Roped In

by Crystal Green

Until now, tomboyish and workaholic ranch owner Nicki has suppressed her sexy hankerings…despite the temptation of her hottie-hot-hot ranching neighbor, Shane Carter.

It took a makeover and a Halloween party to transform Nicki from nice to naughty. But when a mix-up finds Shane slipping into her bedroom—and her bed!—Nicki decides it's time to take her new look (and Shane) for a spin!

Now Nicki is ready to play, and Shane can't help but want more. And more. But this is supposed to be a temporary arrangement… So what happens to their role-playing hanky-panky when they run into their real selves?

Genres: Harlequin Blaze, Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Pseudonym for Chris Marie Green and Christine Cody

A long time ago, in a land far, far away (Milwaukee , WI , St. Luke's Hospital), Chris Marie Green (also writing as Crystal Green) joined the world. While moving to Southern California, Kentucky , then back to California , she amused herself by writing poetry and short stories featuring the ultimate Alpha males--Superman and Indiana Jones. Later, after graduating with a B.A. in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo , Chris decided to become a professional writer.

While she wrote, Chris worked as an eighth-grade teacher, but resigned in 2002 to pursue writing full time. Her critique partners, Sheri WhiteFeather and Judy Duarte are instrumental in her endeavors. Without these talented authors, writing would be a lonely road.

Chris is pumped about her Vampire Babylon series for Ace, which is best described as "noir fantasy-mysteries" featuring a vamp hunter. The first five books, NIGHT RISING, MIDNIGHT REIGN, BREAK OF DAWN (which compose the first trilogy), plus A DROP OF RED and THE PATH OF RAZORS (the first two books in the second trilogy) have already been released. The sixth, DEEP IN THE WOODS, will be on shelves on March 2, 2010. A Vampire Babylon-related novella was released in an anthology entitled FIRST BLOOD. (Note: The Vampire Babylon series uses trilogy arcs to tell one basic story, much like the way JK Rowling used seven books that didn’t solve every plot thread book-by-book to tell Harry Potter’s story. While each individual novel focuses on a central mystery that’s solved by the end, the three books together build character and mythology arcs/mysteries until everything culminates in the third book. Each trilogy repeats this pattern.)

Chris is also writes Silhouette Special Editions ("home and hearth" tales of redemption and community) and Harlequin Blazes (steamy fantasies), and whenever she can, she travels, including backpacking trips in Europe and road trips in America . She also enjoys yoga, hiking, and way too much movie-watching.

For any press inquiries, please contact Chris’ agent Pamela Harty at http://www.knightagency.net/contact/.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roped In by Crystal Green is a bit of a second chance steamy romance. While the characters didn't have a romantic past they grew up as neighbors and had both a bit of a crush back then. Now, one night Nicki gets all sexied up for a Halloween party and wouldn't you know it Shane Carter is the one to catch her attention. Recently returned to town a bit of a mix up sends he sparks flying between the pair that will surely steam up a few e-readers. Not a bad story overall although with the short length it seemed there was more steamy than actual relationship building but with the couple having a history the rushed relationship is a bit more believable.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was skeptical because I am not into the cowboy and ranch thing, but I was pleasantly surprised. I wound up adoring the main characters as well as a couple of the supporting characters. I stayed up late into the night to see how the story would resolve and I wasn't disappointed. I finished with a smile on my face.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been rather a long while since I have read a Harlequin Romance. I like my action on the streets rather than between the sheets and haven't really dug on romance novels for a long time.

However, I was challenged this month to read something out of my normal comfort zone of mystery or paranormal books. Crystal/Chris Marie Green sent ROPED IN as a thank you for participating in a facebook fun group (which was easy enough to do as it was FUN). I wasn't sure when I'd read it, but it was sweet of her to send it, so I knew I'd read it eventually.

I am glad this challenge came up as I enjoyed my time with Nicki and Shane. I remember now why I read and loved this Harlequin series long ago. A woman of gumption, a 'bad' boy, trouble, HEA eventually. I liked how the story is told from a few points of view, mostly Nicki and Shane, and occasionally Candace, Nicki's cousin.

The Blaze series seems to be quite a bit hotter than I remember Harlequin Romance being back-in-the-day. Crystal writes a schteamy love scene (or five or six). Wonderfully hot, schteamy, excellently realized, completely believable. No odd euphemisms, all grownup words used....and muh-rowr....

A very good story between the love scenes kept the pages turning for me with interest in the characters and what was going to happen.

I can see myself reading more of these. I can definitley recommend.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicki had a long ttime crush on her neighbour, Shane Carter, since they were kids. Now that he was back in town, it became clear that the crush had matured into something hotter and wilder. However, Nicki figures that lusting after Shane would only be a distraction, as she's got bigger problems to consider on her ranch. Shane, too, has stuf he needs to figure out. But, after a mix up with desirable consequences leave both parties wanting more, avoiding each other is pretty low on the agenda. Who knew role playing would be soo much fun?

Candace, Nicki's cousin, adds another layer to the story, as well as excitement.

Recommended.

[Mem · Rating 4 out of 5]

B649 Nov11 "Wrong Bed #60" Nicki Wade had a crush, on her neighbor, Shane Carter when she was a little girl. Now he's back and with a Halloween party spices things up. She's trying to save her ranch by getting a company to turn it into a dude ranch, as much as hates that. Shane is back on his family ranch to pick up the pieces after his younger brother and his deceased father had run it into debt. Nicki's cousin realizes the man pushing the dude ranch idea is a jerk, she pulls the rug out from under him and gets a deal for Nicki. The role playing between the two added to the story.

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Read it in one day. The role-playing games were a little tame but the overall story was well planned.

Everybody has fantasies they want to experience. I think my favorite was the harem girl at the end. It was a fun read.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: The Wrong Bed