Sandy M’s review of Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Rough Riders, Book 7) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Erotic Romance published by Samhain 1 Jun 10

Jeez, I can’t believe I forgot to write this review back when Shoulda Been a Cowboy released in June. Sigh. Don’t ask me what happened, couldn’t tell ya. What I can tell ya is it’s not because I didn’t enjoy the book or it’s not good or anything along those lines. Far from it. As usual, Lorelei James kept me going from one emotion to another, hot and bothered pretty much in every darned chapter, and yearning for more, more, more when I closed the book. It would’ve been nice to make some noise for Ms. James back in June, but I’ll have to settle for doing that now, because any time talking about these Rough Riders is a good time.

Along with Kane’s book, this is the one I’ve been waiting for. Cam is the only McKay brother who chose not to follow the family footsteps into ranching. He went into the military and that’s where he stayed until injured, losing a leg and the life as he’s always known. Once home, he’s wanted nothing but solitude, keeping the family at bay from his peaceful, uncluttered abode, all with the help of sister Keeley, who also made sure everything medical concerning his doctors, treatment, and whatever else was needed to get her brother settled went like clockwork. Cam is now a local police officer and has been content, considering his circumstances.

I was curious which way Ms. James would go with Cam, either turning to his family for help and support or trying to go it alone. Family is one of the things that keeps me coming back to this series, but this time she went with that McKay pride, Cam not wanting anyone to think him weak or useless, which is what he feels most of the time when faced with those tasks that are now difficult for him. His family does leave him alone, hoping it’s the right thing to do.

But Cam is in for a surprise when he finally gives in to Domini, the woman he’s tried to stay away from so she wouldn’t be saddled with half a man. She’s a strong woman. She’s had to be to get through the hell she lived in the Ukraine before coming to the United States. They’re both scarred, physically and mentally, in the aftermath of their individual adversity. What Domini wants is to give up control, to be dominated, and to receive pleasure at the hands of a man she trusts. Cam.

And when Cam realizes this and gives Domini what she needs, the pages sizzle and burn when these two come together. In true Lorelei James fashion, the lovemaking is hot, intense, pleasurable, and very emotional. However, Domini does put her foot down when it becomes clear Cam has no intention of getting as good as he’s been giving in the bedroom. When necessary, her control is in place and she’s got the steel spine to back it up.

Cam and Domini are thrown a curve when faced with personal tragedies, one leaving a young boy orphaned, Domini the only “family” he has left. Cam steps up to help out in the most magnanimous way, because he’s not about to give Domini the opportunity to walk out of his life. Things in their new life get dicey for a while, but once they truly open up to each other, life can only get better for them.

The McKays finally put their foot down too when it comes to Cam and his desire to hide his disability from them. I love the scene between him and his brothers late in the book when he finally realizes how he’s hurt his family in keeping them out of his life. Mama McKay gets in on it too, and you don’t want to mess with Mama.

I’m very impressed with Ms. James’ consistency and high quality of writing even after seven books in this series. She keeps it fresh, fun, emotional, and burning up no matter which McKay she’s writing about.

If you’ve not read any of these Rough Rider books, well, frankly, you’re missing loads of fun with some sexy, sexy cowboys who know how to love a lady. Ain’t ya curious about what you’ve missed so far?

Grade: A

Summary:

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…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: