Strong, Silent Cowboy: A Moving Violations Novel

Strong Silent Cowboy reunites the writing duo of Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick the latter of which sadly passed away at the end of 2019. For a story that see's rancher and former CIA agent Jacob Donovan reunite with Sallie Hamblen. Who is in Deer Haven, seemingly under orders from her stepfather, and who once met Jacob in Switzerland, although at the time both she and Jacob were using different names. Yet, Jacob doesn't remember Sallie but after spending the night with her in Deer Haven he starts to get a feeling of déjà vu and when Sallie suddenly faces danger Jacob is the first to step up and help. However, their shared history complicates matters and as the danger intensifies Jacob and Sallie have to face up to the past if they're to have any chance of finding out who is responsible. And with an abundance of sexy moments, likable characters, and a few twists. This genuinely was an interesting mix of cowboy romance and suspense, and I was fully engaged throughout, still I wish there had been an epilogue or something to round the story off. Would recommend. **I was kindly provided with an ARC by St Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review**

Strong, Silent Cowboy by Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick, book two in their Moving Violations series, is a suspenseful second chance romance, filled with magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, hidden identities, and international intrigue. Sallie Hamblen and Jacob Donovan, a sexy, undercover CIA agent, fell in love after three incredibly hot nights together in Switzerland. Disappearing afterward, Sallie was broken hearted, hurting and wishing for the man she loved and lost. Years later, Sallie unexpectedly relocates to Jacob’s home town, not understanding why he doesn’t recognize or remember her. For three years, she keeps quiet, not reminding him who she is, and then Jacob takes her home from their small town bar. Spending time together, burning up the sheets, bring dreams Jacob thought he had dreamt, to life. Jacob wanted a simple life, never expecting to want one woman in his bed, every night. When Jacob discovers the truth about Sallie and the danger she is in, he vows to guard, protect, and keep her safe until he can neutralize the enemy. Ms. Leigh and Ms. Chadwick wrote an enjoyable, sizzling romance that should definitely not be missed. They provided a story with off the chart chemistry, magnetic attraction, a caring community, and charming secondary characters helping Sallie and Jacob finally get their happily ever after. I enjoyed and highly recommend Strong, Silent Cowboy to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

3.5 stars--STRONG, SILENT COWBOY is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult, MOVING VIOLATONS erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by Lora Leigh, and the late Veronica Chadwick. This is former CIA agent turned rancher Jacob Donovan, and feed-store manager Sallie Hamblen’s story line. STRONG, SILENT COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Told from dual third person perspectives (Sallie and Jacob) STRONG, SILENT COWBOY follows the second chance romance between former CIA agent turned rancher Jacob Donovan, and office manager Sallie Hamblen. Six years earlier, a then eighteen year old Kyra Bannon, spent a glorious weekend in Switzerland with a man she knew as Jake Rossiter, a man with whom she quickly fell in love, but also a man who disappeared without a trace. Fast forward to present day wherein, Kyra, now known as Sallie Hamblen has been on the run since the demise of her short lived marriage to another man, a marriage she believes now places her in the direct line of fire. Finding Jake Rossiter, aka Jacob Donovan, living in the small town of Deer Haven, California was more than a coincidence that Sallie refused to ignore but said man had no idea who Sallie was, or his history with the woman that would call to his heart. Keeping her distance for close to three years, Sallie caved and spent another night with our story line hero.An overwhelming sense of déjà vu, and a need to protect our story line heroine, pulled Jacob Donovan back into the world he could no longer remember but a world that threatened everyone he loved. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Sallie and Jacob, and the potential fall-out as their mutual pasts demand payment in blood. Jacob Donovan is no longer working for the CIA. A life threatening incident almost destroyed his life, and took the memories of the time he spent with our story line heroine. Sallie Hamblen struggles with the heart breaking memories of her weekend with the man she would never forget, memories of which Jacob could no longer remember. Unable to let go of the grief and pain, Sallie continues to push our hero out of her life until threats to her life force her to run in the opposite direction. The relationship between Jacob and Sallie is a rekindling romance; a second chance relationship between two people torn apart by secrets and lies, and a government agency determined to keep those secrets hidden deep undercover. Sallie battles between head and heart believing Jacob walked away without looking back; and Jacob’s sense of something missing is about to come full-circle when his memories return. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense, as per Lora Leigh’s style of writing. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Sallie’s step father Rance Dougal; Jacob’s grandmother Mary Ann Donovan; ranch manager John Grange; former military or FBI agents turned ranchers Justice, Rancor, and Pride Culpepper; Sallie’s friends Lily and Shay; and office assistant Tara Danner. Here’s hoping Lora has plans for the Culpepper siblings. STRONG, SILENT COWBOY is a story of betrayal, secrets, forgiveness and love. There are a number of issues with the way the story, and history has been presented, including a three year gap where apparently Sallie and Jacob never once crossed paths in a town where everybody knows your name. There is also a bit of disconnect between events, as though the editing removed some important information. I also found issue with the purpose of Justice Culpepper’s attitude with our story line heroine but perhaps it had everything to do with the who, how and why of Sallie’s appearance in Deer Haven, California. The character driven premise is intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are energetic, strong minded, charismatic and wounded.