What do you think?
Rate this book
Blaecleah Brothers #2
Cowboy Keeper
[Siren Classic Erotic Alternative Cowboy Romance, M/M] Billy Thornton is a known troublemaker. He's spent the better part of his life doing whatever his brother Clem wanted him to--from intimidating people to stealing from them. The consequences if he resists are life-threatening. Billy has spent more than one night healing after his brother got pissed at him. The one thing Billy can't do is allow Rourke Blaecleah to be hurt. Billy has loved Rourke for as long as he can remember, even though he knows it is wrong. The only way he can deal with it is to do everything in his power to keep Clem away from Rourke, and that means putting himself in harm's way more than once. When Rourke corners Billy one night and kisses him, things come to a head. Rourke realizes that the man he has been looking for all of his life is right under his nose. Billy finds that he might actually be able to experience what loving Rourke is like in real life and not just his fantasies. And both men realize that what they have found together has put their lives in danger because Clem is coming for them, and he's not happy. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2011
31 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Stormy Glenn
314 books1,702 followersAbout Me
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 26, 2018
This was a sweet one. I loved Billy and Rourke as a couple. Billy had sweet and enduring quality to him. I did not read book one but, given the things said about him in this book, I imagine he wasn't a likable person in that book. However, you get to see here why he did the things he did. I have a thing for a beaten down and abused mc who gets picked up and loved by a white knight in shining armor. In this case, it was Rourke Blaecleah.
I'm not so sure I will read all the books in this series. Some really don't appeal to me, but we'll see.
I'm not so sure I will read all the books in this series. Some really don't appeal to me, but we'll see.
October 23, 2015
This started out pretty good. There was some intense hurt/comfort going on here. And I am all for that!
Not very realistic, I admit.. but I don’t read these books because I want a lot of realism.
This also had the extremest of extreme insta-love as well. True love in hours instead of days this time.
And I could really get over all of this and still enjoy this immensely. Right up until ALL the characters did something so incredibly stupid and out of character, I almost didn’t finish the rest.
Billy, who has been severely beaten by his brother his entire life, is now under protection of the Blaecleah family. But when Billy’s father comes with the sheriff to take Billy home to that evil brother, who wants to kill Billy, his father accuses Rourke of beating Billy. Of course it was Clem, the Evil brother, but Billy was so shaken up he couldn’t say a word.
Rourke gets arrested and everything would have been fine if Billy would have gone to the police station and explained everything. Or if someone in the Blaecleah family said anything. They just stood there.
And when Billy makes a deal with his father, that he will come home with him if he drops the charges against Rourke, they all let him! Billy asks Rourke’s brothers to hold Rourke, because of course Rourke doesn’t want Billy to go home so his brother can kill him.
Rourke’s brothers and parents know this! They are sending Billy to his death and don’t do anything about it. They even grab Rourke and tell him he should let Billy go!
This family is supposed to be protecting the innocent, not send them to their death.
I still can’t get over this stupid twist in the story. It was so unnecessary. I’m still angry. Because other than this, this would have been a 3.5/4 stars story for me, but I can’t now.
Me is sad.
Not very realistic, I admit.. but I don’t read these books because I want a lot of realism.
This also had the extremest of extreme insta-love as well. True love in hours instead of days this time.
And I could really get over all of this and still enjoy this immensely. Right up until ALL the characters did something so incredibly stupid and out of character, I almost didn’t finish the rest.
Billy, who has been severely beaten by his brother his entire life, is now under protection of the Blaecleah family. But when Billy’s father comes with the sheriff to take Billy home to that evil brother, who wants to kill Billy, his father accuses Rourke of beating Billy. Of course it was Clem, the Evil brother, but Billy was so shaken up he couldn’t say a word.
Rourke gets arrested and everything would have been fine if Billy would have gone to the police station and explained everything. Or if someone in the Blaecleah family said anything. They just stood there.
And when Billy makes a deal with his father, that he will come home with him if he drops the charges against Rourke, they all let him! Billy asks Rourke’s brothers to hold Rourke, because of course Rourke doesn’t want Billy to go home so his brother can kill him.
Rourke’s brothers and parents know this! They are sending Billy to his death and don’t do anything about it. They even grab Rourke and tell him he should let Billy go!
This family is supposed to be protecting the innocent, not send them to their death.
I still can’t get over this stupid twist in the story. It was so unnecessary. I’m still angry. Because other than this, this would have been a 3.5/4 stars story for me, but I can’t now.
Me is sad.
January 17, 2012
Yeah, okay. I was looking for a light read so I turned to this. Unfortunately, this just didn't do it for me. As my opinion differs vastly from the others posted, i thought I would justify it. It may just be me :)
Annoyances:
-There was an awful lot of physical activity for someone who was just whipped / may have had cracked ribs.
- Billy gets his back bandaged, all the way around his torso, but later just pulls up his shirt to show Asa his beating marks.
- Rourke's unprovoked, overly possessive moment early in the story is really random and doesnt seem to fit.
- Rourke's insta-love turnabout for someone he previously saw as a troublemaker is a bit quick / unbelievable.
- Generally, people's opinions swing 180 degrees in minutes. While there is some justification for this, the rapidity and magnitude of the change feels awkward.
- I couldn't suspend belief enough to buy the whole confrontation scene with Ira towards the end. I won't get into it to limit the spoilers, but....really? no one else had anything to say?
While there were one or two decent part throughout, I couldn't get over everything else. I'm surprised I finished this.
Annoyances:
-There was an awful lot of physical activity for someone who was just whipped / may have had cracked ribs.
- Billy gets his back bandaged, all the way around his torso, but later just pulls up his shirt to show Asa his beating marks.
- Rourke's unprovoked, overly possessive moment early in the story is really random and doesnt seem to fit.
- Rourke's insta-love turnabout for someone he previously saw as a troublemaker is a bit quick / unbelievable.
- Generally, people's opinions swing 180 degrees in minutes. While there is some justification for this, the rapidity and magnitude of the change feels awkward.
- I couldn't suspend belief enough to buy the whole confrontation scene with Ira towards the end. I won't get into it to limit the spoilers, but....really? no one else had anything to say?
While there were one or two decent part throughout, I couldn't get over everything else. I'm surprised I finished this.
February 10, 2011
While this second story in this series was very different form the first, I liked it just as much. The close link to the first book allows another look at how Asa and Lachlan fare, now that they are married, while the full focus remains on the next pair, Billy and Rourke.
Billy is abused, gets beaten on a regular basis, and thinks he does it all to protect the man he has loved for years from his abusive and slightly mad brother. The thought that Rourke might well be able to protect himself and Billy as well never even enters his head. This shows how deeply ingrained his low self esteem really is. When something good does happen to him, he is sure it cannot last, and almost turns it into a self-fulfilling prophesy. I held my heart the entire time!
Rourke is the quintessential hero: strong, protective and clueless where the finer inter-personal skills are concerned. When he - finally- realizes that Billy is not only innocent, but abused, he wants to take charge. Only, Billy doesn't let him. That gives him something to chew on and only when he has dealt with that is there any hope for the true partnership they both want.
I liked the way their relationship develops, even if it is very quick (only for Rourke, Billy has known all along). I loved the fact that Billy and Rourke protected each other and hated how slow Rourke's family and the sheriff were on the uptake when Billy gets threatened one last time. This, however, is very realistic: people mostly see what they want to see. It made the final tense pages all the more interesting. Like in the first book, the secondary characters came alive for me as wella. I can't wait for the next installment.
Billy is abused, gets beaten on a regular basis, and thinks he does it all to protect the man he has loved for years from his abusive and slightly mad brother. The thought that Rourke might well be able to protect himself and Billy as well never even enters his head. This shows how deeply ingrained his low self esteem really is. When something good does happen to him, he is sure it cannot last, and almost turns it into a self-fulfilling prophesy. I held my heart the entire time!
Rourke is the quintessential hero: strong, protective and clueless where the finer inter-personal skills are concerned. When he - finally- realizes that Billy is not only innocent, but abused, he wants to take charge. Only, Billy doesn't let him. That gives him something to chew on and only when he has dealt with that is there any hope for the true partnership they both want.
I liked the way their relationship develops, even if it is very quick (only for Rourke, Billy has known all along). I loved the fact that Billy and Rourke protected each other and hated how slow Rourke's family and the sheriff were on the uptake when Billy gets threatened one last time. This, however, is very realistic: people mostly see what they want to see. It made the final tense pages all the more interesting. Like in the first book, the secondary characters came alive for me as wella. I can't wait for the next installment.
January 27, 2019
This was book 2 in the
"Blaecleah Brothers"
series. Billy Thornton is a known troublemaker we first meet him in book 1 he was there when Asa was being beat up. He's spent the better part of his life doing whatever his brother Clem wanted him to he has also had a hard life. Billy has been abused by Clem his brother gets mad and takes it out on him. Billy has loved Rourke Blaecleah for as long as he can remember and in order to keep his brother from hurting him is to keep him away from Rourke. When Rourke catches Billy spying on the wedding between Asa and Rourke's brother Lachlan he confronts Billy and is surprised that Billy is carrying around a photograph of him. Teasing Billy and thinking he'll give the boy a scare Rourke pins Billy to a tree and kisses him and he liked it. Rourke knows that he has to protect Billy not only from his brother but his family as well. This was a short quick read that I liked a lot. This book was full of emotions Billy has been abused and unloved while Rourke comes from a loving and supportive family. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 1, 2018
Dios, el dramatismo de la vida de Bily me ha tenido al borde durante toda la historia, y más cuando se ve que es capaz de volver a sufrir con tal de ver seguro al loquillo de Rourke.
Ambos son una pareja preciosa y muy dulce con sus toques picantes. Me gustó ver más del pícaro hermano Blaecleah, jaja.
El dramatismo iniciado en el primer libro llega aquí a un punto culmine, así que estoy deseando ver qué se inventa la autora en las siguiente entregas. Muy recomendable.
Relectura: Retomando, la autora supo crear unas cuantas historias dramáticas más, pero todas sumamente entretenidas.
Ambos son una pareja preciosa y muy dulce con sus toques picantes. Me gustó ver más del pícaro hermano Blaecleah, jaja.
El dramatismo iniciado en el primer libro llega aquí a un punto culmine, así que estoy deseando ver qué se inventa la autora en las siguiente entregas. Muy recomendable.
Relectura: Retomando, la autora supo crear unas cuantas historias dramáticas más, pero todas sumamente entretenidas.
June 17, 2014
Rourke JUST now notices Billy? Yeah, I don't buy it. I would have liked this better if they haven't known each other all of their lives.
Also, Billy seems to be up and moving around a lot after being beat to hell. Didn't he say broken ribs or something? Yet, he's getting scrappy with Rourke and his brothers?
Also, Billy seems to be up and moving around a lot after being beat to hell. Didn't he say broken ribs or something? Yet, he's getting scrappy with Rourke and his brothers?
February 2, 2011
I really loved this continuation to the Blaecleah Brothers series. I actually liked this one more than I liked the previous one, Cowboy Easy.
On the night of Lachlan, Rourke's brother, and Asa's wedding, Rourke finds Billy watching from the trees. When Rourke confronts Billy, it leads to a kiss and when Billy runs off scared, it leaves Rourke with more questions than answers. That same night, Billy returns trying to leave a note for Rourke. Rourke catches Billy before he can leave and learns some interesting things. Namely the fact that Billy isn't as bad as everyone thinks he is and that Billy is badly injured . Rourke's protective feelings surge up and he helps Billy get healed. Billy's family won't leave him alone, though, causing trouble by bringing in the sheriff and making Billy sacrifice himself once again to keep the Blaecleah's safe.
I loved Billy from the start. He's the type of man that everyone has misunderstood. While he seems like a bully and a troublemaker to everyone in his small town, he's really not. He's a sweet, kind man at heart but he's done the things that have earned him his reputation to protect one person, Rourke. Billy's loved Rourke since he was sixteen and does what he does and takes the abuse from his brother, Clem, to keep Rourke and the Blaecleah family safe from Clem's anger. I liked Rourke, too. While he didn't have feelings for Billy at first, one kiss makes Rourke burn for Billy and from then on, he does what he can to protect Billy from Clem and keep him safe.
I liked the flow of the storyline. We get to see how Rourke and Billy work through the insecurities Billy has regarding ever being someone Rourke will love and being accepted for who he is. I loved the fact that while we didn't get to 'see' what Clem did to Billy, we were still able to see the aftermath of it, where he goes and accepts the help the Blaecleah family offer him and heals. The beginning is slow-paced in the sense that we aren't rushed through the relationship Rourke and Billy are forming. The ending is where most of the action happens, though. From when Billy's family starts interfering is when it becomes fast-paced but it doesn't feel rushed which appealed to me immensely.
All in all, a great book. I can't wait for the next book and I'm hoping the sheriff gets his HEA some time soon. If you like Stormy Glenn and you like her Blaecleah Brothers series, you'll love this one but if you haven't read Stormy Glenn, I urge you to try this series, it's really good so far, imo. Definitely recommended.
On the night of Lachlan, Rourke's brother, and Asa's wedding, Rourke finds Billy watching from the trees. When Rourke confronts Billy, it leads to a kiss and when Billy runs off scared, it leaves Rourke with more questions than answers. That same night, Billy returns trying to leave a note for Rourke. Rourke catches Billy before he can leave and learns some interesting things. Namely the fact that Billy isn't as bad as everyone thinks he is and that Billy is badly injured . Rourke's protective feelings surge up and he helps Billy get healed. Billy's family won't leave him alone, though, causing trouble by bringing in the sheriff and making Billy sacrifice himself once again to keep the Blaecleah's safe.
I loved Billy from the start. He's the type of man that everyone has misunderstood. While he seems like a bully and a troublemaker to everyone in his small town, he's really not. He's a sweet, kind man at heart but he's done the things that have earned him his reputation to protect one person, Rourke. Billy's loved Rourke since he was sixteen and does what he does and takes the abuse from his brother, Clem, to keep Rourke and the Blaecleah family safe from Clem's anger. I liked Rourke, too. While he didn't have feelings for Billy at first, one kiss makes Rourke burn for Billy and from then on, he does what he can to protect Billy from Clem and keep him safe.
I liked the flow of the storyline. We get to see how Rourke and Billy work through the insecurities Billy has regarding ever being someone Rourke will love and being accepted for who he is. I loved the fact that while we didn't get to 'see' what Clem did to Billy, we were still able to see the aftermath of it, where he goes and accepts the help the Blaecleah family offer him and heals. The beginning is slow-paced in the sense that we aren't rushed through the relationship Rourke and Billy are forming. The ending is where most of the action happens, though. From when Billy's family starts interfering is when it becomes fast-paced but it doesn't feel rushed which appealed to me immensely.
All in all, a great book. I can't wait for the next book and I'm hoping the sheriff gets his HEA some time soon. If you like Stormy Glenn and you like her Blaecleah Brothers series, you'll love this one but if you haven't read Stormy Glenn, I urge you to try this series, it's really good so far, imo. Definitely recommended.
May 21, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Awful, I'll have read it at some point but dnf'd on this attempt.
Billy reads VERY young. Rourke comes across unpleasant; pushing someone smaller than you against tree and kissing them despite their protests in order to scare them is not good. The tease of his bondage kink feels inappropriate in contrast to Billy getting whipped and beaten with extreme prejudice.
Story feels unbalanced and poorly thought out.
Awful, I'll have read it at some point but dnf'd on this attempt.
Billy reads VERY young. Rourke comes across unpleasant; pushing someone smaller than you against tree and kissing them despite their protests in order to scare them is not good. The tease of his bondage kink feels inappropriate in contrast to Billy getting whipped and beaten with extreme prejudice.
Story feels unbalanced and poorly thought out.
Read
January 5, 2022DNF@ 58%.
May 10, 2011
2.5 stars
Not bad, really like Billy but some things really bother me.
The guy was just whipped and beating, his brother try to kill him and they just go on the barn and fool around? Seriously? Talk about having your priority straight, no pun intended!
And when they are finally in Rourke's room, he put Billy on his back? Talk about a considerate lover!
Rourke sighed. “The night Clem whipped Billy, he did it because he saw us kiss. Later, Clem attacked us in the woods and tried to strangle Billy. He kept going on about Billy belonging to him.” “He tried to kill Billy?” the sheriff asked. “Why didn’t you call me and report it?” “It’s only been a couple of days, sheriff,” Da said as he walked down the steps and over to stand next to Rourke. “We were going to call you, but it seemed more important to give Billy time to heal. He was in pretty bad shape.”
WTF?
Yeah, because we all know that it's better to let the proof of the abuse just disappear and then leave the guy a chance to try to kill you again.
Not bad, really like Billy but some things really bother me.
The guy was just whipped and beating, his brother try to kill him and they just go on the barn and fool around? Seriously? Talk about having your priority straight, no pun intended!
And when they are finally in Rourke's room, he put Billy on his back? Talk about a considerate lover!
Rourke sighed. “The night Clem whipped Billy, he did it because he saw us kiss. Later, Clem attacked us in the woods and tried to strangle Billy. He kept going on about Billy belonging to him.” “He tried to kill Billy?” the sheriff asked. “Why didn’t you call me and report it?” “It’s only been a couple of days, sheriff,” Da said as he walked down the steps and over to stand next to Rourke. “We were going to call you, but it seemed more important to give Billy time to heal. He was in pretty bad shape.”
WTF?
Yeah, because we all know that it's better to let the proof of the abuse just disappear and then leave the guy a chance to try to kill you again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2014
Reading a Stormy Glenn novel is like cracking open a book and having emotions just pour from the pages. The unbelievable trauma that Billy has suffered from the hands of his brother leaves your heart aching and makes you want to cry out for all the pain he has dealt with. Even though this is a fictional novel, the characters have such soulful dispositions that Cowboy Keeper has you feeling as if this tale is happening right in front of you. The plot is very strong, and desire comes through so loud and clear I could practically feel the heat burning my fingertips. To top it off, the story outline is so brilliant you do not even realize how quickly you are perusing the pages until you come to the last page…and then you want to start over again just for the simple pleasure of re-reading this amazing tale.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
February 5, 2011
Much preferred this book to its predecessor. Billy and Rourke’s love story was sweet, I liked how there was so much more to Billy than met the eye and I appreciated Rourke’s way of dealing with his family’s possible objections to Billy considering what had happened with him, Clem, Asa and Lachlan in the previous book which had been a major problem for me in Pretty Baby.
Can't wait for the rest of the Blaecleah brothers' corresponding stories.
Can't wait for the rest of the Blaecleah brothers' corresponding stories.
January 19, 2015
3.5
Cowboys, enough said??? Lol.
Cowboys, enough said??? Lol.
May 23, 2017
Yeah, this story had more plot holes in it than a sieve... grrr
I would say that 50% of the story was entertaining with moments of true family togetherness, but the other 50% was just inconceivable hogwash... it was like a yo-yo... moments of clarity and then moments of absolute ridiculousness, which meant I spent the whole book either loving it or hating it... It was NOT a good feeling! :(
I would say that 50% of the story was entertaining with moments of true family togetherness, but the other 50% was just inconceivable hogwash... it was like a yo-yo... moments of clarity and then moments of absolute ridiculousness, which meant I spent the whole book either loving it or hating it... It was NOT a good feeling! :(
July 1, 2011
I liked this one better than the first, but the improbability of some of the situations Billy found himself in, some of the actions (or non-actions) that happened, keeps me from giving it 4 stars.
It is cute and sweet, though.
It is cute and sweet, though.
May 30, 2013
3.5 stars
I was going to give this at least 4-stars but the whole confrontation scene with Ira towards the end had me rolling my eyes because....really? no one else had anything to say, they just let Billy leave knowing he'd be in danger.
I was going to give this at least 4-stars but the whole confrontation scene with Ira towards the end had me rolling my eyes because....really? no one else had anything to say, they just let Billy leave knowing he'd be in danger.
December 22, 2014
Review of the series... Beck's Review
August 6, 2016
Yes. Well. Whatever.
I still did finish the book so it's something at least.
For a better explanation read Ery's review, she nailed it.
I still did finish the book so it's something at least.
For a better explanation read Ery's review, she nailed it.
September 17, 2024
The Blaecleahs are in protection mode !
Billy has a crappy home life and is bullied, whipped and beaten by his brother, Clem, who is a mean man and homophobe. Billy used to go to the edge of the trees to watch what goes on at the Blaecleah's ranch, and this time it was a wedding, because he was secretly in love with Rourke.
Rourke catches him peeking, and after their conversation, Rourke kisses Billy. After Billy gets home, Clem admits he followed him and saw them kiss, and whips and beats Billy.
Billy limps to the ranch to warn Rourke that Clem wants to hurt Rourke, but Rourke sees him, and takes him inside for help. The Blaecleah's rally and we see Rourke and Billy get to spend time and begin their relationship, and Rourke is determined to keep Billy from harm.
More trouble comes knocking, and Rourke and his brothers help Billy escape Clem's attack.
We have a serious story, brutal violence, but also hot sexy times with Billy's firsts, and an HEA.
ENJOY !
====
Billy has a crappy home life and is bullied, whipped and beaten by his brother, Clem, who is a mean man and homophobe. Billy used to go to the edge of the trees to watch what goes on at the Blaecleah's ranch, and this time it was a wedding, because he was secretly in love with Rourke.
Rourke catches him peeking, and after their conversation, Rourke kisses Billy. After Billy gets home, Clem admits he followed him and saw them kiss, and whips and beats Billy.
Billy limps to the ranch to warn Rourke that Clem wants to hurt Rourke, but Rourke sees him, and takes him inside for help. The Blaecleah's rally and we see Rourke and Billy get to spend time and begin their relationship, and Rourke is determined to keep Billy from harm.
More trouble comes knocking, and Rourke and his brothers help Billy escape Clem's attack.
We have a serious story, brutal violence, but also hot sexy times with Billy's firsts, and an HEA.
ENJOY !
====
June 14, 2017
It was ridiculous. Completely. How they all stood quietly and watched Billy being taken away "because he made his own decision". Ma might be a force of nature, but she is quite useless. I think the problem is that there is no female sister or cousin or friend or she would have meddled the hell out of everything and Billy would never have had to go.
The excessive use of baby takes everything out of the word. I liked the picture angle though.
The excessive use of baby takes everything out of the word. I liked the picture angle though.
August 16, 2022
I don’t know why I liked this book 🤦♀️ but I did
May 25, 2011
Let me start off by saying that
Cowboy Keeper
is, by far, Stormy Glenn's smoothest and best edited book ever. I applaud both the author and the editor for producing a book that isn't rife with the most common of errors - unlike Stormy Glenn's earlier books which, most of the time, contained spelling mistakes and a few grammatical errors here and there. You can definitely see the author's improvement - in both the elements of pure storytelling and raw writing. My reading experience was smooth and generally undisturbed; the only thing that tore me away from continuously devouring this book was the show I was watching on television.
On the storytelling front, I cannot say for sure if this was the most original of plots ever. I haven't read all of Stormy Glenn's works, but I can most definitely say that this shines above all the rest. Wow... Just, wow. I felt my heart clench for Billy; I was there with him through his pain and recovery. I never doubted that the author would be able to craft an engaging storyline every single time she puts out a book - that is why, after all, I keep coming back for more of her books even though the basic writing is far from perfect most of the time. It's like a guilty pleasure; you know that it's not entirely good for you, but you can't help but be addicted to it. Her stories are intriguing, and I would definitely love to live in her imagination.
Now, on the writing part - as I've said before, this book contains little to no errors. Sure, at times Billy would often say sentences that are grammatically incorrect, but as Rourke points out in the book, it may just be verbal tic or habit that arises when Billy is under high pressure or stress. Cut the boy some slack; he'd only finished up to eighth grade, you know. But putting that aside, everything else is great. I don't know if this is a collective effort between the author and her editor, but either way, I am amazed by the both of them.
I guess the only problem I have with this book is how fast Rourke seems to fall in love with Billy. Of course, this is a Stormy Glenn book, so expect some love happening within the first half of the book, but I don't know. It's a minor thing of course, because it definitely doesn't take away from the essence of the book - which is, you know, Billy's development and recovery. But in a way, I can see Rourke falling in love that fast as well. Maybe he's been in love with Billy all this time, except he couldn't see past the troubling reputation Billy has. But uh, again, either way, I didn't really care.
Stormy Glenn is on the top of her game in Cowboy Keeper. If ever you have never read her books, or if you simply have given up on her after countless books that were less-than-satisfactory, I suggest you give this book a try. With engaging and fantastic storytelling and wonderful editing, this may be her best work just yet.
On the storytelling front, I cannot say for sure if this was the most original of plots ever. I haven't read all of Stormy Glenn's works, but I can most definitely say that this shines above all the rest. Wow... Just, wow. I felt my heart clench for Billy; I was there with him through his pain and recovery. I never doubted that the author would be able to craft an engaging storyline every single time she puts out a book - that is why, after all, I keep coming back for more of her books even though the basic writing is far from perfect most of the time. It's like a guilty pleasure; you know that it's not entirely good for you, but you can't help but be addicted to it. Her stories are intriguing, and I would definitely love to live in her imagination.
Now, on the writing part - as I've said before, this book contains little to no errors. Sure, at times Billy would often say sentences that are grammatically incorrect, but as Rourke points out in the book, it may just be verbal tic or habit that arises when Billy is under high pressure or stress. Cut the boy some slack; he'd only finished up to eighth grade, you know. But putting that aside, everything else is great. I don't know if this is a collective effort between the author and her editor, but either way, I am amazed by the both of them.
I guess the only problem I have with this book is how fast Rourke seems to fall in love with Billy. Of course, this is a Stormy Glenn book, so expect some love happening within the first half of the book, but I don't know. It's a minor thing of course, because it definitely doesn't take away from the essence of the book - which is, you know, Billy's development and recovery. But in a way, I can see Rourke falling in love that fast as well. Maybe he's been in love with Billy all this time, except he couldn't see past the troubling reputation Billy has. But uh, again, either way, I didn't really care.
Stormy Glenn is on the top of her game in Cowboy Keeper. If ever you have never read her books, or if you simply have given up on her after countless books that were less-than-satisfactory, I suggest you give this book a try. With engaging and fantastic storytelling and wonderful editing, this may be her best work just yet.
April 6, 2011
Filled to overflowing with unrequited love, angst, longing, hope, and joy, Ms. Glenn's Cowboy Keeper is more than a book...it's an emotional experience. The obstacles and turmoil that Billy and Rourke face would have broken lesser men, and like a bee to honey I was drawn to their long suffering characters. This author continues to exceed my expectations, and I impatiently look forward to the next book in this line.
This is the second in the Blaecleah Brothers series, and begins shortly after the end of the last book, Cowboy Easy. The saga continues with the middle Blaecleah brother, Rourke who turns out to be a wonderfully expressive and protective person. Initially an infuriating playboy, I love his thoughtfulness in caring for Billy as the story progresses. My heart aches for Billy as he suffers through humiliation and abuse, gladly accepting these in order to protect the Blaecleah family. His naivete and inarticulate speech mask a truly beautiful and intelligent mind. While this is a fantastic example of a heartwarming romance, it is also a blazing inferno in the erotic department. Billy's innocence is just what is needed to evoke the possessiveness of the randy Rourke. Each steamy encounter is unique as one learns how to please his lover and the other learns that a deeper connection is what he's been missing.
The dialogue serves to turn up the heat to an unbelievable level. Ms. Glenn ensures the reader not only understands what is happening but can see the events unfold in the minds eye. It's also important to me that the characters practice safe sex for obvious reasons, and I appreciate the author's dedication to this issue. I find it incredibly endearing that this family is so close knit, and their devotion to each other is obvious. The Blaecleah family “legend” only enhances this endearment as each son searches for the one person who will complete them. It makes me want to move to their ranch and snag a brother for myself.
I think you'll really enjoy this story, and wholeheartedly recommend reading Cowboy Keeper as soon as you can. Ms. Glenn is on my must read list for a reason...she's a master at drawing me into the worlds she creates. This emotionally charged tale is sure to draw you in too. I'll end with my favorite quote from this book: “I'm almost grateful....I'm not sure I would have found you otherwise.” “I wasn't lost.” “Yes, baby, you were.”
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
This is the second in the Blaecleah Brothers series, and begins shortly after the end of the last book, Cowboy Easy. The saga continues with the middle Blaecleah brother, Rourke who turns out to be a wonderfully expressive and protective person. Initially an infuriating playboy, I love his thoughtfulness in caring for Billy as the story progresses. My heart aches for Billy as he suffers through humiliation and abuse, gladly accepting these in order to protect the Blaecleah family. His naivete and inarticulate speech mask a truly beautiful and intelligent mind. While this is a fantastic example of a heartwarming romance, it is also a blazing inferno in the erotic department. Billy's innocence is just what is needed to evoke the possessiveness of the randy Rourke. Each steamy encounter is unique as one learns how to please his lover and the other learns that a deeper connection is what he's been missing.
The dialogue serves to turn up the heat to an unbelievable level. Ms. Glenn ensures the reader not only understands what is happening but can see the events unfold in the minds eye. It's also important to me that the characters practice safe sex for obvious reasons, and I appreciate the author's dedication to this issue. I find it incredibly endearing that this family is so close knit, and their devotion to each other is obvious. The Blaecleah family “legend” only enhances this endearment as each son searches for the one person who will complete them. It makes me want to move to their ranch and snag a brother for myself.
I think you'll really enjoy this story, and wholeheartedly recommend reading Cowboy Keeper as soon as you can. Ms. Glenn is on my must read list for a reason...she's a master at drawing me into the worlds she creates. This emotionally charged tale is sure to draw you in too. I'll end with my favorite quote from this book: “I'm almost grateful....I'm not sure I would have found you otherwise.” “I wasn't lost.” “Yes, baby, you were.”
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
June 11, 2011
I was thinking of giving this 4 stars, but I realized I couldn't since Cowboy Keeper just had too many flaws. The novel was a little better than its predecessor, but only by so much. What made me like this book a little more than Cowboy Easy was its potential for more conflict and character development. Unfortunately, though, this novel suffers most of the same issues as the last book. Everything happens in such a short time period and personality traits seem to disappear due to their being deemed insignificant to this second snowball love story. Once again I found that I lost hold of exactly who the characters were due to alternating actions and deviating character traits.
For example, in the first book, Rourke was described to be the troublemaker of the family. However, in this novel where he's finally the featured character, there's barely any actions or minute details inserted in the novel to further enforce the description. The rest of the Blaecleah family also continue to suffer from 2d characteristics and seem to freeze into their still cardboard cutouts when they aren't the focus of the camera anymore. Past actions never seemed to actually meet up with the present actions despite some attempts to explain away the behaviors. Characters seemed to be described as one thing, but then do something that doesn't fit that description in order to move along the plot (and get to the sex). The characters just never had a chance to be expanded and fleshed out.
And speaking of sex, I was expecting a bit more emotion rather than kink from the scenes. Perhaps this was because I felt quite disconnected from the characters and their loosey-goosey paper personalities, but I felt that all I was reading was a sex scene and nothing more than that.
I'm starting to feel that this series is becoming another one of my crack reads because although there are a ton of flaws and much eye-rolling involved, I (vainly) keep hoping it just might get better.
For example, in the first book, Rourke was described to be the troublemaker of the family. However, in this novel where he's finally the featured character, there's barely any actions or minute details inserted in the novel to further enforce the description. The rest of the Blaecleah family also continue to suffer from 2d characteristics and seem to freeze into their still cardboard cutouts when they aren't the focus of the camera anymore. Past actions never seemed to actually meet up with the present actions despite some attempts to explain away the behaviors. Characters seemed to be described as one thing, but then do something that doesn't fit that description in order to move along the plot (and get to the sex). The characters just never had a chance to be expanded and fleshed out.
And speaking of sex, I was expecting a bit more emotion rather than kink from the scenes. Perhaps this was because I felt quite disconnected from the characters and their loosey-goosey paper personalities, but I felt that all I was reading was a sex scene and nothing more than that.
I'm starting to feel that this series is becoming another one of my crack reads because although there are a ton of flaws and much eye-rolling involved, I (vainly) keep hoping it just might get better.
December 9, 2012
3.5 stars
There is just something about this Blaecleah family that draws me in. Maybe it is the overwhelming acceptance even from the family. I will admits that I'm trying to work out the family tree. I was thinking there are 5 brothers though I can only seem to remember 4 at a time (Lachlan, Seamus, Rourke, and Quaid—found him, Neason). This was Rourke's story.
Turns out Rourke's family legendary love is the troublemaking brother, Billy, of a nasty-piece-of-work neighbor, Clem. Billy has been pretty badly physically abused by his older brother. It seems that Billy has always longed to belong in the Blaecleah family and to Rourke. A kiss in the woods makes Rourke see Billy as more than a troublemaker.
I liked this a lot and loved how caring Rourke quickly became over Billy. I loved how Billy liked being called by an endearment by Rourke (though I might have preferred something other than baby and would let Rourke forget that he promised to always call him baby.
It might have been nice to get a bit more insight into Clem and what made him change years ago to have it out for Rourke and the Blaecleahs, but then again, he's not the point.
I think I would have rated this a bit better if I hadn't had the strong impression that Billy was a chick-with-a-dick for part, not all, of the story. Still, I liked Billy's strength and strength of character. I will continue reading the Blaecleah books.
There is just something about this Blaecleah family that draws me in. Maybe it is the overwhelming acceptance even from the family. I will admits that I'm trying to work out the family tree. I was thinking there are 5 brothers though I can only seem to remember 4 at a time (Lachlan, Seamus, Rourke, and Quaid—found him, Neason). This was Rourke's story.
Turns out Rourke's family legendary love is the troublemaking brother, Billy, of a nasty-piece-of-work neighbor, Clem. Billy has been pretty badly physically abused by his older brother. It seems that Billy has always longed to belong in the Blaecleah family and to Rourke. A kiss in the woods makes Rourke see Billy as more than a troublemaker.
I liked this a lot and loved how caring Rourke quickly became over Billy. I loved how Billy liked being called by an endearment by Rourke (though I might have preferred something other than baby and would let Rourke forget that he promised to always call him baby.
It might have been nice to get a bit more insight into Clem and what made him change years ago to have it out for Rourke and the Blaecleahs, but then again, he's not the point.
I think I would have rated this a bit better if I hadn't had the strong impression that Billy was a chick-with-a-dick for part, not all, of the story. Still, I liked Billy's strength and strength of character. I will continue reading the Blaecleah books.
September 23, 2013
Yei!!! I get another book of this serie, I did enjoy it but I still like a lot more the first book.
Rourke is the middle son of the Blaecleah boys, and as it seems he is gay as well and his parents knows it. Rourke hadn't go without a partner, but the fact that he is rooting for Billy is amusing; especially because Teh Blaecleah and the Thornton don't have a good relationship, and all that is because of Glenn. Rourke gives of an aura of Dom but, without been one. Or maybe I'm not quite sure about this, because there are some lines were Rourke tells Billy he will push his limits without hurting him, and this are the parts that make think he was a Dom; theres also the closet where he keeps his toys and the handcuffs too.
Billy had been torture his entire life and all because Glenn (who made hurting the Blaecleah his personal life cause). Billy is completly aware he is gay, mostly beacuse he roots for Rourke and had been worshiping him for a while. But what nobody knows is that Billy had been keeping them off Glenn's fury.
I really enjoy the book, it was really sweet how Rourke start to care for Billy and help him to open up to the family. At some point it annoy the hell out of me that Billy take over himself to protect Rourke above anything, even if he could get kill.
Rourke is the middle son of the Blaecleah boys, and as it seems he is gay as well and his parents knows it. Rourke hadn't go without a partner, but the fact that he is rooting for Billy is amusing; especially because Teh Blaecleah and the Thornton don't have a good relationship, and all that is because of Glenn. Rourke gives of an aura of Dom but, without been one. Or maybe I'm not quite sure about this, because there are some lines were Rourke tells Billy he will push his limits without hurting him, and this are the parts that make think he was a Dom; theres also the closet where he keeps his toys and the handcuffs too.
Billy had been torture his entire life and all because Glenn (who made hurting the Blaecleah his personal life cause). Billy is completly aware he is gay, mostly beacuse he roots for Rourke and had been worshiping him for a while. But what nobody knows is that Billy had been keeping them off Glenn's fury.
I really enjoy the book, it was really sweet how Rourke start to care for Billy and help him to open up to the family. At some point it annoy the hell out of me that Billy take over himself to protect Rourke above anything, even if he could get kill.
December 7, 2011
Just when I was relieved that Ms Glenn was over her big man/small man stint it turned up in this book. I'll admit that it wasn't dwelled on the way it was in her Tri-Omega series but it was there just the same. Rourke is the gay player type. Billy is a closeted man that has had a crush on Rourke for years. Billy has suffered countless beatings from his older brother somehow believing that if Clem beat him that Rourke would be safe. The story flowed well and was an enjoyable read. I would have given the book 4 stars but the insta-love, hidden under the guise of the Blaecleah Legend, and the fact that half the story took place in one night was hard to swallow. I did like the way Billy planned to atone for his wrongs and the way he took some control over Rourke.
September 24, 2012
This story was pretty good up until around 80% when it went off the rails for me. I'm giving it 3 stars because I liked the story which was classic hurt/comfort up until the big showdown between Billy and his very psychotic and abusive brother, Clem. However, Clem never showed up. He sent their father, Ira, who rounded up the Sheriff, instead to accuse the Blaechleahs of keeping Billy against his will and hurting him. The whole scene ended up being ridiculous and soooooo unrealistic. It made me want to throw my Kindle in exasperation. When an author has law enforcement act like Barney Fife, it makes me angry because I am incapable of suspending reality enough to buy it. I know too much about police rules,procedure and the law.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2012
This book isn't as sexual as the first but far more emotional. Billy just broke my heart. Rourke's personality came through better in the first book, but in this book where he is one of the central characters, he was more flat. The impact of Billy and his situation could easy atone and explain this away though since Rourke can be seen as somewhat off kilter in having to deal with a difficult situation. He was so Billy focused that it also could explain why his personality was quieter in this book since was just so focused on coaxing Billy's physical and emotional recovery along that he suppressed some of himself. While I wish there was more of Rourke's personality in this book, I understood how it would be hard to fit in with everything else that was going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews