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Ever since bad boy Zack Hunter left her ten years ago, breaking her heart, Sky MacKenna hasn't been able to find a man who sets her on fire the way he did. Then he comes striding back into her life--bigger, badder, and sexier than before.... Zack Hunter never thought his job as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent would lead him back to his small hometown, and he never thought he'd set eyes on Sky again. Leaving her behind had been the stupidest thing he had ever done, but this time he isn't going to let her go. And as soon as Zack lays eyes on Sky, he makes it clear that he intends to make her his all over again. When Sky becomes entangled in the case he's investigating, Zack can't help but take the threat personally. As the danger mounts, their passion burns even hotter.
269 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
533 people are currently reading
2,676 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne McCray
154books1,752followersCheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at .
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 6, 2008
This was a very nice, solid romance--easy to read, easy to like the characters--with a few erotic love scenes, some romantic tension, and a little mystery thrown in.
Skylar and Zack were lovers 10 years ago. He was her first, when she was a 19 yr. old freshman in college and he was a 23 year old sheriff's deputy. They spent an incredibly happy six months together, until it all ended one day after Zack was arrested. Although charges were never filed against Zack, he was afraid he had become just like his wildly abusive father, and that he'd never be good enough for Skylar. So he stupidly broke it off, leaving Skylar devastated and angry. Now it's 10 years later, and Zack is back in town, working as an agent for Immigration and Customs (ICE) and trying to solve a case involving cattle rustling. Sky now runs her father's ranch, and it seems that it's her prize cattle that are being targeted for theft.
When Sky and Zack lay eyes on each other again, even after ten years apart, the spark is still there. This time, Zack vows to himself, he won't walk away. But can he convince Sky to give him another chance? Is it possible that Sky could ever trust him again, and give him not just her body, but her heart as well?
I loved Zack and all he stood for and had been through. He had a hard life, with an abusive father and abusive step-father. He easily could have turned out the wrong way, but he was a good guy and a good son. And I had no doubt that he loved Sky, and was sincere about trying to win her back.
Sky was a little more stubborn. She made Zack work to win her trust, and at times I thought she was a little hard on him. But then the author explained her background a little, and I understood where her fears of giving her heart and being abandoned came from. And when Zack finally wore her down, well...let's say there was a big payoff. Chocolate cheesecake, anyone?
There was a little mystery thrown in about who was stealing the cattle and why, with me changing my mind a couple of times with who was the thief. And I thought Sky handled herself pretty well when confronted by the cattle rustlers, and fortunately used her head before her temper got the best of her. Of course, it helps to have a well trained dog who seemed almost human-like...
All in all, a pretty enjoyable read with a couple of characters who were easy to root for. If you're looking for a pretty hot read about former lovers reuniting and trying to make a future together, you can do no wrong with this book. 4 stars.
Skylar and Zack were lovers 10 years ago. He was her first, when she was a 19 yr. old freshman in college and he was a 23 year old sheriff's deputy. They spent an incredibly happy six months together, until it all ended one day after Zack was arrested. Although charges were never filed against Zack, he was afraid he had become just like his wildly abusive father, and that he'd never be good enough for Skylar. So he stupidly broke it off, leaving Skylar devastated and angry. Now it's 10 years later, and Zack is back in town, working as an agent for Immigration and Customs (ICE) and trying to solve a case involving cattle rustling. Sky now runs her father's ranch, and it seems that it's her prize cattle that are being targeted for theft.
When Sky and Zack lay eyes on each other again, even after ten years apart, the spark is still there. This time, Zack vows to himself, he won't walk away. But can he convince Sky to give him another chance? Is it possible that Sky could ever trust him again, and give him not just her body, but her heart as well?
I loved Zack and all he stood for and had been through. He had a hard life, with an abusive father and abusive step-father. He easily could have turned out the wrong way, but he was a good guy and a good son. And I had no doubt that he loved Sky, and was sincere about trying to win her back.
Sky was a little more stubborn. She made Zack work to win her trust, and at times I thought she was a little hard on him. But then the author explained her background a little, and I understood where her fears of giving her heart and being abandoned came from. And when Zack finally wore her down, well...let's say there was a big payoff. Chocolate cheesecake, anyone?
There was a little mystery thrown in about who was stealing the cattle and why, with me changing my mind a couple of times with who was the thief. And I thought Sky handled herself pretty well when confronted by the cattle rustlers, and fortunately used her head before her temper got the best of her. Of course, it helps to have a well trained dog who seemed almost human-like...
All in all, a pretty enjoyable read with a couple of characters who were easy to root for. If you're looking for a pretty hot read about former lovers reuniting and trying to make a future together, you can do no wrong with this book. 4 stars.
August 23, 2010
Reviewed for
"3.5 stars" Much like Zack's up-and-down relationship with Sky, I also had a roller coaster relationship with this book. There were some elements that I enjoyed reading and thought had earned at least four stars, but there were others that I thought were weak and probably didn't warrant any more than three stars. Hence, why I went with the in between rating. Being an Arizonan, I enjoyed reading a story set in my home state. I happen to be an urbanite, but I thought Ms. McCray did a good job with describing rural and small town life in Arizona, which is probably a testament to her writing what she knows. Even though cattle rustling wouldn't necessarily be my first choice for a mystery/suspense plot, I thought that it was pretty well done. The author set up a number of suspects, and although I had a feeling I knew who the bad guy was about halfway through, she did make me second-guess myself a couple of times. The love scenes were very hot and spicy, borderline erotic, and for the most part I enjoyed reading them. My only issue is that the one scene that actually took place in the bedroom was, in my opinion, pretty rushed and unsatisfying, almost as though the author didn't quite know how to write a “normal� love scene that didn't involve living on the edge. Not that I'm complaining about the variety, and otherwise, these scenes were probably one of the best things about the book.
Normally, I'm a big fan of reunion romances, but this one just didn't quite touch me in the same way that most do. The author started to develop the character's backstories, but then the relationship stuff seemed to peter out in favor of the mystery/suspense plot and hot sex scenes. I just felt like Zack's reasons for leaving ten years earlier and breaking Sky's heart were rather weak (or perhaps just not explained to my satisfaction). Then Zack comes back to town doing his best caveman impression, determined to make Sky his again with absolutely no plan of what he'll do if she's married or involved with someone else. Of course, when he finds out she's still unattached, he couldn't be happier. There's an instant magnetic re-attraction, and the clothes start flying off within a couple of days with no apologies, explanations or real reconnection of any sort, which was rather disappointing to me and hard to believe, in spite of the hotness factor.
Zack is a sexy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with a dangerous-looking scar on his face and a bad-boy past to back it up. He begins the story being pretty arrogant and extremely po-ssessive almost to the point of being ob-sessive about Sky. I was a little worried that Zack might end up irritating me with his uber-alpha-ness, but thankfully he never quite tipped the scales. In fact, he seemed to soften up a little as the story progressed. I can honestly say that in his seductive moments, he could be quite appealing in spite of his intense alpha nature. Zack had a pretty horrific past, having watched both his father and step-father regularly beat up his mother, and then becoming the recipient of some of that abuse himself. This would normally be something I would sympathize with very deeply, but I didn't feel like the author created enough of an emotional connection to the character for him to become one of those tortured heroes that I'd love nothing more than to wrap up in my arms. The only reason that was ever given for his abruptly leaving town ten years earlier was that he didn't feel worthy of Sky after he nearly killed his step-father in defense of his mother. This just didn't seem like an insurmountable obstacle to me, and I felt that if he and Sky had just had a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart, they could have worked things out instead of pining after each other for a decade. At one point, Sky mused about how their earlier relationship had lacked maturity, and I would definitely agree, but even after Zack returned there still wasn't much communication going on between them, at least not of the verbal variety.;-)
Sky was a tough cowgirl who had continued to successfully run her family's ranch after her father's retirement, which was something I could admire. She could be as stubborn as Zack at times and pretty insistent upon taking care of herself, but I liked that when she came across the rustlers near the end, she didn't go rushing headlong into the fray like a TSTL heroine would. Instead she used her brain and tried to call for help. Sky definitely had her good points, but there were a couple of things that bothered me about her and made her loose some of my respect. The first is that when Zack comes back, she is as hot for him as he is for her, and she ends up allowing him to have sex with her without ever discussing why he left and how much he hurt her, even though she's obviously and understandably still angry with him about that. In this respect, Sky was one of those contradictory heroines who keeps telling herself in her head all the reasons she shouldn't want the hero, but just can't seem to keep her panties on when he's around. The other thing that irritated me about her was that she was willing to use Zack for hot sex without making a commitment to giving their relationship another try, even though Zack was completely up front about that being what he truly wanted from her. Although I can't say that Zack necessarily did anything spectacular to earn her trust back at any point in the story, Sky at least finally came to her senses and didn't end up acting completely cold and insensitive. Oh yeah, and I sure would like to know what Sky was doing to have half the male population panting and salivating after her, or more accurately obsessing to the point that they think they own her. When Zack and her ex boyfriend, Wade, got into a fight over her, there was so much testosterone flying, I had to duck.;-)
For me, Zack ended up being one of those OK stories that I thought could have been really good with a little more TLC. If the author had given a bit more attention to Zack and Sky working out the problems that broke them up the first time, instead of them being so obsessed with sex, I would have liked the book a lot more. As it was written, I felt plenty of lust emanating from the pages, but not a whole lot of love. Without the resolution of their prior conflict, I just wasn't entirely convinced that these two could have a long happy life together even with the HEA ending. I also had a couple of minor issues with the writing itself in that I didn't feel like the narrative flowed quite as well as it could have, and even though I don't drink, I know I could have made a great drinking game out of the repetitious words and phrases I found. Still, in spite of all my criticisms, I probably would have given the book four stars, except that I frequently found my mind wandering throughout my entire reading of it, which is never a good sign. I think this may have had a lot to do with me feeling like the author was telling me too much and not showing me enough, therefore it didn't fully engage my imagination. Overall, Zack was a worthwhile read, and anyone who likes a combination of hot, steamy love scenes with a decent suspense plot, but is more forgiving of character flaws and lack of relationship development than I am, will probably enjoy it. Zack is the first book in Cheyenne McCray's Armed and Dangerous series, and the first I've read by her. Even though it wasn't an entirely satisfying read for me, I will likely give her another chance, perhaps when the next book of the series, Luke, featuring secondary character, Luke Rider, as the hero, comes out next month (10-27-09).
Note: Zack reads very much like an extra-steamy, traditional, contemporary romance, but the inclusion of some mild exhibitionism (a couple of the love scenes take place in public or semi-public places) and some explicit language give it a borderline erotic feel.
I also discovered that Zack is basically a re-titled version of Wildfire which was originally released by Ellora's Cave Publishers. The names of the characters have been changed and it has been expanded by about 50 pages, but the storyline is basically the same. I'm beginning to suspect that the entire Armed and Dangerous series may just be a re-tooled version of Ms. McCray's Wild series.
"3.5 stars" Much like Zack's up-and-down relationship with Sky, I also had a roller coaster relationship with this book. There were some elements that I enjoyed reading and thought had earned at least four stars, but there were others that I thought were weak and probably didn't warrant any more than three stars. Hence, why I went with the in between rating. Being an Arizonan, I enjoyed reading a story set in my home state. I happen to be an urbanite, but I thought Ms. McCray did a good job with describing rural and small town life in Arizona, which is probably a testament to her writing what she knows. Even though cattle rustling wouldn't necessarily be my first choice for a mystery/suspense plot, I thought that it was pretty well done. The author set up a number of suspects, and although I had a feeling I knew who the bad guy was about halfway through, she did make me second-guess myself a couple of times. The love scenes were very hot and spicy, borderline erotic, and for the most part I enjoyed reading them. My only issue is that the one scene that actually took place in the bedroom was, in my opinion, pretty rushed and unsatisfying, almost as though the author didn't quite know how to write a “normal� love scene that didn't involve living on the edge. Not that I'm complaining about the variety, and otherwise, these scenes were probably one of the best things about the book.
Normally, I'm a big fan of reunion romances, but this one just didn't quite touch me in the same way that most do. The author started to develop the character's backstories, but then the relationship stuff seemed to peter out in favor of the mystery/suspense plot and hot sex scenes. I just felt like Zack's reasons for leaving ten years earlier and breaking Sky's heart were rather weak (or perhaps just not explained to my satisfaction). Then Zack comes back to town doing his best caveman impression, determined to make Sky his again with absolutely no plan of what he'll do if she's married or involved with someone else. Of course, when he finds out she's still unattached, he couldn't be happier. There's an instant magnetic re-attraction, and the clothes start flying off within a couple of days with no apologies, explanations or real reconnection of any sort, which was rather disappointing to me and hard to believe, in spite of the hotness factor.
Zack is a sexy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with a dangerous-looking scar on his face and a bad-boy past to back it up. He begins the story being pretty arrogant and extremely po-ssessive almost to the point of being ob-sessive about Sky. I was a little worried that Zack might end up irritating me with his uber-alpha-ness, but thankfully he never quite tipped the scales. In fact, he seemed to soften up a little as the story progressed. I can honestly say that in his seductive moments, he could be quite appealing in spite of his intense alpha nature. Zack had a pretty horrific past, having watched both his father and step-father regularly beat up his mother, and then becoming the recipient of some of that abuse himself. This would normally be something I would sympathize with very deeply, but I didn't feel like the author created enough of an emotional connection to the character for him to become one of those tortured heroes that I'd love nothing more than to wrap up in my arms. The only reason that was ever given for his abruptly leaving town ten years earlier was that he didn't feel worthy of Sky after he nearly killed his step-father in defense of his mother. This just didn't seem like an insurmountable obstacle to me, and I felt that if he and Sky had just had a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart, they could have worked things out instead of pining after each other for a decade. At one point, Sky mused about how their earlier relationship had lacked maturity, and I would definitely agree, but even after Zack returned there still wasn't much communication going on between them, at least not of the verbal variety.;-)
Sky was a tough cowgirl who had continued to successfully run her family's ranch after her father's retirement, which was something I could admire. She could be as stubborn as Zack at times and pretty insistent upon taking care of herself, but I liked that when she came across the rustlers near the end, she didn't go rushing headlong into the fray like a TSTL heroine would. Instead she used her brain and tried to call for help. Sky definitely had her good points, but there were a couple of things that bothered me about her and made her loose some of my respect. The first is that when Zack comes back, she is as hot for him as he is for her, and she ends up allowing him to have sex with her without ever discussing why he left and how much he hurt her, even though she's obviously and understandably still angry with him about that. In this respect, Sky was one of those contradictory heroines who keeps telling herself in her head all the reasons she shouldn't want the hero, but just can't seem to keep her panties on when he's around. The other thing that irritated me about her was that she was willing to use Zack for hot sex without making a commitment to giving their relationship another try, even though Zack was completely up front about that being what he truly wanted from her. Although I can't say that Zack necessarily did anything spectacular to earn her trust back at any point in the story, Sky at least finally came to her senses and didn't end up acting completely cold and insensitive. Oh yeah, and I sure would like to know what Sky was doing to have half the male population panting and salivating after her, or more accurately obsessing to the point that they think they own her. When Zack and her ex boyfriend, Wade, got into a fight over her, there was so much testosterone flying, I had to duck.;-)
For me, Zack ended up being one of those OK stories that I thought could have been really good with a little more TLC. If the author had given a bit more attention to Zack and Sky working out the problems that broke them up the first time, instead of them being so obsessed with sex, I would have liked the book a lot more. As it was written, I felt plenty of lust emanating from the pages, but not a whole lot of love. Without the resolution of their prior conflict, I just wasn't entirely convinced that these two could have a long happy life together even with the HEA ending. I also had a couple of minor issues with the writing itself in that I didn't feel like the narrative flowed quite as well as it could have, and even though I don't drink, I know I could have made a great drinking game out of the repetitious words and phrases I found. Still, in spite of all my criticisms, I probably would have given the book four stars, except that I frequently found my mind wandering throughout my entire reading of it, which is never a good sign. I think this may have had a lot to do with me feeling like the author was telling me too much and not showing me enough, therefore it didn't fully engage my imagination. Overall, Zack was a worthwhile read, and anyone who likes a combination of hot, steamy love scenes with a decent suspense plot, but is more forgiving of character flaws and lack of relationship development than I am, will probably enjoy it. Zack is the first book in Cheyenne McCray's Armed and Dangerous series, and the first I've read by her. Even though it wasn't an entirely satisfying read for me, I will likely give her another chance, perhaps when the next book of the series, Luke, featuring secondary character, Luke Rider, as the hero, comes out next month (10-27-09).
Note: Zack reads very much like an extra-steamy, traditional, contemporary romance, but the inclusion of some mild exhibitionism (a couple of the love scenes take place in public or semi-public places) and some explicit language give it a borderline erotic feel.
I also discovered that Zack is basically a re-titled version of Wildfire which was originally released by Ellora's Cave Publishers. The names of the characters have been changed and it has been expanded by about 50 pages, but the storyline is basically the same. I'm beginning to suspect that the entire Armed and Dangerous series may just be a re-tooled version of Ms. McCray's Wild series.
December 3, 2008
One of the hottest non-erotica romances I've read in a while. Cheyenne McCray turns up the heat with her latest mainstream novel "Zack: Armed and Dangerous". This is strictly romance and reads like a longer Harlequin Blaze imprint. The story is a sexy contemporary western with sex, romance, and action.
Skylar has never gotten over Zack. The sexy cowboy stole her breath and her heart and then walked away without looking back. After ten years, you would think she could stop thinking about him...but no. Of course, she has a few other important issues she should be dwelling on like running her ranch and trying to stop someone from rustling her cattle and stealing her prize breeder bull. Then her world stops when Zack returns...looking for the one he left behind.
Zack never stopped loving Sky even though he knew he wasn't good enough for her. Leaving her was the hardest thing he'd ever done. When he took the law enforcement job back in his home town, he tried to convince himself it wasn't just to see Skylar. But as soon as he sets eyes on her again, he realizes he can't live without her. He's also worried because her ranch seems to be the hardest hit by the rustlers and that means she's in danger. When he discovers just how badly he hurt her by leaving, he vows to do whatever it takes to earn her love again.
Cheyenne McCray writes such wonderful heroes. Alpha men who set their eyes on the prize and don't stop til they've won it. And when they set those gorgeous eyes on their 'woman'...gives me the good shivers! And her sex scenes are smoking hot even when they don't cross the line into erotica. "Zack: Armed and Dangerous" will raise your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Don't miss it.
Skylar has never gotten over Zack. The sexy cowboy stole her breath and her heart and then walked away without looking back. After ten years, you would think she could stop thinking about him...but no. Of course, she has a few other important issues she should be dwelling on like running her ranch and trying to stop someone from rustling her cattle and stealing her prize breeder bull. Then her world stops when Zack returns...looking for the one he left behind.
Zack never stopped loving Sky even though he knew he wasn't good enough for her. Leaving her was the hardest thing he'd ever done. When he took the law enforcement job back in his home town, he tried to convince himself it wasn't just to see Skylar. But as soon as he sets eyes on her again, he realizes he can't live without her. He's also worried because her ranch seems to be the hardest hit by the rustlers and that means she's in danger. When he discovers just how badly he hurt her by leaving, he vows to do whatever it takes to earn her love again.
Cheyenne McCray writes such wonderful heroes. Alpha men who set their eyes on the prize and don't stop til they've won it. And when they set those gorgeous eyes on their 'woman'...gives me the good shivers! And her sex scenes are smoking hot even when they don't cross the line into erotica. "Zack: Armed and Dangerous" will raise your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Don't miss it.
September 11, 2018
2.5 Light-on-plot and heavy-on-sex stars
Zack and Sky are a likable H/h couple, but the plot is too light, and there are some logic fails.
The plot is so light that some conversations are even repeated between H and h. I think it was that editors missed the redundancies as much as that there wasn’t any more history and development of the characters to go to, so they just repeated!
The romance scenes are scorching, so there is that; but, I like a little more story in a romantic suspense and found myself skimming through the sex scenes.
Not continuing with this series.
Zack and Sky are a likable H/h couple, but the plot is too light, and there are some logic fails.
The plot is so light that some conversations are even repeated between H and h. I think it was that editors missed the redundancies as much as that there wasn’t any more history and development of the characters to go to, so they just repeated!
The romance scenes are scorching, so there is that; but, I like a little more story in a romantic suspense and found myself skimming through the sex scenes.
Not continuing with this series.
October 24, 2015
Ok read
Slow start but okay read. Will continue with this series for now. Fingers crossed that it gets better as it goes on.
Slow start but okay read. Will continue with this series for now. Fingers crossed that it gets better as it goes on.
March 2, 2014
I gave up on this story when I reached Chapter 5. I was thoroughly frustrated and confused. The author spent far too much time in the first 4 chapters on describing Zack's background and very little time focusing on action of the character's "present day" situation, and she totally lost me. The dialogue between characters was lame and uninspired, and I didn't find any reason why I would want to see a continued relationship between Zack and Skylar. They both decided to torture themselves by remaining single (and celibate?)ever since their break-up a decade ago. They each harbored hurt and anger towards each other for that entire time. How would these emotions really foster an improved relationship? I wasn't in the mood to wait around and find out.
November 23, 2008
Ten years ago Zack Hunter walked out of Sky McKenna's life. Now he is working as an ICE agent investigating a string of cattle thefts.
Sky never got over Zack but she refuses to trust him again with her heart. Zack is pretty determined. He realizes he made a big mistake and will do anything for Sky to give him another chance.
While trying to convince Sky of his love Zack also has to try to find the cattle rustlers. This was a sexy, suspenseful story. Zack was a little overbearing at times but I just fell in love with him. The sexual chemistry between Zack and Sky is hot.
Sky never got over Zack but she refuses to trust him again with her heart. Zack is pretty determined. He realizes he made a big mistake and will do anything for Sky to give him another chance.
While trying to convince Sky of his love Zack also has to try to find the cattle rustlers. This was a sexy, suspenseful story. Zack was a little overbearing at times but I just fell in love with him. The sexual chemistry between Zack and Sky is hot.
Shelved as 'kindle-freebies'
April 13, 2016Kindle freebie 3/31/16
April 6, 2016
Several things rubbed me up the wrong way
- the large dose of sob story from both characters
- the poisoning of a dog
- the hero wandering around thinking about beating up anyone who looks at the heroine
- the hero actually beating up someone who looks at the heroine, as if that macho shit is impressive
- the heroine calling herself a bitch for not throwing herself at the hero's feet before she hears Sob Story Part Two
- the sheer amount of sex overshadowing any plot
- rape threats
- the very limited vocabulary: how many times are we going to hear about orange blossoms, folds and copper curls?
- the limited wardrobes: is the hero so badly paid that he can only afford one outfit? Does the heroine own a single dress that isn't a backless micro-mini?
- the stereotypical romance novel ending
BUT all this is overshadowed by the heroine keeping her dog Blue safe and attacking someone who tried to kill him. Oh, and coming close to saving herself, rather than sitting around waiting for the men to show up like some damsel in distress.
- the large dose of sob story from both characters
- the poisoning of a dog
- the hero wandering around thinking about beating up anyone who looks at the heroine
- the hero actually beating up someone who looks at the heroine, as if that macho shit is impressive
- the heroine calling herself a bitch for not throwing herself at the hero's feet before she hears Sob Story Part Two
- the sheer amount of sex overshadowing any plot
- rape threats
- the very limited vocabulary: how many times are we going to hear about orange blossoms, folds and copper curls?
- the limited wardrobes: is the hero so badly paid that he can only afford one outfit? Does the heroine own a single dress that isn't a backless micro-mini?
- the stereotypical romance novel ending
BUT all this is overshadowed by the heroine keeping her dog Blue safe and attacking someone who tried to kill him. Oh, and coming close to saving herself, rather than sitting around waiting for the men to show up like some damsel in distress.
May 17, 2009
Rating: 3.5 / 5
A quick, easy read that I enjoyed but didn't particularly LOVE. And not for any exact reason...it was just one of those book that I liked a fair amount, but didn't love. Sexy romance, a slight suspense plot, some good characters...it made the book easy to read. I didn't have any major problems with the story and I'll likely definitely pick up the next book in the series.
...and normally I have a lot more to say in a review, but I'm drawing a complete blank. Sometimes that happens when I go to review a book. So I'm gonna be lazy this time and not force it.
WARNING, this book contains: moderately explicit sex and language
A quick, easy read that I enjoyed but didn't particularly LOVE. And not for any exact reason...it was just one of those book that I liked a fair amount, but didn't love. Sexy romance, a slight suspense plot, some good characters...it made the book easy to read. I didn't have any major problems with the story and I'll likely definitely pick up the next book in the series.
...and normally I have a lot more to say in a review, but I'm drawing a complete blank. Sometimes that happens when I go to review a book. So I'm gonna be lazy this time and not force it.
WARNING, this book contains: moderately explicit sex and language
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August 6, 2017
Eh. There wasn't really anything to write home about in this book. The story was mostly predictable (); there were several ways it could have gone in my mind, but it still wasn't anything ultimately surprising. The characters were just characters. And honestly? Too much sex, mostly boring. I think I've been reading too much romance, it takes a lot for me to be surprised or entertained at this point (or maybe I'm just spoiled with a specific other federal agent-based series). However, I have to say it was the overall presentation that just didn't do it for me. I didn't really like either of the main characters, there was a lot of initial analyzing of the situations from both Sky and Zack's perspectives (no gradual unfurling revelations there), and the mixing of character quotes in the same paragraphs (this is more of an editing thing, I think) really bugged me the entire time I was reading the book. But, I do have one positive thing to say regarding one piece of unpredictability:
April 1, 2016
I was a little worried when I picked up this book, for professional reasons. When a book crosses my line of work, I tend to read it more critically and sometimes end up (unintentionally) picking it apart. Luckily, Cheyenne McCray did a fairly good job explaining the federal law enforcement role in this story, and nothing stuck out to me as glaringly wrong or out of place. So kudos to Cheyenne for doing her research!
Skylar McKenna owns a ranch near the U.S./Mexican border in small town Arizona. Her heart was crushed at only 19 years old, when her boyfriend of six months left town to become a federal agent. Since then, she has dated but not gotten overly involved, despite all the masculine ranch hands surrounding her at all times. Sky was okay for me - I didn't have a great connection with her character, and I think she came off as a tad bitter. However, I did admire her ability to work and thrive in such a male-dominated field. I can only imagine how much she had to prove herself before anyone would take her seriously as a cattle rancher. (And I say that because I work in a male-dominated field as well and can empathize with her plight.)
Zack Hunter is the typical alpha male law enforcement hero. He goes after what he wants, even he if has to act like a bulldozer to do it. I enjoyed his uber alpha behavior, but I usually enjoy these types of heroes. Zack has a tortured past involving a rough and abusive childhood, however I think this aspect could have been developed more to create a deeper emotional connection to his character. As it was, his rough edges were softened up a bit, but he could still kick ass and take charge where its most important (in the bedroom).
While I enjoyed the story, I am noticing that I have lost interest in the contemporary second chance romance trope. My drama tolerance is very low at the moment, so I end up getting annoyed (usually with the heroine) and I lose some enjoyment in the story. This story had the H/h reconciling rather quickly so the drama didn't last quite as long... but I had a little trouble with believing that such a grudge was being held over a 6 month relationship that occurred when the heroine was 19. I also didn't feel a great emotional connection between the couples. Their bodies certainly aligned in all the right places to set off some sparks, but the emotional part fizzled out for me.
That being said, the suspense was pretty good. I don't think I figured out the culprit until the big reveal. I had suspicions, but they were mostly of the wrong people. All of those suspicions, though, pulled me into the story and made me want to unravel the mystery. So much so that I may have skimmed some of the sexytime scenes. The cattle rustling itself, while not typically something that ICE would investigate, was certainly presented in a way that made it plausible for the agency to get involved.
Overall it was a good story, and an entertaining quick read. There were some great secondary characters that have potential as future heroes in the series, and I am looking forward to seeing what McCray has in store for them.
3 stars / 3 flames.
Skylar McKenna owns a ranch near the U.S./Mexican border in small town Arizona. Her heart was crushed at only 19 years old, when her boyfriend of six months left town to become a federal agent. Since then, she has dated but not gotten overly involved, despite all the masculine ranch hands surrounding her at all times. Sky was okay for me - I didn't have a great connection with her character, and I think she came off as a tad bitter. However, I did admire her ability to work and thrive in such a male-dominated field. I can only imagine how much she had to prove herself before anyone would take her seriously as a cattle rancher. (And I say that because I work in a male-dominated field as well and can empathize with her plight.)
Zack Hunter is the typical alpha male law enforcement hero. He goes after what he wants, even he if has to act like a bulldozer to do it. I enjoyed his uber alpha behavior, but I usually enjoy these types of heroes. Zack has a tortured past involving a rough and abusive childhood, however I think this aspect could have been developed more to create a deeper emotional connection to his character. As it was, his rough edges were softened up a bit, but he could still kick ass and take charge where its most important (in the bedroom).
While I enjoyed the story, I am noticing that I have lost interest in the contemporary second chance romance trope. My drama tolerance is very low at the moment, so I end up getting annoyed (usually with the heroine) and I lose some enjoyment in the story. This story had the H/h reconciling rather quickly so the drama didn't last quite as long... but I had a little trouble with believing that such a grudge was being held over a 6 month relationship that occurred when the heroine was 19. I also didn't feel a great emotional connection between the couples. Their bodies certainly aligned in all the right places to set off some sparks, but the emotional part fizzled out for me.
That being said, the suspense was pretty good. I don't think I figured out the culprit until the big reveal. I had suspicions, but they were mostly of the wrong people. All of those suspicions, though, pulled me into the story and made me want to unravel the mystery. So much so that I may have skimmed some of the sexytime scenes. The cattle rustling itself, while not typically something that ICE would investigate, was certainly presented in a way that made it plausible for the agency to get involved.
Overall it was a good story, and an entertaining quick read. There were some great secondary characters that have potential as future heroes in the series, and I am looking forward to seeing what McCray has in store for them.
3 stars / 3 flames.
July 13, 2015
Zack Hunter was known as a 'bad boy', but Skylar loved him with everything she had. But he walked away from her 10 years ago.
As an ICE agent, he has returned to his hometown to reclaim Sky as his own .. and to round up some cattle rustlers who are shipping prime beef into Mexico .... along with the possibility of drugs.
An informant has stated that someone close to the investigation is involved ....and it's someone Sky knows. Zack is doing what he can to find the people responsible and to get Sky to trust him again.
The heart loves who the heart loves and Sky has never stopped loving Zack ... but she's hesitant to give her heart to him again. But it feels so good to be held by him again. He's not the same boy he was all those years ago ...he's a MAN ... and one she can't keep her hands off of.
Lots of romance and graphic intimacy. Zack is the guy all of us ladies wish we had and Skylar is the woman we envy. Lots of energy and action and plenty of characters to play "who's the bad guy'.
I enjoy Cheyenne McCray's books .... a departure from what I normally read ...but a nice change. I like a little spice and the author does a good job in balancing the sex scenes with the suspense. Her characters are well-rounded and there's always hints on why they are the way they are. It makes them much more believable.
As long as the author continues to write, I will continue to read her books.
As an ICE agent, he has returned to his hometown to reclaim Sky as his own .. and to round up some cattle rustlers who are shipping prime beef into Mexico .... along with the possibility of drugs.
An informant has stated that someone close to the investigation is involved ....and it's someone Sky knows. Zack is doing what he can to find the people responsible and to get Sky to trust him again.
The heart loves who the heart loves and Sky has never stopped loving Zack ... but she's hesitant to give her heart to him again. But it feels so good to be held by him again. He's not the same boy he was all those years ago ...he's a MAN ... and one she can't keep her hands off of.
Lots of romance and graphic intimacy. Zack is the guy all of us ladies wish we had and Skylar is the woman we envy. Lots of energy and action and plenty of characters to play "who's the bad guy'.
I enjoy Cheyenne McCray's books .... a departure from what I normally read ...but a nice change. I like a little spice and the author does a good job in balancing the sex scenes with the suspense. Her characters are well-rounded and there's always hints on why they are the way they are. It makes them much more believable.
As long as the author continues to write, I will continue to read her books.
July 11, 2011
This was a sweet romance with cowboys in it. There was a bit of suspense with the cattle rustling and drug running. Zack was pretty tasty and I liked him. He tried to do the best he could even though he made mistakes in his past. Sky was okay. She's kind of weak willed when it comes to Zack. I guess when they say your first love is hard to forget, they are talking about her. The tempo of the story moved at a good trot. The scenes flowed nicely into each other. The only thing odd for me was that there were all these men mentioned in the book but really no other female. It's like Sky lived in a world filled with men. O_O That just struck me as odd. I don't know anything about raising cattle and I never want to learn about it. Soo, I guess my impression of cattle raising is just men, men and more men. No women are in this line of business.
The sex part was decent. If I didn't read so many books and the type of books I read, I'd probably have enjoyed the sex better. As it was, it tame for me and kind of boring. The one I did find amusing and read through every word was the restaurant scene. I enjoyed that one. For those interested in romance, the sex is right on. I recommend this for people who love cowboys and their attitudes.
The sex part was decent. If I didn't read so many books and the type of books I read, I'd probably have enjoyed the sex better. As it was, it tame for me and kind of boring. The one I did find amusing and read through every word was the restaurant scene. I enjoyed that one. For those interested in romance, the sex is right on. I recommend this for people who love cowboys and their attitudes.
June 15, 2017
This was really close to earning 4 stars except for the heroine's TSTL moment at the 80% mark. I recently quit a book less than 1/2 way through because the heroine was a moron and I was just thinking how this book was doing a great job with not making the heroine an idiot when the 80% point came along and I almost banged my head on the table. I know you need to have a big standoff in the end, but could you come up with away to get to that point without having the female lose all her common sense?
September 11, 2015
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my chin. Holy hell this story is hot I am thinking I need a cold shower to cool off. I have to say the story was interesting and engaging as well as incendiary. This is the start of a series and we were introduced to a couple of the men featured in further books and I for one will be reading them all.
September 6, 2015
I really enjoyed Zack. It was such a good book. To learn more about what I thought go to my blog:
I was given a ARC for a honest review
I was given a ARC for a honest review
March 10, 2022
Zack Hunter was the love of Sky MacKenna's life, she thought they were it forever, until one day something changed and he left town, taking her heart with him. Still 10years later he plays on her mind, reminders of him everywhere. Now she is in charge of her families farm and doesn't have time to wonder about where he is and how he's been, she is too busy trying to find out who is stealing her cattle. Shock is a understatement whenZack turns up at her farm offering a helping hand. Can she really just forgive and forget? Will she risk giving him another chance and possibly lose what's left of her heart?
Zack Hunter left the love of his life behind thinking it was the best thing to do for both of them. He never explained to her what had happened, that he had a anger inside of him that needed to be tamed. That he was ashamed of his actions and thought Sky deserved better. After years of pining, Zack is offered a job back home, seeing Sky again is the only reason he says yes. He has some making up to do and alot of explaining but what if Sky has moved on, what if she kicks his arse to the curb. Seeing her again nearly breaks him and he knows he will do anything to prove to her that he isn't going anywhere this time. They were always meant to be together and hopefully Sky will give him a second chance.
I liked this second chance romance, quite an easy read and has a little mystery involved too. I always enjoy reading romances where you wonder 'Who could it be'. There were moments that made me rol my eyes, sometimes I think communication can change alot of things but drama is what we will for in romance books.
Zack Hunter left the love of his life behind thinking it was the best thing to do for both of them. He never explained to her what had happened, that he had a anger inside of him that needed to be tamed. That he was ashamed of his actions and thought Sky deserved better. After years of pining, Zack is offered a job back home, seeing Sky again is the only reason he says yes. He has some making up to do and alot of explaining but what if Sky has moved on, what if she kicks his arse to the curb. Seeing her again nearly breaks him and he knows he will do anything to prove to her that he isn't going anywhere this time. They were always meant to be together and hopefully Sky will give him a second chance.
I liked this second chance romance, quite an easy read and has a little mystery involved too. I always enjoy reading romances where you wonder 'Who could it be'. There were moments that made me rol my eyes, sometimes I think communication can change alot of things but drama is what we will for in romance books.
June 21, 2023
I have no idea how long ago I bought this book. But it was almost at the very end of my kindle list... So i'm gonna say I bought it a loooonnnnggg time ago. So long ago I forgot all about buying it. Not sure what attracted me to buying it then. But my tastes in reading has obviously changed since then. I had a really hard time getting into this book. As a matter of fact I almost DNF it. But I kept hanging on hoping that the story or the characters would catch my interest. Neither happened. I don't think I have ever complained about a story having to much inner dialogues. But this one I think did. It was just page after page of how much the characters thought each other was hot, and how much they wanted each other. Which is not a bad thing in and of itself, as long as that is not all there is to it. Just pages of inner dialogue about how hot they are, a few smut scenes thrown in and a little bit of plot. By the end it was driving me crazy and I started skipping over those inner dialogue pages.
October 6, 2017
Book 1 of series. Its the story of Skylar MacKenna and Zack Hunter. 10 years ago Zack and Sky met at the annual rodeo. They fall in love and it looks like they'll marry. One night Zack walks in on his stepfather beating the shit out of his mother. After growing up with a father who also beat all of them, he looses it and beats his stepfather almost to death. He isn't charged with a crime but he feels like he's grown up just like his dad. So he leaves town and Sky. She is heartbroken and it takes a couple years to recover. She has tried to date others but no one can replace Zack. Now Zack is an Agent with immigration and Border Patrol. He moved back to town for to find Sky and make her his again. She will not let herself loose her heart to him again. He will not back down though. One of the reasons he's back is he is working on a cattle rustling case that involves Sky's ranch and her herd. As they work on this case she does come to trust him again.
April 14, 2023
Intense, intriguing, and spicy
Quite a lot of action and suspense for a book that fits so neatly in the spicy 2nd chance romance genre. Thankfully this second chance romance was spared the cringeworthy "oops, we're pregnant" special so prevalent in this genre!
Characters were both intriguing and endearing. Well developed enough to want to befriend them, but still mysterious enough to not be completely certain of them or what they will choose to do. The plot had a lovely arc, building tension perfectly to a sustained climax before gently descending into a brief but satisfying conclusion. And no cliffhanger!
And let there be cheesecake. Lots of cheesecake.
R for explicit sexual content, violence, and mild language. Themes include domestic violence toward women and children, self defense, anger management, smuggling and cattle rustling.
Quite a lot of action and suspense for a book that fits so neatly in the spicy 2nd chance romance genre. Thankfully this second chance romance was spared the cringeworthy "oops, we're pregnant" special so prevalent in this genre!
Characters were both intriguing and endearing. Well developed enough to want to befriend them, but still mysterious enough to not be completely certain of them or what they will choose to do. The plot had a lovely arc, building tension perfectly to a sustained climax before gently descending into a brief but satisfying conclusion. And no cliffhanger!
And let there be cheesecake. Lots of cheesecake.
R for explicit sexual content, violence, and mild language. Themes include domestic violence toward women and children, self defense, anger management, smuggling and cattle rustling.
May 31, 2020
Geez I can't stand when women are written like this. Skylar is 29, runs her own ranch yet acts like a teenager. Running away instead of being an honest adult. Running from Zack because "she can't control her libido"? Ridiculous. Freaken drama queen. She should have just admitted how badly he hurt her 10 years ago so he'd understand her caution. She slept with Wade?? Yuck! He's a creep. Then she's using Luke to "save her" from Zack knowing he likes her and knowing she doesn't like him in that way. I don't like that she's leading on all of them then runs away when they get close. Should have written her character as younger than 29 or not made her so ridiculous. The only thing that saved this book was the mystery of the cattle rustlers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
Great Twists and Turns
Title: Zack
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance, Suspenso, Rancher, Law Enforcement, Second Chance
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Armed and Dangerous book 1
POV: Zack, Sky
Steam Level: Slow burn to quite toasty at times
3.5/5
It’s been a while since I’ve read Cheyenne McCray. Overall this book was fun. I’m glad the bad guy wasn’t who u immediately suspected but once revealed it made sense who it was. I also liked the reveal about who I suspected. Overall this book was fun but I kept getting distracted throughout since it wasn’t really holding my attention.
Title: Zack
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance, Suspenso, Rancher, Law Enforcement, Second Chance
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Armed and Dangerous book 1
POV: Zack, Sky
Steam Level: Slow burn to quite toasty at times
3.5/5
It’s been a while since I’ve read Cheyenne McCray. Overall this book was fun. I’m glad the bad guy wasn’t who u immediately suspected but once revealed it made sense who it was. I also liked the reveal about who I suspected. Overall this book was fun but I kept getting distracted throughout since it wasn’t really holding my attention.
March 20, 2023
Cheyenne McCray writing never seems to disappoint me, and continues to do so with this rough, but second chance at love story. Their love never died, but was pushed away by Zack, because he felt he wasn't worthy of love. The grief and heartbreak between these two is felt, yet they are pulled back together as Zack, now a member of ICE chases down cattle rustlers from across the border. Definitely worth reading as not only a deep love is reignited, but also the action and danger of cattle rustlers, and the corruption that is found deep in the small border town.
May 3, 2023
Okay but just too much sex and lots of minor information that I didn’t need or understand. Especially in regards to getting warrants.
I didn’t need to know all the steps taken, just tell my they got their warrants after some juggling.
Pretty easy to know Luke was a cop of some sort.
I cannot say that these two main H’s appealed to me. The whole ten-year absence was dealt with in just a few short words and an apology. After they’d already had sex. I get tired of see sawing thinking which Skylar did quite a bit of.
But the cattle rustling was intriguing enough to keep me reading.
I didn’t need to know all the steps taken, just tell my they got their warrants after some juggling.
Pretty easy to know Luke was a cop of some sort.
I cannot say that these two main H’s appealed to me. The whole ten-year absence was dealt with in just a few short words and an apology. After they’d already had sex. I get tired of see sawing thinking which Skylar did quite a bit of.
But the cattle rustling was intriguing enough to keep me reading.
May 8, 2017
Is Zack ready
Zack falls hard for Skylar McKenna but He has to leave and he decides to lie to her and tell her hr not ready for a commitment and he not good enough for her. So Skylar does the best she cans and works the Ranch and try to move on. Her Calfs start missing and Zack after years of being gone come back as a Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Zack is ready to settle down and he wants Sky , but will Sky want him after what he did.
Zack falls hard for Skylar McKenna but He has to leave and he decides to lie to her and tell her hr not ready for a commitment and he not good enough for her. So Skylar does the best she cans and works the Ranch and try to move on. Her Calfs start missing and Zack after years of being gone come back as a Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Zack is ready to settle down and he wants Sky , but will Sky want him after what he did.
January 19, 2022
Loved this second chance at love.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. Zack left Skylar (Sky) 10 years ago and he’s taken a job now to be near her. Can he get another chance? He’s always loved her but didn’t think he was good for her. I felt for her, how can she give her heart back to him. There’s a lot of suspense too, who the rustler? It’s a shocker. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. Zack left Skylar (Sky) 10 years ago and he’s taken a job now to be near her. Can he get another chance? He’s always loved her but didn’t think he was good for her. I felt for her, how can she give her heart back to him. There’s a lot of suspense too, who the rustler? It’s a shocker. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
October 2, 2024
The author needs a thesaurus. So many words are used repetitively that it makes descriptions dull and it distracts from the storyline. Not that the storyline was any good. The male lead is as misogynistic as the supposed villains but we’re supposed to believe it’s sexy when he acts like a jerk. I didn’t even care if they got together in the end. I would have preferred it if she had ended up alone.
October 12, 2022
Zack has returned to his hometown after 10 years. He works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement now. He left Skylar behind when he left, feeling he was no good for her because of his uncontrollable temper. He wants her back and hopes to win her. Her cattle are being rustled and he is also there to find out by whom. Story was pretty predictable and sexy, but nothing really unique.
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