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Cowboy Lust #1-4
Cowboy Lust
There's a reason Western romance novels never go out of fashion. The cowboy is an iconic figure embodying the dichotomy of the fiercely independent, earthy alpha male juxtaposed with the male as a nurturer and protector. Cowboys take care of their women in every possible way. Wild and wayward women are gentled by the scent of horse and cow and the sight of sun-kissed skin, the feel of work-hardened thighs and arms, and the sound of a deep-voiced Texas drawl. Contributors at the top of the Western romance genre, including Charlene Teglia, Randi Alexander, and Cat Johnson, have corralled here strong and memorable characters ranging from a rodeo star and a cop on horseback to a feisty female gunslinger. Traversing romantic settings from Montana, Texas, California, Mexico, and the Outback of Australia, the stories in "Cowboy Lust" are risky and risque, full of studs in spurs hot enough to send you to a vacation on a dude ranch!
244 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
152 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Devlin
349 books1,204 followersDelilah Devlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing deliciously edgy stories with complex characters. Whether creating dark, erotically-charged paranormal worlds or richly descriptive westerns that ring with authenticity, Delilah Devlin “pens in uncharted territory that will leave the readers breathless and hungering for more…” www.DelilahDevlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 17, 2013
Well, I grew up in Montana and I'm pretty sure I've never met a cowboy like these. The ones I knew wore their wranglers so tight they cut off the circulation to their brains and then said things like, "Honey, this would make a good head rest" while pointing to their shiny, oversized belt buckles. I think I prefer the Cowboy Lust version, artificial though it may be.
August 10, 2016
I was given this book as a tongue in cheek present by someone who knows how much I detest (North American) Cowboy culture by and large. Disclaimer here: of course there are good and bad apples in every culture, I'm sure there are some genuinely nice cowboys out there but in general the whole thing is too brutal, misogynist and alpha male for me. That out of the way, 3-stars is actually a fairly good rating if you think of it.
As practically always I loved Cheyenne Blue's contribution (my writer's crush there grows with every story I end up reading - phenomenal author). I simply dig her writing style but also, in this case her hero was significantly different from the others, which was an added bonus.
Which leads me to my main gripe with this anthology: except for one story which is actually not very well written the writing is all decent but the heroes are TOTALLY interchangeable. Variations are only in eye, hair and Stetson colour and brand of jeans. I got sooooooo bored along the way it was ridiculous. And that is not a good sign for erotica.
The only other story that really stood out for me was by Lissa Matthews. Her hero had a proper voice and the relationship she described had depth and believability. I will look out for more of her stuff, hoping she doesn't just do Cowboys.
As practically always I loved Cheyenne Blue's contribution (my writer's crush there grows with every story I end up reading - phenomenal author). I simply dig her writing style but also, in this case her hero was significantly different from the others, which was an added bonus.
Which leads me to my main gripe with this anthology: except for one story which is actually not very well written the writing is all decent but the heroes are TOTALLY interchangeable. Variations are only in eye, hair and Stetson colour and brand of jeans. I got sooooooo bored along the way it was ridiculous. And that is not a good sign for erotica.
The only other story that really stood out for me was by Lissa Matthews. Her hero had a proper voice and the relationship she described had depth and believability. I will look out for more of her stuff, hoping she doesn't just do Cowboys.
August 26, 2012
I enjoyed the salty stories in this collection and was reminded why I enjoy the cowboy fantasy so! I particularly enjoyed "Some Like it Dirty" - sexy guy, lots of lust, and a surprise element.
August 23, 2012
*This book was provided to the reviewer by the author in exchange for an honest review at SeductiveMusings.blogspot.com
Thanks to the Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys books by Lorelei James, I’ve discovered that there’s more to erotic western romances than just the usual ropin’ and ridin’, so I was excited about having the opportunity to review the “Cowboy Lust” anthology. The fact that Lorelei James herself has contributed the Foreword was an extra special bonus for me. In her foreword, James outlines in a most personal way just what the cowboy contributes to the romance genre, how he can exist anywhere in the world, and sometimes may not even be a “he” at all. The collection of stories that follow her words bear them out most effectively. I was happy to discover that not only did I enjoy nearly all of them, but that there were a distinct few I loved enough to have already reread more than a few times. As with any anthology, some will resonate more deeply with readers than others, but there’s something here for everyone who loves a cowboy.
Riding Double by Cari Quinn
This story was a great way to kick off the anthology. Danica is attracted to Jack, the handsome neighbor who frequently stops by her new farm to help out, and she’s sure he’s attracted to her. She senses he’d like to make a move on her, but she doesn’t want to be tied down to someone else when her real job will be taking her out of town for weeks at a time. Her “solution” is to set up a surprise threesome with Jack and her identical twin, Colleen. But ultimately, the surprise is on her.
I loved the light sexy tone of this story, and enjoyed getting to know these characters, however briefly. I give it 4 stars.
Under the Southern Cross by Cheyenne Blue
In western Australia, the cowboys are jackaroos and the wide open spaces aren’t big enough to lose yourself when killers are on your trail. Sam has traveled here all the way from Los Angeles to hide from the drug cartel boss who wants to prevent her from testifying for the FBI. Jake is the hot jackaroo who drifted into Malory Station looking for temporary work. There’s a strong physical attraction between them but nothing really happens until Jake casually mentions someone asking about a woman visiting from the US and offers to take her out with him on his fence-mending trip.
This story went from slow and lazy to fast and furious in a heartbeat, but mostly managed to keep the plot twists from overwhelming the focus on Sam and Jake. I only wished we’d had more of the earlier, less frantic time to enjoy their growing attraction before everything went crazy. I give it 3.5 stars.
Banging the Cowboy by Randi Alexander
This was one of my favorite stories in this anthology. It’s the story of two people who both need time to discover that the person who keeps catching your eye will be the one who catches your heart. Annie Paris plays drums for a local country band and enjoys checking out all the available men at the bars where her band appears each weekend. But the one man she keeps noticing on the second weekend of every month is Rafe McCord, the man they call the Big Cowboy. And after several months, it’s finally clear to Annie that Rafe has been noticing her just as much. The only question remaining is whether or not either one of them will make a move to do more than just exchange heated stares.
This story had the two things I want most in an erotic romance - hot sex and real affection between the hero and heroine. It wasn’t just about the sex, but that didn’t keep the sex from being just as incredible as each of them had hoped. I give it 5 stars.
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson
What do you do when you’re stranded with a broken-down rental car on the outskirts of Austin, with no prospect of rescue for several hours? You walk on over to the rodeo which just happens to be within walking distance to hang out for a while and see the sights. It’s a rare lucky break for Julia Craven that those sights happen to include a handsome cowboy waiting his turn to ride a bull. By the time the tow truck arrives to rescue Julia, she’ll have her preconceptions about her preferences in men all tossed around like that cowboy on the bull.
This was a classic erotic encounter, with a heroine out of her element looking for a fling, and a hero happy to oblige the lady. The story was well paced and the ending was satisfying. I give it 4.5 stars.
Drought by Michael Bracken
It’s clear that the title of this story refers to more than just the lack of rainfall in the corner of Texas where Cade Garrett meets Amanda Wilcox. She’s the new schoolteacher in town and he’s the handsome rancher who immediately takes charge when he finds her injured in a ditch on the side of the road. When they meet again later after she’s healed, he takes command once more to escalate their connection to the next level. Clearly the drought is nearly at an end.
This was the perfect length as a short story, but it would have just as easily worked as the opening chapter for a longer story with Cade and Amanda. I liked that Cade didn’t take advantage of Amanda in her injured state, but was content to bide his time until she was ready to take the next step. I give it 4 stars.
Roped by Charlene Teglia
Unlike the previous stories in this anthology, the hero and heroine in Roped already have a history. Regan and Jonas spent one perfect night together after high school graduation, before she left town the next morning for law school while he was still sleeping in the hotel bed they’d shared. For ten years, Jonas had no idea where she’d gone or if she’d gotten pregnant. Now that her sister has contrived to get Regan back in his path again, he’s going to keep her tied up until she admits she still wants him as much as he has never stopped wanting her.
The chemistry between Regan and Jonas was riveting and the way her sister Nancy got them together was wonderfully devious, but I couldn’t help thinking that ten years was an awfully long time to be unable to find someone if you really wanted them in your life that badly. Still, their reunion was a fun read, and the ending worked well. I give it 3.5 stars.
Rough Stock by M. Marie
This was one of the stories that didn’t conform to my usual expectations of a cowboy romance. It’s told from the point of view of Dawson, a young ranch hand in love with Kennedy, his employer’s daughter. Kennedy is making her first bronco ride since her recent near-fatal fall while Dawson is remembering fondly how she’d ridden him just the day before. The rest of the story is all about those two rides and how they intersect at the end.
I liked the way this story was told with almost no dialogue and how the symmetry between Dawson and Kennedy’s physical encounter and the physical danger of her ride led up to the neatly understated ending. I give it 4 stars.
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox
It took me a few pages to realize that this story was set in a more distant past, at a time when a father could include the hand of his only daughter in the sale of his cattle ranch. Charlene still can’t believe that her beloved father would sell her off to to a wealthy businessman from another state and that she is expected to marry this man she hasn’t even met. When the businessman sends Jesse Broadwell to check out the ranch - and her - Charlene vows not to change her routine or put on any silly girly airs to impress this man. But she can’t help but be attracted to him physically, and the feeling is definitely mutual. At least she’ll have this chance for one moment of happiness before she spends the rest of her life married to the highest bidder.
This was one of my favorites, although I couldn’t help thinking that I wouldn’t have been as forgiving as Charlene by the time the story ended. I loved her scenes with Jesse, and how they warmed up to each other gradually over the week before her future husband was due to arrive. I give it 4.5 stars.
Small Town Famous by Lissa Matthews
This is the story of a loud and proud couple who just don’t care what anyone else thinks about them. Tommy Martin and Bethann Pritchard have been together for eighteen years but never managed to make it legal. Tommy didn’t think they had to get married because everyone in town already know Bethann was his. Bethann, on the other hand, is getting mighty tired of every barely legal buckle bunny shoving their assets in her man’s face and has reached her breaking point. Now that Bethann is locked up in the town jail for threatening the sheriff’s daughter with a double barrel shotgun, Tommy is finally seeing the appeal of putting a ring on her finger at long last.
I am sad to say that I did not like reading this story very much. It seemed like it was just trying too hard to be wacky and fun, but to me it just seemed forced and silly. I was embarrassed for Tommy and I pitied Bethann for staying with someone who clearly had no idea what marriage meant to her. I give it 2 stars.
The Storm by Tahira Iqbal
Another story, another heroine in need of rescue. Candace and Brent meet when her SUV is caught in a flash flood and he saves her from being drowned inside it. They return to his home, where we soon find out is that they are already known to each other and have been unhappily apart for several months. When Candace thinks about what she has nearly lost, she realizes that it’s not too late to reclaim what she needs. Sometimes it takes nearly dying to know what you are missing in life.
Although Brent almost seems too good to be true, I enjoyed his quiet confidence in Candace’s ability to finally see what was right in front of her. I give it 3.5 stars.
Caught Unawares by Nena Clements
I always enjoy romances where the heroine is the little sister of the hero’s best friend, and this one was no exception. Reece had always been attracted to Thad’s little sister, Lacy, but would never have dared to risk the anger of his best friend by ever making any kind of move toward her. It took Lacy going after what she wanted and what she wanted was Reece.
The whole story is just the one scene of Lacy doing to Reece what the title implies, and it ends exactly as it should. I give it 4 stars.
Some Like It Dirty by Kimber Vale
Once again we have a heroine out of her element in need of rescue and a cowboy who is ready to help her out. Jenna would be happier in a big city, surrounded by designer boutiques and well dressed men to treat her with deference. Thanks to her hybrid rental car dying on the way to her next client meeting, she’s out in the middle of nowhere, wondering how she’ll get back to civilization. Then a stranger appears on a horse, ready to lend a helping hand. That hand - as well as the rest of him - is covered with dirt and goodness knows what else, which makes Jenna understandably leery about getting up on a horse and riding away with him. But when he takes the decision out of her hands, she can’t help but be intrigued and aroused by him...and wondering what she might find under all that dirt.
If only we could all have a hot dirty cowboy ride up and save us like this. I should have seen the ending coming up Main Street but I was too distracted by how great they were together once Jenna got a look at her cowboy after his shower. I give it 4.5 stars.
Raney's Last Ride by Chaparrita
This was probably my favorite story of all, but it was more sad than happy. It is a tale of the Old West, where bad things happen to good people and how it changes those people in drastic ways. There is great love and great loss, and terrible brutality. There is also justice for those who bide their time and will stop at nothing to make it happen.
I don’t know if this story is for everyone, but it touched me deeply and I was glad that the ending was as happy as it could be, given all that had happened before. I give it 5 stars.
Runaway Bride by Delilah Devlin
This was another story where the hero has literally captured the heroine in order to force her to see that she belongs with him, but it didn’t work as well for me as the others. Sammi Jo was supposed to marry Jackson but she left him at the altar and now he’s got her tied to his bed so she can’t get away again without an explanation.
I got the same feeling from this as with “Small Town Famous” - that the story was trying too hard to be cute and wacky, but failing miserably. The reason that Sammi Jo had run away from her wedding was ridiculous (IMHO) and both she and Jackson were so annoying that by the time they finally made love, I just didn’t care. I give it 2 stars.
She Don't Stay The Night by Anna Meadows
The last story in the anthology takes place in Mexico, where Buckley Carver, a homeless blond boy, appears at the door of Adabella’s house. She is only fifteen and is sure he is nearly the same age. They connect on an emotional level and grow up with the implicit understanding that they will one day be together. When Adabella is nearly eighteen, her mother sends her away to live with her aunt and learn how to be a lady. She worries that Buckley will forget her, that he will hurt or kill himself with his need to ride wild horses bareback. Then she returns and they begin the rest of their lives.
It’s hard for me to say much about this story because I just didn’t connect with it at all. It seemed to be so intent on being lyrical and literary (and long!) that I lost interest before Adabella had even returned from the stay with her aunt. It’s likely that the problem is entirely with me and not the story. But it seemed incredibly out of place when compared with the other stories and was a disappointing finish to an anthology that had started out so well. I give it 2.5 stars.
Thanks to the Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys books by Lorelei James, I’ve discovered that there’s more to erotic western romances than just the usual ropin’ and ridin’, so I was excited about having the opportunity to review the “Cowboy Lust” anthology. The fact that Lorelei James herself has contributed the Foreword was an extra special bonus for me. In her foreword, James outlines in a most personal way just what the cowboy contributes to the romance genre, how he can exist anywhere in the world, and sometimes may not even be a “he” at all. The collection of stories that follow her words bear them out most effectively. I was happy to discover that not only did I enjoy nearly all of them, but that there were a distinct few I loved enough to have already reread more than a few times. As with any anthology, some will resonate more deeply with readers than others, but there’s something here for everyone who loves a cowboy.
Riding Double by Cari Quinn
This story was a great way to kick off the anthology. Danica is attracted to Jack, the handsome neighbor who frequently stops by her new farm to help out, and she’s sure he’s attracted to her. She senses he’d like to make a move on her, but she doesn’t want to be tied down to someone else when her real job will be taking her out of town for weeks at a time. Her “solution” is to set up a surprise threesome with Jack and her identical twin, Colleen. But ultimately, the surprise is on her.
I loved the light sexy tone of this story, and enjoyed getting to know these characters, however briefly. I give it 4 stars.
Under the Southern Cross by Cheyenne Blue
In western Australia, the cowboys are jackaroos and the wide open spaces aren’t big enough to lose yourself when killers are on your trail. Sam has traveled here all the way from Los Angeles to hide from the drug cartel boss who wants to prevent her from testifying for the FBI. Jake is the hot jackaroo who drifted into Malory Station looking for temporary work. There’s a strong physical attraction between them but nothing really happens until Jake casually mentions someone asking about a woman visiting from the US and offers to take her out with him on his fence-mending trip.
This story went from slow and lazy to fast and furious in a heartbeat, but mostly managed to keep the plot twists from overwhelming the focus on Sam and Jake. I only wished we’d had more of the earlier, less frantic time to enjoy their growing attraction before everything went crazy. I give it 3.5 stars.
Banging the Cowboy by Randi Alexander
This was one of my favorite stories in this anthology. It’s the story of two people who both need time to discover that the person who keeps catching your eye will be the one who catches your heart. Annie Paris plays drums for a local country band and enjoys checking out all the available men at the bars where her band appears each weekend. But the one man she keeps noticing on the second weekend of every month is Rafe McCord, the man they call the Big Cowboy. And after several months, it’s finally clear to Annie that Rafe has been noticing her just as much. The only question remaining is whether or not either one of them will make a move to do more than just exchange heated stares.
This story had the two things I want most in an erotic romance - hot sex and real affection between the hero and heroine. It wasn’t just about the sex, but that didn’t keep the sex from being just as incredible as each of them had hoped. I give it 5 stars.
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson
What do you do when you’re stranded with a broken-down rental car on the outskirts of Austin, with no prospect of rescue for several hours? You walk on over to the rodeo which just happens to be within walking distance to hang out for a while and see the sights. It’s a rare lucky break for Julia Craven that those sights happen to include a handsome cowboy waiting his turn to ride a bull. By the time the tow truck arrives to rescue Julia, she’ll have her preconceptions about her preferences in men all tossed around like that cowboy on the bull.
This was a classic erotic encounter, with a heroine out of her element looking for a fling, and a hero happy to oblige the lady. The story was well paced and the ending was satisfying. I give it 4.5 stars.
Drought by Michael Bracken
It’s clear that the title of this story refers to more than just the lack of rainfall in the corner of Texas where Cade Garrett meets Amanda Wilcox. She’s the new schoolteacher in town and he’s the handsome rancher who immediately takes charge when he finds her injured in a ditch on the side of the road. When they meet again later after she’s healed, he takes command once more to escalate their connection to the next level. Clearly the drought is nearly at an end.
This was the perfect length as a short story, but it would have just as easily worked as the opening chapter for a longer story with Cade and Amanda. I liked that Cade didn’t take advantage of Amanda in her injured state, but was content to bide his time until she was ready to take the next step. I give it 4 stars.
Roped by Charlene Teglia
Unlike the previous stories in this anthology, the hero and heroine in Roped already have a history. Regan and Jonas spent one perfect night together after high school graduation, before she left town the next morning for law school while he was still sleeping in the hotel bed they’d shared. For ten years, Jonas had no idea where she’d gone or if she’d gotten pregnant. Now that her sister has contrived to get Regan back in his path again, he’s going to keep her tied up until she admits she still wants him as much as he has never stopped wanting her.
The chemistry between Regan and Jonas was riveting and the way her sister Nancy got them together was wonderfully devious, but I couldn’t help thinking that ten years was an awfully long time to be unable to find someone if you really wanted them in your life that badly. Still, their reunion was a fun read, and the ending worked well. I give it 3.5 stars.
Rough Stock by M. Marie
This was one of the stories that didn’t conform to my usual expectations of a cowboy romance. It’s told from the point of view of Dawson, a young ranch hand in love with Kennedy, his employer’s daughter. Kennedy is making her first bronco ride since her recent near-fatal fall while Dawson is remembering fondly how she’d ridden him just the day before. The rest of the story is all about those two rides and how they intersect at the end.
I liked the way this story was told with almost no dialogue and how the symmetry between Dawson and Kennedy’s physical encounter and the physical danger of her ride led up to the neatly understated ending. I give it 4 stars.
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox
It took me a few pages to realize that this story was set in a more distant past, at a time when a father could include the hand of his only daughter in the sale of his cattle ranch. Charlene still can’t believe that her beloved father would sell her off to to a wealthy businessman from another state and that she is expected to marry this man she hasn’t even met. When the businessman sends Jesse Broadwell to check out the ranch - and her - Charlene vows not to change her routine or put on any silly girly airs to impress this man. But she can’t help but be attracted to him physically, and the feeling is definitely mutual. At least she’ll have this chance for one moment of happiness before she spends the rest of her life married to the highest bidder.
This was one of my favorites, although I couldn’t help thinking that I wouldn’t have been as forgiving as Charlene by the time the story ended. I loved her scenes with Jesse, and how they warmed up to each other gradually over the week before her future husband was due to arrive. I give it 4.5 stars.
Small Town Famous by Lissa Matthews
This is the story of a loud and proud couple who just don’t care what anyone else thinks about them. Tommy Martin and Bethann Pritchard have been together for eighteen years but never managed to make it legal. Tommy didn’t think they had to get married because everyone in town already know Bethann was his. Bethann, on the other hand, is getting mighty tired of every barely legal buckle bunny shoving their assets in her man’s face and has reached her breaking point. Now that Bethann is locked up in the town jail for threatening the sheriff’s daughter with a double barrel shotgun, Tommy is finally seeing the appeal of putting a ring on her finger at long last.
I am sad to say that I did not like reading this story very much. It seemed like it was just trying too hard to be wacky and fun, but to me it just seemed forced and silly. I was embarrassed for Tommy and I pitied Bethann for staying with someone who clearly had no idea what marriage meant to her. I give it 2 stars.
The Storm by Tahira Iqbal
Another story, another heroine in need of rescue. Candace and Brent meet when her SUV is caught in a flash flood and he saves her from being drowned inside it. They return to his home, where we soon find out is that they are already known to each other and have been unhappily apart for several months. When Candace thinks about what she has nearly lost, she realizes that it’s not too late to reclaim what she needs. Sometimes it takes nearly dying to know what you are missing in life.
Although Brent almost seems too good to be true, I enjoyed his quiet confidence in Candace’s ability to finally see what was right in front of her. I give it 3.5 stars.
Caught Unawares by Nena Clements
I always enjoy romances where the heroine is the little sister of the hero’s best friend, and this one was no exception. Reece had always been attracted to Thad’s little sister, Lacy, but would never have dared to risk the anger of his best friend by ever making any kind of move toward her. It took Lacy going after what she wanted and what she wanted was Reece.
The whole story is just the one scene of Lacy doing to Reece what the title implies, and it ends exactly as it should. I give it 4 stars.
Some Like It Dirty by Kimber Vale
Once again we have a heroine out of her element in need of rescue and a cowboy who is ready to help her out. Jenna would be happier in a big city, surrounded by designer boutiques and well dressed men to treat her with deference. Thanks to her hybrid rental car dying on the way to her next client meeting, she’s out in the middle of nowhere, wondering how she’ll get back to civilization. Then a stranger appears on a horse, ready to lend a helping hand. That hand - as well as the rest of him - is covered with dirt and goodness knows what else, which makes Jenna understandably leery about getting up on a horse and riding away with him. But when he takes the decision out of her hands, she can’t help but be intrigued and aroused by him...and wondering what she might find under all that dirt.
If only we could all have a hot dirty cowboy ride up and save us like this. I should have seen the ending coming up Main Street but I was too distracted by how great they were together once Jenna got a look at her cowboy after his shower. I give it 4.5 stars.
Raney's Last Ride by Chaparrita
This was probably my favorite story of all, but it was more sad than happy. It is a tale of the Old West, where bad things happen to good people and how it changes those people in drastic ways. There is great love and great loss, and terrible brutality. There is also justice for those who bide their time and will stop at nothing to make it happen.
I don’t know if this story is for everyone, but it touched me deeply and I was glad that the ending was as happy as it could be, given all that had happened before. I give it 5 stars.
Runaway Bride by Delilah Devlin
This was another story where the hero has literally captured the heroine in order to force her to see that she belongs with him, but it didn’t work as well for me as the others. Sammi Jo was supposed to marry Jackson but she left him at the altar and now he’s got her tied to his bed so she can’t get away again without an explanation.
I got the same feeling from this as with “Small Town Famous” - that the story was trying too hard to be cute and wacky, but failing miserably. The reason that Sammi Jo had run away from her wedding was ridiculous (IMHO) and both she and Jackson were so annoying that by the time they finally made love, I just didn’t care. I give it 2 stars.
She Don't Stay The Night by Anna Meadows
The last story in the anthology takes place in Mexico, where Buckley Carver, a homeless blond boy, appears at the door of Adabella’s house. She is only fifteen and is sure he is nearly the same age. They connect on an emotional level and grow up with the implicit understanding that they will one day be together. When Adabella is nearly eighteen, her mother sends her away to live with her aunt and learn how to be a lady. She worries that Buckley will forget her, that he will hurt or kill himself with his need to ride wild horses bareback. Then she returns and they begin the rest of their lives.
It’s hard for me to say much about this story because I just didn’t connect with it at all. It seemed to be so intent on being lyrical and literary (and long!) that I lost interest before Adabella had even returned from the stay with her aunt. It’s likely that the problem is entirely with me and not the story. But it seemed incredibly out of place when compared with the other stories and was a disappointing finish to an anthology that had started out so well. I give it 2.5 stars.
November 14, 2012
Riding Double
Ranching is not Danica Connor’s full-time occupation, so never turns down any help.
The flirting and romancing has been fun. Now Jack Benton is ready for more, but not quite for what Danica has in mind.
Danica wants to shake things up with Jack. Inviting her identical twin sister to join in the fun sounds like a good idea at first, only Jack has other ideas.
Jack is most certainly not what you would expect, but he is everything you could hope for.
Under the Southern Cross
Thousands of miles away and Sam can still feel the bull’s-eye on her back.
Jake is no stranger to hard work, even when it comes at him from the other side of the world.
When Sam realizes her cover is blown, she takes Jake up on his offer. His sexy rugged exterior excites her. His ruthlessness could keep her alive.
Nothing is as harsh and unforgiving as the Australian outback. Sam and Jack match it with passion and fearlessness.
Banging the Cowboy
As Annie Paris plays set after set, she gets a good look at one very noticeable cowboy.
He has kept his distance for a reason. Now Rafe McCord is ready to make his move.
Annie has heard all of the rumors surrounding Rafe, so as much as she desires him, she tries to keep her feelings to herself. Rafe knows Annie is too special to let her slip through his fingers, and he intends on showing her just how much he cares.
Even though Rafe is a notorious playboy, readers have no worries. What he feels for Annie is less than sincere.
Ladies Love Country Boys
Her day has only gone from bad to worse. Now Julia Craven is stuck waiting for a tow truck in the middle of Nowhere, Texas.
Buckle Bunnies are nothing new for bull rider Morgan Mitchell. This lady, however, is something completely different.
With plenty of time to spare, Julia decides to wait it out at the local rodeo. What she never expects to find is a man who ignites every nerve in her body.
They may be strangers, yet there is no doubt Julia and Morgan have found kindred spirits in each other.
Drought
Running along the country road near her home gets Amanda Wilcox more than just her daily dose of exercise.
Helping out a damsel in distress is the neighborly thing to do. But what Cade Garrett is feeling now goes far beyond neighborly.
Amanda is beyond embarrassed by the events that day, she sprained her ankle. Yet, saying no to Cade’s invitation is out of the question.
This story is the sexiest balance of innocence and passion.
Roped
The holidays are really getting to Regan Morris, making her feel like she is ready to crack.
Seeing her show up for the party throws Jonas right back to the morning he wakes up alone, after one unforgettable night.
She has no idea whose ranch this is, but Regan cannot say she is sorry she came. If it has been a long time in coming, Jonas is well worth the wait.
Hormones can reach dangerous levels as a teenager. Jonas and Regan blow those childhood feelings right out of the water.
Rough Stock
The only way Dawson Conway can help herself is to stay out of sight, ready to step in if she needs him.
A year before, Kennedy Rawlings has taken the hardest fall of her life. It is time to put it behind her and move on.
The previous night, Dawson has helped Kennedy forget her fears. Today, she will show everyone just how courageous she really is.
You have to love a man who can look beyond the exterior and truly see the heart that lies beneath.
The Ranch Hand
Charlene Solt is devastated that her father has put her in a horrible position.
A week working the Solt ranch should give Jesse a fair indication of what he needs to know to make a decision.
Getting married off to a wealthy rancher is the last thing Charlene wants or needs, especially when she is beginning to have feelings for the new ranch hand. Igniting the fire in her heart only makes it harder to imagine her life with someone else.
Love seems to happen when you least expect it, more so when emotions are already running high.
Small-Town Famous
This time, Tommy is fairly sure she has gone completely out of her mind.
With her anger running hot and hard, Bethann is ready for a knock down drag out.
Seeing Bethann behind bars and fuming mad, Tommy knows he has to tread very carefully. Good thing for him, he knows Bethann inside and out.
A woman with as much passion as Bethann is sure to be a handful. Thankfully, it seems that Tommy has really good hands.
The Storm
It does not take long for Candace to realize that she has made a very stupid mistake.
Seeing her in that pond scares the life out of Brent.
Waking up in a very familiar bed, Candace has no choice but to confront her fears. Her heart knows what it wants. She just has to be brave enough to take it.
Brent feels very much like the strong silent type, yet you have no trouble sensing the passion that lies beneath the surface.
Caught Unawares
His best friend’s baby sister is not who Reese McCord should be mooning over, but tell that to his heart.
As many times as Lacy Wills has tried to capture Reese’s attention, this is not one of them.
Sopping wet and madder than a scalded cat, Lacy is almost too much to resist, although Reese does his best. This time, however, Lacy will not let him.
Lacy is one very determined young lady, and it is quite entertaining watching her get Reese right where she wants him.
Some Like It Dirty
Expensive heels and dirt roads are not a good combination for Jenna McManus, especially when she is stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead car.
Not one to leave a lady stranded, he does what it takes to get her back to his home in one piece.
Looking at her ruined clothes, Jenna cannot really say she is sorry. She also never imagines that rough and dirty could get her so unbelievably hot.
Jenna has met herself a true blue cowboy. From the hat on his head to the dust on his boots, he has rugged and sexy all tied up.
Raney’s Last Ride
Revenge for Paul’s death is what has made Raney James the person she is today.
The plan to take down Bill Jessup is one of the things Whitfield has in common with his companion.
The tears Raney cried over Paul’s death have washed away any softness she may have had as a woman, but it has not lessened her desire. Now she takes what she needs, as long as it gets her one step closer to killing Jessup.
I really like that Raney is as ruthless and fearless as any man. Even when she goes as far as she does with Jessup, you have to admire her strength.
Runaway Bride
Humiliation aside, Jackson Lowry wants answers, and he wants them now.
Fear has driven Sammi Jo to do what she has done, although she is too bullheaded to admit it.
She has always put on a good show, but Sammi Jo could not marry Jackson without him knowing the real her. Jackson fears his measures may be a little extreme. Still, nothing less will do for his Sammi Jo.
Not too many men are brave enough to risk so much for a woman, which makes this read all the more enticing.
She Don’t Stay the Night
Even at fifteen, Adabella sees something special in the young gringo who shows up on her family’s land.
Working hard is the only way Buckley Carver knows how to work.
The time away has not lessened Adabella’s fascination with Buckley. If anything, those couple of years have only sharpened her desire. Buckley has the focus and determination of a man twice his age. When such intensity is turned on Adabella, she is ready for forever.
These two may be young in years, their love however is timeless.
Cowboys are a breed apart–strong, dependable and so damn sexy they make it pretty hard not to love every rugged inch. The men in these stories are exactly that and so much more. No metro sexual males here. With their cashmere sweaters and manicures, these men are not afraid to work hard and play harder. This is a fantastic collection that will most assuredly get that heart a pumping.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Ranching is not Danica Connor’s full-time occupation, so never turns down any help.
The flirting and romancing has been fun. Now Jack Benton is ready for more, but not quite for what Danica has in mind.
Danica wants to shake things up with Jack. Inviting her identical twin sister to join in the fun sounds like a good idea at first, only Jack has other ideas.
Jack is most certainly not what you would expect, but he is everything you could hope for.
Under the Southern Cross
Thousands of miles away and Sam can still feel the bull’s-eye on her back.
Jake is no stranger to hard work, even when it comes at him from the other side of the world.
When Sam realizes her cover is blown, she takes Jake up on his offer. His sexy rugged exterior excites her. His ruthlessness could keep her alive.
Nothing is as harsh and unforgiving as the Australian outback. Sam and Jack match it with passion and fearlessness.
Banging the Cowboy
As Annie Paris plays set after set, she gets a good look at one very noticeable cowboy.
He has kept his distance for a reason. Now Rafe McCord is ready to make his move.
Annie has heard all of the rumors surrounding Rafe, so as much as she desires him, she tries to keep her feelings to herself. Rafe knows Annie is too special to let her slip through his fingers, and he intends on showing her just how much he cares.
Even though Rafe is a notorious playboy, readers have no worries. What he feels for Annie is less than sincere.
Ladies Love Country Boys
Her day has only gone from bad to worse. Now Julia Craven is stuck waiting for a tow truck in the middle of Nowhere, Texas.
Buckle Bunnies are nothing new for bull rider Morgan Mitchell. This lady, however, is something completely different.
With plenty of time to spare, Julia decides to wait it out at the local rodeo. What she never expects to find is a man who ignites every nerve in her body.
They may be strangers, yet there is no doubt Julia and Morgan have found kindred spirits in each other.
Drought
Running along the country road near her home gets Amanda Wilcox more than just her daily dose of exercise.
Helping out a damsel in distress is the neighborly thing to do. But what Cade Garrett is feeling now goes far beyond neighborly.
Amanda is beyond embarrassed by the events that day, she sprained her ankle. Yet, saying no to Cade’s invitation is out of the question.
This story is the sexiest balance of innocence and passion.
Roped
The holidays are really getting to Regan Morris, making her feel like she is ready to crack.
Seeing her show up for the party throws Jonas right back to the morning he wakes up alone, after one unforgettable night.
She has no idea whose ranch this is, but Regan cannot say she is sorry she came. If it has been a long time in coming, Jonas is well worth the wait.
Hormones can reach dangerous levels as a teenager. Jonas and Regan blow those childhood feelings right out of the water.
Rough Stock
The only way Dawson Conway can help herself is to stay out of sight, ready to step in if she needs him.
A year before, Kennedy Rawlings has taken the hardest fall of her life. It is time to put it behind her and move on.
The previous night, Dawson has helped Kennedy forget her fears. Today, she will show everyone just how courageous she really is.
You have to love a man who can look beyond the exterior and truly see the heart that lies beneath.
The Ranch Hand
Charlene Solt is devastated that her father has put her in a horrible position.
A week working the Solt ranch should give Jesse a fair indication of what he needs to know to make a decision.
Getting married off to a wealthy rancher is the last thing Charlene wants or needs, especially when she is beginning to have feelings for the new ranch hand. Igniting the fire in her heart only makes it harder to imagine her life with someone else.
Love seems to happen when you least expect it, more so when emotions are already running high.
Small-Town Famous
This time, Tommy is fairly sure she has gone completely out of her mind.
With her anger running hot and hard, Bethann is ready for a knock down drag out.
Seeing Bethann behind bars and fuming mad, Tommy knows he has to tread very carefully. Good thing for him, he knows Bethann inside and out.
A woman with as much passion as Bethann is sure to be a handful. Thankfully, it seems that Tommy has really good hands.
The Storm
It does not take long for Candace to realize that she has made a very stupid mistake.
Seeing her in that pond scares the life out of Brent.
Waking up in a very familiar bed, Candace has no choice but to confront her fears. Her heart knows what it wants. She just has to be brave enough to take it.
Brent feels very much like the strong silent type, yet you have no trouble sensing the passion that lies beneath the surface.
Caught Unawares
His best friend’s baby sister is not who Reese McCord should be mooning over, but tell that to his heart.
As many times as Lacy Wills has tried to capture Reese’s attention, this is not one of them.
Sopping wet and madder than a scalded cat, Lacy is almost too much to resist, although Reese does his best. This time, however, Lacy will not let him.
Lacy is one very determined young lady, and it is quite entertaining watching her get Reese right where she wants him.
Some Like It Dirty
Expensive heels and dirt roads are not a good combination for Jenna McManus, especially when she is stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead car.
Not one to leave a lady stranded, he does what it takes to get her back to his home in one piece.
Looking at her ruined clothes, Jenna cannot really say she is sorry. She also never imagines that rough and dirty could get her so unbelievably hot.
Jenna has met herself a true blue cowboy. From the hat on his head to the dust on his boots, he has rugged and sexy all tied up.
Raney’s Last Ride
Revenge for Paul’s death is what has made Raney James the person she is today.
The plan to take down Bill Jessup is one of the things Whitfield has in common with his companion.
The tears Raney cried over Paul’s death have washed away any softness she may have had as a woman, but it has not lessened her desire. Now she takes what she needs, as long as it gets her one step closer to killing Jessup.
I really like that Raney is as ruthless and fearless as any man. Even when she goes as far as she does with Jessup, you have to admire her strength.
Runaway Bride
Humiliation aside, Jackson Lowry wants answers, and he wants them now.
Fear has driven Sammi Jo to do what she has done, although she is too bullheaded to admit it.
She has always put on a good show, but Sammi Jo could not marry Jackson without him knowing the real her. Jackson fears his measures may be a little extreme. Still, nothing less will do for his Sammi Jo.
Not too many men are brave enough to risk so much for a woman, which makes this read all the more enticing.
She Don’t Stay the Night
Even at fifteen, Adabella sees something special in the young gringo who shows up on her family’s land.
Working hard is the only way Buckley Carver knows how to work.
The time away has not lessened Adabella’s fascination with Buckley. If anything, those couple of years have only sharpened her desire. Buckley has the focus and determination of a man twice his age. When such intensity is turned on Adabella, she is ready for forever.
These two may be young in years, their love however is timeless.
Cowboys are a breed apart–strong, dependable and so damn sexy they make it pretty hard not to love every rugged inch. The men in these stories are exactly that and so much more. No metro sexual males here. With their cashmere sweaters and manicures, these men are not afraid to work hard and play harder. This is a fantastic collection that will most assuredly get that heart a pumping.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
March 15, 2014
Reviewed by Nichelle
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Riding Double by Cari Quin
This short story packed a wallop. I loved it. What happens when two sisters who are twins plan to seduce a cowboy? Absolute sexy mayhem is what happens. The author in eight pages delivered such a hot story with a great surprise. I can’t really give too much about the story as it’s so short that it would contain spoilers. What I can say is that the characters were believable and the plot was believable as well. I loved Danica and Colleen Yardley right along with their cowboy Jack Benton. This was a great first read in the anthology.
Under the Southern Cross by Cheyenne Blue
This is a cowboy tale from the outback. I found it to have all the things that a full novel has and a reader wants. Those things being excitement, sexiness, anticipation and some drama added with very believable characters. What fun. This sexy tale with hot sex and a hero to die for made me want to go to the outback The author does a great job in keeping the story flowing and not letting the reader down with a story full of holes. Great story.
Banging the Cowboy by Randi Alexander
Okay this was one hot read! I loved every bit of it. Rafe and Annie are one sexy couple. I found it engrossing from the start. Annie wants Rafe but does Rafe want Annie? I loved how the author got us to the point of reveal! The sex was hot and right on time in this little short story. I’ll be reading more from this author.
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson
Her car breaks down and she has an hour to play. Nothing like a sexy cowboy to make you change all your plans. This is what Morgan Mitchell does to Julia when he meets her at a rodeo. This was a quick sexy read.
Drought by Michael Bracken
Amanda is in a sexual drought just like the Texas city she moved to. Until she meets Garrett and her drought is appeased. This had all the right sexual tension and then the perfect ending though I will have to say it made me want to read more. It’s great when you can get pulled into the story by an author and can really see the characters. It was really well developed.
Roped by Charlene Teglia
Damn what a sexy romp! I loved this story. Regan the city lawyer and Jonas the wealthy rancher. What a fun mix! This story has some secrets that when revealed make the story even better! I will be looking for this author again.
Rough Stock by M. Marie
This story was actually hard for me to get into. It’s shown from Dawson the hero’s perspective. Though that’s not the reason it was hard. The reason it was hard to get into was that it seemed rather short and really didn’t fit into the book like the others did. But in saying that, the story does have merit and the sex scene was rather hot. I just wished there had been a bit more in the way of dialogue for me.
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox
In this short story the heroine Charlene is basically part of a deal included in her father selling his ranch to a Mr. Forsyth. What a yummy, yummy tale. The tale is a historical western and Sedona Fox did it justice. This one is a must read in the anthology. I loved it and forever will.
Small-Town Famous by Lissa Matthews
This was a very cute story with a very hot and sexy love scene. Who doesn’t love makeup sex? Especially when that makeup sex involves kink. Bethann and Tommy are a very fun couple. I liked this story it had believable characters with believable emotions that most people feel. Though not sure most would go to this extent to get what they want, we read for the fantasy and this was fun.
The Storm by Tahira Iqbal
Candace drives off in a storm not realizing that it’s a truly bad one. One that is bad enough to cause her to be in an accident. When she comes to she awakens in the arms of her ex-lover Brent. The story is very sweet along with the sex being hot. It’s the one thing most women want when they break up with someone they love, to find their way back to them. Great story.
Caught Unawares by Nena Clements
Reese has been trying hard to steer clear of his best friends younger sister Lacy. When Lacy winds up in the pond and then sets her sights on him. Reese is unable to resist what he’s wanted for so long. Very sexy story.
Some Like It Dirty by Kimber Vale
Out in the middle of know where Jenna McManus car breaks down and she is in desperate need of rescuing. Nothing like a big, strong and sexy cowboy that literally sweeps her off her feet when he does rescue her. Rescued by a hot, dirty cowboy makes Jenna squirm in her designer clothing. Before the end of the story I realized who the cowboy really was but that didn’t make me stop reading. The sex was hot and the couple hotter. Great read.
Raney’s Last Ride by Chaparrita
All I can say about this story is wow. It really tugged at my heart strings, it was sad in as much as it was beautiful. The ending was a happy for now ending. I’d seriously love to see more done with this story. Would love to know what happens to Raney after this right along with her sidekick Whitfield. The story is one of love, great loss and revenge. The author really packed a punch with the story with this story set in the Old West. Kudos to the author for churning up all kinds of feelings with this story. The sex throughout is hot and will make you squirm
Run Away Bride by Delilah Devlin
I always love Delilah Devlin’s stories, this one wasn’t any different. Sammi Jo and Jackson are supposed to get married. Sammi Jo gets cold feet and runs because she doesn’t think Jackson really knows her. Jackson kidnaps her and plans to teach her a lesson. This was one hot story and Delilah Devlin doesn’t disappoint. This is a must read in the anthology.
She Don’t Stay the Night by Anna Meadows
This story just like Rough Stock seemed out of place for me in the anthology. I expected more punch with the last story in a great anthology. Buckley Carver is a boy Adabella finds roaming the area. He’s homeless and her family takes him in. It’s assumed he’s the same age as Adabella which is the young age of fifteen. He stays and works the horses as the other vaqueros do. Adabella eventually leaves to stay with her aunt so that her aunt can help her to become a lady. When she comes back at the age of eighteen and having had dreams of Buckley through all this time they were apart without contact. I feel there could have been so much more to this story. The Spanish woven within the story was beautiful and I think that had it been made into a longer story I would have connected better to it.
Cowboys are a timeless passion of many and this anthology in its entirety really delivers that to the reader. Though there are a few stories that I didn’t truly connect with the anthology is a wonderful read and I would definitely recommend it.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Riding Double by Cari Quin
This short story packed a wallop. I loved it. What happens when two sisters who are twins plan to seduce a cowboy? Absolute sexy mayhem is what happens. The author in eight pages delivered such a hot story with a great surprise. I can’t really give too much about the story as it’s so short that it would contain spoilers. What I can say is that the characters were believable and the plot was believable as well. I loved Danica and Colleen Yardley right along with their cowboy Jack Benton. This was a great first read in the anthology.
Under the Southern Cross by Cheyenne Blue
This is a cowboy tale from the outback. I found it to have all the things that a full novel has and a reader wants. Those things being excitement, sexiness, anticipation and some drama added with very believable characters. What fun. This sexy tale with hot sex and a hero to die for made me want to go to the outback The author does a great job in keeping the story flowing and not letting the reader down with a story full of holes. Great story.
Banging the Cowboy by Randi Alexander
Okay this was one hot read! I loved every bit of it. Rafe and Annie are one sexy couple. I found it engrossing from the start. Annie wants Rafe but does Rafe want Annie? I loved how the author got us to the point of reveal! The sex was hot and right on time in this little short story. I’ll be reading more from this author.
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson
Her car breaks down and she has an hour to play. Nothing like a sexy cowboy to make you change all your plans. This is what Morgan Mitchell does to Julia when he meets her at a rodeo. This was a quick sexy read.
Drought by Michael Bracken
Amanda is in a sexual drought just like the Texas city she moved to. Until she meets Garrett and her drought is appeased. This had all the right sexual tension and then the perfect ending though I will have to say it made me want to read more. It’s great when you can get pulled into the story by an author and can really see the characters. It was really well developed.
Roped by Charlene Teglia
Damn what a sexy romp! I loved this story. Regan the city lawyer and Jonas the wealthy rancher. What a fun mix! This story has some secrets that when revealed make the story even better! I will be looking for this author again.
Rough Stock by M. Marie
This story was actually hard for me to get into. It’s shown from Dawson the hero’s perspective. Though that’s not the reason it was hard. The reason it was hard to get into was that it seemed rather short and really didn’t fit into the book like the others did. But in saying that, the story does have merit and the sex scene was rather hot. I just wished there had been a bit more in the way of dialogue for me.
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox
In this short story the heroine Charlene is basically part of a deal included in her father selling his ranch to a Mr. Forsyth. What a yummy, yummy tale. The tale is a historical western and Sedona Fox did it justice. This one is a must read in the anthology. I loved it and forever will.
Small-Town Famous by Lissa Matthews
This was a very cute story with a very hot and sexy love scene. Who doesn’t love makeup sex? Especially when that makeup sex involves kink. Bethann and Tommy are a very fun couple. I liked this story it had believable characters with believable emotions that most people feel. Though not sure most would go to this extent to get what they want, we read for the fantasy and this was fun.
The Storm by Tahira Iqbal
Candace drives off in a storm not realizing that it’s a truly bad one. One that is bad enough to cause her to be in an accident. When she comes to she awakens in the arms of her ex-lover Brent. The story is very sweet along with the sex being hot. It’s the one thing most women want when they break up with someone they love, to find their way back to them. Great story.
Caught Unawares by Nena Clements
Reese has been trying hard to steer clear of his best friends younger sister Lacy. When Lacy winds up in the pond and then sets her sights on him. Reese is unable to resist what he’s wanted for so long. Very sexy story.
Some Like It Dirty by Kimber Vale
Out in the middle of know where Jenna McManus car breaks down and she is in desperate need of rescuing. Nothing like a big, strong and sexy cowboy that literally sweeps her off her feet when he does rescue her. Rescued by a hot, dirty cowboy makes Jenna squirm in her designer clothing. Before the end of the story I realized who the cowboy really was but that didn’t make me stop reading. The sex was hot and the couple hotter. Great read.
Raney’s Last Ride by Chaparrita
All I can say about this story is wow. It really tugged at my heart strings, it was sad in as much as it was beautiful. The ending was a happy for now ending. I’d seriously love to see more done with this story. Would love to know what happens to Raney after this right along with her sidekick Whitfield. The story is one of love, great loss and revenge. The author really packed a punch with the story with this story set in the Old West. Kudos to the author for churning up all kinds of feelings with this story. The sex throughout is hot and will make you squirm
Run Away Bride by Delilah Devlin
I always love Delilah Devlin’s stories, this one wasn’t any different. Sammi Jo and Jackson are supposed to get married. Sammi Jo gets cold feet and runs because she doesn’t think Jackson really knows her. Jackson kidnaps her and plans to teach her a lesson. This was one hot story and Delilah Devlin doesn’t disappoint. This is a must read in the anthology.
She Don’t Stay the Night by Anna Meadows
This story just like Rough Stock seemed out of place for me in the anthology. I expected more punch with the last story in a great anthology. Buckley Carver is a boy Adabella finds roaming the area. He’s homeless and her family takes him in. It’s assumed he’s the same age as Adabella which is the young age of fifteen. He stays and works the horses as the other vaqueros do. Adabella eventually leaves to stay with her aunt so that her aunt can help her to become a lady. When she comes back at the age of eighteen and having had dreams of Buckley through all this time they were apart without contact. I feel there could have been so much more to this story. The Spanish woven within the story was beautiful and I think that had it been made into a longer story I would have connected better to it.
Cowboys are a timeless passion of many and this anthology in its entirety really delivers that to the reader. Though there are a few stories that I didn’t truly connect with the anthology is a wonderful read and I would definitely recommend it.
December 16, 2017
Riding Double Cari Quinn
Read
May 25, 2018The Storm by Tahira Iqbal - 5
sweet, storm brings two separated lovers back together
sweet, storm brings two separated lovers back together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2020
I liked the format of short stories. I guess cowboys aren't my thing though :(
July 21, 2021
I figured if Lorelei James (who, I confess, think is a wildly talented author) wrote the foreword this would be good. This was awful. But I did learn the word "hoarfrost" so there's that.
May 14, 2022
Anthology. Vignettes. Good but short
June 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Multiple Stories and sex about cowboys! Thought I was getting a full story but not mad at what happened hahahahahahaha
Multiple Stories and sex about cowboys! Thought I was getting a full story but not mad at what happened hahahahahahaha
October 14, 2012
Riding Double: Not the author's fault I had contemporary-shock when I started this one. I'm so used to historicals that the modern dialogue threw me. That aside, I found the first scene confusing between the sisters, Danica and Colleen--I'm positive the scene was in Danica's view, but the tags and internal thoughts didn't always flow that way. All in all, not a bad introduction to the anthology. 4 stars
Under the Southern Cross: It's the accent. No, I didn't listen to this story, but in my head I imagined Hugh Jackman reading it. Even if it was in the heroine's first person voice. Ever see the movie Australia? That's what I pictured here. My only complaint was the stilted dialogue. The background was expertly executed and the internal thoughts smooth, but the dialog never really flowed. 4.5 stars
Banging the Cowboy: Annie really should have coshed her cousin over the head with her drumstick, but other than that, well done. Sure, the cowboy's sudden change of heart was a little too sudden, but as I said, a short story. All in all, very enjoyable with enough kink to foreshadow the rest of their relationship. 5 stars
Ladies Love Country Boys: "What the hell was it about cowboys?" What indeed. City girl out of her element with a hot cowboy to help her while away the hours. Hot, sexy, and just about perfect...with a heavy teaser for a bit more. Yum. 5 stars
Drought: All in first person with little romantic or sexual development in favor of internal thoughts. The sex was hot, but the story left me feeling a little flat. 3 stars
Roped: The sex was hot and the story well written but I have no idea what the problem was between Regan and Jonas. Why was he still mad at her? Why wait 10 years? No idea. 3.5 stars
Rough Stock: I really loved this one. I suspect because it was told from the hero's view, and you could really feel Dawson's love and fear for Kennedy. Alternating between now and the previous day, everything about it worked. 5 stars
The Ranch Hand: For an unconventional woman Charlene sure did conform a lot. I have to say this one left me cold and unconvinced. And the ending didn't really work for me, either--though it was a surprise (one I should have seen coming granted). 2.5 stars
Small-Town: Mixed about this one. On one hand I found it stereotypical, trite, and cringe-worthy, it's clear from Tommy's view (the story was in the hero's POV) that he really did love Bethann and that came sharply through. Plus I loved their sex setting. :) 3.5 stars
The Storm: Brent deserves better. I admit to skimming this one and for that I do apologize to the author. But I couldn't get into this one no matter how many times I re-read the opening scene. I suspect because Candice should have known better and was too stupid in those opening scenes (for no reason!) for me to really believe anything else. 2 stars
Caught Unawares: Best friend's little sister stories are classic and the girl going after who she wanted all worked. An historical woman who knew her mind and wouldn't let something like a man's misplaced honor get in her way. I enjoyed this one; a perfect match all around 4.5 stars
Some Like it Dirty: I like the city girl out of her element story--Jenna however is a snob and the stereotype of the all-too obvious city-girl ick moments rubbed me the wrong way. Especially for someone in a profession where she should know how to hold her tongue. Trent was worth it, though. 3.5 stars
Raney’s Last Ride: I did not expect this story. But I really did enjoy it. Raney is an interesting character and the story, without giving anything away, ended exactly as it was supposed to end. 5 stars
Runaway Bride: Hmm, the Daddy reason was thin but I did like the reason for stopping the wedding then...um, how to say this sans spoilers? I liked Sammi Jo's reasonings, but the daddy thing was strange. Very. 4 stars
She Don’t Stay the Night: I liked the Spanish angle of the story, but the Spanish itself was a little hard to follow given how abysmal my own Spanish is. Nice and sweet story. 4 stars
I love me a hard cowboy :) Who doesn't? An anthology well worth the read.
Under the Southern Cross: It's the accent. No, I didn't listen to this story, but in my head I imagined Hugh Jackman reading it. Even if it was in the heroine's first person voice. Ever see the movie Australia? That's what I pictured here. My only complaint was the stilted dialogue. The background was expertly executed and the internal thoughts smooth, but the dialog never really flowed. 4.5 stars
Banging the Cowboy: Annie really should have coshed her cousin over the head with her drumstick, but other than that, well done. Sure, the cowboy's sudden change of heart was a little too sudden, but as I said, a short story. All in all, very enjoyable with enough kink to foreshadow the rest of their relationship. 5 stars
Ladies Love Country Boys: "What the hell was it about cowboys?" What indeed. City girl out of her element with a hot cowboy to help her while away the hours. Hot, sexy, and just about perfect...with a heavy teaser for a bit more. Yum. 5 stars
Drought: All in first person with little romantic or sexual development in favor of internal thoughts. The sex was hot, but the story left me feeling a little flat. 3 stars
Roped: The sex was hot and the story well written but I have no idea what the problem was between Regan and Jonas. Why was he still mad at her? Why wait 10 years? No idea. 3.5 stars
Rough Stock: I really loved this one. I suspect because it was told from the hero's view, and you could really feel Dawson's love and fear for Kennedy. Alternating between now and the previous day, everything about it worked. 5 stars
The Ranch Hand: For an unconventional woman Charlene sure did conform a lot. I have to say this one left me cold and unconvinced. And the ending didn't really work for me, either--though it was a surprise (one I should have seen coming granted). 2.5 stars
Small-Town: Mixed about this one. On one hand I found it stereotypical, trite, and cringe-worthy, it's clear from Tommy's view (the story was in the hero's POV) that he really did love Bethann and that came sharply through. Plus I loved their sex setting. :) 3.5 stars
The Storm: Brent deserves better. I admit to skimming this one and for that I do apologize to the author. But I couldn't get into this one no matter how many times I re-read the opening scene. I suspect because Candice should have known better and was too stupid in those opening scenes (for no reason!) for me to really believe anything else. 2 stars
Caught Unawares: Best friend's little sister stories are classic and the girl going after who she wanted all worked. An historical woman who knew her mind and wouldn't let something like a man's misplaced honor get in her way. I enjoyed this one; a perfect match all around 4.5 stars
Some Like it Dirty: I like the city girl out of her element story--Jenna however is a snob and the stereotype of the all-too obvious city-girl ick moments rubbed me the wrong way. Especially for someone in a profession where she should know how to hold her tongue. Trent was worth it, though. 3.5 stars
Raney’s Last Ride: I did not expect this story. But I really did enjoy it. Raney is an interesting character and the story, without giving anything away, ended exactly as it was supposed to end. 5 stars
Runaway Bride: Hmm, the Daddy reason was thin but I did like the reason for stopping the wedding then...um, how to say this sans spoilers? I liked Sammi Jo's reasonings, but the daddy thing was strange. Very. 4 stars
She Don’t Stay the Night: I liked the Spanish angle of the story, but the Spanish itself was a little hard to follow given how abysmal my own Spanish is. Nice and sweet story. 4 stars
I love me a hard cowboy :) Who doesn't? An anthology well worth the read.
February 3, 2013
This collection reminded me of the kind of place that gets good after 11 p.m. The deeper I got into the book, the darker and more interesting the stories became. The last three stories, "Raney's Last Ride" by Chaparrita, "The Runaway Bride" by Delilah Devlin (the editor), and "She Don't Stay the Night" by Anna Meadows seemed like they came from a different, more mysterious book. They were less white, less safe, and included edgier sex and more flavor.
I enjoyed other unusual stories in the collection also, particularly the ones that took place in more creative settings, such as Cheyenne Blue's "Under the Southern Cross" (set in Australia). M. Marie's "Rough Stock" and Sedona Fox's "The Ranch Hand" also deserve commendation for including really interesting, active heroines who know what they want in life and love and aren't afraid to go after it.
The collection was a bit weighed down, however, by repetition of some less original themes. There are at least three "woman in need of roadside assistance hooks up with cowboy" stories. This seemed unfortunate to me, because I thought it played into a helpless woman stereotype that turned me off.
The biggest thing holding the book back from a higher rating in my opinion was a mismatch between "erotic" and "romance." While these two can obviously work well together, I felt that they interacted oddly in the case of this collection. Many of the kinky stories in the collection made me uncomfortable by playing fast and loose with consent (I actually enjoy reading noncon where a spade is called a spade, but I dislike "gray area consent" where someone ignores or downplays a woman's right to consent and everyone pretends that was totally fine and the guy is seen as someone admirable). Here, I think the trouble was the need to treat a situation as romantic even if that wasn't the true source of the turnon. Conversely, the sweeter stories tended to include sex that felt repetitive when one story was read after another. Romance novel sex works for me because of the length of emotional buildup that precedes it, and I thought it was tricky in shorter stories.
I should say I'm not someone who's obsessed with cowboys. I can get into the idea, but the word "cowboy" does not automatically turn me on. For those with a real cowboy fetish, the collection might have a different effect.
I enjoyed other unusual stories in the collection also, particularly the ones that took place in more creative settings, such as Cheyenne Blue's "Under the Southern Cross" (set in Australia). M. Marie's "Rough Stock" and Sedona Fox's "The Ranch Hand" also deserve commendation for including really interesting, active heroines who know what they want in life and love and aren't afraid to go after it.
The collection was a bit weighed down, however, by repetition of some less original themes. There are at least three "woman in need of roadside assistance hooks up with cowboy" stories. This seemed unfortunate to me, because I thought it played into a helpless woman stereotype that turned me off.
The biggest thing holding the book back from a higher rating in my opinion was a mismatch between "erotic" and "romance." While these two can obviously work well together, I felt that they interacted oddly in the case of this collection. Many of the kinky stories in the collection made me uncomfortable by playing fast and loose with consent (I actually enjoy reading noncon where a spade is called a spade, but I dislike "gray area consent" where someone ignores or downplays a woman's right to consent and everyone pretends that was totally fine and the guy is seen as someone admirable). Here, I think the trouble was the need to treat a situation as romantic even if that wasn't the true source of the turnon. Conversely, the sweeter stories tended to include sex that felt repetitive when one story was read after another. Romance novel sex works for me because of the length of emotional buildup that precedes it, and I thought it was tricky in shorter stories.
I should say I'm not someone who's obsessed with cowboys. I can get into the idea, but the word "cowboy" does not automatically turn me on. For those with a real cowboy fetish, the collection might have a different effect.
June 5, 2018
Cheyenne Blue - Under the Southern Cross
action packed, hot sex scene. Who know witness protection could be so hot down under?
Michael M. Bracken - Drought
Teacher and cowboy, she's a city girl who goes country and finds a way to end her drought
Chaparrita - Raney's Last Ride - 3
Not what I expected
Nena Given the time period, it didn't seem to fit it was still enjoyable
Clements - Caught Unawares - 4
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox - 3
unrealistic given time period, predictable
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson - 5
Next my car breaks down I want my own cowboy to ride :)
Rough Stock by M. Marie - 4
Written from man's POV, she not only rides her horses rough she rides him rough.
Small Town Famous by Lissa Matthews - 5
established couple, overcoming jealousy with use of jail cell, hot sex, sweet ending
Riding Double by Cari Quinn - 5
Trying to keep things light Danica invites her twin for a threesome with Jack but Jack has other ideas
Roped by Charlene Teglia - 4
Reunions can be hot!
Some Like it Dirty by Kimber Vale - 4
City girl saved by 'organic' cowboy, while I'd love to believe we can just be casual about having sex with the sexy cowboy that saves the girl from the side of the road. Wasn't buying that part
action packed, hot sex scene. Who know witness protection could be so hot down under?
Michael M. Bracken - Drought
Teacher and cowboy, she's a city girl who goes country and finds a way to end her drought
Chaparrita - Raney's Last Ride - 3
Not what I expected
Nena Given the time period, it didn't seem to fit it was still enjoyable
Clements - Caught Unawares - 4
The Ranch Hand by Sedona Fox - 3
unrealistic given time period, predictable
Ladies Love Country Boys by Cat Johnson - 5
Next my car breaks down I want my own cowboy to ride :)
Rough Stock by M. Marie - 4
Written from man's POV, she not only rides her horses rough she rides him rough.
Small Town Famous by Lissa Matthews - 5
established couple, overcoming jealousy with use of jail cell, hot sex, sweet ending
Riding Double by Cari Quinn - 5
Trying to keep things light Danica invites her twin for a threesome with Jack but Jack has other ideas
Roped by Charlene Teglia - 4
Reunions can be hot!
Some Like it Dirty by Kimber Vale - 4
City girl saved by 'organic' cowboy, while I'd love to believe we can just be casual about having sex with the sexy cowboy that saves the girl from the side of the road. Wasn't buying that part
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2013
As a reader, what do you expect from a book subtitled “Erotic Romance for Women”? I expected erotica, especially after reading Lorelei James’ foreword that the stories would take “elements of a traditional western and adding in erotic romance.” My reaction was what fun. Imagine my disappointment when the element missing from most of the stories in this anthology is the erotic one.
Okay, granted one person’s erotic moment might be another’s ho-hum. But I think we all agree that at its core erotica should give readers the little thrill of sexual promise, the visceral excitement of bedplay to come. Descriptions of body parts might be included, but aren’t necessary.
Of the 15 stories in this collection, however, only 2 qualify as erotic in my book. The others straddle the line between cute, often interesting romances or ho-hum. The collection runs the gamut of time periods from the late 1800s to contemporary, the only connection being that one of the characters is a cowboy.
Four stories adequately give the feel of the collection: two erotica and two of the better offerings.
Read the rest of my review at AAR: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/ant...
Okay, granted one person’s erotic moment might be another’s ho-hum. But I think we all agree that at its core erotica should give readers the little thrill of sexual promise, the visceral excitement of bedplay to come. Descriptions of body parts might be included, but aren’t necessary.
Of the 15 stories in this collection, however, only 2 qualify as erotic in my book. The others straddle the line between cute, often interesting romances or ho-hum. The collection runs the gamut of time periods from the late 1800s to contemporary, the only connection being that one of the characters is a cowboy.
Four stories adequately give the feel of the collection: two erotica and two of the better offerings.
Read the rest of my review at AAR: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/ant...
August 29, 2012
Disclaimer: My story "Under the Southern Cross" is included in this anthology.
A fantastic collection of stories put together by Delilah Devlin. For such a narrow theme, there's an amazing amount of diversity in the stories, not only in the locations but in the writing styles and approach to the overarching theme of cowboy lust.
There wasn't a story in this anthology that I didn't like, although if I'm to pick favorites then I'll bookend with the snappy easy reading of "Riding Double" by Cari Quinn and the dreamy flowing prose of "She Don't Stay the Night" by Anna Meadows.
A fantastic collection of stories put together by Delilah Devlin. For such a narrow theme, there's an amazing amount of diversity in the stories, not only in the locations but in the writing styles and approach to the overarching theme of cowboy lust.
There wasn't a story in this anthology that I didn't like, although if I'm to pick favorites then I'll bookend with the snappy easy reading of "Riding Double" by Cari Quinn and the dreamy flowing prose of "She Don't Stay the Night" by Anna Meadows.
February 18, 2013
I liked this book. I really enjoyed the hot cowboys and most of the stories were entertaining. I don't have anything specific I disliked I think I was just in the mood to get into a book and couldn't really engage with such short stories. I would recommend the book to other though.
May 29, 2015
Tired
It started good but after reading one novella after another they got monotonous and tired. When I got to Raney's Last Ride I was so disgusted with the story that I just couldn't finish.
It started good but after reading one novella after another they got monotonous and tired. When I got to Raney's Last Ride I was so disgusted with the story that I just couldn't finish.
August 13, 2013
Love those cowboys!
November 8, 2015
I never know how to rate collections of short stories. There were a few that were really good, but some that were really not.
May 20, 2015
Yes
Nothing like a.hot cowboy. Everyone of these are well worth it. All have hearts of gold and well worth the heart ache to have as well.
Nothing like a.hot cowboy. Everyone of these are well worth it. All have hearts of gold and well worth the heart ache to have as well.
June 14, 2015
3.5 stars
March 29, 2016
Short stories didn't hold my attention. A couple were good, the rest not so much.
February 17, 2014
I was disappointed
January 30, 2016
Great Book
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