SPUN OUT (BLACKTOP COWBOYS #10)

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... 

Release Date: November 5, 2019

Berkley Penguin Group

Blacktop Cowboys #10

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

I have loved every book in this series. Hell, I love everything Lorelei writes. But this book was something special. This book hit me in a personal way. All the feels were pouring out of me.

The discussion on mental illness plays a big part in this book, particularly Postpartum Depression. Having struggled with PPD when I gave birth to my youngest child, I was able to understand, on a more intimate level. I know what it’s like to feel like your drowning, but unable to find it in yourself to ask for help. The author handled the mental illness aspect really well. It was respectful and sensitive. But it was also pretty accurate, in my opinion.

The relationship between Streeter and Bailey is somewhat complicated. They’re both battling demons and carry around an enormous amount of baggage. Fortunately, there’s also a healthy dose of desire simmering. Lorelei James writes sexual tension like no one else. I was in a state of frustration until they finally tore up the sheets. And holy hell, did they ever tear them up! Once Streeter‘s freaky side came out, there was no going back. Woohoo!

While there was a lot of heavy stuff in this book, there was also a ton of laugh out loud moments. The whole scene with the kids in the boardroom had me snickering like crazy. Honestly, anytime the kids were on the page I was usually laughing.

I’m trying to remember all the reasons why I love this book, and there are many, but the best way to describe my love is to say that it was simply perfect. I could go on and on about the amazing writing, because it was amazing, but what I adored the most was the way I felt connected to the story and the characters. Lorelei James never fails to keep me invested in her stories. 

Rating: 5 Stars (A+)

RACKED AND STACKED (BLACKTOP COWBOY #9)

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 playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Berkley

A Blacktop Cowboy Novel #9

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Nothing gets me more excited than a brand spanking new Lorelei James book! This book hit the ground running. Larissa (Riss) and Ike have a unique relationship. They start out as "frenemies" with some amazingly funny banter and name calling! I found myself laughing a lot throughout the whole book. Riss is pretty creative in her story telling and cussing. A girl after my own heart! 

When Ike and Larissa end up as roommates, things to start heat up. But it was slow, so damn slow. And here's where my frustration began. I get not hopping into bed right away. I understand letting the lust burn a bit, but holy hell, this was slower than the second coming of Christ. I kept look at the page number on my kindle and thinking that it must be coming any minute now. But still I waited. And waited some more. 

When these two FINALLY hit the sheets it was amazeballs. I think actually released a breath of relief! 

I'm not gonna lie, Riss isn't my favourite Lorelei James heroine. She was a little too flakey for my liking. And sometimes a little too rough around the edges. But like I said, her sassy mouth kept me interested and laughing.

As always in a Lorelei James book, the writing and plot kept me engaged and interested...for the most part. I felt like the ending dragged on a bit more than it needed to. 

While this wasn't my favourite book in this series, it was still crazy entertaining! Ike and Riss have a way of communicating that kept me smiling and anticipating their next conversation. 

Rating: 3 Stars (B)

HANG TOUGH (BLACKTOP COWBOYS #8)

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...

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Contemporary Romance

Berkley Penguin Group

Blacktop Cowboys Book #8

Review Copy provided by the publisher 

Nikki’s Review:

Sweet Jesus...nobody writes delectable cowboys quite like, Lorelei James! They're gritty, hard headed; alpha, and so damn sexy it's out of control!

I fell in love with Tobin from the moment he walked onto the page many books ago. He was so sweet and likeable, but there was something about him that pulled at me. He seemed like a bit of a pushover, someone who's taken for granted, but I could tell that under all of that, there was a strong man. 

Jade was such a fun heroine! She's smart, spunky, and full of sass. The banter between Tobin and Jade kept me laughing through much of the book! The dialogue was witty and really gave you an inside look at the characters personalities. Even with the constant barbs, Jade and Tobin slung at each other, you could still sense the chemistry between them. It was simmering under the surface and it was only a matter of time before it boiled over!

Jade is coasting through life without any real direction at the moment. She keeps busy constantly, but she's not content. She's looking for something and she doesn't have a clue what that is...until Tobin. Both of these characters are on a journey of self discovery and they aren't even really aware of it. This makes the story so relatable for so many people. So many of us are trying to forge our path through the world and we haven't the faintest idea of how to do that. Like, Tobin and Jade, it often has to happen naturally, you can't force it.

I liked that there weren't any games between the hero and heroine. They were both trying to protect Garnet, and they had to find common ground on how to do that. Once they found that, everything just moved in the right direction.

Lorelei James has the ability to write sexual tension and steamy love scenes that will leave the reader panting and coming back for more. Damn, Tobin was yummy in the sack! 

I adore that you get to revisit characters from previous books! There a lot of babies making an appearance. Only a lover of books can appreciate "seeing" their beloved characters again. And of course we get to see more shenanigans from the Mud Lilies! Those ladies crack me the hell up! They may be senior citizens but they're zest for life would tire out a person in their 20's!

I can always count on, Lorelei James to provide me with hours of entertainment. She pulls me in with her solid plots, her likeable and strong characters, and dialogue that keeps me smiling all the way through! This book could be read as a stand alone, but I recommend starting with book #1. There are so many great characters that make appearances throughout the series, and it's nice to have the backstory. So do yourself a favour and start the series from the beginning, and fall in love with the folks from Muddy Gap, Wyoming! 

Rating: 4 Stars (A)