SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the saga of Marine sniper Reid Everett and Wildlife expert Haley Cooper. Their story spans a period of about eight years as they weave in and out of each other's lives at various points in time. The couple first meet in a dive bar, just before Reid is about to be deployed for Iran as a scout sniper. Reid is proud of his job and service to his country. Haley, on the other hand, is quite distraught about what Reid does; as most of his views on life and the world are diametrically opposed to hers. Still, the attraction between them is undeniable. They wind up emailing each other for a time after Reid leaves for Iran and Haley returns to college where she is studying to be a veterinarian.

Haley eventually develops a passion for the plight of wolves in the wild, and becomes a Wildlife Biologist. Her research and work take her to remote areas for extended lengths of time, and the couple eventually lose contact with each other. When they accidentally meet a few years later, their affair picks up again; but once again circumstances force them apart. Haley finds their differences in view make it too difficult to maintain a relationship with Reid, and they part ways.

Once his eight year hitch with the Marines is up, Reid goes home to Wyoming and joins the family Hunting Expedition business as a wilderness hunting guide. In the meantime, Haley has accepted a post in Wildlife Management in Wyoming, and their paths cross for the third time. This time, Reid is determined that their relationship will work, no matter what their differences in view are.

SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the kind of story that stays with the reader long after they finish the book. Once again, the breathtaking beauty of Wyoming is vividly brought to life, and the plotline about the plight of wolves in the wild is meticulously researched and presented. Author Victoria Vane does an exceptional job of presenting both sides of the issue fairly. The wolves need to be protected and saved, but at what cost to the livelihood of the ranchers who continually lose stock to the preying wolves?

Although my personal views are more closely aligned with Reid's, due to the impartial writing, I was always able to see Haley's side of the issue, especially once her eyes were opened and she loosened up on her narrow stance on the subject. The richly detailed story, the lovely vibrant prose, and the passionate romance leave the reader rooting for Haley and Reid to make a go of their relationship despite their often polarizing differences.

SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is the third book in Victoria Vane's excellent western Contemporary Romance Hot Cowboy Nights series. The story is only loosely tied to the other two books, and can easily be read standalone. SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY is my favorite book of the series so far, and is a highly recommended read to romance lovers everywhere.

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.