Tag: Lorelei James

Guest Review: Just What I Needed by Lorelei James

Posted August 2, 2016 by Tracy in Reviews | 0 Comments

Guest Review: Just What I Needed by Lorelei JamesReviewer: Tracy
Just What I Needed by Lorelei James
Series: Need You #2
Publisher: Penguin, Signet
Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
four-half-stars
Series Rating: five-stars

Trinity Carlson might be having the worst day ever. And that was before she started drinking in a dive bar, right across from her ex and his new girlfriend. So when she finally decides enough is enough, she grabs hold of a hot, blond stranger and gives him the kiss of his life.

Walker Lund never expected that a chance at love would hit him right on the mouth. Since the moment his brother decided to settle down, Walker has been dodging his family's hopes that he'll do the same. He's never been interested in following in anyone's footsteps. But when he discovers his sexy assailant has given him a fake name and number he suddenly finds himself in the mood for a little hot pursuit...

Trinity is a woman who is not having a good day.  Not only did she have a crappy day but then when she went out to a bar with her friend Gen, Gen got picked up by a (and left with) a hot Irish rugby player.  To top it all off her cheating ex-boyfriend comes over to “just say hi” with his new bimbo and bimbo ends up spilling that they’d been seeing each other for three months.  Yeah, Trinity had only broken up with him 2 months ago.  And the hits just keep on comin’.  When two guys try to pick her up she gives them a fake name, tells them she’s waiting for her boyfriend and then tells them about two hot chicks back in the pool room.

Trinity is watching the front door when she sees Viking God from heaven walk in.  He’s tall, built, has a beard she wants to run her fingers through and a man bun.  Thinking about the lie she told the 2 guys, on top of the possibility that her ex is watching (and the fact that she really wants to kiss this guy) she heads over and plants an awesome kiss on his gorgeous mouth.

Walker really just came to the first bar he saw after a business meeting frustrated the hell out of him.  He didn’t expect some random woman to kiss him but he loved it.  He ends up sitting with her and they get along great.  He’s digging this woman and wants to see her again.  When he tries to call her the next day and finds out she gave him a fake name and a fake number he’s pissed but also upset because he really liked her.  When Walker walks into the local theatre to work on sets and finds “Amelia” painting them he knows that fate is on his side.

Trinity is an artist trying to make a name for herself.  She hasn’t lived in the Twin Cities very long so she’s not familiar with everything going on.  She only has a few people she can call friends and her family is one that she broke from a long time ago.  She really likes Walker but her insecurities start to get the better of her.  She’s a bit neurotic and just assumes that he won’t want to experience her brand of crazy.  She didn’t give Walker enough credit because he likes the woman she is – craziness and all.

Walker is thrilled that Trinity is oblivious as to who his family is.  People who have lived in the Twin Cities for a while know who the Lund family is and woman tend to throw themselves at him because of his family name and the money he has.  Walker is just a working man who owns a construction business and wants to be seen for who he really is – not his family and or their money.  He loves that Trinity treats him like an everyday Joe and gets more attached to her the more time he spends with her.  He knows that she’s the one but he needs to tread carefully so that he won’t scare her off.

This was such a cute book!  I loved Trinity and Walker – both together and separately. While this was a pretty simple love story with not a lot of angst, the relationship between the H/h kept me reading as they were so adorable together.

Walker was one sexy man.  The way he was described throughout the book made him better each time and I found myself wanting to run my hand through his beard and man bun myself!  He was confident about who he was and wasn’t afraid to show it.  He did have some issues with his family – who he was very close to. He loved his family to death but he was hurt and pissed off that they hadn’t been caring about him or his life at all (except his mother and father). Things did get worked out during the course of the book and was done in a way that was sweet and touching and pretty funny to boot.

Trinity, as I’ve said, was a bit neurotic.  I think her childhood with her father and stepmother that made her more so than she would have been otherwise.  She had some serious insecurities but the more time she spent with Walker the easier they became to live with.  She was a fun-loving person and though she babbled sometimes Walker figured out that kissing her brought her back to reality.  🙂

The only stories that I’ve read of Lorelei James’ have all been cowboy romances. While those were good it was nice to read something from her that wasn’t cowboy related.  I very much enjoyed this book and had a smile on my face for most of the time that I was reading.  If you like read fun, light, romantic stories then this is one that you won’t want to miss.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

four-half-stars

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Guest Review: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Posted December 2, 2013 by Judith in Reviews | 0 Comments

15808862Judith’s review of Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys #5) by Lorelei James

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.

There is little doubt in my mind that one of my favorite authors is Lorelei James.  I got started with her, like many of us, with her Rough Rider series so I haven’t taken the opportunity to read very many of her other writing.  I did read most of her single titles and now have read this book from the Blacktop Cowboys novels.  There is also little doubt that lots have been written about the sport of rodeo but where there are lots of people there are lots of stories.

The two main characters in this novel are people of great intellect and are driven by their dreams.  Both are stymied by life’s challenges.  Tanna is a woman who has very specific goals but whose heart and soul have been bruised one too many times.  Add in the fact that the ranch that was the love of her life, her home in every way, is now gone at the behest of a dad who confessed that he wanted nothing more to do with it once he remarried.  He made millions off it and gave little or nothing to his kids, yet Tanna still loves him.  She just has no place to settle now.  The hero, Dr August Fletcher, is a man who loves his community and what he does.  He’s lonely and wants a woman who will love the things he loves and will be his partner in life.  No matter the attraction between him and Tanna, it doesn’t appear she is the woman for him.

As always is the case in Lorelei’s stories, there is a protagonist, if not as a person then as a situation.  It appears that in many ways Tanna and August have the same problem . . . they are both hampered by their inner fears and past hurts.  And in unique James style, those hurts and wounds hand out for everyone to see.   Perhaps that is what draws me to this author’s work.  She never backs away from a situation that offends, is brutal or unpleasant but very much a part of human experience.  And we all know that romantic relationships are so often short circuited by the past hurts and long-term fears we carry inside our subconscious.

This novel is beautifully written with sparkling repartee and witty exchanges.  These rodeo folk are let-it-all-hang-out kind of people and it shows in their actions as well as their conversation with others.  These participants don’t have time for charm;  they get on their animal of choice and simply let go at full speed.  They rarely allow commitments to be established and  once they sleep with someone, they’re off to the next gig.  This as much as anything is the source of Tanna’s disillusionment.

I found this novel entertaining and another enjoyable reading experience.  I got me hungry to read the other Blacktop Cowboy books so I have some reading ahead of me.   And I am happy to conclude that once again a Lorelei James story was just as good or even better than I anticipated.

I give this novel a 4 out of 5

The Series:
Book Cover Book Cover Book Cover Book Cover Book Cover

You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s book Place 

This title is available from NAL.  You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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Review: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Posted October 2, 2013 by Holly in Reviews | 0 Comments

Review: Turn and Burn by Lorelei JamesReviewer: Holly
Turn and Burn by Lorelei James
Series: Blacktop Cowboys
Also in this series: One Night Rodeo (Blacktop Cowboys #4)
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: August 6th 2013
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 368
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Series Rating: four-stars

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.

I have a whole host of Lorelei James books in my TBR pile. I have no idea why Turn and Burn is the first one I’ve read. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that I thought she wrote westerns. Which she doesn’t. I have no idea where I got that from.

I really enjoyed the setting and the strong women showcased in the story. The heroine, her friends, and even the band of old women are independent and not afraid to be themselves. That’s so refreshing.

Tanna Barker is broke and injured and needs a place to lick her wounds and decide what to do about her future. Muddy Gap, WY seems like the perfect place. On her first night in town she meets a sexy stranger she decides to take to bed. After a hot night between the sheets she disappears the next morning, even though she secretly wanted to stay.

No one could have predicted her one-night-stand would turn out to be the local veterinarian, or that he’d be pissed that she disappeared without leaving her name or number. Especially the man himself. August Fletcher is a man with no time for a relationship. He enjoys sex as much as the next time, but his vet practice keeps him on the road way too much for a regular girlfriend. But that doesn’t stop him from wondering “what-if” about the sexy new lady in town. Tanna is everything he’s ever wanted in a woman…except she isn’t going to stay. Muddy Gap is nothing more than a temporary stop for her, while it’s his whole life.

They end up burning up the sheets, but they both keeps parts of themselves hidden from one another. It isn’t long before they both want more…but are they too afraid to reach out and grab it?

As I said, I enjoyed how strong Tanna was. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or grab for what she wanted. She was a tough cowgirl who’d been kicked hard but life but not brought down. Fletch was the perfect counterpart for her, since he was just as tough but also had a soft side she needed to lean on. They started out as lovers but quickly became friends. Tanna wasn’t quick to open up to him, but Fletch still gave her support, whether he realized it or not.  Just as she offered comfort and support to him.

The story could have become bogged down with their emotional issues, but the witty banter and sexual chemistry kept the story moving. All in all a solid read. I’ll be reading more of James soon.

3.75 out of 5

This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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Author Interview (+ a Giveaway): Lorelei James

Posted August 9, 2013 by Holly in Giveaways, Promotions | 44 Comments

9780451413963_large_Turn_and_BurnToday we have New York Times Bestselling Author Lorelei James here to answer a few questions about her latest release, Turn and Burn (#5 in her Blacktop Cowboys series), her writing and life in the Midwest.

Tell us about Turn and Burn. What can your readers expect from the story?

A stubborn, hot, sweet cowboy veterinarian and a feisty, sexy, proud Texas cowgirl finding love, redemption, lots of smokin’-hot sex and sweet moments in the wide open plains of Wyoming.

Turn and Burn is book 5 in your Blacktop Cowboys series. Can it be read as a stand-alone or should the other books be read first?

TURN AND BURN can be read as a standalone.  Which was my intent in writing a second contemporary western erotic romance series, new readers won’t be lost if this is the first book of mine they pick up, whereas my Rough Riders series is best started from the beginning to get all the character’s arcs since I’m 15+ books into that series.

Tell us a bit about the inspiration for Tanna Barker, the heroine of Turn and Burn. She’s a barrel racing champion. Is that something you have personal experience with?

God no. Since I’m a huge rodeo fan, I love to watch barrel racing. The speed of the horse and the communication between horse and rider when done right in the arena is riveting. Since for the most part, barrel racing is the only event women compete in on the national (meaning paid) level, it was natural for me to want to tell a story starring one of these tough women.

What’s your favorite scene from this book?

I had so much fun just cutting loose and writing the opening scene in the bar, where the banter between Tanna and Fletch is sexy and flirty—and leads them straight into trouble. I also liked writing the first sex scene in a book because putting them in an intimate situation reveals a lot about both of their characters.

Of the five books in the series, which was your favorite to write?

The last book is always my favorite one because it’s the freshest in my mind  I fall in love with the characters while I’m writing them, and then after I’ve given them their happily ever after I move on to the next couple.

Have there been any books in the Blacktop Cowboys series you had trouble writing – where the characters just didn’t work?

Every single book is hard to write—contrary to popular belief, writing doesn’t get easier, it gets harder. With the first couple of books readers don’t have any expectations because they’re getting to know an author’s style and if they like it, they’ll keep buying and reading subsequent books. I’m so thankful to have Kerry Donovan, my fantastic editor for the Blacktop Cowboys series. She’s great at keeping the books on track and when I need help with plot or characterization she’s always come through.

Are there a set number of books planned in the series?

I’m currently contracted for one more book in the series, HILLBILLY ROCKSTAR, and that will release in August 2014. I’ve written the proposals for the next two books in the series, so hopefully we can make it happen to keep the series going.

What is a typical writing day like for you?

I try to do all my emailing, correspondence, blogging, social media in the morning so I can go offline completely and have the remainder of the day to write. It doesn’t always work out that way, sometimes I have to look at covers and work with jacket copy and approve changes, but for the most part when I’m under deadline, I try and save the bulk of my day for writing new material. Which means no internet after ten a.m. until 9:30 at night when I check in again. I’m usually in different stages of several books at one time, so I don’t always have the luxury of focusing just on one project.  I get asked a lot how long it takes me to write a book, and it’s not a cop out when I say I’ll fill the time I have with whatever projects I’ve got going. Give me 6 months to write a book, it’ll take me 6 months. Give me 2 months to write a book, it’ll take me 2 months. Yes, writing is a creative process, but it’s also my job. I write on the days I don’t feel like writing because I know if I don’t make some progress every day, I’ll miss my deadline and that throws everything into chaos. My deadlines have been very tight the last few years and most days it seems like I don’t have a life beyond writing. But there is something creatively freeing about being so immersed in a book that’s all I do—think, eat, dream, breathe in that world with those characters.

What is your favorite part of living in South Dakota? (That’s where I grew up)  

A native South Dakotan—we’re a rare breed anymore, especially those of us who choose to continue living here! I love the climate, the people, the western ideals—but there are days I hate all that too and would love to get lost in the crush of people in LA or NYC. I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, experience a different way of life, but I’m always so happy to see the Black Hills appear in the horizon and I know I’m home in South Dakota where I belong 

Just for fun:

What’s the last really good book you read? One you had to stay up late to finish?

MACRIEVE by Kresley Cole. I was up until 3:00 am. Love love love her books.

What’s your favorite color?

Purple.

Enter to win a copy of Turn and Burn (US ONLY):

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Lorelei James lo resAbout the Author:

When New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James is not squirreled away behind her laptop in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, she can be found reading, shootin’ her .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour, and running a kids’ taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.  Visit her online at Visit her online at www.loreleijames.com, www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and www.twitter.com/loreleijames.

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What I Read Last Week

Posted July 4, 2013 by Tracy in Features | 3 Comments

Hey there

I bet you didn’t think you’d be seeing this post this week, did you? I was kind of wondering myself, to be quite honest. Lol But here I am – yay! Lol

So let’s see, last week was pretty good. I’ve been going to physical therapy for a rotator cuff issue and that’s been quite painful. Luckily it’s getting better so that’s good.

On Saturday morning I sent my oldest off on a youth group mission trip for a whole week. I think she’s having fun – hopefully she is.

After I dropped her off I then drove with my youngest to Rancho Cucamonga where I met some Southern California bloggers for lunch. I met with Wendy, Rosie, Holly, Nikki, Renee and Lori and we had a great lunch and a great talk. I love getting together and talking about books! We just don’t do it often enough and I always get such great book recommendations! We were all nuts and neglected to get a picture, but oh well. We’re dorks. 🙂

As you can see I’m helping to host the 2nd annual digital first read-a-thon and it’s been great. All month I’ll be having excerpts and giveaways for digital first books so check back daily to check out the books.

So on to what I read last week:

I’m really behind on my Book Binge review books so I’ve been trying to catch up lately. My first read for the week was One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James. This is book 4 in the Blacktop Cowboys series and it’s about Celia and Kyle. They get married in Vegas one drunken night but then end up agreeing to stay together for 6 months so that Celia can help Kyle with the ranch he inherited. I really liked the story and thought it was a good addition to the series. You can read my full review on Book Binge here.4 out of 5

Next up was Freefall by Jill Sorenson. This was a great book about Sam Rutherford who was in Aftershock, the first book in the Aftershock series. Sam ends up helping Hope Banning who is a park ranger who is determined to catch a killer and save her sister at the same time. During this time Sam and Hope end up falling for each other. A really good story that I really enjoyed reading. You can read my full review here. 4 out of 5

My next read was Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden. This story is about Tristan who is a bit of rake. He tells his friend that he will look after his sister while his friend is out of town. Tristan is only ready to do his duty and visit a time or two but the more time he spends with Joan the more he likes her. The story was very sweet and I loved seeing the wallflower come out of her shell. 4 out of 5
Finding Billie by Priscilla Brown is the story of a man who comes back to the town he lived in up through high school and ends up meeting up with his good friend Billie who runs the only gas station in town. Billie and Zac are very attracted to each other but Zac is still dealing with the death of his family a couple of years ago and Billie is dealing with some stuff in her town. The story had a good idea but I didn’t care for the writing at all. You can read my full review here. 2 out of 5

The Ever Knight by Georgia Fox is a short novella about Jisella who is determined to get out of the convent that she’s been in for years. Her intended husband is about to come get her and she’s not willing to be there when he arrives. She picks out her knight from some warriors who are at the convent and seduces him. When she finds out that the knight, Remy, is there to get her to take to his half brother, Renard, she’s not deterred from her mission. When Renard shows up to escort his bride himself and Remy tells him what happened Renard’s not as upset as one would think – he just joins in. Now this could so easily have been a completely cheesy story but I thought it was done well for as short as it was. I would love to see what happens to the trio later after they left the convent. I’ll have to hope that happens. Lol 3.5 out of 5

Last for the week was the Wagered Wench by Georgia Fox which is a novel about a earl’s daughter who is wagered, along with her father’s land, in a game of cards. She’s not sure she wants to comply but is attracted to the Saxon warrior. The problems really start when the neighbor, who believed that HE would get the girls hand in marriage decides to try stake his claim. The story was another good one. I didn’t care for the neighbor so seeing him with the woman was a bit uncomfortable. I didn’t find him a sexual character so when the menage started it was more awkward to read for me than erotic. The rest of it was good though. 3.5 out of 5

My Book Binge reviews that posted last week:
The Secrets of Mia Danvers by Robyn DeHart
A Rural Affair by Catherine Alliott

Happy Reading!

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