nothing in common with the handsome Wyoming cowboy: she's a university student, he never liked school; she's an environmentalist and a vegetarian; he's a hunter. She hates anything that has to do with killing and war, and Reid is a Marine, almost ready to deploy. Reid likes Hailey's feisty attitude but she doesn't want anything to do with Marines, for personal reasons. Over several years, theirs paths cross voluntarily and accidentally several times; Reid does want to see Hailey. He is willing to give a relationship a try; he's a one-man woman, he doesn't do one-night- stands and wants a family, so does Hailey, but she is willing to have only a sexual relationship because she is adamant that love is impossible between them. Reid doesn't mind their differences that much, but Hailey does not see how they could reach a compromise, and honestly does not try very hard.

SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the third book in the Hot Cowboy Nights series and can definitely be considered a standalone title. What a difficult relationship it is for Reid and Hailey! I found it easy to relate to Hailey in a way, and I was riveted to the page because I really wanted to know how the author could manage to make such polar opposites fall in love and make it work. They do love each other, their fundamental values are similar, but it's the way they go about it that seem incompatible, that makes it almost impossibly challenging. Hailey and Reid's physical chemistry is undeniable, but Hailey is terribly recalcitrant to change.

Reid and Hailey are both extraordinary characters, not extraordinary people; Ms. Vane presents a compelling character study, where Hailey and Reid's questioning becomes our own: we care for them, we root for them, whichever side of the fence we stand on. Ms. Vane's writing is as descriptive and flawless as ever: vivid and precise as a photograph, the wilderness of Wyoming comes to life. Hailey and Reid's jobs also come into the equation and constitute a turning point in the story. The relationship between Reid and Hailey is extremely complicated, it's very realistic; nothing feels convoluted or forced.

In SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY, nothing is easy; it's an emotional roller-coaster that will keep you riveted until the last page is turned.

Book Summary

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT, COWBOY...

Weary warrior... After eight years as a Marine sniper, war-scarred Reid Everett is back in his native Wyoming. He knows and loves this rugged land, so working for wildlife services to reduce the booming wolf population suits him to a T.

Caring crusader... Wildlife biologist Haley Cooper is desperate to make a difference. Leaving the world of academia behind, she accepts a position as a wolf advocate to protect the animals she loves.

Raw attraction... Their jobs set them on a collision course, but chemistry sparks like wildfire between Reid and Haley. They'll have to brave some rough territory if they hope to reconcile their polarizing views with a passion that won't be denied.