What do you think?
Rate this book
Freebirds #1
Boomtown
An alternate cover edition exists here.
Her
I wanted to have a pity party of one when I went for that beer. I never imagined I would meet a dark and dangerous man. That man took me on the wildest ride of my life. Literally and Figuratively. He quickly became my entire world.
Him
I didn't know I was looking for her. I saw her warming that bar stool and knew she would be mine. A man like me doesn't deserve the likes of her. But damned if I didn't take it.
Her
When we met for the first time we didn't know that we already had a connection. A cruel game was being played, and we didn't know the rules. Sam would save us, but at what cost? Sam was one of my main reasons for living. If he wasn't in this world anymore, would I still want to be a part of it?
** This is a newly edited version. **
Her
I wanted to have a pity party of one when I went for that beer. I never imagined I would meet a dark and dangerous man. That man took me on the wildest ride of my life. Literally and Figuratively. He quickly became my entire world.
Him
I didn't know I was looking for her. I saw her warming that bar stool and knew she would be mine. A man like me doesn't deserve the likes of her. But damned if I didn't take it.
Her
When we met for the first time we didn't know that we already had a connection. A cruel game was being played, and we didn't know the rules. Sam would save us, but at what cost? Sam was one of my main reasons for living. If he wasn't in this world anymore, would I still want to be a part of it?
** This is a newly edited version. **
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2013
489 people are currently reading
2872 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
162 books7,265 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
August 3, 2019
Cheyenne decides she needs a pity party for one and the best place to do it is at a bar, she has no plans to pick anyone up just wants to have a drink but then she meets Sam. Cheyenne goes home with Sam and the next morning she isn't sure what to do with the man.
Sam knows Cheyenne is it for him, but he also knows if he states his intent she is going to balk. Giving Cheyenne time to understand is rushed though when Cheyenne is in danger.
I had been curious about Sam and Cheyenne's story and it as quite different than the synopsis. I liked this one a lot, has the introduction to all the characters you grow to love and you find out about Sam's backstory with his father. Wacky females, caveman men, and a few extra surprises along the way. Excellent start to the series.
Sam knows Cheyenne is it for him, but he also knows if he states his intent she is going to balk. Giving Cheyenne time to understand is rushed though when Cheyenne is in danger.
I had been curious about Sam and Cheyenne's story and it as quite different than the synopsis. I liked this one a lot, has the introduction to all the characters you grow to love and you find out about Sam's backstory with his father. Wacky females, caveman men, and a few extra surprises along the way. Excellent start to the series.
April 19, 2018
2 Stars…..and I'm being generous.
• Poor grammar and improper usage of vocabulary words…note to author, thesaurus is sometimes not your friend.
• H - Described as tall, good looking with great abs…that's all you get folks!
• h - Quirky, classy and intelligent…NOT……more like immature, tacky and just plain stupid.
• MCs physical attributes - I appreciate when an author doesn't always describe the h as having the " fantastic tight thin but can eat anything she wants body" BUT let's see a balance between the H and h's description, hmm. I believe men come in all shapes and we accept them sometimes too ;-).
In fairness, I think this was the author's first book so I plan to give another one a try.
• Poor grammar and improper usage of vocabulary words…note to author, thesaurus is sometimes not your friend.
• H - Described as tall, good looking with great abs…that's all you get folks!
• h - Quirky, classy and intelligent…NOT……more like immature, tacky and just plain stupid.
• MCs physical attributes - I appreciate when an author doesn't always describe the h as having the " fantastic tight thin but can eat anything she wants body" BUT let's see a balance between the H and h's description, hmm. I believe men come in all shapes and we accept them sometimes too ;-).
In fairness, I think this was the author's first book so I plan to give another one a try.
December 18, 2016
I absolutely loved the hero in this book. The heroine got on my nerves a lot though. She was very immature a lot of the time. They had a great relationship and only had eyes for each other but her bitchiness got on my nerves. I still really enjoyed the book though. Loved the side characters and can't wait to read their stories.
I have to say that after reading the second book that I really like this h now.
I have to say that after reading the second book that I really like this h now.
November 25, 2024
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
===================
==>Reread 2024, November 25
==>Reread 2022, February 19
==>Reread 2016, April 01
==> Read 2014, January 12
===========================================
2022
In the book we have Sam's memories of a childhood where he was abused by his father and members of his father's club. His mother was also abused by his father. He had to hide his mother to escape the abuse. He had to turn to his father to locate the stalker, I confess I don't remember what happens in the future. I will reread the entire series.
============================================
Resenha em português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
Gostei do livro inicial desta série.
Começa com a história do Sam e da Chey. Os dois se conhecem em um bar no dia do aniversário dela. Eles sentem uma atração irresistível e ela decide que é ele que vai tirar a virgindade dela.
A partir dali os dois começam um jogo de gato e rato, nenhum dos dois querendo dar o primeiro passo.
Mas um perigo espreita todos integrantes do grupo militar que eles pertenciam e Chey está em perigo.
Várias ameaças e situações de perigo fazem Sam tomar posição e reclamar ela como dele.
A história mescla cenas de suspense com cenas bem quentes de sexo, mas tem toda uma história se formando, achei muito legal.
Todos os personagens são muito interessantes e estou louca para ler os próximos livros da série.
Recomendo!
--------------------------------
I liked the initial book in this series.
Begins with the story of Sam and Chey. The two met in a bar on her birthday. They feel an irresistible attraction, and she decides that it is he who will take her virginity.
From there the two begin a cat-and-mouse game, neither wanting to make the first move.
But a danger lurks all members of the military group that they belonged and Chey are in danger.
Various threats and dangerous situations do Sam take a stand and claim her as his.
The story combines suspense scenes with hot sex scenes, but there's a whole story forming, very cool.
All the characters are very interesting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Recommend!
===================
==>Reread 2024, November 25
==>Reread 2022, February 19
==>Reread 2016, April 01
==> Read 2014, January 12
===========================================
2022
In the book we have Sam's memories of a childhood where he was abused by his father and members of his father's club. His mother was also abused by his father. He had to hide his mother to escape the abuse. He had to turn to his father to locate the stalker, I confess I don't remember what happens in the future. I will reread the entire series.
============================================
Resenha em português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
Gostei do livro inicial desta série.
Começa com a história do Sam e da Chey. Os dois se conhecem em um bar no dia do aniversário dela. Eles sentem uma atração irresistível e ela decide que é ele que vai tirar a virgindade dela.
A partir dali os dois começam um jogo de gato e rato, nenhum dos dois querendo dar o primeiro passo.
Mas um perigo espreita todos integrantes do grupo militar que eles pertenciam e Chey está em perigo.
Várias ameaças e situações de perigo fazem Sam tomar posição e reclamar ela como dele.
A história mescla cenas de suspense com cenas bem quentes de sexo, mas tem toda uma história se formando, achei muito legal.
Todos os personagens são muito interessantes e estou louca para ler os próximos livros da série.
Recomendo!
--------------------------------
I liked the initial book in this series.
Begins with the story of Sam and Chey. The two met in a bar on her birthday. They feel an irresistible attraction, and she decides that it is he who will take her virginity.
From there the two begin a cat-and-mouse game, neither wanting to make the first move.
But a danger lurks all members of the military group that they belonged and Chey are in danger.
Various threats and dangerous situations do Sam take a stand and claim her as his.
The story combines suspense scenes with hot sex scenes, but there's a whole story forming, very cool.
All the characters are very interesting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Recommend!
September 9, 2017
4 stars
This was a very good story. I liked Cheyenne and Sam very much and the story was really enjoyable. I'll definitely be willing to try more from this author in the future.
This was a great job for the author's first book but I will admit there were some editing errors. There were about 5-10 errors throughout the book that I remember reading and then realizing it was an editing mess up. There were also a couple of flashbacks in which I think the transitions could have been smother on, sometimes the beginning and the end of the flashbacks weren't always clear and caused a little confusion. That was pretty much all I noticed and TBH, I'm not sure why some people rated it so low for the editing issues since it didn't seem that bad.
Cheyenne is a cool heroine. She's smart, spunky and a little weird but really sweet too. She works and is going to school to become a nurse. She take care of her niece because her brother's in the Army and the mother is gone. She seems to spend a lot of her time on work, school and helping take care of family and she doesn't seem to have much of a personal life. As the story begins, she's spending her birthday alone having a beer in a bar. This is where she meets Sam.
Sam used to be an Army Ranger. He's out of the Army but is still a hero. He started up a shop where they (he and his buddies from the Army) build and repair motorcycles and repair cars. Sam and his buddies that work there also have a side business of secret missions, most of which seem to be rescuing women in trouble and relocating them to safe places. When Sam sees Cheyenne for the first time he knows she's meant to be his, forever. He claims her but then expects her to make the next move which doesn't work out the way he planned.
Before they split after their first "meeting" Sam gives Cheyenne his number and tells her to call him. Cheyenne doesn't think he's serious and doesn't call him. This ends up causing some trouble but once Cheyenne encounters some possible danger (which also brings up ties between her brother and Sam and his team) Sam does what he has to to keep her and her niece safe. One thing I really liked is that when danger comes calling Cheyenne doesn't act stupid and try to go it alone but instead lets Sam and his team protect her and her niece. Unfortunately they have a lot of issues finding the bad guy so the protection on her has to go on for a while.
While all this is happening, Cheyenne and Sam do get closer and things get pretty serious between them pretty quickly. I have to admit that Sam could be a bit of a caveman at times (the whole condom issue, LOL) but he wasn't an asshole like some of the alpha males in these books can be. I really liked Sam a lot and loved the interaction between him and Cheyenne. He accepted her for who she is, kookiness and all. He didn't try to change her, just took her as she came and treasured her for it. I thought this was really sweet and their relationship really made the story for me. The story culminates in an action packed ending that, while stressful while it's happening, ends well and left me happy with the story's conclusion.
Overall I really liked this story (regardless of any editing issues). Cheyenne and Sam are a great couple and I really enjoyed reading their story. I'll be looking forward to the next book from this author. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :D
This was a very good story. I liked Cheyenne and Sam very much and the story was really enjoyable. I'll definitely be willing to try more from this author in the future.
This was a great job for the author's first book but I will admit there were some editing errors. There were about 5-10 errors throughout the book that I remember reading and then realizing it was an editing mess up. There were also a couple of flashbacks in which I think the transitions could have been smother on, sometimes the beginning and the end of the flashbacks weren't always clear and caused a little confusion. That was pretty much all I noticed and TBH, I'm not sure why some people rated it so low for the editing issues since it didn't seem that bad.
Cheyenne is a cool heroine. She's smart, spunky and a little weird but really sweet too. She works and is going to school to become a nurse. She take care of her niece because her brother's in the Army and the mother is gone. She seems to spend a lot of her time on work, school and helping take care of family and she doesn't seem to have much of a personal life. As the story begins, she's spending her birthday alone having a beer in a bar. This is where she meets Sam.
Sam used to be an Army Ranger. He's out of the Army but is still a hero. He started up a shop where they (he and his buddies from the Army) build and repair motorcycles and repair cars. Sam and his buddies that work there also have a side business of secret missions, most of which seem to be rescuing women in trouble and relocating them to safe places. When Sam sees Cheyenne for the first time he knows she's meant to be his, forever. He claims her but then expects her to make the next move which doesn't work out the way he planned.
Before they split after their first "meeting" Sam gives Cheyenne his number and tells her to call him. Cheyenne doesn't think he's serious and doesn't call him. This ends up causing some trouble but once Cheyenne encounters some possible danger (which also brings up ties between her brother and Sam and his team) Sam does what he has to to keep her and her niece safe. One thing I really liked is that when danger comes calling Cheyenne doesn't act stupid and try to go it alone but instead lets Sam and his team protect her and her niece. Unfortunately they have a lot of issues finding the bad guy so the protection on her has to go on for a while.
While all this is happening, Cheyenne and Sam do get closer and things get pretty serious between them pretty quickly. I have to admit that Sam could be a bit of a caveman at times (the whole condom issue, LOL) but he wasn't an asshole like some of the alpha males in these books can be. I really liked Sam a lot and loved the interaction between him and Cheyenne. He accepted her for who she is, kookiness and all. He didn't try to change her, just took her as she came and treasured her for it. I thought this was really sweet and their relationship really made the story for me. The story culminates in an action packed ending that, while stressful while it's happening, ends well and left me happy with the story's conclusion.
Overall I really liked this story (regardless of any editing issues). Cheyenne and Sam are a great couple and I really enjoyed reading their story. I'll be looking forward to the next book from this author. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :D
June 7, 2021
[image error]
Ever read a book and wanted to know the history of a character? How did they get this way, what or who influenced them, and who they are at their core? Boomtown gave me all of that and more!
Cheyenne was having a bad day. It was her birthday and she was all alone, but she wasn't going to let that stop her from getting a little celebrating in. The bar she chose... Sam's haunt. And when he gets his first glimpse of her, something tells him he won't ever be looking away. They started off explosive, the suspense that stalked them was creepy, and their love was sublime.
I've read plenty of books by Lani Lynn Vale and one of the things I love most is that her characters, main and otherwise, just may pop up in a future story. This book not only gave me insight to the background of Free, but I learned about Sam and Cheyenne, Luke Robert's story has so much more context for me, and I saw Janie and Kayla when they were little girls. I've learned so much about characters that I've come to somewhat know and definitely love. Now I have more questions and I can't wait to discover the answers in the books to come.
Ever read a book and wanted to know the history of a character? How did they get this way, what or who influenced them, and who they are at their core? Boomtown gave me all of that and more!
Cheyenne was having a bad day. It was her birthday and she was all alone, but she wasn't going to let that stop her from getting a little celebrating in. The bar she chose... Sam's haunt. And when he gets his first glimpse of her, something tells him he won't ever be looking away. They started off explosive, the suspense that stalked them was creepy, and their love was sublime.
I've read plenty of books by Lani Lynn Vale and one of the things I love most is that her characters, main and otherwise, just may pop up in a future story. This book not only gave me insight to the background of Free, but I learned about Sam and Cheyenne, Luke Robert's story has so much more context for me, and I saw Janie and Kayla when they were little girls. I've learned so much about characters that I've come to somewhat know and definitely love. Now I have more questions and I can't wait to discover the answers in the books to come.
July 22, 2013
I hate, HATE giving this book 3 stars. But I just couldn't give it any higher.
Why do I hate that I had to do this? Because the story was awesome. The first scene of these two together literally set my vagina on FIRE (um - let me clarify that: not like STD fire, but like everything turns to liquid Fire - in a good non-scented way)
The story of how these two came together, the side characters, the backgrounds, everything GREAT!
The downside: the failure to edit this book. Usually I don't give a shit. If the flow is right, I don't care if there's a word misspelled here, a period missing there, quotations missing....but this book was just to the extreme. So extreme it had me stopping on certain conversations confused as to who said what and where the conversation stopped and ended. That's pretty bad to screw me up.
Also, I didn't like how toward the middle and to the end it did this weird thing that had the story skip forward and then go back and explain how they got to that point. A little here and there is okay, but I felt like this is how the rest of the book was told - and where's the fun in that? If I already know the point to which it's leading to, there's no anticipation to get me there, even if the story gets exciting. That's the point of excitement to lead up to the unknown. I felt like I started reading the book backwards.
I eventually just got really pissed off. This book could have been fantastic. It started out that way and the author has the skill and story to get it there. It just felt parts were written by one person and the other parts were written by a completely different person.
Why do I hate that I had to do this? Because the story was awesome. The first scene of these two together literally set my vagina on FIRE (um - let me clarify that: not like STD fire, but like everything turns to liquid Fire - in a good non-scented way)
The story of how these two came together, the side characters, the backgrounds, everything GREAT!
The downside: the failure to edit this book. Usually I don't give a shit. If the flow is right, I don't care if there's a word misspelled here, a period missing there, quotations missing....but this book was just to the extreme. So extreme it had me stopping on certain conversations confused as to who said what and where the conversation stopped and ended. That's pretty bad to screw me up.
Also, I didn't like how toward the middle and to the end it did this weird thing that had the story skip forward and then go back and explain how they got to that point. A little here and there is okay, but I felt like this is how the rest of the book was told - and where's the fun in that? If I already know the point to which it's leading to, there's no anticipation to get me there, even if the story gets exciting. That's the point of excitement to lead up to the unknown. I felt like I started reading the book backwards.
I eventually just got really pissed off. This book could have been fantastic. It started out that way and the author has the skill and story to get it there. It just felt parts were written by one person and the other parts were written by a completely different person.
May 8, 2020
3.5 Stars!
Seriously I wanted to give this 4 stars but I just can't and this is why:
I don't need a play by play of every little thing.....every change of an outfit, every hairstyle as it's being done, every turn of a switch and/or opening and closing of a cabinet door or every time someone needs to pee. IF it pertains to the story, as in affects it in some manner, then yes I want to know but otherwise it is just babble & filler.
*Sorry, rant over.
It is a nice combination of Insta love/smut/alpha male and action! (if that is your thing)
If I wouldn't have been distracted by the stuff above (refer back to rant. LOL) it would have been a solid 4 even with the fact that Cheyenne is a little "ragey". I know that isn't a word BUT it should be. :)
Seriously I wanted to give this 4 stars but I just can't and this is why:
I don't need a play by play of every little thing.....every change of an outfit, every hairstyle as it's being done, every turn of a switch and/or opening and closing of a cabinet door or every time someone needs to pee. IF it pertains to the story, as in affects it in some manner, then yes I want to know but otherwise it is just babble & filler.
*Sorry, rant over.
It is a nice combination of Insta love/smut/alpha male and action! (if that is your thing)
If I wouldn't have been distracted by the stuff above (refer back to rant. LOL) it would have been a solid 4 even with the fact that Cheyenne is a little "ragey". I know that isn't a word BUT it should be. :)
June 25, 2019
First book in this series by LLV.
I really like the hero Sam...but the heroine was way too juvenile for my taste.I am so much harder on my heroines .I enjoyed this book very much but I felt it way too long...there were some grammer mistakes, but I am no grammer Nazi , so I just ignored it and carried on.
Very nice epilogue and am vested in this series..I proably wont read all the books in this series as some of them are not to my tastes, but I like this world that LLV has created.
I really like the hero Sam...but the heroine was way too juvenile for my taste.I am so much harder on my heroines .I enjoyed this book very much but I felt it way too long...there were some grammer mistakes, but I am no grammer Nazi , so I just ignored it and carried on.
Very nice epilogue and am vested in this series..I proably wont read all the books in this series as some of them are not to my tastes, but I like this world that LLV has created.
September 3, 2014
Either I was the problem or the book was that bad.
The problem had to do with:
1) the way the book was written. We have two POVs but we rarely know who's talking. In a few occasions there will an indication of who's speaking...other times you'll be lucky to know. And because the transition is so quick more than often I found myself confused especially when they interacted with other people. I mentioned this first because it could also be ME being slow and not catching up but having two POVs change back and forth multiple times in one chapter tends to be distracting and confusing.
2) Sam and Cheyenne relationship. It starts off as a one-night stand (which is weird because they don't even talk, Sam just buys Cheyenne a beer and then takes her to his place.) After some sexy time, they say their names but still don't talk. Normally I don't mind one-night stands scenes but she was a virgin. How did she lose it to a stranger is beyond me.
The next morning he tells her to call him; she never does and three days pass before they see other again. They don't separate after that.
In all, I wasn't crazy about Sam. He was okay. I had the most trouble with Cheyenne. She sounds more like a 16-year-old than her twenty-five.
The problem had to do with:
1) the way the book was written. We have two POVs but we rarely know who's talking. In a few occasions there will an indication of who's speaking...other times you'll be lucky to know. And because the transition is so quick more than often I found myself confused especially when they interacted with other people. I mentioned this first because it could also be ME being slow and not catching up but having two POVs change back and forth multiple times in one chapter tends to be distracting and confusing.
2) Sam and Cheyenne relationship. It starts off as a one-night stand (which is weird because they don't even talk, Sam just buys Cheyenne a beer and then takes her to his place.) After some sexy time, they say their names but still don't talk. Normally I don't mind one-night stands scenes but she was a virgin. How did she lose it to a stranger is beyond me.
The next morning he tells her to call him; she never does and three days pass before they see other again. They don't separate after that.
In all, I wasn't crazy about Sam. He was okay. I had the most trouble with Cheyenne. She sounds more like a 16-year-old than her twenty-five.
February 19, 2022
Cheyenne decides she needs a pity party for one and the best place to do it is at a bar, she has no plans to pick anyone up just wants to have a drink but then she meets Sam. Cheyenne goes home with Sam and the next morning she isn't sure what to do with the man.
Sam knows Cheyenne is it for him, but he also knows if he states his intent she is going to balk. Giving Cheyenne time to understand is rushed though when Cheyenne is in danger.
I had been curious about Sam and Cheyenne's story and it as quite different than the synopsis. I liked this one a lot, has the introduction to all the characters you grow to love and you find out about Sam's backstory with his father. Wacky females, caveman men, and a few extra surprises along the way. Excellent start to the series.
Sam knows Cheyenne is it for him, but he also knows if he states his intent she is going to balk. Giving Cheyenne time to understand is rushed though when Cheyenne is in danger.
I had been curious about Sam and Cheyenne's story and it as quite different than the synopsis. I liked this one a lot, has the introduction to all the characters you grow to love and you find out about Sam's backstory with his father. Wacky females, caveman men, and a few extra surprises along the way. Excellent start to the series.
September 6, 2017
https://romanticcynicblog.wordpress.c...
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Cheyenne): 25yrs old
Hero (Sam): 32yrs old
Plot: 4/5
Grovel: none needed
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with babies
Triggers: none
Average score: 3.5/5
Best Line: “The last thing I cared about was her getting jiggly. I loved her body, and wouldn’t care if she actually put on a little weight.”
Worst Line: “I know it was childish”
Personal Review:
A sweet MC romance between a heroic biker and a smart-mouthed slightly immature heroine
Random Ramblings:
•So she sleeps with him after barely meeting WITHOUT a condom??
•I liked how protective he was of her right from the beginning
•She seemed pretty young for a 25yr old
•Worst proposal ever…he was so blasé about it
•That scene had me in tears
•I kept wondering when she was going to go to the doctors
•I was difficult to follow the story at times because it kept jumping
•Loved how the hero grounded her
Overall Feeling:
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Cheyenne): 25yrs old
Hero (Sam): 32yrs old
Plot: 4/5
Grovel: none needed
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with babies
Triggers: none
Average score: 3.5/5
Best Line: “The last thing I cared about was her getting jiggly. I loved her body, and wouldn’t care if she actually put on a little weight.”
Worst Line: “I know it was childish”
Personal Review:
A sweet MC romance between a heroic biker and a smart-mouthed slightly immature heroine
Random Ramblings:
•So she sleeps with him after barely meeting WITHOUT a condom??
•I liked how protective he was of her right from the beginning
•She seemed pretty young for a 25yr old
•Worst proposal ever…he was so blasé about it
•That scene had me in tears
•I kept wondering when she was going to go to the doctors
•I was difficult to follow the story at times because it kept jumping
•Loved how the hero grounded her
Overall Feeling:
October 16, 2025
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
So this is where it all started. Sam had to grow on me. I like when the hero chases.. But he did come around and the fact he knew she was the one from the first moment was so amazing. I loved all the secondary characters and am so excited to get caught up on this series but really this was perfect timing since this book is how Luke was introduced. Single daddies... Oh yea hot. I want James book too. So glad I found this perfect alpha author. No other women drama no angsty relationship drama. Just sexy fun amazing times with characters you'd want to be friends with. Lani I adore you. Keep writing. Also it's so cool to read so many references to my area. Louisiana born and raised and all the cities that are in these books.. Are so familiar to me. Love it and am a Lani addict for sure.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
So this is where it all started. Sam had to grow on me. I like when the hero chases.. But he did come around and the fact he knew she was the one from the first moment was so amazing. I loved all the secondary characters and am so excited to get caught up on this series but really this was perfect timing since this book is how Luke was introduced. Single daddies... Oh yea hot. I want James book too. So glad I found this perfect alpha author. No other women drama no angsty relationship drama. Just sexy fun amazing times with characters you'd want to be friends with. Lani I adore you. Keep writing. Also it's so cool to read so many references to my area. Louisiana born and raised and all the cities that are in these books.. Are so familiar to me. Love it and am a Lani addict for sure.
February 17, 2016
***4.25 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. Sam was such a great hero. I loved him. I especially liked how as soon as he saw Cheyenne, he knew she was the one. I'm a big time fan of insta-love and this was right up my alley. I did get frustrated a little when they would go a week or so in between interactions in the beginning with neither willing to make the first move. Sam finally got his head out of his ass and went for it. It was great after that.
Cheyenne was such a great heroine. I was afraid I wasn't going to like her and she was going to be very immature. While, she did have some childish behavior, she grew on me and I really liked her. She was witty and funny without being obnoxious.
There were definitely some editing issues and I skipped over a lot of the mundane stuff such as Cheyenne getting ready, describing exactly what she was wearing down to her bra and panties and how she did her hair and what she was doing in the bathroom, etc. etc. That annoyed me a little but seemed to let up some about halfway through. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read Gabe's and Ember's story.
I really enjoyed this book. Sam was such a great hero. I loved him. I especially liked how as soon as he saw Cheyenne, he knew she was the one. I'm a big time fan of insta-love and this was right up my alley. I did get frustrated a little when they would go a week or so in between interactions in the beginning with neither willing to make the first move. Sam finally got his head out of his ass and went for it. It was great after that.
Cheyenne was such a great heroine. I was afraid I wasn't going to like her and she was going to be very immature. While, she did have some childish behavior, she grew on me and I really liked her. She was witty and funny without being obnoxious.
There were definitely some editing issues and I skipped over a lot of the mundane stuff such as Cheyenne getting ready, describing exactly what she was wearing down to her bra and panties and how she did her hair and what she was doing in the bathroom, etc. etc. That annoyed me a little but seemed to let up some about halfway through. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read Gabe's and Ember's story.
January 11, 2016
3.5 Stars
I'm not sure why it took me this long to read this series. I pretty much love everything this author writes. I enjoyed this one for the most part. The back and forth between the H/h for the first part of the book was a little annoying, but once they finally got together it was sweet.
I do think this book could use a good edit to tighten it up a bit. It dragged on in a few places, and really could have been 100, maybe 150 pages shorter.
I'll certainly give the next book a try!
Favorite quote... "Twinkle Twinkle Little Bitch...I want to throw you in a ditch."
I'm not sure why it took me this long to read this series. I pretty much love everything this author writes. I enjoyed this one for the most part. The back and forth between the H/h for the first part of the book was a little annoying, but once they finally got together it was sweet.
I do think this book could use a good edit to tighten it up a bit. It dragged on in a few places, and really could have been 100, maybe 150 pages shorter.
I'll certainly give the next book a try!
Favorite quote... "Twinkle Twinkle Little Bitch...I want to throw you in a ditch."
May 5, 2015
Free book from amazon. More 1.5 stars and I am trying to be constructive in my criticism, because this is clearly a new writer.
The Good
The premise is decent, the characters, as sketched out here, have good potential. And um.....did I mention it was free?
The Bad
Grammatical errors and typos are common in self-pubs, so I take that with a grain of salt with any new author. In this book, however, they were particularly bad and made reading it difficult. There is a desperate need for an editor to help with this story, if the desire is to continue on with a series.
The storytelling is very stilted. The H/h have an insta-love and not enough of an exploration as to how they came to fall in love, which made believing in the instant attraction impossible for me. One moment they are having a ONS (virginal 25 y.o. suddenly felt like giving it up to a stranger, no matter how hot he is, is stretching the bounds of believability), the next they are making blanket statements about the amazingness of their night together with no development. For a moment, I thought there would be scenes where they ran into each other around town, as a way to play out the fallout of this ONS. Instead, their next encounter happens very quickly with no build-up. And then it became all about "he/she is the one." I barely knew the characters, and hence, I really didn't believe they knew anything about each other.
To compound the problem, I would have expected a more stream-of-consciousness dialogue, however it comes off as much more stiff and stilted. There's discrepancies in the storyline that take you out of the story and make your mind drift as you try to read, or at least it did to me.
The Bottom Line
Definitely inspired by the rash of contemporary biker/military romances, this is a blend of both. I happen to like military romances and biker romances, so I thought this would be right up my alley. It just proves how hard it is to be a writer. And the importance of a good editor to help with the process.
Even if you have a good premise, it's all in the translation to the page, and this book simply falls short.
The Good
The premise is decent, the characters, as sketched out here, have good potential. And um.....did I mention it was free?
The Bad
Grammatical errors and typos are common in self-pubs, so I take that with a grain of salt with any new author. In this book, however, they were particularly bad and made reading it difficult. There is a desperate need for an editor to help with this story, if the desire is to continue on with a series.
The storytelling is very stilted. The H/h have an insta-love and not enough of an exploration as to how they came to fall in love, which made believing in the instant attraction impossible for me. One moment they are having a ONS (virginal 25 y.o. suddenly felt like giving it up to a stranger, no matter how hot he is, is stretching the bounds of believability), the next they are making blanket statements about the amazingness of their night together with no development. For a moment, I thought there would be scenes where they ran into each other around town, as a way to play out the fallout of this ONS. Instead, their next encounter happens very quickly with no build-up. And then it became all about "he/she is the one." I barely knew the characters, and hence, I really didn't believe they knew anything about each other.
To compound the problem, I would have expected a more stream-of-consciousness dialogue, however it comes off as much more stiff and stilted. There's discrepancies in the storyline that take you out of the story and make your mind drift as you try to read, or at least it did to me.
The Bottom Line
Definitely inspired by the rash of contemporary biker/military romances, this is a blend of both. I happen to like military romances and biker romances, so I thought this would be right up my alley. It just proves how hard it is to be a writer. And the importance of a good editor to help with the process.
Even if you have a good premise, it's all in the translation to the page, and this book simply falls short.
May 23, 2017
I was really disappointed in this book. I really hoped to like it, because of all of the recommendations but I DNF'd at around 45%. The writing was stilted and I couldn't connect to any of the characters. The insta-love aspect was bad enough, but the immediate condomless sex was a big turn-off for me. The h being a virgin and then being a sex goddess and liking it rough the first time she had sex was unbelievable and silly. She also acted more like a 13 yo than a 25 yo and needing to have everything her way was annoying. Her best friend even made a statement to the effect of "just let her do what she wants or she will throw a hissy-fit and never let you live it down." I couldn't take much more after that.
August 12, 2022
I loved this One!!!!!!!
I love Sam and I just need more of them together. I can't wait to read more and see where there lives lead.
I love Sam and I just need more of them together. I can't wait to read more and see where there lives lead.
August 1, 2018
This should probably only be three stars, but I gave it an extra star because I enjoyed it so much. I really felt the chemistry between Chey and Sam and the story moves along nicely never letting me get bored. Right from the get go I was hooked. Sam picks up Chey at the bar and they go off together without ever saying a word to each other. It was like they clicked so well there wasn't a need for words. I look forward to reading the next one.
June 15, 2019
Re read
Still really enjoyed. Sure the heroine is very young and a bit immature, but also not immature. I loved the hero Sam and know I will re read again!
Prior comments:
I enjoyed this. Sure it was a first novel, had editing issues and some choppy scenes and juvenile dialogue. But it was a fun story. I wish so much time had not passed in between meeting and getting together. It seemed a bit odd to me. But I liked Sam and Chey Chey.
Still really enjoyed. Sure the heroine is very young and a bit immature, but also not immature. I loved the hero Sam and know I will re read again!
Prior comments:
I enjoyed this. Sure it was a first novel, had editing issues and some choppy scenes and juvenile dialogue. But it was a fun story. I wish so much time had not passed in between meeting and getting together. It seemed a bit odd to me. But I liked Sam and Chey Chey.
March 1, 2022
3.5 stars.
I haven't read this author in several years. Starting back in, this book was good. The audio was decent. The heroine is a funny, but also kind of a twit. There is a some massive insta-love here (which we all know I'm always here for).
The smut also starts right off in the first chapter (which once again, I'm totally here for).
Here is where my review is coming into an issue. I should have wrote it before book 2. Why you ask?
Because some of the ridiculous stuff that happened in the first book seemed quirky and cute. I mean while I was listening to it, I even questioned why I wasn't getting annoyed, because it was stuff that would totally annoy me usually. Then I moved on to the 2nd book, and the same shit is happening and I have realized it does annoy the fuck out of me.
I want to tell you about it, but they are very obvious spoilers..... But I will say that the very obvious lack of common sense with these heroines is just too much for me.
I will still give this book a 3.5 rating, because during it I did enjoy it. But I'm not sure I can continue.
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
I haven't read this author in several years. Starting back in, this book was good. The audio was decent. The heroine is a funny, but also kind of a twit. There is a some massive insta-love here (which we all know I'm always here for).
The smut also starts right off in the first chapter (which once again, I'm totally here for).
Here is where my review is coming into an issue. I should have wrote it before book 2. Why you ask?
Because some of the ridiculous stuff that happened in the first book seemed quirky and cute. I mean while I was listening to it, I even questioned why I wasn't getting annoyed, because it was stuff that would totally annoy me usually. Then I moved on to the 2nd book, and the same shit is happening and I have realized it does annoy the fuck out of me.
I want to tell you about it, but they are very obvious spoilers..... But I will say that the very obvious lack of common sense with these heroines is just too much for me.
I will still give this book a 3.5 rating, because during it I did enjoy it. But I'm not sure I can continue.
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
December 17, 2020
Re-read!!
I'm starting from the 1st again!! If I was to write down every time iv re-read this book I would crash goodreads... Seriously it's my go to book.
Gahhhhh it's all to much excitement.
This is forever my favourite book from Lani. One because it's the very first book I ever read of hers and also because Sam and Cheyenne just make me feel all the feels.
This one is special because this book specifically, like this literal book truly made me fall in love with romance novels. It also shaped my likes and dislikes in what I read. Now I'm back here years down the line writing a review for this book(I never used to write reviews I was just a serial reader), for a author I have loved since the second I first read Boomtown and every other book she's ever released since and this one is still my OG favourite.
Sam is the ultimate hero. He's the one I judge every other book hero by. He's dominant, stubborn and so fucking pushy the man will test the patience of a Saint. Lord Jesus is he sinful to your senses. He can be so sweet, the loyalist man you'll ever have on your side. He fights for those he loves and he protects what's his. This man is hard to live up to I swear. Even when I didn't like things he did or choices he made.
Cheyenne is the best heroine ever. If I was to describe what my perfect lead female in a book would be.. it's her. Strong, loyal, sweet, sassy and at times emotionally unstable. She's just so darn relatable. She isn't perfect and she doesn't try to be. She at times acts like a crazy bitch and I loved her for it. She can't help but say the wrong thing some times and it cracked me up. Her relationship with Ember is best friend goals and if there was ever a book I could jump into for a day... it's this just to be apart of their double trouble.
Their journey quite literally starts off with a bang and doesn't slow there. When I say the chemistry is fire!!!!. Lani can write a sex scene like no other. I loved that they took work and there was some push and pull between them at first. Two very dominant characters were bound clash at every corner and they did. But it didn't feel like drama it was more like foreplay for them. That build up of tension only pushed their explosive connection higher until they were both powerless to fight it.
The characters of it all. I love me strong side characters that play big parts in a book. The kind of characters you want to know more about. Well this has that and then some. I was so invested in every character and the hilarious dynamics between them all. The whole dysfunctional as all holy hell but you wouldn't change them for the world family vibe is my thing for sure.
This is the kind of book that emotionally sucker punches you out of nowhere. You've been warned. It had me feeling like I was having a damn breakdown throughout. One minute I was crying laughing and the next I was legit sobbing and cursing Lani for being so damn evil. I was shookith to the max.
I loved the pace of the story and the growth of both characters. Their journey is by no means easy and they really did have to work for a HEA. Its action packed, suspenseful, heart wrenching, hilarious and steamy as hell. I laughed, cried, ranted and raved along the way completely consumed in them and their journey. The fact that I'm coming back years later and still feeling the same as the first time I read is a testimony to the kind of book this is. It's just that fucking great to me.
I'm starting from the 1st again!! If I was to write down every time iv re-read this book I would crash goodreads... Seriously it's my go to book.
Gahhhhh it's all to much excitement.
This is forever my favourite book from Lani. One because it's the very first book I ever read of hers and also because Sam and Cheyenne just make me feel all the feels.
This one is special because this book specifically, like this literal book truly made me fall in love with romance novels. It also shaped my likes and dislikes in what I read. Now I'm back here years down the line writing a review for this book(I never used to write reviews I was just a serial reader), for a author I have loved since the second I first read Boomtown and every other book she's ever released since and this one is still my OG favourite.
Sam is the ultimate hero. He's the one I judge every other book hero by. He's dominant, stubborn and so fucking pushy the man will test the patience of a Saint. Lord Jesus is he sinful to your senses. He can be so sweet, the loyalist man you'll ever have on your side. He fights for those he loves and he protects what's his. This man is hard to live up to I swear. Even when I didn't like things he did or choices he made.
Cheyenne is the best heroine ever. If I was to describe what my perfect lead female in a book would be.. it's her. Strong, loyal, sweet, sassy and at times emotionally unstable. She's just so darn relatable. She isn't perfect and she doesn't try to be. She at times acts like a crazy bitch and I loved her for it. She can't help but say the wrong thing some times and it cracked me up. Her relationship with Ember is best friend goals and if there was ever a book I could jump into for a day... it's this just to be apart of their double trouble.
Their journey quite literally starts off with a bang and doesn't slow there. When I say the chemistry is fire!!!!. Lani can write a sex scene like no other. I loved that they took work and there was some push and pull between them at first. Two very dominant characters were bound clash at every corner and they did. But it didn't feel like drama it was more like foreplay for them. That build up of tension only pushed their explosive connection higher until they were both powerless to fight it.
The characters of it all. I love me strong side characters that play big parts in a book. The kind of characters you want to know more about. Well this has that and then some. I was so invested in every character and the hilarious dynamics between them all. The whole dysfunctional as all holy hell but you wouldn't change them for the world family vibe is my thing for sure.
This is the kind of book that emotionally sucker punches you out of nowhere. You've been warned. It had me feeling like I was having a damn breakdown throughout. One minute I was crying laughing and the next I was legit sobbing and cursing Lani for being so damn evil. I was shookith to the max.
I loved the pace of the story and the growth of both characters. Their journey is by no means easy and they really did have to work for a HEA. Its action packed, suspenseful, heart wrenching, hilarious and steamy as hell. I laughed, cried, ranted and raved along the way completely consumed in them and their journey. The fact that I'm coming back years later and still feeling the same as the first time I read is a testimony to the kind of book this is. It's just that fucking great to me.
March 27, 2023
==> Re-read Abril 01, 2016
==> Read from January 11 to 12, 2014
Resenha em português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
Gostei do livro inicial desta série.
Começa com a história do Sam e da Chey. Os dois se conhecem em um bar no dia do aniversário dela. Eles sentem uma atração irresistível e ela decide que é ele que vai tirar a virgindade dela.
A partir dali os dois começam um jogo de gato e rato, nenhum dos dois querendo dar o primeiro passo.
Mas um perigo espreita todos integrantes do grupo militar que eles pertenciam e Chey está em perigo.
Várias ameaças e situações de perigo fazem Sam tomar posição e reclamar ela como dele.
A história mescla cenas de suspense com cenas bem quentes de sexo, mas tem toda uma história se formando, achei muito legal.
Todos os personagens são muito interessantes e estou louca para ler os próximos livros da série.
Recomendo!
--------------------------------
I liked the initial book in this series.
Begins with the story of Sam and Chey. The two met in a bar on her birthday. They feel an irresistible attraction, and she decides that it is he who will take her virginity.
From there the two begin a cat-and-mouse game, neither wanting to make the first move.
But a danger lurks all members of the military group that they belonged and Chey are in danger.
Various threats and dangerous situations do Sam take a stand and claim her as his.
The story combines suspense scenes with hot sex scenes, but there's a whole story forming, very cool.
All the characters are very interesting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Recommend!
==> Read from January 11 to 12, 2014
Resenha em português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
Gostei do livro inicial desta série.
Começa com a história do Sam e da Chey. Os dois se conhecem em um bar no dia do aniversário dela. Eles sentem uma atração irresistível e ela decide que é ele que vai tirar a virgindade dela.
A partir dali os dois começam um jogo de gato e rato, nenhum dos dois querendo dar o primeiro passo.
Mas um perigo espreita todos integrantes do grupo militar que eles pertenciam e Chey está em perigo.
Várias ameaças e situações de perigo fazem Sam tomar posição e reclamar ela como dele.
A história mescla cenas de suspense com cenas bem quentes de sexo, mas tem toda uma história se formando, achei muito legal.
Todos os personagens são muito interessantes e estou louca para ler os próximos livros da série.
Recomendo!
--------------------------------
I liked the initial book in this series.
Begins with the story of Sam and Chey. The two met in a bar on her birthday. They feel an irresistible attraction, and she decides that it is he who will take her virginity.
From there the two begin a cat-and-mouse game, neither wanting to make the first move.
But a danger lurks all members of the military group that they belonged and Chey are in danger.
Various threats and dangerous situations do Sam take a stand and claim her as his.
The story combines suspense scenes with hot sex scenes, but there's a whole story forming, very cool.
All the characters are very interesting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Recommend!
June 23, 2015
Great story
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were lovable and funny. There were motorbikes in this story without all the MC bad stuff which was nice for a change. Plenty of sexy bits that I loved and I especially liked that Sam determined early that she was it for him.
Will definitely be reading more from this author. Lost one star for the spelling and grammar mistakes.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were lovable and funny. There were motorbikes in this story without all the MC bad stuff which was nice for a change. Plenty of sexy bits that I loved and I especially liked that Sam determined early that she was it for him.
Will definitely be reading more from this author. Lost one star for the spelling and grammar mistakes.
February 17, 2015
Sam & Chey were too cute!!
February 5, 2016
Re-read
March 23, 2023
"Take me down to the Paradise City where the grass is green and the girls are pretty. Oh, won't you please take me home?" -Guns N’ Roses & Sam Black (probably)
Welcome to Kilgore: a medium-sized suburban town in Eastern Texas where a group of ex-Army Rangers have set up an auto/motorcycle repair shop that does some crazy custom work. That's just a front, though, for their real business: helping women in need get away from abusive situations. "Free" gets the job done, and the men of Free are total hunks and bada$&es. They ride motorcycles, live in a compound, and don't give a flying flip.
This concept is Lani Lynn Vale's first series, the Freebirds Series, and Boomtown is her very first book. Yes, it definitely feels like a first book, which I will get into later in this review. However, it's still good reading and is a lot of fun. I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you start here if you decide to start reading LLV. All of her books and series are interconnected (except for a small handful). You can technically read any one of them as a standalone, but you really don't want to because you won't get the subtly or the deeper feel for a lot of the characters (or some of the fun inside jokes). You don't want to miss that, do you? I think not.
This is the story of Samuel Cash "Sam" Mackenzie and Cheyenne Rene "Chey Chey" Allen. Sam is the strong, silent type while Cheyenne is the exact opposite: opinionated, funny with a slight touch of immaturity. They meet in a bar when Cheyenne goes out for a pity part on her birthday alone because all of her peeps are busy. Sam immediately spots her and knows that she is his. She leaves with him on his motorcycle, and they do the deed (without even learning each other's names). After a game of "I'm not going to call you because you should call me," they finally get together but realize that there's more danger than just figuring out their hastily started relationship.
Sam can be a bit overbearing and stubborn at times, but overall, he bends over backward to make sure that Cheyenne is taken care of. His weird attitude at the beginning also dissipates toward the end as well. I WILL say that he was TERRIBLE in Texas Tornado to a particular person (not Cheyenne), and I'm still mad at him about that. Hah. Cheyennne is definitely fun, but she can be a bit much at certain times when she's with Ember. Sometimes they are hilarious, other times, I'm just not so sure. In some cases with Sam, I feel like she's being a little overboard with her reactions, but these times are few and far between. I did love the chemistry between the characters. Because of the drastic difference in personalities, they just kind of...fit together.
There are a few issues with the book, one of them being the editing. I read and own the revised version, but I heard the original was terribly edited. To be honest, I still found typos in the revised version, so it does still need some work. It's definitely readable and enjoyable, though, and being honest, if it's readable, I'm not picky, especially with authors who started out as super small time indies. The chemistry and sex scenes were decent in this book, but LLV has way improved over he many books that this one pales in comparison with her others. If this is your first LLV book, please stick with her, she's amazing and has shot up to be one of my favorite authors. Her storylines, romances, and characterizations get a lot more complex. Boomtown just happens to be so important because it's got SO MUCH set up for a lot that goes on.
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
Welcome to Kilgore: a medium-sized suburban town in Eastern Texas where a group of ex-Army Rangers have set up an auto/motorcycle repair shop that does some crazy custom work. That's just a front, though, for their real business: helping women in need get away from abusive situations. "Free" gets the job done, and the men of Free are total hunks and bada$&es. They ride motorcycles, live in a compound, and don't give a flying flip.
This concept is Lani Lynn Vale's first series, the Freebirds Series, and Boomtown is her very first book. Yes, it definitely feels like a first book, which I will get into later in this review. However, it's still good reading and is a lot of fun. I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you start here if you decide to start reading LLV. All of her books and series are interconnected (except for a small handful). You can technically read any one of them as a standalone, but you really don't want to because you won't get the subtly or the deeper feel for a lot of the characters (or some of the fun inside jokes). You don't want to miss that, do you? I think not.
Things to Know:
General
-Do You Need to Read Other Books? No. This is LLV's First book of her first series. This is the best starting spot.
-Romance type: Insta-love
Our Male Lead: Samuel Cash "Sam" Mackenzie
(Sam's middle name, Cash, is a nod to the country singer, Johnny Cash, though this is not mentioned in this book.)
-OW? Yes. Leah Waters (see Spoilers for more details)
-Besties: The guys of Free and Dougie, from Free's Army Ranger team
-From: Originally from "up North." Sam moved a lot as a kid and is now a Kilgore resident, living in a "compound" with the rest of the guys of Free.
-Jobs: Graduated top of class, Army Airborne. Then he went onto RIP (Ranger Assessment), Ranger school, and was an Army Ranger. He was the Leader and Captain of the "Free" Team in Afghanistan (Sam, Gabe, Max, Jack, James, Elliott, Dougie, Justin, and Malcolm). He also has a college degree. Afterward, he became a mechanic for Free and a secret abused women helper.
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, Last Day of My Life, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance, Lights To My Siren, Halligan to My Axe, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Leslie, lives in Dallas with new husband, Jon, who is captain of a SWAT team. Sam claims she was abused by his real father. He also has a grandmother who set up a trust fund for him, which is how he paid for a lot of the Free Compound. (See Spoilers for more on Leslie.)
-Father: Just go to the Spoilers. I can't say anything here.
-Siblings: Again, see Spoilers.
Our Female Lead: Cheyenne Rene "Chey Chey" Allen
-OM? No.
-Bestie: Ember Tremaine; her brother, Max Tremaine, is besties with the Free guys, including Sam, but for some reason, Cheyenne doesn't know this at the beginning of the story.
-From: Kilgore, Texas (as far as I can tell)
-Jobs: Cheyenne started at Napa Auto Parts while going to Kilgore's college part-time. Then she eventually became a nurse in later books.
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, Last Day of My Life, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance
-Mother: Dana Allen, a nurse. (See Spoilers for more.)
-Father: Cheyenne's father died when she was a baby.
-Sibling: James "Scope" Allen is Cheyenne's brother. As stated previously, he is also besties with Sam as well as the rest of the guys at Free. Cheyenne took care of James' daughter, Janie, while he was deployed. Janie's mom signed her rights away but does pop up in the series.
-Pet: Chewy, an English Mastiff
Free...the Maybe MC
-Free is not technically an offical "club." However, they do participate in different events throughout the LLVerse and have even been called an "unofficial club." Whatever they are, they are awesome.
-Members: Sam Mackenzie, Gabe Maldonado, Max Tremaine, Jack Stoker, James Allen, Elliott Masters
-Free helps women escape abusive situations on the down-low. It's super secret, though, and uses the men's military skills to help.
This is the story of Samuel Cash "Sam" Mackenzie and Cheyenne Rene "Chey Chey" Allen. Sam is the strong, silent type while Cheyenne is the exact opposite: opinionated, funny with a slight touch of immaturity. They meet in a bar when Cheyenne goes out for a pity part on her birthday alone because all of her peeps are busy. Sam immediately spots her and knows that she is his. She leaves with him on his motorcycle, and they do the deed (without even learning each other's names). After a game of "I'm not going to call you because you should call me," they finally get together but realize that there's more danger than just figuring out their hastily started relationship.
Sam can be a bit overbearing and stubborn at times, but overall, he bends over backward to make sure that Cheyenne is taken care of. His weird attitude at the beginning also dissipates toward the end as well. I WILL say that he was TERRIBLE in Texas Tornado to a particular person (not Cheyenne), and I'm still mad at him about that. Hah. Cheyennne is definitely fun, but she can be a bit much at certain times when she's with Ember. Sometimes they are hilarious, other times, I'm just not so sure. In some cases with Sam, I feel like she's being a little overboard with her reactions, but these times are few and far between. I did love the chemistry between the characters. Because of the drastic difference in personalities, they just kind of...fit together.
There are a few issues with the book, one of them being the editing. I read and own the revised version, but I heard the original was terribly edited. To be honest, I still found typos in the revised version, so it does still need some work. It's definitely readable and enjoyable, though, and being honest, if it's readable, I'm not picky, especially with authors who started out as super small time indies. The chemistry and sex scenes were decent in this book, but LLV has way improved over he many books that this one pales in comparison with her others. If this is your first LLV book, please stick with her, she's amazing and has shot up to be one of my favorite authors. Her storylines, romances, and characterizations get a lot more complex. Boomtown just happens to be so important because it's got SO MUCH set up for a lot that goes on.
Audiobook Note:
-This book is read by Mason Lloyd and Stephanie Rose, both of whom are amazing.
-Mason has a bit of a southern twang going on and has read many of LLV's audiobooks, including this series, most in the Heroes of the Dixie Wardens, The Dixie Warden Rejects, the Uncertain Saints MC Series, most of the Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, the Hail Raisers Series, the the I Like Big Dragons Series (one of the completely standalone series I was talking about), and the There's No Crying in Baseball Series.
-Stephanie has read this series and then has been here and there in many books, including ones like Put Out, Kitty Kitty, Joke's on You, Ain't Doin' It, and Center Mass...Plus, many, many others that are so all over the place in LLV's series that I'm not going to list them.
-The production, as always, was wonderfully done, and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
August 2, 2020
This was a pretty good read and my first time reading this author. Cheyenne decides she needs a pity party for one so she goes to a bar to have a beer she has no plans to pick anyone up just wants to have a drink but then she meets Sam. She is upset because it's her birthday and she is still a virgin. Cheyenne goes home with Sam and the next morning she isn't sure what to do with him. Sam knows that she is the one but he knows that he has to give her time to get to know him. This was a good read with ups and downs in it. This book was well written this was the updated version of this book as I understand that the first book has a few errors in it. This was the first book in this series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 19, 2023
UPDATE below.
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. No doubt in my mind that I'm insane.
I think this is the 3rd or 4th Lani Lynn book I've listened to, and they are all equally bad, yet hilariously ridiculous.
Cheyenne (virgin, college student, dumb as f*ck) is alone on her birthday and decides to go to a bar and have a drink. Hot Sam sits beside her and buys her a drink. Then he says, "let's get out of here." and they go back to his place where he takes her virginity... after which she tells him her name. AFTER THEY F*CKED. LOL I was dead right then. But let's roll with it.
So, then a week goes by without either one of them calling/texting the other. She sees him at a bar again, where he tells her, "you never texted." instead of replying, "well neither did you mofo", she takes him to the restroom and gives him a BJ and then leaves. Um ok that made sense. Another week goes by and she ends up at his place of work. Again - they don't really speak. Anyway - after about a month of no talking, he asks her brother for her hand in marriage. I'm like what the actual f*ck is happening here?! I mean they haven't spoken more than a few sentences to each other. I'm all for insta-love because we've got to cram it in so we can get on with the story, but come on!!! I at least need to believe the two people can love each other. Anyway, there's some other drama that happens but I guess if you still want to read you can.
One super hilarious thing. She literally says to herself "I don't know this man. I'm not going to let him hold her" referring to her niece. One second later he tells her he can take the child to his shop and he'll watch her until she can pick her up. She's like ok great. So, you're telling me he's too much of a stranger to pick her up and hold her but not so much that he can still babysit her?? That's the kind of nonsense this book is filled with.
update I didn't like Sam or Cheyenne in this book. Now that I'm finally reading Texas Tornado with Sam's sister, I hate them even more. They are both such douches. Literally can't stand either of them.
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. No doubt in my mind that I'm insane.
I think this is the 3rd or 4th Lani Lynn book I've listened to, and they are all equally bad, yet hilariously ridiculous.
Cheyenne (virgin, college student, dumb as f*ck) is alone on her birthday and decides to go to a bar and have a drink. Hot Sam sits beside her and buys her a drink. Then he says, "let's get out of here." and they go back to his place where he takes her virginity... after which she tells him her name. AFTER THEY F*CKED. LOL I was dead right then. But let's roll with it.
So, then a week goes by without either one of them calling/texting the other. She sees him at a bar again, where he tells her, "you never texted." instead of replying, "well neither did you mofo", she takes him to the restroom and gives him a BJ and then leaves. Um ok that made sense. Another week goes by and she ends up at his place of work. Again - they don't really speak. Anyway - after about a month of no talking, he asks her brother for her hand in marriage. I'm like what the actual f*ck is happening here?! I mean they haven't spoken more than a few sentences to each other. I'm all for insta-love because we've got to cram it in so we can get on with the story, but come on!!! I at least need to believe the two people can love each other. Anyway, there's some other drama that happens but I guess if you still want to read you can.
One super hilarious thing. She literally says to herself "I don't know this man. I'm not going to let him hold her" referring to her niece. One second later he tells her he can take the child to his shop and he'll watch her until she can pick her up. She's like ok great. So, you're telling me he's too much of a stranger to pick her up and hold her but not so much that he can still babysit her?? That's the kind of nonsense this book is filled with.
update I didn't like Sam or Cheyenne in this book. Now that I'm finally reading Texas Tornado with Sam's sister, I hate them even more. They are both such douches. Literally can't stand either of them.
April 23, 2014
Cheyenne has her hands full, a job, college, and a niece she takes care of till her brother comes home from over sea's. Feeling lonely Cheyenne decides instead of staying in on her birthday to go out even if it's all by herself. Having a nice time Cheyenne see's Sam walk in. He is like no man she has ever scene and when he comes over to her she can't deny the attraction. When Sam see's Cheyenne he knows right away that she will be his and he does what he has to to make sure she is.
After a night together Cheyenne doesn't hear back from Sam, disappointed but also not that surprised Cheyenne lives her life till she has to make a delivery for work at Sam's compound. Seeing Sam again is just like the first time and when he asks why she didn't call she is surprised. Sam has never had to chase a woman but when she doesn't call him he knows he can't stay away any longer.
When Cheyenne gets a threatening letter in her truck she goes to the compound for help, soon both Sam and Cheyenne realize they have a connection they never knew they had and with the threads continuing Sam will do anything to keep Cheyenne safe. When the danger escalates and Sam and Cheyenne fall in love Sam knows he will anything he has to to keep Cheyenne safe so that they can have a happy ending.
I really liked this book, it was fun and really well written, I do think some of it **SPOILERS** Cheyenne meeting Sam and then giving him her virginity that night **END SPOILER**were out of character but not enough to take away from the story. Sam was a great hero, I loved watching him learn that he would have to work for Cheyenne instead of having her fall all over him like the other woman in his past did. I also really liked the full circle not only this story but Sam and Cheyenne's relationship took. This is definatly a series that I will continue with, I can't wait to see what happens next in this series and to learn more about the other characters. I got this book when it was offered free on Amazon but I would gladly pay for this book because it was worth it.
After a night together Cheyenne doesn't hear back from Sam, disappointed but also not that surprised Cheyenne lives her life till she has to make a delivery for work at Sam's compound. Seeing Sam again is just like the first time and when he asks why she didn't call she is surprised. Sam has never had to chase a woman but when she doesn't call him he knows he can't stay away any longer.
When Cheyenne gets a threatening letter in her truck she goes to the compound for help, soon both Sam and Cheyenne realize they have a connection they never knew they had and with the threads continuing Sam will do anything to keep Cheyenne safe. When the danger escalates and Sam and Cheyenne fall in love Sam knows he will anything he has to to keep Cheyenne safe so that they can have a happy ending.
I really liked this book, it was fun and really well written, I do think some of it **SPOILERS** Cheyenne meeting Sam and then giving him her virginity that night **END SPOILER**were out of character but not enough to take away from the story. Sam was a great hero, I loved watching him learn that he would have to work for Cheyenne instead of having her fall all over him like the other woman in his past did. I also really liked the full circle not only this story but Sam and Cheyenne's relationship took. This is definatly a series that I will continue with, I can't wait to see what happens next in this series and to learn more about the other characters. I got this book when it was offered free on Amazon but I would gladly pay for this book because it was worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews