Rough Ride: A Harmless World Novel

Harmless #9

by Melissa Schroeder

Get the 20th Anniversary Edition with expanded scenes!

When this Dom falls hard, he will do anything to protect th women he loves.

Elias St. John has lived a life most people wouldn’t believe. An Aussie by birth, he has found his way to the island of Hawai’i working as the right hand man to Joe Kaheaku. When his boss dies and leaves the ranch to Eli and Joe’s niece Crysta MIller, Elia finds himself more than a little attracted to her.

Fater finding her fiance in bed with another woman and helping her father through his illness, Crysta is ready for new start. The offer of the ranch far away from home is perfect. Well, except for Eli who seems to think he needs to tell her what to do all the damn time. When one argument turnes into a passionate kiss, both of them get more than they were expecting.

Eli finds himself completely enthralled with Crysta. But as seemingly simple accidents turn deadly, Eliz realizes that someone is bent on destroying the ranch by an means possible–even murder.

» This book contains the A cynical Dom, a woman ready for adventure, Hawaii cowboys (yeah, they have them), horse rides, stunning sunsets, and a new island for Addicts to cherish. Remember, it’s a harmless love story so bring the ice water and towels.

Formerly released as A Little Harmless Ride.

THE HARMLESS WORLD


The Original Harmless Five

A Little Harmless Sex

A Little Harmless Pleasure

A Little Harmless Obsession

A Little Harmless Lie

A Little Harmless Addiction



Rough 'n Ready

Rough Submission-->formerly A Little Harmless Submission

Rough Fascination-->formerly A Little Harmless Fascination

Rough Fantasy-->formerly A Little Harmless Fantasy

Rough Ride-->formerly A Little Harmless Ride



Harmless Trouble

Harmless Secrets-->formerly A Little Harmless Secret

Harmless Revenge-->formerly A Little Harmless Revenge

Harmless Scandals-->formerly A Little Harmless Scandal



The Wulf Family

Faith-->formerly A Little Harmless Faith

Taboo-->formerly A Little Harmless Taboo

Trust--> New Release

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Suspense, Erotic Romance, Mystery

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Julia Sexton]

this unfortunately slayed.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Crysta and Eli. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives as they both battle with a past relationship and find the courage to try again. She brings drama and danger along with the romance and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY ELI STORY!!! ONE THING I LOVED WAS THAT HE FINALLY GOT HIS STORY!!!

I'm glad that we get to see the Harmless crew from past books, they are a lot of fun to interact with as Crysta found out very quick with May and Dee. The one person that I was thinking was behind it wasn't so it was a good curve ball didn't see the past lover,PSYCHO lady to come back into the picture.

I'm hoping that we get to see a little more of Sean, Since he the new kid on the block with his interesting taste. As much as I enjoy Maura love triangle, hope it plays out for sean as well.

[Dar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked these two and that they feel a connection for each on sight. They were experienced people who recognized something in the other they liked. They both had a calmness about them that was soothing to read. A bit of mystery and danger, and a lot of interesting people around, some new, some brought forward, and some staples in the series, but all leaving the focus on the two main characters, so perfect all around!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this as part of: A Little Harmless Six Pack anthology

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crysta is in Hawaii with her father to lay her great uncle Joe to rest. When the will is read, she learns she’s inherited half of a working ranch, the other half bequeathed to Eli, a sexy Aussie-born cowboy who helped Joe run the ranch. The only catch is they have to make a go of their new partnership for six months, with no more than seven continuous days absent.
Still gun shy from a cheating former boyfriend who also happened to be her Dom, Crysta is somewhat dismayed by her attraction to Eli. Eli is a Dominant who doesn’t cross the line with any submissive into relationship territory, but Crysta has him in knots.
The setting takes place on a different island from the BDSM club the series revolves around, but eventually the pair make it over to Oahu for some play.
Meanwhile the ranch is plagued with vandalism and sabotage, with several suspects including disgruntled family members angry about the will, Crystal’s ex Dom, and the featured tormentor from a dark chapter in Eli’s life.
I read this book in its original iteration probably twelve or so years ago, and this edition was revised a bit by the author. It’s all right, but Eli’s snappish behavior was beneath a person who is supposed to be all about control - and I know, I know, Crysta is The One for him, but some nuance would’ve been nice. I’m not a huge fan of the BDSM club aspect (the displaying in particular takes me out of the sexiness of it all) so perhaps that’s why I don’t quite love this book.
In any event it was interesting to revisit a previously read book and have it be informed by time, experience, and perspective.
I was graciously furnished an advance reader copy from the wonderful author Melissa Schroeder and booksprout, and I’m happy to leave my honest impressions.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli St. John has been lurking in the background for most of the series and, oh my! Who wouldn’t be attracted to this hunky cowboy? After losing Joe, Eli is surprised to learn his surrogate father has left half the ranch to his niece, Crysta. Although he is immediately attracted to her, Eli has a sneaky suspicion Joe was trying for more than just luring her back to discover her roots. But Eli has a strict no relationships policy and Crysta is off-limits. I loved how Crysta’s every interaction with a man drove Eli absolutely wild. As a Dom, I expected Eli to have a lot more control though, as the sexual tension kept building until things were ready to explode. Being a submissive, Crysta sensed Eli’s dominance, but her last experience made her doubt whether she wanted to be part of the lifestyle. But when the Rough ‘n’ Ready crew draw her into their circle, they show her how it’s meant to be, pointing out Eli may not be as indifferent as he appears to be. I love the friendship and closeness between these characters that we’ve grown to know and love. So, when one passionate night turns into two and more, Eli and Crysta can no longer deny their connection. Meanwhile increasingly dangerous incidents begin taking place at the ranch, with all signs pointing to Joe’s estranged family. Eli goes into alpha protection mode, but is Crysta really the target? Perhaps my one criticism was that there was just a little too much emphasis on this mysterious person in Eli’s past that virtually pointed to the culprit. It’s sad to see the end of this series, but I look forward to more from Melissa.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finally have Eli’s story! He has been a part of the Harmless world for a while and now readers get the chance to know him better. He has just suffered a major personal loss and while he is grieving, he is forced to deal with greedy family members trying to take away his inheritance. Crysta is sad that her uncle has died but she is excited to see his ranch. What she doesn’t expect is to find Eli to be her perfect match.

Eli and Crysta are a perfect match both on the ranch and off. I like that the author had them recognize certain aspects in each other that make them perfect for each other. Yes, that includes their preferences in adult activities. I believed in their love story. I enjoyed the fact that Crysta’s uncle left a will with some crazy requirements. It was a good set up for the rest of the story. The bad guy turns out to be really bad and very dangerous. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story of the bad guy. There are lots of appearances by characters from prior stories. Seeing all of the women from the prior stories treating Eli like he needs their tender love and care is so sweet since he’s known as the flirting bad boy. The author chose to include the tension between Crysta’s mother and her family but not to focus on that. Would I like to know more? Yes, but it is not necessary for this story to be complete.

This story takes place in Hawaii. This story is part of a larger series but can be read as a stand-alone. I wouldn’t recommend it because why read one when you can read them all?! I will read more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seats.The characters will captivate you.Eli is waiting for Joes Brother in law and niece to come to the ranch they will be staying for awhile.Since they will have Joes memorial and then there is the reading of the will. He knows Joes brother and his son want the ranch but they aren't getting it after the way they treated Joe.When the truck pulled up Joes brother in law got out and then Crysta got out and Eli was struck breathless by the gorgeous woman striding toward him.After getting them set up in the rooms upstairs he was staring out over the ranch lost in thought.After the memorial and then the reading of the will at which he wanted to kill Crystas uncle but kept his emotions under control if Crrysta doesn't live on the ranch for six months the whole ranch will be sold for charity. But Crysta told Eli she would stay on the ranch so that he could keep it.And asked how long she had to go back to the mainland an set things up so she could be there.When she came back an as he got to know her better he knew she was a sub because as a Dom it was natural for him to pick out subs.With the sizzling chemistry between Crysta an Eli will they give into their wants an needs?There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to Melissa's Harmless series and I'm loving it even though BDSM isn't my favorite. She writes an intriguing story and really HOT romance that keeps me turning pages and eating it up.

Elias St. John is an Aussie foster kid who while in the Australian Special Forces was rescued by Joe Kaheaku's team from the US/Hawaii. Fast forward after special forces retirement and Elias has become Joe's surrogate son, helping him care for his ranch on the Hawaiian Big Island. After Joe passes Elias finds himself co-owner with Joe's niece, Crysta Miller. Joe was estranged from his large native Hawaiian family. They are bigoted and intolerant of Joe's orientation as well as his sister, Crysta's mother, marrying a black SEAL from the mainland. In his death he puts Elias and Crysta together to care for and keep his ranch out of his family's greedy hands. Quickly after Crysta's arrival security and encroachments begin happening at the ranch and the danger in these escalates. Who's behind these? Why?

I really enjoyed the building romance between these two who have instant chemistry. I loved Crysta's strength and love of life. She is perfect for the world weary Elias. Thank you Mel for including me in your ARC review team. This story was delicious!

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bigger they are the harder they fall.

Eli grew up in the system and never had any family until Joe's unit rescued him from a comprised op. Since then he was the father he never had. Whilst he wasn't surprised that Joe left him the ranch in his will he was surprised that he left a half share to his niece on the understanding that she live on the ranch for six months. He knows he can't have a relationship with her as it would just be too complicated and he doesn't do relationships. Easier said than done.

Crysta had decided that she was not cut out for relationships and especially with another Dom. Having caught her fiance in the act of being unfaithful she just didn't trust her judgement. But not reacting to Eli is turning out to be impossible.

The heat between these two is scorching and just gets more intense as they ignore it. Add in the danger lurking on the edge of their lives and the tension is high. When their control finally snaps the passion is all consuming.

Another fantastic story from this author and as thoroughly enjoyable as the rest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery in this book. I had my suspicions, and discovered that I wasn't far off. I did like that the enough doubt was woven into the mystery to keep me guessing.

Tbh, Eli's jealousy at some points in the book was a little irritating. I'm not sure if that was Dom like behaviour. I wanted to yell at him to get a grip. Lol. I did like Eli and Crysta together. In spite of his irritable moments, they seemed to be very in sync. I also appreciated that Crysta did not let Eli walk all over her. She stood her ground quite often.

I liked the time Crysta spent with Dee, May, and Cynthia. I wish there had been more of that. I also liked Seth and Dillon. I thought revisiting some of the Rough and Ready crowd was a nice touch.

A steamy romance with a touch of intrigue, suspense, and an HEA. I love a good epilogue, and lucked out with a bonus epilogue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Crysta goes to Hawaii, she never imagined the turn her life would take. Crysta finds that she must work with Eli on her late uncle’s ranch. No matter how they try there is no ignoring the attraction between them and when they do give in the heat is off the charts but both need to get past the hurt that others have caused. As the two try to find their way danger finds its way to the ranch. Will they figure things out before it is to late? I enjoyed seeing the way Crysta and Eli work to find their happiness. I loved that Crysta is an independent woman who is comfortable in giving of herself and Eli is not as shallow and overbearing as he comes off as. The two are good together in and out of the bedroom. Their story has a nice mix of heat and action making it a nice addition to the Harmless series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Crysta goes to Hawaii, she never imagined the turn her life would take. Crysta finds that she must work with Eli on her late uncle’s ranch. No matter how they try there is no ignoring the attraction between them and when they do give in the heat is off the charts but both need to get past the hurt that others have caused. As the two try to find their way danger finds its way to the ranch. Will they figure things out before it is to late? I enjoyed seeing the way Crysta and Eli work to find their happiness. I loved that Crysta is an independent woman who is comfortable in giving of herself and Eli is not as shallow and overbearing as he comes off as. The two are good together in and out of the bedroom. Their story has a nice mix of heat and action making it a nice addition to the Harmless series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elias St. John was the surrogate son of rancher Joe Kaheaku, and on his death from cancer, left half the ranch to Eli and the other half to his niece, Crysta Miller. Joe's brother Sam was incensed, as thought he would gain Joe's ranch, instead of half-Hawaiian, half-black child of their estranged sister...Part of the will said Crysta had to remain on the ranch for six months, or land would revert to a charity who would sell it to developers. She determined to stay, and even though was attracted to Eli, decided to stay far away from the dominant co-owner of the ranch...but trouble followed them in the form of sabotage of portions of the ranch, but will they find out who is targeting them before someone gets killed??? You will need to read the story to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with a truly fated romance!
I always wondered about Elias who was briefly in prior Rough ‘n Ready books as always elusive during his visits at the club before heading back to help manage the ranch for his friend, Joe. Upon Joe’s death, Joe’s niece, Crysta and he inherit the ranch, much to the demise of Joe’s family. The attraction between Eli and Crysta is palpable, yet they thrust it aside as too complicated with managing the ranch together. With strange occurrences happening on the ranch, Eli worries for Crysta’s safety who refuses to leave. As the plot twists, who will rescue who in the end? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh start with some surprises

Rough Ride: A Harmless World Novel is the fourth book in the Rough 'n Ready series. This is the twentieth anniversary of the book and it contains a few new things. I am really loving this series and just how well written the books are. This story is about Crysta MIller and Elias St. John. They are brought together when they both inherit the ranch that was owned by Joe, his boss and her uncle. These two are attracted to each other from the start but there are other things that have to be considered. She is wanting fresh start and the ranch and Hawaii are the perfect place for that. He is a Dom who has not found his submissive. What they find together is the perfect life, but not without a few bumps along the way to getting it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crysta and Eli were a wonderful couple who had issues with relationships due to their respective pasts. This is the last of the series but could be read as a standalone. He Is dea Don and she is the perfect sub for him. There are plenty of steamy scenes, humorous moments, and sweet encounters. There is danger from an unknown source that threatens the ranch and the couple. The epilogue was one of the best I have read in a long time, what a great way to give us a glimpse into the future of this very special couple. I would definitely recommend reading this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and Crysta. He has a horrific past that leaves him sweating and awakened by nightmares. Hes in Hawaii now on a ranch that his friend Joe owns. However when Joe passes he leaves his ranch to Eli and his niece Crysta. They both live the BDSM life. She comes home when her Uncles passes to take care of the will. They are attracted to each other but both have issues in their past. Then strange things start happening on the ranch that they have to figure out. Their story is amazing and Melissa Schroeder really can bring a story to life and pull you in. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Elias St. John and Crysta’s story. Elias St. John has lived a life most people wouldn't believe. An Aussie by birth, he has found his way to the island of Hawai'i working as the right hand man to Joe Kaheaku. When his boss dies and leaves the ranch to Eli and Joe's niece Crysta Miller, Elia finds himself more than a little attracted to her. Crysta is ready for new start. The offer of the ranch far from home is perfect. Well, except for Eli who seems to think he needs to tell her what to do all the damn time. When one argument turnes into a passionate kiss, both of them get more than they were expecting. It was an enjoyable, and entertaining read. Am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy and the Navy Brat

Eli St John has popped up in the previous books, always delicious and flirtatious, but this time, we delve deeper into the Dom and his life as a cowboy and ranch owner. Well, co-owner, since Crysta has inherited the other half. Immediate attraction aside, these two band together to keep the ranch - oh, they try to ignore their feelings for each other, but that never works. I loved this story, I loved learning more about Eli, and ranching in Hawaii sounds so beautiful. The tension that builds, both between Crysta and Eli along with the suspense plot, was delicious and just the right sort of explosive. A fantastic read.

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli has been working on the ranch with Joe. Now Joe is gone and his family is coming for the memorial and the reading of the will.
Crysta is excited to be in Hawaii. She just wishes it was for different reasons. The will has just been read and she is to stay on the ranch for at least 6 months.
Eli is a Dom. Crysta is a Sub. They want to stay away from each other but their bodies have different ideas.
The ranch is under attack. They are working with Dillon but can't figure out who is behind it. When Eli comes up missing, Crysta will look to Sean to help her get Eli back.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Ride is the final book in the Rough 'n Ready series and while all the characters from the previous books make appearances, it can be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone. The mysterious Eli and Crysta are both very loveable characters and their instant attraction turns to love fairly quickly amidst a slew of attacks on the ranch. There's an explosive finale and a tender HEA for the couple, with an additional wonderful epilogue for this anniversary edition.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts with an intense scene and the suspense continues to build throughout the story. When Eli's mentor passes away, the Hawaiian ranch is left to him and the man's niece, Crysta, as long as she lives at the ranch for six months. Of course, with such prime real estate, someone wants to stop the inheritance. As Eli and Crysta work together, they try to keep their partnership limited to being friends, but their chemistry can't be denied. Their romance is sweet and very light on the kink. The story is well written with a very unexpected ending.

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought St John would fall in love.
He seems so stand offish and once only.
But in this story you find out why and it's shocking but totally understandable.
Even though this was a set up, these two really are perfect for each other.
She evens out his rough part's and belongs there anyway.
The reason she got there's not so nice, or even her pasts not that smooth.
But reading about their future was worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli was a favored Dom at Rough and Ready, but when he sets eyes on Crysta for the first time, it seems he's forgotten all his training. I so love reading these books again, especially with the extras. Melissa is fantastic in bringing the Islands to life, so descriptive its almost like your there. You become so invested in the people's lives, what they're doing and how they are. Another fantastic story of instant attraction, bits of danger, and a happily ever after that will make your heart melt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

To make this work Elias and Crysta need to work together, but someone seems to be out to cause trouble, with the accidents that are happening. Elias thought he might be willed the land/ranch, but it turns out he will be sharing it with Crysta, and they are both feeling the attraction to one another. Will this just end up been complicated or the best thing for them both? I enjoyed Elias and Crysta's romance, the spark between them, the challenge of Crysta's relations, and how good they are together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story. It had a depth that I felt had been lacking in some others in the series. Th BDSM theme seems to run along side the 'who done/who is it' drama.
Co owner of a ranch, with certain stipulations, and disgruntled relatives hovering brings it's own issues. Plus a man,a Dom deeply distracted to a woman meets his match. A woman, equally able to hold her own, strong and determined, may be submissive but only in the bedroom.
Fireworks...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough ride is a great addition to the series but also good as a standalone. St. John, the Dom with no family, never expected to find someone that could make him lose control. But that happened when his closet friend & father figure Joe passed away leaving his ranch to St John with some stipulations. Crysta, Joe's niece, determined to help St John was more than he bargained for and getting together may cause issues but neither can ignore the pull. Surprising twists and turns and excellent read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to Schroeder's Rough 'n Ready series. Well written with all the sweet and steam you could ask for. Great characters and a storyline you won't be able to put down. Crysta and Eli are strong characters who have to face the past to hope for a future. Drama and danger come along for the ride in this romance read. Great read and eager for more from Schroeder!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.