Sandy M’s review of Corralled (Blacktop Cowboys, Book 1) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western erotic romance published by NAL Trade 3 Aug 10

None of you who know how much I love Lorelei James’ work will be surprised to learn I love this book. As usual, Ms. James has written a strong heroine and two — count’em, two! — handsome and alpha heroes who I’m now in love with. Her storyline is interesting, taking us behind the scenes of the rodeo in the different areas the characters deal with. And her love scenes are just as intense as ever.

Lainie is usually a straight-up, follow-the-rules kind of gal. She’s feeling guilty lately because she’s seeing two men at the same time, both cowboys on different rodeo circuits where she’s a med tech. But her best friend tells her to keep on keepin’ on and enjoy herself. She figures the men will never find out since they don’t perform or play in the same circles. Lainie’s in for a surprise, though, when Hank, the bullfighter, catches her and Kyle, the bullrider, together. Seems they’re best friends and neither of them wants to give Lainie up. So they compromise. Why not share her? Two men after my own heart.

Since Lainie’s having problems with her boss and he’s forcing a vacation on her, she decides why not, indeed. She’s ready to be double-teamed while the trio is on the road for the Cowboy Christmas arduous string of summer rodeos. Another surprise pops up for her when the guys don’t do much double-teaming. They begin a silent and intent competition of sexual exploits to keep Lainie wanting to come back to one instead of the other. But there’s still plenty of their threesome to keep things exciting between them, until Lainie finally demands her complete double-teaming. While I enjoyed those exploits, when Hank and Kyle come together and seriously tease Lainie how they’re going to take her, she’s not the only woman to bonelessly melt in anticipation.

Even as hot and fun as all the sex is, I like that these characters take the time to learn about one another during their travels. They’re each at a crossroads in their lives and need to figure out where they go from here. The competition between Hank and Kyle can only have one winner. Kyle wants to win, but what to do with Lainie in the long run? Hank wants to win equally as much, but as far as he’s concerned Lainie is someone he’ll keep near him for some time to come. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I’d like how Ms. James may have come up with a solution for our heroes and heroine. How could she choose which one to pair with Lainie? I worried for nothing. Her solution is absolutely perfect.

I also like the behind-the-scenes look at Hank’s occupation of a bullfighter. This is something not really written about, especially in romance. It’s a serious job and Hank is an expert at it. You feel the tension every time he has to fight a bull to save those riders from being gored or stomped on by those angry animals. Of course, the sex is smokin’ hot, as only Ms. James can write such scenes. The secondary characters are also pretty terrific. Tanna, Lainie’s best friend, is a barrel racer and loves a good time. Celia, Hank’s sister, and Abe, his brother, take care of the ranch while he rodeos. They also give him hell when needed. I’m hoping they each get a book of their own.

Lorelei James has given her fans a new series they’re going to embrace as fully as her McKay family series. Blacktop Cowboys are now in my blood.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Sports therapist Lainie Capshaw has been rehabilitating injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn’t mean you fall for the man.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men: Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn’t keep her from doubling her fun-that is until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She’s shocked that Hank isn’t mad. But she’s more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her-in every way-she knows that she’s going to have to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life.

Read an excerpt.