Cowboy Summer – Page 2 – Read-Love-Blog

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene reviews Short Rides by Lorelei James

The summer may officially be over, but Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer isn’t! Today, Selene reviews Short Rides by Lorelei James. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Short Rides is an anthology compilation of two novellas and one short story in the Rough Riders world. These are NOT meant to be read as standalone stories, but are a peek into favorite character’s lives after the happily ever after…

The stories included in the Short Rides anthology are:

King of Hearts* — Deputy Cam McKay deals with a murder/suicide case on Valentine’s Day.

Rough Road — Chassie, Trevor and Edgard Glanzer spend a romantic weekend away from the ranch and kids celebrating their anniversary…only to return home to face their biggest challenge yet.

All Knocked Up — Keely and Jack Donohue are having a baby. Given Keely’s raging pregnancy hormones, will Jack need to wear a cup in the delivery room?

Selene’s Review:

At the beginning of this anthology, I was crying. After that, I was completely furious and outraged! And by the end, I was laughing my boots off!!!

This sequence of short stories definitely is author Lorelei James at her best. She makes us fall in love with our favorite characters all over again while taking us along on new adventures! The three stories together had just a little bit of everything and they left me salivating for more.

Cam’s story, King of Hearts, absolutely broke my heart, mended it back together, and then completely melted it. All three stories send a strong message of family as a saving grace but none more so than this one. What I loved about this one especially is the depiction of how difficult former soldiers, emergency responders, and police officers have it and how their experiences can weigh down on them to the point of tragedy. The scenes between Cam and his brother, his wife, and his kids were absolutely beautiful and it reminded me of why I keep coming back to this author.

Edgard, Trevor, and Chassie’s story was much like their book Rough, Raw, and Ready; a little sad and A LOT HOT. I absolutely never tire of those three together and reading through the trials and tribulations they have to go through because of their “unconventional” lifestyle always breaks my heart. No three characters in this series are more deserving of love and the way they protect their children is incredibly touching. Did I mention how hot their love scenes were? *shudder*

Finally, we got to see Keely (McKay) Donohue pregnant. THREE TIMES. Keely and Jack’s story had me almost rolling on the floor laughing! The fact that she threw a planter at her husband went beyond funny right into “I think I just peed myself” territory. And I have to say that no other couple to date in this series has the heat factor that these two have. All I can say is that I hope to have makeup sex like them in the near future.

Well done, Miss James. Very well done.

Four-and-a-Half Loves

About the Author:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..Selene reviews Gone Country by Lorelei James

The summer may technically be over, but we’re still enjoying our cowboys! Today I have Selene’s review of Gone Country by Lorelei James….ENJOY!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

She’s a little bit country, and he’s…not.

Arizona businessman and long-lost McKay love child Gavin Daniels has been awarded sole custody of his teenage daughter Sierra for one year. In order to steer Sierra back on track after a brush with the law, he pulls up stakes and heads to Wyoming, looking for support from his ranching family…even if he isn’t sure where they fit in the McKay dynamic. He’s prepared for every contingency with the move: the less-than-enthusiastic response from his daughter, learning to run his corporation remotely, but he’s thrown for a loop when his new housemate, Rielle, is a whole lot sexier, funnier and sassier than he remembered.

Rielle Wetzler has finally overcome the stigma of having hippie parents and being a young single mother. In the two years since she sold her ailing B&B to Gavin Daniels, she’s become financially stable running the homespun businesses she loves. But now Gavin is in Sundance to claim the house that’s rightfully his. Although Rielle knew this day would come, she isn’t prepared to leave the home she built for herself and her now-grown daughter. And to further complicate matters, her long-dormant libido is definitely not ready to live with this newly buff Gavin—who isn’t a cowboy, but has the take-charge attitude to prove he’s all McKay.

Sharing a roof, their troubles and their triumphs is too much temptation, and before long, Gavin and Rielle are sharing a bed. But sharing their hearts and lives forever? That’s a whole ’nother ball of wax.

Selene’s Review:

Finally a McKay man who is… not?

Arizonan and sharp businessman Gavin Daniels finds out late in life that he is actually a long-lost son to a still-married couple from the McKay tribe of Sundance, Wyoming.

LOVE IT!

Taking his daughter Sierra to live with him in his recently acquired property was probably the best move Gavin ever made. Because of this, not only did he fall head over heels for entrepreneur Rielle Wetzler and Sierra for one Mr. Boone West, they both were able to gain an entire close-knit, crazy family that is the McKays.

There were so many things that I loved about this book! Reading through Gone Country was like simultaneously reading an adult romance as well as a young adult novel – the two stories worked so wonderfully together.

Gavin was incredibly refreshing, as was Rielle. In a world full of rough, tough cowboys and girls, it was nice to see these two very different (and sometimes out of place) individuals interact… especially in the bedroom. Gavin is definitely all McKay where it counts! What I also loved about these two is how much they each care for the daughters and how they always try to do what’s right by them. It was very touching and sweet.

After meeting in a hilarious scene with a few other young McKays, Sierra and Boone soon became good friends. The attraction on both sides was written beautifully and tastefully and the almost tragedy and its after effects brought tears to my eyes! The saddest part was when Boone decided to up and leave Sierra and his home to enlist. GREAT CLIFFHANGER.

As per usual, Lorelei James gave us glimpses into the goings on of the other McKays as well as setting up the couple for the next story: Dalton and Rory!

This book comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s Review of Kissin’ Tell by Lorelei James

The summer may officially be over, but we’re still having fun with our cowboys…..

Today, Selene reviews Kissin’ Tell by Lorelei James. Enjoy!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

She once led him around by a string. Now he’s the one holding the reins.

Georgia Hotchkiss swore wild horses couldn’t drag her back to Sundance, Wyoming. So it’s ironic she’s forced to take a rodeo PR job in her former hometown—right before her ten-year class reunion. The only thing worse than facing her cheating ex-husband and his pregnant wife? Showing up to the reunion without a date. Fate smiles on her when she runs into her former classmate and current cowboy hottie Tell McKay. With his infectious smile and fun-loving ways—not to mention his banging body—he’s the perfect solution to her problem.

Tell McKay had it so bad for Hot Lips Hotchkiss during high school that he let her run roughshod over him. But he is no longer that easily manipulated boy—these days he’s earned a reputation with the ladies that lives up to the McKay last name. He agrees to escort her to the reunion with one stipulation; that Georgia proves she has left behind the goody-goody cheerleader of the past—by sharing his bed.

Their sexual chemistry flashes so bright, they barely notice that the reunion has come and gone, and now they’re tangled up in another dreaded “R” word—relationship. But if Tell wants to get the girl this go-around, he’ll have to come up with a whole new set of knots to tie up her heartstrings.

Selene’s Review:

While reading through Lorelei James’s Kissin’ Tell, I asked myself if I’d ever had that one high school crush that always seemed to be just a little too out of my reach. And embarrassingly enough, I could think of about ten! What makes this story between Tell McKay and Georgia Hotchkiss such a pleasure to read is that their situation is probably relatable for the majority of readers. If any of us had that chance to be with the person we’d pined for for years in our youth, wouldn’t we take the opportunity even if it was to just settle some curiosity?

Of all the McKay men, I must admit that Tell is the one that wears his heart right on his sleeve – which makes him that much more irresistible. He doesn’t hide his feelings for one Ms. Georgia Hotchkiss now just like he couldn’t do so then. Fortunately for Tell, Georgia is much more open to reciprocate those feelings… and fortunately for us readers, that sets off their swelteringly hot romance.

What Tell does so well is delaying gratification – but what he does even better is satisfying his woman. The little high school fantasies he plays out with Georgia, such as the basketball game, the nekkid trampoline sesh, and that *erm* little scene at the reunion, are so incredibly delicious that I absolutely had to go back then and there to reread them! And the fact that they make her crazy for wanting his kool-aid and not getting to have a drink was just that much better. I love me some man that can make me all hot and bothered without even touching me.

The emotionally touching parts are just as wonderful to read as the budding romance and playful friendship between the two. Georgia faces her demons regarding her ex and her father’s support of said ex while Tell finally receives the recognition he deserves from his family. Also, both of them try to come to terms with the loss of family members and it helps them to further seal their bond.

All in all, I have to say that this was probably one of the more enjoyable reads from the series and I look forward to much more from James!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s review of Cowboy Casanova by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Cowboy Casanova by Lorelei James

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

His rough touch makes her lose control…

In Sundance, Wyoming, you can’t throw a boot without hitting a McKay cowboy, so Ben McKay is used to fading into the background. Except on weekends, when he’s Bennett, imposing Dom at The Rawhide Club, surrounded by a bevy of female subs eager for the attention of his long…whip.

As for the curvy brunette eying him from across the room? He’ll eat his Stetson if she’s the experienced Domme she claims to be. Bennett offers her a deal—he’ll let her call the shots for one night. But the next night he gets to prove to her how freeing it’ll be when he takes the reins.

Ainsley Hamilton is amazed by how well Bennett read her every secret yearning during that one explosive weekend—and she’s stunned when they come face to face in their everyday lives as rancher and new bank president. Now Ben’s urging her to explore her submissive side outside the club, and there’s something in his commanding gaze that makes it too easy to let him take control—of her desires and her pleasure.

Can Ben help Ainsley overcome her fear that a relationship built on dark sexual appetites won’t survive the light of day?

Selene’s Review:

HOLE. E. CRAP.

Bennett McKay.

Confident dominant and seriously, seriously sexy man.

I was absolutely floored by how much I loved this book! Ben is easily one of the better protagonists in this series from Lorelei James – definitely not someone you would soon forget.

Having been the middle child in his family and one of the quiet ones among the mass of McKay men, Ben felt invisible for most of his life. He’s dependable, hard-working, and sees to others’ needs before his own… which is great for one Miss Ainsley Hamilton.

Ainsley, a.k.a. Angel, I have to admit was not one of my favorite heroines in the series, but I did love that she was incredibly smart and willing to uncover a different side to herself and experience something she’d always wanted. The angst between them was only shadowed by the swelteringly HOT sex they had! WOOOO EEEE!!!! Ben never disappointed in (and out) the bedroom and I sure am glad for that.

This was definitely one of those stories with a happy ending, but both bad and good circumstances happened along the way, rounding out this chronicle as interesting and realistic. The shock about new character Gavin Daniels was fantastic! And James really does well with transitioning from book to book.

This is definitely one I will be reading again in the near future!!!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s review of Chasin’ Eight by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Chasin’ Eight by Lorelei James

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

She wants it. He’s got it. And the chase is on.

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Selene’s Review:

A very different setting from the other books, but it definitely works!

Chasin’ Eight is a sweet, wild, and sometimes heartbreaking story. Main characters Ava Cooper and Chase McKay are both fiery celebrities with very different plans of action in mind; she wants some and he’ll have none. Sparks fly upon their first meeting and while Chase is exactly what Ava wants – a straight hunky cowboy that will make her kick up her bootheels all night long, she is exactly what he doesn’t want: a very , very fine distraction. Their stubborn natures prove to be a riot, but also a great way for their chemistry to sizzle right off the page. It’s absolutely fantastic when she tries to make him jealous with an older gentleman cowboy type!!! But by the end, as per Lorelei James’s style, they get it together…after seriously getting it on.

A sweet but heartbreaking side story is the one with a young up and coming cowboy who befriends Chase and Ava. I think it helps both of them realize what’s important and who they are and want to be to each other. It was definitely a tearjerker though so bring your tissues with you when sitting down to read this one.

This book also provides a new revelation about one part of the McKay family and it’s a good one! Definitely took me by surprise!

I would definitely read this one again as it had great romance, one-liners, story, and those extra steamy love scenes!

Four Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s review of Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James….

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Good girls can play rough too…

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her bootheels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

Selene’s Review:

Equal parts hot and sweet – I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

In previous installments, author James had given us glimpses into these two and their irregular relationship so I was definitely anticipating how they were going to work each other out… um, I mean, work it all out. Man, can Lorelei James do sexually charged energy like nobody’s business!

Brandt shoved my other favorite McKays out of the way and set himself up nice and high on the list. He is beyond sweet, romantic, incredibly sexy, honest, motivated, and mouth-wateringly intense. I’ll be honest though, I was briefly mad at him at the way he dropped deceased brother and ex-husband to Jessie Luke’s illegitimate son almost literally into her lap, shocking her to her core. But his honesty with her about the boy’s lineage and about needing her help was actually quite endearing. Also, his commitment to keep his hands to himself was muy sexy and genius as it made Jessie want what she couldn’t have.

My heart broke for Jessie McKay over and over and over – a miscarriage, the loss of an unfaithful husband, confusing feelings for her brother-in-law, no support from her family, and having to care for her late husband’s difficult son. In my opinion, she had every right to cry, whine, seethe, and finally look for a little damn fun in her life. Lucky for her, the love of her life was waiting for her to come around… and he sure did make her come around, if you know what I’m sayin’. YEE. HAW.

A side narrative in this book was concerning the tumultuous atmosphere among Casper and his wife Joan and their sons. I almost leaped out of my seat when we found out Joan left Casper once and for all! It was a long time coming and it began the much needed healing within the family. Beautifully written.

Cowgirls Don’t Cry was definitely one of my favorites and it is a book I highly recommend!

Five Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s review of Raising Kane by Lorelei James….

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Raising Kane by Lorelei James….

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

She surrendered the reins. Now he’s raising the stakes.

When a patch of ice sends attorney Ginger Paulson head-over-high-heels down a flight of stairs, she has no one to care for her young son and her invalid father—until lethally sexy Kane McKay shows up at the hospital, determined to prove his cowboy chivalry. Past experience has inoculated her against take-charge men, but even Ginger isn’t immune to Kane’s invasive charm and Built Ford Tough body.

For two years rancher Kane McKay has followed the Little Buddies mentoring program’s cardinal rule—hands off his Little Buddy Hayden’s mama. But one look at Ginger’s bruised body and Kane is through watching the stubborn woman take care of everyone but herself. The feisty, curvy redhead needs his help, and he’ll give her the hands-on type whether she likes it or not.

After Kane throws out doctor’s orders and issues his own demands—her full sexual submission—Ginger realizes Kane’s caring nature extends beyond just fulfilling her physical needs.

Can the former hell-raiser convince the gun-shy single mom to look beyond his past…toward a shared future?

Selene’s Review:

Very, very pleasantly surprised.

To be quite frank, Raising Kane was probably one of the books I looked forward to the least. But within just a few chapters, I was hooked and absolutely could not put it down!

Kane was such a shock, mainly because of his emotional transformation. Before, he did things only for his self-interest and couldn’t care about anyone but himself. But by the end of this book, he had more than cared for his Ginger, her son, and her father, as well as put everyone else’s needs first; generosity is probably one of the sexiest traits in a man. Though his dark good looks and big presence rank right up there, too.

Ginger I feel was very relatable. Most mothers, especially single ones at that, would understand her protectiveness and hesitancy to start a relationship with her son’s Big Buddy. But as it turns out, Kane was exactly what she needed – someone to take care of her both in and out of the bedroom. And take care of her he did…

The sex between these two was scorching hot!!! And the love between them was so natural and effortless. Another thing I loved about them is that both were in their late 30s, reminding the readers that love can be found at any age, with anyone.

Along with his twin brother Kade, Kane turned out to be one of my favorite McKays. I can’t wait to read this one again!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..A Double feature of two Lorelei James stories reviewed by Selene

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Slow Ride and All Jacked Up by Lorelei James

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Keely McKay Donohue is enduring the longest wedding reception of her life: her own.

The only saving grace is that Jack Donohue is finally hers. Usually her hunky man gives her everything she wants, so why is her groom denying her the one thing she wants right now?

Jack thought his secretive wait-for-the-honeymoon plan was romantic, until he realizes he’s only put Keely in a fighting mood. If he wants to get back on his temperamental bride’s good side, he’d better find a way to sweep his cowgirl off her boots…fast.

Selene’s Review:

A very sweet (and spicy) short by Lorelei James, it was wonderful to see the newlyweds finally hitched, as well as the dynamics between them and their families. Not only that, it made me smile often how bad these two want each other, but what’s worse – how stubborn both of them are. That made for wonderful laughs!

Something that I’m glad James does (and what I believe she does well) is revisit couples from previous books and give us glimpses into future books. Seeing Cord McKay and AJ still hot for each other in this story was very refreshing and incredibly sexy and witnessing the little tiff between Brandt and Jesse only piqued my curiosity about the two.

This read won’t take you long… my only gripe was that it wasn’t longer!

Four Loves

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

…Pulling off the ultimate con… if they can keep from pulling off their clothes.

Keely McKay knows Jack—and Jack Donohue is a certified pain in her Wranglers. The lone girl in the prolific McKay family, Keely needs another man giving her orders like she needs a hole in her boot. What she does need is a restoration specialist so she can open her physical therapy clinic—and prove she’s left her wild-child days behind. That means dealing with buttoned-down, uptight Jack.

Jack is this close to securing a career make-or-break project, until he learns his lack of marital status puts him out of contention. When the notoriously hot-tempered and hot-bodied Keely begs him for help, he proposes a crazy idea. He’ll oversee her project—if she acts the part of his loving fiancée.

Their sizzling lust makes it all too easy to go from butting heads to knocking boots—but outside the bedroom they’re as mismatched as ever. The McKays remind Jack of the humble upbringing he left behind, and cowgirl Keely feels she doesn’t measure up to Jack’s big-city lifestyle.

When the dust settles, Jack and Keely must face the fact they’re not fooling anyone but themselves—or they’ll risk losing the real deal

Selene’s Review:

Top 3 of the series. Hands down.

Even though Jack Donohue isn’t a sexy, smoldering McKay cowboy, this book had me lusting after him even more than Keely McKay did! There is just something about how a man wears a suit and his level of confidence that makes him downright sexy as all get-out.

Having already been introduced to both of these characters in previous books and already having knowledge of their mutual loathing of each other, I was anticipating their story with an unrivaled eagerness… and boy did it deliver!

To say Keely and Jack between the sheets is explosive would be putting it mildly. Their first kiss alone had me turning on my little fan and setting it to full blast on my face. Talk about scorching! There was not one moment between them that wasn’t totally and completely passion-filled; that’s what happens when true feelings are squelched and not allowed to surface.

This was just such an enjoyable read and one that I know I’ll be rereading for years to come.

Five Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..A special double feature today of two Lorelei James stories reviewed by Selene

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Strong, Silent Type from the Wild Ride Anthology and Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorelei James

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

…Tough. Taciturn. And a fool for letting her go…

Wyoming rancher Quinn McKay thought he’d only have to bide time until his levelheaded wife came to her senses and called a halt to this “trial separation”. He never believed the marital rough patch would drag on for a coon’s age.

Libby McKay knew when she married the gruff, laid-back cowboy that he wasn’t prone to blathering about his feelings. But three months have passed and her stubborn-as-a-mule husband is still living by himself in the horse trailer. It seems he’d rather hold onto his pride than hold onto her.

Quinn realizes Libby is determined to move on if he doesn’t loosen his tongue and he’ll lose the only woman he’s ever loved. In a last-ditch effort to keep her in his life, he offers her one weekend of uninterrupted sexual decadence.

Reigniting the passion is easy. The hard part comes after the sheets have cooled and they find out if what remains is strong enough to survive past mistakes.

Selene’s Review:

This is easily one of my favorite short stories I’ve read in a long while. Author Lorelei James knows two things for certain: characterization and writing really great sex!

Quinn and Libby are a couple whose marriage is definitely on the rocks. After being separated for a few months, his stubbornness and her [somewhat innocent] manipulation of their situation have more than backfired on both of them…

…but equal parts of talking and… er… screwing it out, ends up saving their relationship.

It was refreshing to see James write about an already established couple going through a rough patch. For me, it’s especially romantic to see characters already accustomed to each other and having been together for years bring something new to the table.

And I mustn’t leave out mention of the super sexy massage scene and following steamy sex. Yowza!!!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

…The bigger they are, the harder they fall—in love…

Soldier Cameron McKay has found his niche, and it ain’t ropin’ steers and wearin’ spurs. His deputy sheriff job, plus battle injuries that ended his military career, keep him right where he wants to be: Off the ranch and away from his family’s pity. His darkest war memories are on lockdown, leaving him skeptical he’ll ever find a woman who wants a man who’s less than whole.

Domini Katzinski has had to control every aspect of her life since age eleven, when she was orphaned in the Ukraine. Watching others’ relationships crumble has convinced her to focus on the short-term and find a take-charge man to whom she can relinquish total sexual control. Cam fits the bill: gorgeous, with a brooding vulnerability no one else seems to see. Plus, he has his own handcuffs.

Once Cam gets over his surprise that sweet, shy Domini wants to be dominated, he is back to issuing orders. Their passion is as hot as a rocket-propelled grenade—and if Domini has her way, it’s a one-shot deal. Cam wants more, and launches a full-out sensual assault…until tragedy strikes, forcing him to change tactics as he tries to keep past demons from blowing their future together all to hell…

Selene’s Review:

If ever there was a McKay man that you would want to tell you exactly what to do, what to say (and when to remain silent), how to UNdress, and when to *ahem* put your hands behind your back… Cam McKay is the obvious choice.

Probably the biggest of the McKay men, Cameron is a presence that jumps off the page and straight into your panties! But not only is this former military man and current police officer downright scrumptious in and out of uniform – his story will pull at all of your heartstrings like no other.

Domini, like Cam, has a sad history and Lorelei James tells it very well. The two complement each other so completely and by the end of the story, their tragic past, as well as the current tragedies in their lives, had me absolutely jumping out of my seat to cheer them on. With Cam’s self-loathing about his war injury, Domini is the perfect remedy for his reluctance to get close to another as she understands exactly what it’s like to have a big piece missing.

The love scenes between the two were both hot and sweet, like the characters themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to any mention of them in the future as they hold a special place in my heart hereafter.

Four Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..Selene’s Review of Branded As Trouble by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Branded As Trouble by Lorelei James

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

…It’s hard to trust the future when you’ve been branded by the past

As a walking advertisement for the tattoo shop she’s set up in a small Wyoming town, India Ellison is well acquainted with preconceived notions. Despite the odd looks and off-color comments about her off-color hair, life is good. She’s clean and sober, dotes on her sister’s kids and, best of all, spends most of her free time with her best buddy, cowboy Colt McKay.

Reformed bad boy Colt never expected three years of sobriety to lead to three years of abstinence. Curbing his craving for booze and random sexual encounters is nothing compared to the ever-increasing craving for his hot-tempered, hot-bodied best friend, India. Too bad she’s his A.A. sponsor. Too bad she hasn’t a clue that Colt’s been head-over-bootheels in love with her from day one.

After an unexpected, steamy interlude, all India can think about is riding the sexy cowboy instead of her motorcycle, even when Colt is determined to show her a slower ride is worth the wait.

Or are they risking their friendship for a fling that could burn them both?

Selene’s Review:

A [personally] highly anticipated book… that did not let down.

From the outside perspective, India, a tattooed, hot-tempered, and impossibly stubborn beauty, and Colton, an only-in-dreams-is-someone-this-beautiful former-bad boy cowboy, could not be more of opposites if they tried. But their experiences, both internal and external, have made them…well, absolutely perfect for each other. Too bad it took them so long to see it for themselves!

What author Lorelei James does best is delayed gratification. Her building up of Colt and India’s tension and their breaking point is just as delectable as when the two experienced lovers come together. And I definitely couldn’t get enough of their sexual moments; it left a brand on the reader like nothing else.

Another thing I had been waiting for besides the long-awaited couple’s union was the acceptance of Colt’s hard work throughout the years by his McKay family, specifically his older brothers. It took younger brother and war hero Cameron McKay to initiate this and it was absolutely tear-jerking. And it was wonderful to see Colt reformed and be the strong man that he is…with an equally strong woman backing him up, of course. It took India awhile to own up to her faults, but when she did, damn it was romantic.

I highly recommend this book for those readers that believe that friendship first can turn into the greatest of loves.

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..Selene’s Review of Tied Up, Tied Down by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Tied Up, Tied Down by Lorelei James

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

…The strongest bonds are the ones unseen.

Businesswoman Skylar Ellison is firmly in control of her life. So getting tangled up with a sexy Wyoming cowboy—and conceiving a baby in the parking lot of a honky-tonk—wasn’t in her plan. Since it appears the daddy has taken off for greener pastures, the only thing to do is pull up her bootstraps and carry on alone.

Cattle rancher Kade McKay returns home after a year on the range, and is knocked for a loop when he learns he’s the father of a three-month-old baby girl. When Skylar refuses to marry him, Kade grits his teeth, moves in and plays house by her rules to prove he’s a man in for the long haul.

Despite Skylar’s insistence they are to remain strictly parenting partners, their old passions flare hot as a brush fire, spurring Kade to demand absolute sexual surrender from the headstrong woman. Skylar willingly submits her body to the hot-blooded cowboy but she’s leery of handing Kade the reins to her heart.

Can Kade convince Skylar the wicked sex games aren’t a temporary distraction? Or will he have to bust out the ropes to show her he wants to be tied to her…forever?

Selene’s Review:

FAVORITE. BOOK. OF THE SERIES.

Kade McKay. What can I possibly say about him? All I know is if he were a real man, I would stomp every woman in my way to get at him. He is, quiet simply, the perfect man. A 6 foot, 3 inch hunk of a man with icy blue eyes and almost jet black hair. Oh and he has a killer body, too. I said perfect man, right?

As a fairly tall woman myself, I love to see authors write about other big, tall women instead of those cute, petite little things you could fit in a Barbie box. Not judging, just saying. Skylar Ellison is a force to be reckoned with –a woman always in control… until dreamboat Kade McKay comes along. Well, at first she actually goes out on a date with Kade’s twin brother Kane, but since that didn’t pan out, Kade thought he’d take out the beautiful Skylar while impersonating his brother Kane so that he could save the McKay reputation. This does cause a major rift between Kade and Skylar – she finds out not long after they have sex for the one and only time that he is really Kade and not Kane and she breaks it off. This devastates Kade and he needs time to clear his head so he travels up north for a year. Meanwhile, Sklyar is busy with her company… and busy having Kade’s baby.

Upon finding out about one Miz Eliza Belle, the first girl McKay born since Keely McKay, Kade takes ownership and immediately moves in with his baby girl and her mama. And as soon as he sees Skylar again, and she sees him, the sparks fly anew and they can’t deny their attraction… lucky for us! And I have to say that the sex between them is equal parts hot and sweet, something Lorelei James does so very well.

Another great thing about this book is the many subplots and set-ups for future stories. It adds variety but in no way takes away from the main story.

And last but not least, the many proposals Kade makes to Skylar – NGH! They are unbelievably swoon-worthy! *le sigh*

All books in series were bought by the reviewer through Amazon.

10 million Loves…or maybe just 5.0 Loves since that is all that’s possible.

Five Loves

From author website: