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Chloe #1
Hank & Chloe
Chloe Morgan is a thirty-three-year-old part-time waitress, small-time horse trainer, and full-time thoroughly toughened Western woman living in a corner of the dwindling canyonlands of Southern California. Calloused and wary, Chloe allows herself to love with total abandon and complete faith only her horse and her dog. That is, until a quirk in the weather and a sunrise funeral service cause her to cross the path of Henry Oliver, a sedate professor of folklore at the local college, who, like Chloe, has his reasons for holding back. But once Hank steps inside Chloe's makeshift cabin in the hills, Chloe realizes she must come to terms with her losses and decide between the life of solitude she had always thought was her fate and the love of a man who seems—at first—all wrong.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
14 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Ann Mapson
25books174followersJo-Ann Mapson, a third generation Californian, grew up in Fullerton as a middle child with four siblings. She dropped out of college to marry, but later finished a creative writing degree at California State University, Long Beach. Following her son's birth in 1978, Mapson worked an assortment of odd jobs teaching horseback riding, cleaning houses, typing resumes, and working retail. After earning a graduate degree from Vermont College's low residency program, she taught at Orange Coast College for six years before turning to full-time writing in 1996. Mapson is the author of the acclaimed novels Shadow Ranch, Blue Rodeo, Hank Chloe, and Loving Chloe."The land is as much a character as the people," Mapson has said. Whether writing about the stark beauty of a California canyon or the poverty of an Arizona reservation, Mapson's landscapes are imbued with life. Setting her fiction in the Southwest, Mapson writes about a region that she knows well; after growing up in California and living for a time in Arizona and NewMexico, Mapson lives today in Costa Mesa, California. She attributes her focus on setting to the influence of Wallace Stegner.Like many of her characters, Mapson has ridden horses since she was a child. She owns a 35-year-old Appaloosa and has said that she learned about writing from learning to jump her horse, Tonto. "I realized," she said, "that the same thing that had been wrong with my riding was the same thing that had been wrong with my writing. In riding there is a term called `the moment of suspension,' when you're over the fence, just hanging in the air. I had to give myself up to it, let go, trust the motion. Once I got that right, everything fell into place."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 28, 2019
3.5 stars
I have a lot of thoughts about this random book that I picked up because some library person on the internet said it was one of their favorites.
Based on the title and cover, I went into this thinking it was a romance, and I think that kept me from really liking it for a while, because it did not meet my expectations. It is really general fiction that is centered, somewhat, around a relationship. However, this was not a relationship we see in Romance; it was two flawed people (and not in the trope-like flaws found in romance), and the characters were far more fleshed out than in a typical romance. The writing was also more literary, and a large portion of the book took place when the characters weren't physically in the same place.
But the men in this book are pretty unlikable. I think the author was probably trying to give a realistic representation of men, but it made them pretty hard to read sometimes. Any time two men were together, it seemed like women were the topic of conversation, and usually in a gross way. The main female character was also constantly being hit on, and I get that it's part of the Western, working-class characterization, but it got old. There were some really interesting conversations about consent in the relationship that I appreciated, though, and the author didn't shy from the ugly parts of the relationship.
I generally have a weird liking for books written in the 80's and 90's, but this one showed it's age in a way that wasn't charming. Besides the treatment of women, there was a lot of fat shaming. There is an overweight character, and the way her weight is viewed is very indicative of the early-90's. Her weight and eating habits are described in a judgmental way. Her being overweight served no purpose in the story other than as an example of her "improving herself" by losing weight in the end, and of course being much happier as a result. This played a big part in me not giving the full 4 stars.
Despite my many conflicted thoughts about the book, I did generally enjoy it. The writing was good, and I liked the western setting. The relationship was flawed in a real way that is typically seen more in literary fiction. I think I will read the second one, with hopes that it focuses more on the relationship and less on tertiary male characters that just wanted to get in the main female character's pants.
I have a lot of thoughts about this random book that I picked up because some library person on the internet said it was one of their favorites.
Based on the title and cover, I went into this thinking it was a romance, and I think that kept me from really liking it for a while, because it did not meet my expectations. It is really general fiction that is centered, somewhat, around a relationship. However, this was not a relationship we see in Romance; it was two flawed people (and not in the trope-like flaws found in romance), and the characters were far more fleshed out than in a typical romance. The writing was also more literary, and a large portion of the book took place when the characters weren't physically in the same place.
But the men in this book are pretty unlikable. I think the author was probably trying to give a realistic representation of men, but it made them pretty hard to read sometimes. Any time two men were together, it seemed like women were the topic of conversation, and usually in a gross way. The main female character was also constantly being hit on, and I get that it's part of the Western, working-class characterization, but it got old. There were some really interesting conversations about consent in the relationship that I appreciated, though, and the author didn't shy from the ugly parts of the relationship.
I generally have a weird liking for books written in the 80's and 90's, but this one showed it's age in a way that wasn't charming. Besides the treatment of women, there was a lot of fat shaming. There is an overweight character, and the way her weight is viewed is very indicative of the early-90's. Her weight and eating habits are described in a judgmental way. Her being overweight served no purpose in the story other than as an example of her "improving herself" by losing weight in the end, and of course being much happier as a result. This played a big part in me not giving the full 4 stars.
Despite my many conflicted thoughts about the book, I did generally enjoy it. The writing was good, and I liked the western setting. The relationship was flawed in a real way that is typically seen more in literary fiction. I think I will read the second one, with hopes that it focuses more on the relationship and less on tertiary male characters that just wanted to get in the main female character's pants.
January 31, 2013
This might be the most I've ever loved a book I didn't like so much. Not sure if I can explain that. This book contains one of the most thoroughly described settings I've ever come across. It made me feel like I was living in this small California community along with the characters. I could see the rocks and paths and shacks described in the book, and could ride along with the horses, even though I know precious little about any of that. So an A+ job on settings and descriptions. The characters I grew to care about, even if I wasn't sure I exactly liked them or not. But then, that's just like real life too, isn't it? Huh. Guess I'm changing my rating from 3 to 4 stars upon that realization.
September 6, 2016
I read this book years ago -- probably not too long after it was published and I still remember the title, the characters and the story with great fondness. I remember thinking that I was completely satisfied when the book ended and wishing I had another book like it to read. Additionally, I was living in Southern California at the time and working in Irvine where the novel takes place, and was astonished to learn that a completely different rural world existed just a few miles away and I had never had any idea it was there. I was tempted to give it 5 stars for these reasons alone; however it just does not have the gravitas that I feel a 5-star rated book needs to have.
July 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. Chloe is a great character . . . hard and determined as someone who's gone through numerous foster homes can be. Hank is less formed, but still believeable. I lived in Modjeska Canyon near where this story takes place. I know the environments: both the rural, hardscrabble one and the upscale Irvine/South Coast one. I too have gone back and forth between the two. I also worked at Juvenile Court in Orange County so I have some awareness of what the kids who go through the foster care system have to deal with. This woman knows her stuff. Kudos. Can't wait to read Loving Chloe. The only thing that bothers me is that it took me so long to find JoAnn Mapson.
June 27, 2014
Oh I loved this story. A love story, but so filled with more than that alone. Chloe is a lady who has known so much hurt during her lifetime and has decided that there is only true love found with animals, including her horse who is slowly dying and her dog who she took in and saved. She lives on the edge of homelessness and says that is who she is and how she is happy. Then she meets Hank who is totally opposite in lifestyle. It is not always smooth going between them but the chemistry is strong, but is it strong enough? Read to find out.
July 24, 2010
I loved this book. The characters are so complex, it's not a typical romance, it's very real - real situations and feelings.
Now that I'm about to give it away to someone who will love it as much as I have...I wish I had read it again!
Now that I'm about to give it away to someone who will love it as much as I have...I wish I had read it again!
October 20, 2019
This is sort of a hen lit story, I guess, about a poverty-hardened horse-lovin' woman and the junior college professor who falls in love with her. They've both been around the block a few times. They've both got scars. They try to work together, and pull apart--you couldn't quite tell where the story would end up, which made it an enjoyable ride.
Also, a surprising amount of sex. Kind of made me wonder where the line gets drawn between "paperback romance novel" and "hardback serious literature." This was a hardback but...yeah. Sex!
Also, a surprising amount of sex. Kind of made me wonder where the line gets drawn between "paperback romance novel" and "hardback serious literature." This was a hardback but...yeah. Sex!
September 27, 2018
I loved Chloe - she was smart, strong and gritty with an interesting story. I hated Hank - he was ridiculously self-conscious and flavorless. Mapson writes great female characters, but her dudes are generally lacking...Hank even more so than usual.
May 23, 2017
Tough cow-girl meets handsome professor. Not very exciting.
February 18, 2018
"An earthy, tender tale of an unlikely romance"--I needed a romance for Valentine's Day. This is a good one. Another plus--there's a sequel!!
February 24, 2019
A five star read for horse lovers ... probably four stars for an romance lovers. It is one of my absolute favorites. ❤️
May 29, 2020
good read
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August 6, 2024I started and stopped this book and finally decided, even though it is not bad, it was too slow for me. It just didn't grab me enough to want to keep reading it. Maybe you will like it better.
September 26, 2016
The book is cleverly written but almost relentlessly intense and hopeless, at least for the two main characters. Bad things happen to them, they make bad things happen, and yet never seem to learn, grow or benefit from these experiences. What are their goals? They drift in a sea of often lovely or shocking writing yet never quite reach shore. Yes, a "happy" ending is indicated. But often I felt distanced. I think that is because taken as a whole, the book is too self-consciously "literary". I dearly love Jo-Ann Mapson's later work, such as the rich, layered and deeply charactered "Blue Rodeo," and its spinoffs. Characters really grow, relate, and choose interesting paths. Not so in "Hank and Chloe."
February 9, 2012
Chloe Morgan - waitress, horsewoman. Hank Oliver - Junior college professor of mythology. They meet after Chloe had pulled an all-nighter helping a friend's horse with a difficult foaling. The friend was a co-worker of Hank's and Chloe ended up with Hank's good shirt when she needed to change clothes. Hank wanted his shirt back and found out where Chloe worked. Both Chloe and Hank had pasts that made trusting in a relationship difficult. Could they work it out?
Re-read in 2012, having not remembered anything about it. Plenty of course language and sex - described in detail - put a real damper on this for me. Not a bad storyline if you take the extras out.
Re-read in 2012, having not remembered anything about it. Plenty of course language and sex - described in detail - put a real damper on this for me. Not a bad storyline if you take the extras out.
March 31, 2012
Meh. I decided to read this after loving Mapson's "The Owl And Moon Cafe", and was somewhat let down. I liked her development of the characters individually, but I'm afraid I never bought the attraction between them together as a couple. By the end, I admit I was somewhat intrigued as to what would happen to them individually, and whether or not they would make it together, but more as an interested observer than anyone with a concerned stake in the game. I suppose I will eventually pick up the follow up, "Loving Chloe", to see where that takes Chloe and Hank, but I really wish I cared just a little bit more.
January 10, 2011
While I did like this book and read it pretty quickly, I'm only giving it three stars because it has a lot of language which I found distracting and also it has way too many "romantic scenes" if you know what I'm saying. I felt like the swearing and these scenes were an escape of sorts so that the author didn't have to deal with harder conversations between characters and sometimes it was hard to see why (beyond the sexual attraction) the two main characters loved each other. The ending was a little abrupt too--sort of another escape from having to have an important dialogue scene.
October 9, 2010
A funny, tender, sexy Western love story about Chloe Morgan, a part time waitress and part time horse trainer who meets college professor Hank after she has tried to save the horse which belongs to his office mate. Chloe has been brought up in foster homes and is independent and tenacious, while Hank has been hen¬pecked by his mother and haunted by the death of his sister; they both find it hard to make permanent attach¬ments. This is a first novel, although the author has written short stories.
December 23, 2014
I have read other Jo-Ann Mapson novels and just read this one.....her first novel.
Mapson does such a wonderful job making her characters come to life. The settings of her books are always described in a way that it is easy for you to imagine them.
The main character, Chloe, lives in the canyon land of Southern California. She is a very guarded womand then meets Hank. just a good read.
Mapson does such a wonderful job making her characters come to life. The settings of her books are always described in a way that it is easy for you to imagine them.
The main character, Chloe, lives in the canyon land of Southern California. She is a very guarded womand then meets Hank. just a good read.
March 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. It is labeled as romance and normally I do not like romance novels. There is a good plot in the story and sort of an open ended ending as there is a sequel, Loving Chloe. There are some adult scenes that may be offensive to some but the writing is very good and there is humor thrown in to boot. It is also a tale about horses which are my love of all loves so that was an extra plus.
June 10, 2012
Mapson is my new favorite author. I'm glad I read a couple of others of hers first though, because the emotion is so raw in this one, that if I didn't know that she would bring a satisfying ending, I'd have had to quit it.
The characters are so real, so well-rounded -- I'm in awe of her ability.
Wonderful book.
The characters are so real, so well-rounded -- I'm in awe of her ability.
Wonderful book.
April 24, 2015
Chloe is a part-time horse trainer, part-time waitress. She connects with Henry, a professor of folklore at the local college where she boards her horse. Chloe and her dog live in a primitive cabin with no water or electricity (she likes it that way) in a canyon that makes me think of Trabuco Canyon. What does she want more...her independent solitary life or Hank?
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September 25, 2016Technically, I shouldn't mark this book as read. I got to chapter two and quit. I can't interest myself in a book where the author feels it necessary to use bad language. I'd rather read books where the author can make me see things in a few words, and those words certainly don't need to be horrible language.
March 2, 2013
Story of two flawed characters that you feel belong together....but who have problems that seem unsurmontable. Throughout the story you realize that love is not easy....and sometimes it just isn't going to work.
October 29, 2014
The story of gritty survivor Chloe, struggling to make ends meet waitressing & teaching riding, and quiet, reserved mythology professor Hank. The writing deals with heartbreak & damaged people in an insightful way, but probably too many purple passages to recommend to my mother!
August 29, 2014
I did not finish this book.
So often, anymore, when I get to a book that has "graphic" sex, I just quit. Up until that point, Hank and Chloe had been enjoyable, I found the character development, the writing and the story very well done.
Enough said.
So often, anymore, when I get to a book that has "graphic" sex, I just quit. Up until that point, Hank and Chloe had been enjoyable, I found the character development, the writing and the story very well done.
Enough said.
November 26, 2014
Although I recently recommended this book and another in this series to several GR friends, I *totally* forgot to mention there are explicit adult scenes (which I skip over). So, apologies for leaving this detail out!
October 19, 2014
Just terrific...have had this book sitting on my shelf for a few years, don't even remember when I bought it. What a treat it was to read - great characters, interesting story, it was such an enjoyable read and a glimpse into a world ( horses) that i know little about.
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January 9, 2008I love anything by this author and this was the first one I ever read of hers. Needless to say I have read them all now.
February 26, 2008
This book drove me crazy, yet my Sis and I still discuss it to this day.
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