Category Archives: Blacktop Cowboys Series

Review: Spun Out by Lorelei James

Title: Spun Out by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Ten
Publisher: Jove
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James returns for another wild ride in Wyoming with a new Blacktop Cowboys® novel.

Years in the Army equipped Bailey Masterson for many things: target shooting, rappelling off cliffs, dodging grenades. She’s lived through horrors that still give her nightmares. But nothing in Bailey’s life-or-death training prepared her for caring for the tiny terror that is five-year-old Olivia Hale. Or how to control her raging attraction to Olivia’s father, Streeter, the rugged, green-eyed cattle rancher who undermines her every move even when he stars in her dreams.

Streeter Hale has room for only two things in his life: his daughter and his job. He doesn’t date. He doesn’t get attached. Not anymore. So not only is Streeter stunned by Olivia’s improved behavior after just a few days with Bailey, he’s downright floored by his immediate attraction to the woman. But with secrets in her eyes and a body that doesn’t quit, Streeter begins to worry that Bailey Masterson might just be the one woman to heal his fractured family and broken heart.

One thing’s for sure–these two wrecked souls are spinning out of control as they desperately try not to fall in love…

Review:

Spun Out by Lorelei James is a sweet and sizzling hot romance that is an uplifting story of healing, new beginnings and love. Although this newest release is the tenth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys® series, it can be read as a standalone.

Bailey Masterson reluctantly returns to Wyoming while she figures out her future. Her military career is in flux and she is in the midst of determining what she wants to do next.  On the surface, Bailey appears relatively well-adjusted, but there is a sense that something serious is bubbling underneath the surface.  While she remains friendly and outgoing, she is rather tight-lipped about herself. Bailey is instantly attracted to Streeter and she has few reservations about indulging in a no strings fling with the hot, single father.

Shattered by the death of his wife years earlier, Streeter Hale is a devoted single dad to five year old Olivia. The years since his wife’s death have not been easy, but Streeter has carved out a life that works for him and his daughter.  He does not date and he spends most of his time with his family.  Ready to make some much needed changes to his life, Streeter is stunned by his reaction to Bailey Masterson.

Olivia is a precocious little girl who is quite smart and she is an energetic bundle of energy.  She has a unique personality and she is a refreshingly non-perfect little girl.  Streeter’s scenes with Olivia are heartwarming and quite humorous.

Bailey and Streeter are vibrantly developed, three-dimensional characters who are dealing with true to life, relatable issues.  Although their relationship has a shelf-life, Bailey is genuinely interested in Streeter and she is quick to convince him to talk about his past.  Streeter gains confidence in himself and eagerly explores his previously untapped sexual fantasies and desires. Their bedroom scenes are extremely hot and boundaries are pushed as they give in to their mutual passion.

Spun Out is a delightfully charming romance that also deals with some very serious subject matter.  The characters are quite endearing and wonderfully developed. Lorelei James perfectly balances the darker topics with humor and the resulting story has plenty of depth and substance. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this  very realistic addition to the Blacktop Cowboys® series.

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Filed under Blacktop Cowboys Series, Contemporary, Jove, Lorelei James, Rated B+, Review, Spun Out

Review: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Title: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Nine
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Opposites don’t just attract in the West–they sizzle–and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel.

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa “Riss” Thorpe defines the term tomboy–a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy player Ike Palmer. Seeing him in action on the road, Riss can tell that Ike prefers his women soft-spoken and feminine. And since Riss is obviously not his type, it’s unlikely that they’ll mix business and pleasure when they’re in close quarters together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life as a stock contractor when he started working with Riss, a sassy truck driver who gets under his skin at every turn. But Riss is unlike any woman he’s ever met and her candor inflames him in the most unexpected ways.

After circumstances force a truce between them, Riss and Ike will have to choose to maintain the stubbornness that keeps them apart or take a chance on the fiery attraction that could lead to something more..

Review:

Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a sultry yet endearing contemporary romance. Although this newest release is the ninth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series, it can be read as a standalone.

Larissa is outspoken, a little rude and sometimes crude but she is loyal to her friends and family. She is unafraid to go after what she wants and she does not back down from a fight.  Riss is extremely independent but she cannot exactly turn down Ike Palmer’s offer to help her when she needs it.

For the past two years, Ike has been struggling with an unexpected career change. Despite this difficulty, he does not hesitate to invite Riss into his home temporarily. She is not an easy person to get to know and she is not one to rely on someone else so she is initially extremely prickly. Settling into their new routine, Ike is comfortable enough to confide in her about his troubles, but he is quite shocked by Riss’s assessment of him and his current situation.

Despite their very different personalities, Riss and Ike are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Riss has a few rough edges but Ike is completely comfortable with her larger than life personality. Ike is little too complacent and quick to give up instead of working to fix the problems in his life.  Riss does not sugarcoat her opinions and Ike values her input enough to begin making much needed changes but they still hit a few roadblocks as they traverse their new relationship.

Racked and Stacked is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. This fun and flirty love story has a great cast of characters that are charming and easy to like. Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple who are a surprisingly good for each other and their relationship is a joy to watch unfold.  Old and new fans of the series are going to love this sassy addition to Lorelei James’ delightful  Blacktop Cowboys series.

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Review: Hang Tough by Lorelei James

Title: Hang Tough by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Eight
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the new Blacktop Cowboys® novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Wrapped and Strapped, one woman learns that when it comes to cowboys, looks can be deceiving…

When Tobin Hale stepped in to stop Garnet Evans’s son from railroading her out of her own home, he knew moving in with his favorite Mud Lily could be seen as strange. But nothing prepared him for the arrival of Garnet’s fiery, beautiful granddaughter, Jade—or her assumption that he’s up to no good…

While Tobin might be the hottest man Jade Evans has ever seen, his physical attributes won’t distract her from protecting her grandma from his sweet-talking ways. But the stubborn cowboy digs in his boot heels and refuses to leave. Stuck in close quarters together, Jade learns Tobin is the real deal—a hardworking, fiercely loyal man and she’s the one in danger of losing her heart.

And just when he was prepared to leave Muddy Gap behind, Tobin may have found the kind of woman worth sticking around for…

Review:

Hang Tough by is a sweet, steamy and humorous addition to Lorelei James’ marvelous Blacktop Cowboy series.  Although it is the eighth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the previous novels as well.

Tobin Hale is a genuinely nice, thoughtful and considerate man but he is ready to move on from Muddy Gap in hopes of finding a career that utilizes his degrees. The charming cowboy is also hoping a new beginning will jump-start his lackluster love life since he cannot seem to make a connection with any of the ladies in town.  Just as he hands in his notice at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, his vivacious friend and neighbor, octogenarian Garnet Evans, finds out her son is planning to move her into a retirement home.  Tobin temporarily moves in with Miz G to ensure she is not forced out of her home, but he is taken off guard by the arrival of Garnet’s granddaughter, Jade.  Certain that Tobin is planning to fleece her grandmother, Jade arrives at Garnet’s in full protective mode.  The sparks are soon flying between the city girl and the cowboy but will Tobin and Jade’s preconceived opinions about each other prevent them from acting on their attraction?

After watching his friends find love, Tobin is frustrated by always finding himself friend zoned by the women who catch his eye.  With a very limited dating pool available in the small town of Muddy Gap, he is certain that moving is the answer to his problem.  This decision is made much easier since he is also ready for a career change too. But there is no way Tobin is going to allow the dynamic Miz G to be forced out of her home, so he pushes back his departure date in order to watch out for her.  He is absolutely furious when Jade shows up at her grandmother’s ranch since he is extremely suspicious of her motives since this is the first time she has visited Miz G.

Jade is determined to save her grandmother from the unscrupulous cowboy living with her and she arrives in town with both guns blazing.  Although normally shy around handsome men, she does not hesitate to give Tobin a piece of her mind and their interactions are so antagonistic that Miz G orders them to stay away from one another.  Jade is rather antsy since her grandmother has a busy social calendar which leaves Jade with a little too much free time on her hands.  When her path keeps crossing with Tobin, she starts to wonder if she might have misjudged him but at the same time, Jade is not sure she can fully trust him.

The relationship between Jade and Tobin is certainly rocky in the beginning but since they are living under the same room, there is ample opportunity for them to get to know each other.  Tobin is open and honest about his distant relationship with his brothers and father.  Jade is equally forthcoming about her dissatisfaction with her struggle to find a job in her career field and her struggles with anxiety. Underlying all of their conversations is a sizzling hot sexual tension that eventually becomes impossible to resist.  Trying to keep their unexpected romance a secret from Jade’s grandmother presents some fairly frustrating moments for them but this extended foreplay just makes their desire for each other burn hotter.  With very little angst or drama, Jade and Tobin begin to fall for each other but how will Miz G react to the news they are now a couple?

Hang Tough is a captivating romance that old and new fans of Lorelei James’ Blacktop Cowboys series are going to love. Tobin and Jade are well-developed and appealing characters who are tailor-made for one another.  Their relationship is a wonderful blend of tender conversations and scorching hot sex scenes. The antics of Miz G and her group of friends are outrageous and laugh out loud funny. It is an all around fabulous, fun and sexy novel that readers of contemporary western romances are sure to enjoy.

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Review: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Title: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Five
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.

Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy

Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.

The Review:

A sweetly romantic yet scorching hot romance, Turn and Burn is a poignant, naughty and thoroughly captivating read. This fifth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series is just as fresh and appealing as the first, and Lorelei James continues to bring readers realistic storylines that are full of emotions and intensely erotic sex scenes.

Tanna Barker is a three times world champion barrel racer whose world has been turned upside down in recent years. She lost her anchor when her mother died and her father sold the family ranch but it is a devastating barrel racing accident that she haunts her. Broke and with no place to go while she tries to figure out her next move, Tanna takes a temporary job at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort. The last thing Tanna needs is another complication in her life but her smoldering attraction to veterinarian August “Fletch” Fletcher is too powerful to ignore. Their “just friends” agreement takes a pulse-pounding and panty-drenching turn but is there any chance of a future for this passionate couple?

Tanna has mostly recovered from her physical injuries, but her emotional wounds are far from healed. Suffering severe post traumatic stress, Tanna is terrified of horses and unable to resolve her grief over the loss of the horse she was riding when she had her accident. Tanna has dedicated her life to her career and without barrel racing, what does the future hold for her?

Fletch is a workaholic whose dedication to his job has left him with little time for a personal life. A forced vacation gives him provides him the chance to spend time with Tanna and their relationship flourishes as they get to know one another. Fletch’s return to work brings a surprising career opportunity that would give him much needed balance in his personal and professional lives. But a future with Tanna is far from certain when she makes an unexpected career decision of her own.

Tanna and Fletch are richly drawn, three dimensional characters facing real life issues. Tanna has a strong and vibrant personality and Fletch is a fantastic match for her. Fletch is a take charge kind of man but he also has an incredibly soft and nurturing side too. He knows when to push Tanna and even though she does not go down without a fight, Tanna learns to trust his instincts.

Tanna’s and Fletch’s relationship is fiery and passion-filled but there are plenty of tender moments between them as well. Their blistering hot sex scenes are exquisitely detailed and while there are plenty of them, they never overpower the overall story. There is an emotional connection between Tanna and Fletch and some of their best scenes together are simple everyday moments where they are just getting to know one another. For the most part, there is very little conflict between them, but when it does arise they resolve it quickly with very little angst.

Fans of the Blacktop Cowboy series will be delighted by guest appearances by favorite characters from the previous novels. Hands down, the best scenes in Turn and Burn feature the feisty Mud Lilies. They do not let a little thing like age slow them down and they are rowdy and fun loving. Keep the tissues handy because there is a moving and highly emotional story arc with one of these sassy women that will make even the most stalwart reader cry. Not great big boohooing gut-wrenching sobs but plan on shedding a few tears.

Turn and Burn is a beautiful love story with depth and substance and it is a wonderful addition to Blacktop Cowboy series. Lorelei James delivers yet another breathtaking romance that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next novel in this tantalizing and addicting series.

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Saturday Series Spotlight: Lorelei James’ Blacktop Cowboys

Title: Corralled by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Book One
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 352 pages

Summary:

In the rodeo arena, all you have to worry about is surviving. But in the arena of love and ecstasy, things get much more complicated.

Sports therapist Lainie Capshaw has been rehabilitating injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn’t mean you fall for the man.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men: Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn’t keep her from doubling her fun-that is until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She’s shocked that Hank isn’t mad. But she’s more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her-in every way-she knows that she’s going to have to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life.


Title: Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Book Two
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 336 pages

Summary:

This beauty is no greenhorn–and she’s about to rope the man of her dreams.

Cattleman Bran Turner is left shorthanded during busy calving season when a bull tramples his hired hand. Rural Wyoming isn’t exactly a hotbed of qualified candidates, and the only applicant for the position is the pampered town beauty, Harper Masterson. The curvy cowgirl gets under Bran’s skin at every turn, but with no other options, he reluctantly hires her.

When sexual sparks ignite, down-on-her-luck Harper enjoys convincing Bran that not only is she capable of pulling calves, feeding live-stock, and handling backbreaking ranch chores, but she doesn’t mind getting down and dirty, either. Harper also discovers the hotbodied cowboy isn’t all work and no horseplay…and he’s got more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Bran will learn quickly that Harper is no country mouse—and that she might just have what it takes to stick around for the long haul.


Title: Wrangled and Tangled by Lorelei James
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 336 pages

Summary:

Wrangling a sweet-talkin’ cowboy can be dangerous business…

The West was not so wild for Janie Fitzhugh. Living with her rancher husband, Abe Lawson, in rural Wyoming nearly broke her spirit, so she left. But eight years later, she returns to Muddy Gap to take a job at a new resort. When an unexpected danger arises, Abe seizes the chance to protect Janie and prove he’s a changed man.

Janie’s employer at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, Renner Jackson, has gotten himself tangled up in a devil’s bargain trying to finish the construction. His new partner’s daughter, Tierney Pratt, is a spoiled daddy’s girl and off-limits–no matter how drop-dead gorgeous she is. But Tierney’s got her own secret reasons for keeping the rough-and-tumble cowboy at a distance.

When things get down and dirty at the resort, Abe and Renner must saddle up and fight to rope in the women they can’t imagine living without..


Title: One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Book Four
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 320 pages

Summary:

All it takes is one night to change a cowboy’s life…

Barrel racer Celia Lawson knows better than to tangle with bull rider Kyle Gilchrist. The sexy cowboy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em ways have earned him a reputation on the rodeo circuit, and he’s always seen her as his best friend’s kid sister. But after one wild, tequila-fueled night, Celia wakes up to find out she’s gotten herself hitched—to a man she never should have married!

When Celia insists on an annulment, Kyle has no good reason to say no—except he isn’t ready to let go of his new bride. But then Kyle inherits a sprawling Wyoming ranch, and seizes the opportunity to enlist Celia’s help. She agrees to lend a hand—with two conditions: He has to get up to speed as a rancher within six months; then they’ll get a divorce. And their marriage will be in name only.

Kyle gives in to Celia’s demand, yet he’s ready to prove to her he has what it takes to turn their one night rodeo into a lifetime of love….


I am giving away one eBook from the Blacktop Cowboy series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

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3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post telling me WHICH book in the series you would like to win by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

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