Sandy M’s review of Roped In (Blacktop Cowboys, Book 6.5) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Erotic Romance published by Evil Eye Concepts 9 Sep 14
It’s getting to the point that I could read Lorelei James’ books every day for the next twenty years and I’d never once be bored. I’d be happy as can be laughing with her characters, getting hot and bothered right along with them, and trying to get through life no matter the circumstances just like they do. Ms. James is one of the best at banter, love makin’ whether it’s fun or intense, and living life the best way a body knows how, all the while filling the world with love and romance. Roped In gives us loads of that banter and fun, in bed and out, with a bulldogger who has to turn to the one person he knows doesn’t like him very much.
Sutton Grant is on the far side of recuperating after a very serious injury during his last rodeo. He knows his bulldogging days are over, but has no idea what he’s going to do with his life now, so he keeps his current status under wraps, even from his family. One thing he has to deal with first is making sure his horse isn’t turned out to pasture too. That’s going to be a bit difficult, since it was London Gradsky who originally trained Dial and she wasn’t happy with the fact he purchased the animal from her parents after all her hard work. Having no other option in wanting the best for his friend and partner of so many good years, he makes an appointment with London and hopes she still has a soft spot for the horse, especially because she won’t have one for him.
Feeling down and out, London is tired of the sympathetic looks since she was dumped by her boyfriend – by text even! So when the opportunity to save face and get a bit of revenge presents itself, even if it’s in the way of Sutton Grant, she jumps at it. She’ll train his horse, sure. On one condition – he pretends to be her new significant other at events during the rodeo to make the old ex jealous. Sutton grabs on with both hands – at first for the training she’s promised and then because the woman is driving him to distraction when she moves into his guest room.
I so love these two characters. They start out figuring they’ll end up in bed together, but things don’t quite go that way. Suddenly they’re going in opposite directions, and frustration is the emotion of the day – even despite London’s subtle and not-so-subtle hints to the man. But that’s part of the fun. After a couple of “pretend” sessions, London has had enough and speaks her mind about doing the nasty. Now. Doesn’t take much more for Sutton to get the hint – subtlety no longer needed! This is where Lorelei James really shines in her books. Her lovemaking scenes are erotic as hell, sexy, sensual, you name it. What really sets her apart from the majority of erotic authors is the fact Ms. James has me so invested in her characters by the time they hit the sheets, they can do that lovin’ any which way and it’s all good. Very, very good.
There’s a few issues Sutton and London have to straighten out between them, and that’s where family comes in – another aspect of a great book that Ms. James is spectacular at. I had a blast with the conversation London has with her mother about falling in love. Support never waivers when it comes to family in this author’s books. Thus Sutton and London work together to get their relationship truly going and keep it on the right track. Something I wish more authors would have in their books. But that’s okay. I’m hoping for that twenty years of Lorelei James stories. I may not get the daily reading part, but I’m happy to wait and anticipate whatever she decides to give me.
Grade: A
Summary:
Ambition has always been his biggest downfall…until he meets her.
World champion bulldogger Sutton Grant works hard on the road, but his quiet charm has earned the nickname “The Saint” because he’s never been the love ’em and leave ’em type with the ladies. When he’s sidelined by an injury, he needs help keeping his horse in competition shape, but he fears trying to sweet-talk premier horse trainer London Gradsky is a losing proposition–because the woman sorta despises him.London is humiliated when her boyfriend dumps her for a rodeo queen. What makes the situation worse? She’s forced to see the lovebirds on the rodeo circuit every weekend. In an attempt to save face, London agrees to assist the notoriously mild, but ruggedly handsome Sutton Grant with his horse training problem on one condition: Sutton has to pretend to be her new boyfriend.
But make believe doesn’t last long between the sassy cowgirl and the laid-back bulldogger. When the attraction between them ignites, London learns that sexy Sutton is no Saint when that bedroom door closes; he’s the red-hot lover she’s always dreamed of.
The more time they spend together, the more Sutton realizes he wouldn’t mind being roped and tied to the rough and tumble cowgirl for real…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
