This book is a sweet summer romance that's a lot of fun. Good dialogue, some silly secondary characters, not much drama, and very enjoyable. It's light, nothing much happens. Just about a girl and her adventures at a ranch. On arrival at the ranch, Sterling meets a number of characters. Most importantly Ranch Hand #1 Tanner who's just good-boy cute and Ranch Hand #2 Luke who is moody and mysterious. I pick Option 2 and so does Sterling and fellow vacationer, Chloe who's a Miss Perfect/Chirpy/Obnoxious. Tanner likes Chloe, Chloe likes Luke, Luke likes Sterling. Bottom-line, this vacation has just turned into a ten-day competition to see which girl can get the hotter guy and which ranch hand can get the hotter girl. There's a lot of flirting going on. I quite enjoyed all the subtleties between Luke and Sterling. Tanner is all-American charming. Chloe's blatancy is just ridiculous. She throws herself at Luke but the guy's only got eyes for Sterling.Sterling is fun. She's level-headed, amusing, honest and chatty. She's definitely a city girl freaking out at a lot of things, but she appreciates being out in the country and making friends with the animals. I liked that she isn't star-eyed over the delicious Luke and she maintains her entertaining monologue throughout the book.Ms. Oliver writes a darn good YA hero. Luke is a marvelous character. He may be all tough and aloof but he definitely has a thing for Sterling. He thinks she's a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. Luke's a charmer and delightfully romantic. I just love the books of Tess Oliver and "Cowboy Dark" is no exception. She is straightforward in her approach expertly creating a world that immediately draws the reader in. Her characters are powerful and I find that I can easily relate to them; therefore becoming totally invested in their outcomes. I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book and Tess agreed to let me share it with my students at school. The students loved the book especially the snarky humor and the horse riding tales.Sterling Mayfield and her twin brother,Dylan lost their loving mother a year ago. Their father is barely maintaining but attempts to foster some family time by booking a vacation to a Dude Ranch. Dylan nor Sterling are looking forward to this trip; but, they will go to placate their Dad. Surprisingly, Dylan takes to the cowboy life better than anyone could imagine. Sterling on the other hand is strangely attracted to one of cowhands, a quiet and dark Luke. Luke is tatooed and a loner; but, he is amazing with horses. I for one truly could relate to the depths of Sterling's despair over losing her mother since I lost my mother 3 years ago. Oliver truly handled this situation beautifully.The Sterling family is not the only visitors at the ranch. There is a doctor, his wife, their two electronically addicted boys and a mother and her beauty queen daughter,Chloe who both love to bathe in cologne. Hum......cologne and horse, not a very appealing combination. Chloe has an agenda all of her own and this little vacation may prove to be more interesting than anyone could ever guess. I will not reveal any more because I do not want to spoil it for you. Just pick up this novella and enjoy a really galloping good ride ( Okay, I'm sorry for the pun. LOL!).
What do You think about Cowboy Dark (2012)?
This book was a really cute, quick read. The end moved really fast for me, but overall it was cute.h
—aparnaa
I was never a fan of cowboys till i read this book, and ohh boy was it a ride...
—ragdoll123104
Tess Oliver books are amazing. Simple as that. Read all of her books
—tara
