Review: Finally Skeeter gets his story!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 28, 2014
I’ve already read this book two times and as I write this review it’s still several weeks from its release date. I can’t help it; I’ve waited in anticipation of this book for a long time. I love this series and the characters we’ve met along the way and I was so ready to be back in the world of professional bull riding. Now that I’ve read it, I can honestly say it was well worth the wait and then some. Not only has Ms. Johnson given us a sweet yet sinfully delicious love story she managed to bring in many of the past characters in a way that showed the closeness of this group, that they truly are more like family than friends, and they will go above and beyond to help those in need. To top it off, she made me one very happy reader as she addressed many questions I’ve had regarding the previous characters and what the future holds. This book left me contented, hopeful about what’s to come, and reminded me once again that Cat Johnson’s masterful writing makes me feel as if I’m immersed in the story. I have enjoyed the Studs in Spurs series from the beginning, but this book sits at the top right alongside with Unridden as my all time favorite in the series and yet, they couldn’t be more different.I’ve always been a little concerned about Skeeter Johnson ever since his first appearance mainly because he was so young and seemed a little naive. Being on the road with professional bull riders and being exposed to so much I worried he’d go down a not so healthy path. So, I was extremely happy to see that his mama raised him right and he remembered that now, several years later. I really loved Skeeter’s charming ways, his obvious love for the woman who raised him, his appreciation of everything she and others have done for him, and his commitment to everything he puts his mind to.Honestly, Skeeter embodies the “cowboy way” and it was nice to see in someone so young, just barely 21. I will admit that when he talks about the more experienced riders and them being so much “older, almost 30″ really cracked me up. Skeeter is just one of those heroes that takes you by surprise because he’s young in age, but old in heart and way more mature than most men his age.Riley Davis took me by surprise but in a good way. At only 19 she could have been self centered and oblivious to what was happening around her, but she amazed me with her strength and wisdom both of which were way beyond her years and a testament to the way her father raised her. She hasn’t had a normal childhood and at times comes across as shy and a little unsure, but I loved that she saw something in Skeeter that she trusted and something she was sure made him different and her judgment was supremely accurate.While this story is on the sweeter side (think about the age of these characters) it was quite endearing on so many levels. Skeeter was there for Riley when she needed him, taking on a lot of responsibility and giving her the support she needed during a difficult time. It was interesting to watch how they both just kind of fell into this relationship with him only having one steady girl back in high school and her not having much experience in dating at all. They truly seemed like two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. However, they were only a part of this book as Slade and Jenna, Mustang and Sage, Garrett and Silver, Chase, and Aaron are all there to lend a hand and offer support to Riley. While the budding relationship between Skeeter and Riley was front and center, all of the supporting characters added insight, entertainment, and amusement to what was already a wonderful story making it even better.I know you’ll are wondering about the sex because come on it’s a Cat Johnson book…so I’ll tell you yes, there is sex involved; some of it sweet, some of it steamy, and some playful. There is also a lot of talk about sex because with this group, they can’t help but talk about it.Something that really struck me in this book was how mature the relationship between Skeeter and Riley played out; there was no real drama and honestly the book didn’t need it. Skeeter really impressed me with how he was determined to honor Riley and her father and put the family pastor at ease as to his intentions. To be honest he “manned up” and showed a side that most people never see in him. While there were a couple of moments of indecision and upset, these two understood the necessity of communication which I greatly appreciated in a couple so young and I have to think that Skeeter learned this from watching his friends with the women in their lives. Mustang in particular had some very great advice but then Mustang has always been more astute about relationships than most men in his circle.I could honestly go on and on discussing this book because I just loved it so much, but I’m going to stop. While this book might not be a steamy as most of the books in this series, it is however one of the best written. For anyone who has followed this series, I have no doubt you will be cheering as I was as everything played out in this book. In Thrown, Cat Johnson has given her readers an enjoyable new love story while satisfying their need for more on characters from the past. She has also given us an interesting look forward, something I’m very excited about, and most of all she’s stayed true to these characters and what they represent. I am one happy reader who is ready to do a complete series re-read just so I can read this book for a third time!Review copy provided for an honest review.