Awesome, awesome contemporary romantic suspense. I can't wait to read future books in this series. The blurb gives you a good gist of the storyline. Sam was several years younger than Hunter growing up. She interfered with his dates at every opportunity. Hunter is the county sheriff with at least three murders in his hands. Their chemistry is off the wall but what pleased me the most is that although Hunter is a true alpha male Sam is strong enough character to stand up to him. Ms. Leigh did a fantastic job of developing the plot and characters. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. It is an outstanding action packed book.

Good storyline filled with lot of action and hardcore sex. I would definitely recommend this book to fans who like the romance heavy on the erotic side, with a good back story.

Struggled with this one. Overall good story, but couldn’t connect to the characters that well.
Despite that Lora Leigh is a strong writer that keeps you engaged.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Sheriff Hunter Steele knows that the mayor is dirty and a couple of his deputies (hired by the mayor) are as well. There have been some strange deaths that have gone down as being unfortunate accidents, but Hunter believes they are murders. The latest death is Dottie Coulter, which brings her niece, Samantha Ryder, to town. Hunter was Sam’s protector growing up and she enjoyed ruining all his dates, earning her the nickname pixie pest. However, Sam is all grown up now. She’s a police officer in Detroit, and she refuses to leave Deerhaven until she has answers of what happened to her aunt.

The attraction between Hunter and Sam is undeniable and once they give in, they can’t fight it. Although Sam sure tries, as first. However, the two are putting their noses into dangerous territory with their investigation. And, Sam’s abusive ex comes to town to cause even more trouble. Can Hunter and Sam uncover what’s going on in time to save themselves?

I really do enjoy Lora Leigh’s books. I’ve seen speculation that this is a rewritten and expanded version of one of her earlier works, Moving Violations (also co-written by Chadwick). It would make sense considering that is what the series name of this book is. However, I’m not sure if it is or just a book with a similar storyline since I haven’t read that title.

This is one of her more heavily sexed books so if you don’t want to read a bunch of detailed sex scenes, you may want to pass. I feel like this couple does more copulating than investigating. I mean, they spent hours having sex while they were supposed to be on a stakeout because nothing is expected to happen for hours …. Not to mention him trying to have sex with her in his office after getting falsely accused of sexual harassment earlier that morning. Boy has got some stamina, I’ll give him that!

I also found that Sam was a little too easy to sway to work for Hunter, when she was so adamant that she liked working and living in Detroit.

Overall, I did enjoy this story. There isn’t a whole lot of substance to it, but it was a fun steamy read.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

First, I have to admit that I love Lora Leigh's books so I went into this with a biased opinion. Having said that, I loved "One Tough Cowboy". Who wouldn't love Hunter though? 😉
The heroine, Samantha, was originally from a small town and came home for her aunt's funeral. She ended up staying around to help with an investigation.....
Hunter is the Sheriff and happens to be the man Samantha always had a crush on as a girl.
There's enough action to put you on the edge of your seat when Hunter's present and Samantha's past collide and hot romance,too.
Can't wait for the next one!

Funny story... Before I started reading One Tough Cowboy, I had been reading a lot of contemporary romances and while they all had some sexy scenes in them, I was seriously craving something raunchy and full of sexy time. I kind of pushed the idea to the back-burner until I had a bit of free time. As it turns out... One Tough Cowboy was sexy AF and boy did it leave me satisfied.

After the death of her Aunt Dottie, Samantha finds herself back in Deerhaven. Faced with the emotions from the loss and wondering if foul play was involved, it doesn't take long for her to seek the help from Hunter, her childhood protector turned hot sheriff. As the sexual tension starts to ignite, Samantha's past rears its ugly head and threatens to take happiness away from her.

The last person he expected to see in Deerhaven was Pixie Pest. The little girl he protected is a now woman Hunter can't resist. Once she is in his arms, Hunter will do anything to keep her there. He'll face her past and hunt down a killer to keep her safe.

Oh lordy... This book was hot. I friggin' loved it. I've never read a Lora Leigh book. I've seen her books around. Heck, I've got a couple in print. So, really I should have guessed it was going to be high on the sexy scale. One Tough Cowboy was amazing. I loved the writing styles of both authors. The characters were so damn lovable. The suspense... Holy cow, that suspense. It both kept me on my toes and made me cringe (that last scene was gut-wrenching). I'm super excited for the next book in the series. The authors tempted us with a sexy scene with our next hero, Jacob. He's going to be a hot one! Plus I'm curious about if the bigger suspense arc will continue on to future books in the series.

I don't often do this, but I feel it's important. There is a trigger warning with a scene that involves an attempted rape. It's in a scene towards the end of the book. If it's something that bothers you, keep it in mind.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Be warned. This book is for a mature reader. There are many sexual scenes, an attempted rape and foul language.

The chemistry between the two protagonists was blazing hot. The banter between the two was funny and provocative. Hunter is a sheriff who is investigating the death of three people. One of the deaths, is his uncle who was the sheriff and was killed in an apparent hunting accident. The accident was suspicious in nature as the uncle didn't hunt. Samantha (Sam) returned to Deerhaven, California to bury her aunt (who was the third death). Hunter and Sam knew each other from growing up together. Hunter protected Sam when she was younger and constantly getting into mischief before her family moved away. She becomes a police officer for the City of Detroit. She is a very tough lady who wants to see justice for her aunt's death so she takes a leave of absence to investigate the questionable death. She is talked into leaving her position in Detroit and becoming a deputy in Deerhaven. For the rest of the story you will have to read the book to really get an understanding of the plot that apparently will continue in more books in this series.

This book was written in a dual POV format. It gives the reader a more in-depth look into the characters. You will be able to understand the characters in how they feel and just basically come together in their relationship and how it evolved. Sam had always looked up to and adored Hunter from childhood. These two overcome a great deal of action and suspense in this book while their relationship comes together pretty quickly.

I loved this book and the depth and intense action that just kept me glued to my e-reader which was smokin' in places. I look forward to more of this series and hope that several of the secondary characters get a chance at a HEA!!

Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong and intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Samantha Ryder's family had moved away from Deerhaven, California when she was a young girl. She is now a police officer in Detroit. Samantha has to return to Deerhaven after her aunt died. When she figured out that her aunt was murdered, the only person that can help her is Hunter Steele, the sheriff of Deerhaven. Years ago, Samantha followed an older Hunter around. Now, the attraction is instantaneous. Will Samantha and Hunter be able to find their own HEA.


I enjoyed this romantic suspense novel. The characters were great and the plot had me hooked.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

I was really excited about this book. I don't know why but they just never clicked with me. It was well written, has a good story but I never felt the heat I have become accustomed to with Leigh's previous work. Not a bad book, just not a GREAT book.

3 stars

One Tough Cowboy was a good read, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching the plot unfold.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair an honest review. This is a great story of Sam and Hunter. Sam comes back to the town where she was a young kid when her Aunt Dottie is found dead. The town sheriff Hunter suspects that she was murdered, along with his Uncle, and a friend of theirs. Sparks fly between the two of them as they try to solve the murders and stay alive. This is a fast paced book and full of heat!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Attempted Rape, Murder, Conspiracy

When Samantha's small town has a series of incidents that are suspicious to say the least, horrific at most, Samantha will come home to try and make sense of a death in her family. Even though she has been away for several years, it still feels like home. While she knows that she might run into Hunter, what she doesn't expect is to still feel the chemistry with him. Sam is a tough character who does not take crap from anyone. She was super strong, and I really liked how she didn't let people tell her what to do or who to listen to. I also loved that she was a tough cop who knows how to take care of herself and those she loves.

Hunter is the town sheriff now, but not because he was elected. Being an appointed official has ups and downs. While he's trying to figure out which it is today, he also is contending with suspicious deaths all around his town. Hunter knows that something bad is happening but isn't truly sure how to figure it out or smoke out those responsible. When he is in over his head, he knows it. But he also knows that he needs someone he can trust, and his deputies are not it.

Hunter and Sam have great chemistry. They are funny and feed off each other. I like the banter and the mystery within the romance. It was a well-balanced story with a lot going on, but in the end, it is resolved without leaving a lot of questions, which I appreciated. I look forward to reading more about these characters.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
The writing styles of Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick mesh perfectly together in this book. One Tough Cowboy tells the story of Hunter and Samantha. It’s not what I would consider a second-chance romance, but more of a friends-to-lovers story.

Hunter and Samantha knew each other growing up and now Samantha is back in town for the funeral of her aunt. The thing is, there's been a lot of tragic 'accidents' in their small town in recent months and it seems a little too coincidental.

As Hunter and Samantha work together to get to the bottom of what's going on, the heat between them ignites and Hunter realizes that he doesn't want Samantha to leave. Samantha's not sure if coming home is what she wants, but knows that Hunter could be all she needs.


Veronica – ☆☆
One Tough Cowboy started out really well. Sheriff Hunter Steele is at the scene of what appears to be an accidental death, but it is the third one in their little town. It quickly becomes clear something else is going on and it involves their dodgy mayor.

When Samantha Ryde returns to town to bury her aunt after leaving 12 years earlier, sparks fly between her and Hunter. Samantha is a cop in Detroit and Samantha makes is clear to Hunter she knows her aunt’s death was no accident and is determined to find out what happened. And the stage is set for a really good romantic suspense story. Sparks are flying between Samantha and Hunter, Sam’s abusive ex shows up, and we learn the troubles in this town are much bigger than anyone thought. I was I was really enjoying myself.

Problem is, somewhere after the halfway point the book became more about our couple having copious amounts of sex and the suspense story got lost. I’d say they focused on romance but really, they just focused on the couple having sex. Then when the suspense was building and we were finally going to find out what is going on in this town and who is behind it, we stop for the couple to have another massive roll in the hay. I was so frustrated I nearly gave up reading with only 15% of the book left.

One Tough Cowboy started out as a really good romantic suspense story, but it really lost its way. Time that could have been spent developing the emotions between the characters or furthering the story was spent with the couple naked. And while I like naked time as much as the next girl, much of it in this book was pointless and added nothing to the story. In the end, One Tough Cowboy left me annoyed and disappointed.

4.5 stars! This is the first book in the Moving Violations series. This is Hunter and Sam’s story, a friends to lovers romance. Hunter and Sam grew up together, with Sam being a couple years younger. She was bratty back then towards Hunter. Then her family up and moved away. She is back now and the chemistry between these two is scorching. This is a good, suspenseful story. Can’t wait for the next one

I posted a review with Amazon as well but that review link has not come in yet. Thanks.


One Tough Cowboy is the first book in a new series from Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick. To say it starts with a bang is an understatement. This romantic suspense novel has an intriguing mystery, some really steamy sex and some great tender romantic moments. Leigh and Chadwick bring the heat but still keep you guessing with the mystery. If you are looking for a book that might literally knock your socks off, this one might be for you!



What I liked:



Samantha had a crush. A biiiig crush on a boy who was quite a bit older than her. They were just kids then. But what happens when Sam and Hunter get a second chance to see where their flirtation might have led? You guessed it. Straight to the bedroom. This one is naughty to the max. I saw this quote that said Lora Leigh's writing could scorch the ink off paper, and this book proves that to true. It's definitely one of those books you used to hide under your mattress lol...



Hunter was a just a great hero. He was protective as a boy, fighting off bullies and taking care of Sam, but now he's all grown up. And that protective nature has grown and expanded to include the entire town of Deerhaven. He's a sheriff with big heart, but he can be strong as steel when he needs to be. I loved that contrast in his character. He was full of hot passion and even sweet romance, but when it came to taking care of things in his county, he was all business. Just an all around good character that made you want to root for him to find true love.



Sam is a girl after my own heart. Sassy, strong, confident. She's been a cop in Detroit for a long time so coming home to Deerhaven is a culture shock. I liked that she wasn't a demure, timid woman. She had backbone and I really like that in a female lead. She was going to sit back and let Hunter handle the situation surrounding the death of her aunt and several others in Deerhaven. She got right in there and got her hands dirty.



The suspense aspect of the book was probably my favorite part. I wasn't too sure I thought the connection to Detroit was coincidental or perhaps related to Sam in some way until well into the book. I liked that the author was able to make me believe this could really happen. I tend to like books that have a plausible plot and this one had it in spades. I liked that the suspense was an important part of the book, though the authors did rely heavily on the sexual tension to carry the book.



What I didn't like:



First let me say, I like a book that delivers on the heat and this book certainly did that. Lora Leigh is one of those authors that I want to read when I'm in the mood to scratch an erotic itch. She's very descriptive and naughty and sometimes that's just what a reader needs. This one maybe took it a little too far. There was a lot of sex in this book. It just seemed at times that it was either too often or at inappropriate times and sometimes even a little too descriptive. If I had been reading it in the company of others I would have been red faced and fanning lol... Not everybody's proverbial cup of tea.



The title probably should have been One Tough Sheriff. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting in regard to the name. There wasn't much cowboying going on in this one. If that's what you're looking for here, it's a little light on the ten gallon hats and horses. (wink)



This one definitely comes with a trigger warning. There is a scene with an attempted sexual assault that I did not feel was handled the best way. If you have issues with that sort of thing or have had past trauma's involving sexual assault, use caution.



Bottom Line:



If you want a book that heavy on the heat, this one is right up your alley. Lots of sex, lots of dirty talk. It's Lora Leigh on steroids lol... If you are looking for a book with an intriguing mystery and plenty of suspense, this one has you covered. Would have changed the title, since Hunter was more sheriff than trail boss or rancher or just plain cowboy. Watch your triggers, don't read in a crowd and get ready to be very hot and bothered.

Nikki’s Review:

Two of my favourite things were all wrapped up in this book...suspense, and sexy as hell cowboys! I was a bit weary going into this one at first. Lora Leigh is one of my all time favourite authors, and this book is co authored with Veronica Chadwick. She’s a new to me author. My concern was that the “voice” I love when reading a Lora Leigh book would be lost, or just different. Well, I was wrong. I could clearly “hear” Lora, and also something new and exciting. I’m definitely going to be checking out what other books Ms. Chadwick has available!

This book was full of action and swoon worthy sexy times! Hunter is a hot AF sheriff/cowboy, and he’s all about the pesky little girl who use to bug him when they were going up. Samantha isn’t a child anymore, and the sheriff has certainly noticed, and she’s a cop too. These two have ridiculously smokin’ hot chemistry! I loved when they were on the page sparring with each other. The banter was amazing.

The plot was intricately woven and kept me on my toes. I found myself trying to figure out the connection between certain people and things. It’s not because it was confusing, because it wasn’t, it’s because the authors hid the clues well. I had to really pay attention. I like a book that engages me.

One of the secondary characters, Jacob, had me drooling. There’s a scene that Hunter stumbles upon; Jacob and a mystery lady doing something delicious. That scene had me itching for more from the reclusive Jacob.

This book was just plain ol’ fun! And did I mention that it was sexy?! I’m very excited for the next installment in this series!

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

This is a second chance story where the heroine is all grown up and the hero realises just how much he really liked her before she left town.

Hunter is the sheriff of a small town where everybody knows everybody. His life hasn't always been perfect, but all this is about to change.

Samantha/Sam left town when she was a young girl. She is now back to attend her aunt's funeral and set her affairs in order.

Sam has always hero worshipped Hunter. He was her saviour on more occasions than can be counted. She is now all grown up and is in the police force herself. Hunter is not convinced that the series of death that has occurred in his village are all accidents. Sam seems to share his views and is not leaving town until she receives an answer.

After some persuasion from Hunter, Sam decides to work with him to solve this puzzle. The problem is that they don't know who to trust. What they uncover is totally unexpected, but their lives could be at risk too. In the meantime, the sparks between them fly and as much as they try to resist, it seems impossible. The problem is that sleeping together whilst working together isn't ideal. Can they solve the puzzle whilst keeping their distance or will they throw all cautions to the wind?

I like the storyline, but the lengthy graphic scenes take the focus away from the main story. This story is full of mystery and intrigue whilst containing some sizzling hot scenes.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

*3.5 stars*

I'm a bit torn on the review for this book - on one hand I enjoyed a lot of things and on the other there were moments I found myself paging through.

The good: strong characters, LOTS of hot sexy scenes and a bit of a mystery. The not so good: maybe a bit too much of the sexy times when there should have been more to the romance... I found myself wishing for more of Hunter and Samantha's interaction with less of the mystery between them and more about the development of their relationship.

I really enjoyed the blurb but wish the story had aligned itself more closely to it than what it actually was... Overall an enjoyable read though.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I really didn't care for the charaacters or plot. Ihad a hard time getting into it.

This was a fun book to read! Add in a dash of mystery, and you've got yourself a reading pleasure from Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick.

Hunter and Samantha make a great pair with enough chemistry to charm the readers. A true and true cowboy story! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book