What do you think?
Rate this book
Blacktop Cowboys #7
Wrapped and Strapped
In the new Blacktop Cowboys® Novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hillbilly Rockstar strange bedfellows find common ground after the lights go down…
Flower child, vegetarian and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff and strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she’s nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he’s had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered trouble-maker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they’re forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
Flower child, vegetarian and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff and strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she’s nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he’s had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered trouble-maker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they’re forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
157 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,331 followersLorelei James is New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary erotic westerns and erotic romances. She lives in western South Dakota.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 3, 2016
Harlow has been involved in humanitarian operations for most of her life, having an inherent need to help people. Most just write it off as a guilt reaction to being the daughter of a very wealthy man, but it goes so much deeper for Harlow than that. However, three years ago she took some time off to spend the summer with her pregnant sister, Tierney, at Split Rock Ranch, and met a sexy and very broody cowboy, Hugh. Unfortunately, their relationship didn’t end well and Hugh broke her heart. She doesn’t look forward to seeing him again, but that can’t be helped when her father suffers a heart attack and decides to recover at the Ranch with his daughters.
Hugh knows he screwed up big time with Harlow three years earlier. After a bitter divorce, he was plagued by cold feet and fear, and he let that creep into his feelings for Harlow. Now that Harlow has returned, he’s determined to show her just how much she means to him. What he doesn’t know is that in addition to being angry and hurt by him, Harlow’s also dealing with the nightmare she went through on her last mission.
I love me a sexy cowboy, and Hugh fit that bill perfectly! Well, present day Hugh did, anyway. The story is told with flashbacks to the past so we know exactly what went down, and he definitely deserved Harlow’s anger. The present Hugh doesn’t let his bitter divorce guide his actions anymore. He’s a passionate, protective and supportive man, everything Harlow needs and deserves. While Harlow was angry, it’s not long before their mutual intense attraction, and Hugh’s groveling, override her will to stay away from him. Please take note men: Never underestimate the power of groveling!
Harlow was sweet and a naturally nurturing person. She gets flack and snap judgments from people when they hear about her humanitarian endeavors, especially when they find out she comes from a rich family, and it was really unfair. Even her sister and father were condescending over her choices, so I was happy they got some time together to sort out all of that out. Her relationship with her father is rocky at best, but a healing and understanding take place with their time at Split Rock Ranch. When I discovered what Harlow’s father did to get her out of the nightmare situation she was stuck in on her last mission, I couldn’t help but soften my feelings for the man.
There were some fun times and a lot of them involved the Mud Lilies, a group of hot-to-trotolder mature women. These women were a riot from their fashion choices to their impulse control, and use of firearms.
“Reenact William Tell with a cantaloupe and a forty-five, just one time, and everyone looks at you sideways. It’s not fair,” Vivien complained. “It wasn’t like I missed.”
Wrapped and Strapped was a second chance romance at its best: steamy and hot, but so much more. While Harlow and Hugh worked through their past, there were a lot of deep emotions unearthed. They connected, and grew as friends in the past, but Hugh’s hang-ups always got in the way. I enjoyed seeing the change from the past to present and they grew closer even still as they spent long hours working and sleeping together.
A copy was kindly provided by Signet in exchange for an honest review.
Hugh knows he screwed up big time with Harlow three years earlier. After a bitter divorce, he was plagued by cold feet and fear, and he let that creep into his feelings for Harlow. Now that Harlow has returned, he’s determined to show her just how much she means to him. What he doesn’t know is that in addition to being angry and hurt by him, Harlow’s also dealing with the nightmare she went through on her last mission.
I love me a sexy cowboy, and Hugh fit that bill perfectly! Well, present day Hugh did, anyway. The story is told with flashbacks to the past so we know exactly what went down, and he definitely deserved Harlow’s anger. The present Hugh doesn’t let his bitter divorce guide his actions anymore. He’s a passionate, protective and supportive man, everything Harlow needs and deserves. While Harlow was angry, it’s not long before their mutual intense attraction, and Hugh’s groveling, override her will to stay away from him. Please take note men: Never underestimate the power of groveling!
Harlow was sweet and a naturally nurturing person. She gets flack and snap judgments from people when they hear about her humanitarian endeavors, especially when they find out she comes from a rich family, and it was really unfair. Even her sister and father were condescending over her choices, so I was happy they got some time together to sort out all of that out. Her relationship with her father is rocky at best, but a healing and understanding take place with their time at Split Rock Ranch. When I discovered what Harlow’s father did to get her out of the nightmare situation she was stuck in on her last mission, I couldn’t help but soften my feelings for the man.
There were some fun times and a lot of them involved the Mud Lilies, a group of hot-to-trot
“Reenact William Tell with a cantaloupe and a forty-five, just one time, and everyone looks at you sideways. It’s not fair,” Vivien complained. “It wasn’t like I missed.”
Wrapped and Strapped was a second chance romance at its best: steamy and hot, but so much more. While Harlow and Hugh worked through their past, there were a lot of deep emotions unearthed. They connected, and grew as friends in the past, but Hugh’s hang-ups always got in the way. I enjoyed seeing the change from the past to present and they grew closer even still as they spent long hours working and sleeping together.
A copy was kindly provided by Signet in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
I was very much anticipating this book so much so that I worried it might not live up to my purestdelightawardexpectations, but in true Lorelei James form she quite frankly managed to blow me away with this engrossing tale of two very different people with two seemingly different lifestyles converging into one difficult, perplexing, sexy and satisfying romance. Wrapped and Strapped is everything I've come to expect with this author; a strong hero with a heart of gold, a feisty heroine, lots of fun and interesting secondary characters, a complicated plot and a love that knows no bounds.
From the minute Hugh Pritchett was introduced in this series, I was curious about him. His rough appearance, his gruff almost mean attitude and his obvious back off vibe made me want to know more than the fact he went through a rough divorce. Throughout this series, we've seen him change quite a bit, but he remained a pretty big mystery until this book where we got a very good look at Hugh's life before the Spilt Rock Ranch and since he moved to Wyoming. I loved seeing he had a great sense of humor, that he wasn't afraid to take chances and that when he wanted something badly enough he went after it with his whole heart whether it was personal or business. On top of that we was Hugh was observant and despite a long dry spell he was an inventive and caring lover.
I'll admit when Harlow Pratt first came on the scene I didn't like her all that much, but as time went on it was evident that Harlow was a master at letting people think what they wanted to think about her and she pretended not to give a damn. I was a bit shocked at how fragile Harlow really was and not just due to an incident that happened from the time she left Wyoming to the time she returned three years later. Growing up the way she did and never really feeling close to anyone other than her sister (and even that was a tenuous at best), Harlow had a very hard time accepting help, expressing her emotions and truly letting someone see all sides of her. She can be outspoken and sassy but in all honesty that is a mask she wears to hide her real self.
Hugh and Harlow have history and when she is forced to leave her life in California and head to Denver to care for her father, she finds she has to deal with Hugh right off the bat. I give Hugh a lot of credit for apologizing for past mistakes, for letting Harlow say her piece and for not giving up. Honestly I was impressed with Hugh's dedication to making Harlow understand that he wasn't going anywhere. While there was heat between these two it was on a low simmer and it just kept getting hotter with each exchange and every touch and conversation. Lord did these two talk about anything and everything and I appreciated it because we really got a good feel for both of these characters and the baggage they brought to the relationship. That being said, just because they talked didn't mean they didn't boink like bunnies because holy smokes did these two burn up every surface everywhere they went. They were both making up for lost time and I can truly say not only were they satisfied; it was pretty damn satisfying to the reader as well.
I truly appreciated how these two had each other's back when they needed it and I'm sure Harlow would say even when she didn't need it. But the fact remains, there was a bond between them that was strong and even when neither one was sure where their relationship was going or for how long; they really were a cohesive unit. Their journey was not an easy one and along the way events, people and life got in the way but I was impressed with the way they both handled not only the situations but each other.
More than any other book in this series, Wrapped and Strapped was a full out hard look at life; accepting the past and moving forward, second chances, learning from mistakes, embracing new experiences, trusting one another fully and most of all giving in and accepting love and Lorelei James has once again proved why her fans wait not so patiently for each and every release.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I was very much anticipating this book so much so that I worried it might not live up to my purestdelightawardexpectations, but in true Lorelei James form she quite frankly managed to blow me away with this engrossing tale of two very different people with two seemingly different lifestyles converging into one difficult, perplexing, sexy and satisfying romance. Wrapped and Strapped is everything I've come to expect with this author; a strong hero with a heart of gold, a feisty heroine, lots of fun and interesting secondary characters, a complicated plot and a love that knows no bounds.
From the minute Hugh Pritchett was introduced in this series, I was curious about him. His rough appearance, his gruff almost mean attitude and his obvious back off vibe made me want to know more than the fact he went through a rough divorce. Throughout this series, we've seen him change quite a bit, but he remained a pretty big mystery until this book where we got a very good look at Hugh's life before the Spilt Rock Ranch and since he moved to Wyoming. I loved seeing he had a great sense of humor, that he wasn't afraid to take chances and that when he wanted something badly enough he went after it with his whole heart whether it was personal or business. On top of that we was Hugh was observant and despite a long dry spell he was an inventive and caring lover.
I'll admit when Harlow Pratt first came on the scene I didn't like her all that much, but as time went on it was evident that Harlow was a master at letting people think what they wanted to think about her and she pretended not to give a damn. I was a bit shocked at how fragile Harlow really was and not just due to an incident that happened from the time she left Wyoming to the time she returned three years later. Growing up the way she did and never really feeling close to anyone other than her sister (and even that was a tenuous at best), Harlow had a very hard time accepting help, expressing her emotions and truly letting someone see all sides of her. She can be outspoken and sassy but in all honesty that is a mask she wears to hide her real self.
Hugh and Harlow have history and when she is forced to leave her life in California and head to Denver to care for her father, she finds she has to deal with Hugh right off the bat. I give Hugh a lot of credit for apologizing for past mistakes, for letting Harlow say her piece and for not giving up. Honestly I was impressed with Hugh's dedication to making Harlow understand that he wasn't going anywhere. While there was heat between these two it was on a low simmer and it just kept getting hotter with each exchange and every touch and conversation. Lord did these two talk about anything and everything and I appreciated it because we really got a good feel for both of these characters and the baggage they brought to the relationship. That being said, just because they talked didn't mean they didn't boink like bunnies because holy smokes did these two burn up every surface everywhere they went. They were both making up for lost time and I can truly say not only were they satisfied; it was pretty damn satisfying to the reader as well.
I truly appreciated how these two had each other's back when they needed it and I'm sure Harlow would say even when she didn't need it. But the fact remains, there was a bond between them that was strong and even when neither one was sure where their relationship was going or for how long; they really were a cohesive unit. Their journey was not an easy one and along the way events, people and life got in the way but I was impressed with the way they both handled not only the situations but each other.
More than any other book in this series, Wrapped and Strapped was a full out hard look at life; accepting the past and moving forward, second chances, learning from mistakes, embracing new experiences, trusting one another fully and most of all giving in and accepting love and Lorelei James has once again proved why her fans wait not so patiently for each and every release.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 9, 2015
I had an oddly disconnected feeling for most of this book. It was a combo of three things:
1. It requires intimate knowledge of the back story for the secondary characters who take up a great deal of plot and page space. I read the other books in the series, but it was a while ago. They are not fully alive to me anymore, but the author is assuming they are, and is assuming I have more interest in them than I do. I prefer a book series that is more Movie Of The Week style, with a focus on the new romance. This is more of a continuing episodic TV show where the story as a whole continues for all ongoing characters.
2. Much of the plot takes place in ways that are not fully present - for example we never even meet the bad guy, we are just told about him while he remains firmly offstage. We hear the two lovers telling each other about their past histories at length, but there is less detail about the present aside from sex (which I began to skip over, too much of that in relation to actual relationship.) Plus there are some flashbacks, which is my least favorite story-telling tactic. So, there's a lot of explaining, but little actual showing.
3. The ending felt rushed. And several of the scenes during their time on the road were oddly emphasized. For example there's a whole bunch of detail about an incredibly improbable erotic drinking fiesta cattle women indulge in. But there's close to zero detail about the actual work that everyone does for 10 hours a day while on the road. Here we have a vegetarian woman with zero relevant experience of rodeos or cattle work, who has spent the majority of her life overseas, and instead of seeing her reaction to dealing with the American heartland, we get details of the shots she's doing with girlfriends when they party.
I just feel like this book as a whole needs to be pared editorially down to its bones, with all this extraneous stuff removed - from the drinking to the plot moppet crap with the kids to all the secondary characters, from distant fathers to unloving ex wives... And then put together again as a real focused story with true thought. I think it would be a very different book if done properly. Right now, it's a hot mess.
Oh, and I'm having trouble buying that the 6 foot 3 inch tall hero was 70 pounds overweight for a few years in his 20s. Men like that who are tall and do physical labor for a living are skinny wth great metabolisms in their early 20s...and it would take way more than a handful of years on the road eating badly to gain that amount of weight.
1. It requires intimate knowledge of the back story for the secondary characters who take up a great deal of plot and page space. I read the other books in the series, but it was a while ago. They are not fully alive to me anymore, but the author is assuming they are, and is assuming I have more interest in them than I do. I prefer a book series that is more Movie Of The Week style, with a focus on the new romance. This is more of a continuing episodic TV show where the story as a whole continues for all ongoing characters.
2. Much of the plot takes place in ways that are not fully present - for example we never even meet the bad guy, we are just told about him while he remains firmly offstage. We hear the two lovers telling each other about their past histories at length, but there is less detail about the present aside from sex (which I began to skip over, too much of that in relation to actual relationship.) Plus there are some flashbacks, which is my least favorite story-telling tactic. So, there's a lot of explaining, but little actual showing.
3. The ending felt rushed. And several of the scenes during their time on the road were oddly emphasized. For example there's a whole bunch of detail about an incredibly improbable erotic drinking fiesta cattle women indulge in. But there's close to zero detail about the actual work that everyone does for 10 hours a day while on the road. Here we have a vegetarian woman with zero relevant experience of rodeos or cattle work, who has spent the majority of her life overseas, and instead of seeing her reaction to dealing with the American heartland, we get details of the shots she's doing with girlfriends when they party.
I just feel like this book as a whole needs to be pared editorially down to its bones, with all this extraneous stuff removed - from the drinking to the plot moppet crap with the kids to all the secondary characters, from distant fathers to unloving ex wives... And then put together again as a real focused story with true thought. I think it would be a very different book if done properly. Right now, it's a hot mess.
Oh, and I'm having trouble buying that the 6 foot 3 inch tall hero was 70 pounds overweight for a few years in his 20s. Men like that who are tall and do physical labor for a living are skinny wth great metabolisms in their early 20s...and it would take way more than a handful of years on the road eating badly to gain that amount of weight.
December 5, 2015
There were part of this one that I really liked, Harlow was among them. I really liked her attitude and how she looked at her life, how she loved her sister and did what she could for her family, how she stood up to her family towards the end. What didn't really work for me was Hugh. I didn't care for him at all, nor did I buy into Hugh and Harlow as a couple. The one thing that I did like was the choice Hugh made at the end, I loved how Harlow knew she was first for once.
Read
June 3, 2017DNF at 32%. The flashback scenes and thoughts went from present to past without any warning, and the scenes in the book were strung together randomly and often didn't make any sense...and quite frankly I was bored with it all.
I really like James, but this was just off; not her usual quality. Didn't even read like one of her stories. It was great to revisit some of the other series regulars, though.
Others may well love it; but it just wasn't doing it for me...kind of blah reading...
I really like James, but this was just off; not her usual quality. Didn't even read like one of her stories. It was great to revisit some of the other series regulars, though.
Others may well love it; but it just wasn't doing it for me...kind of blah reading...
May 31, 2016
2.5 Stars
Underwhelming.
I actually really liked Hugh but I'm afraid I didn't connect with Harlow, I liked her to start with but the more the story unfolded the more her actions/decisions started to annoy me like the whole topless steer riding scene, it was just tacky.
Underwhelming.
I actually really liked Hugh but I'm afraid I didn't connect with Harlow, I liked her to start with but the more the story unfolded the more her actions/decisions started to annoy me like the whole topless steer riding scene, it was just tacky.
November 21, 2015
3.5 stars
"No one writes better cowboys than Lorelei James."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
"No one writes better cowboys than Lorelei James."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
November 5, 2015
I love being back in Wyoming and with my favorite western romance author! This is the story of Tierney's sister, Harlow, and her second chance at love with the grumpy cowboy Hugh. Their romance is hot and explosive, almost from the get go since these two have history together. We get some flashbacks that tell the story of what happened to them three years prior, and we slowly find out what's happened to them since they've been apart. This is very much an opposites attract kind of story for me.
There is something to be said about a hard working cowboy who is a bit rough around the edges, and may not always say the right thing. I really liked that about Hugh. Harlow, on the other hand, is a bit of a free spirit. She has a wandering soul and her life's passion is to humanitarian work. No roots or settling down for her. I liked that she wasn't an extremist in her beliefs or her independence as it's often the case with this type of heroine in romance stories. She was very down to earth. Flawed and hurt but still willing to open herself up to love.
Hugh and Harlow have great chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. They are both willing to compromise for the other and that was key being as they are so different and have such different passions to follow. I feel like their years apart were key in having their relationship work without childish behavior getting in the way of their happiness. And in the bedroom? These two are pretty hot! Although, I do think the heat level in this one is not as high as with previous books in the series.
Another thing I enjoyed about this story was the "after" side of marriage and kids we get of Renner and Tierney. They just had baby #2, Renner is dealing with some changes for his work career. They are dealing with managing two kids and their oldest being jealous of baby Rhett. Longtime fans of the series will be happy for the insight into their lives.
I am hoping the next book will be about Ike and Riss, whom we get to meet in this book and there's some major sparks flying there. And I'm also left wondering if we will see Tobin get an HEA.
I always get extremely excited when I get a Lorelei James book. Her stories are always filled with a lot of heart, with complex characters and storylines that draw you in from the start. Characters that I usually come to care for quickly. WRAPPED AND STRAPPED was an enjoyable addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series but I didn't get the same level of connection to the characters as with previous books in the series. I enjoyed the story, but didn't care enough about the outcome. I can't quite put my finger on what was missing for me.
Favorite quote:
"Harlow," he breathed into her ear. "Put. Your. Fucking. Hands. Above. Your. Fucking. Head. Now."
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 17, 2015
There be cowboys!
This series has captured my attention from the start so I was so excited to have another title to read in the set. Cowboys and more cowboys? I’m so in!
Was Harlow Pratt simply spoiled and rich or was she what she appeared to be? A woman rooted in common sense with a thirst for saving the world. Hugh Pritchett struggled to understand who she really was but lost any chance with her when he panicked and sent her running in spectacular fashion. A few years later the two have a chance to resolve their differences but that was not going to be easy…
This time out cowboys have competition for the spotlight as family drama and work turmoil provides a chaotic backdrop to the main storyline. Hugh was recovering from a nasty marriage and Harlow was an unknown entity when they first met. There was obviously a spark but they weren’t given enough time to figure things out before it all blew up. Catching up with them a few years later their history is revealed through flashbacks that are woven around their second chance. The flashback scenes made the first chapters a bit of a hard go but the story tantalized as more and more of the characters’ thoughts and emotions were put on display.
“What had he been thinking? Practically goddamn rutting on her in a public place? You were thinking she was fierce and loyal and snarky and sexy as fuck…”
Hugh was definitely hiding a lot of his real self behind a quiet exterior and seeing more and more of his protective, romantic (and sexy) side come out certainly had my attention! Harlow was a fiercely independent woman and, despite being a hard-won fight, she was open about her feelings in spite of all that she had gone through. There seemed to be many different sub-plots vying for attention and muting the romance to some extent but their courtship had sexy, emotional moments that had me cheering their love on to the end. Surprising twists and a whole lot of story has me pining for the wilds of Wyoming…
Oh, and I want to be a “Mud Lily” when I grow up… *snicker*
“Our motto has always been ‘Liliies Before Willies’!” ~ Diane, 4 stars
This series has captured my attention from the start so I was so excited to have another title to read in the set. Cowboys and more cowboys? I’m so in!
Was Harlow Pratt simply spoiled and rich or was she what she appeared to be? A woman rooted in common sense with a thirst for saving the world. Hugh Pritchett struggled to understand who she really was but lost any chance with her when he panicked and sent her running in spectacular fashion. A few years later the two have a chance to resolve their differences but that was not going to be easy…
This time out cowboys have competition for the spotlight as family drama and work turmoil provides a chaotic backdrop to the main storyline. Hugh was recovering from a nasty marriage and Harlow was an unknown entity when they first met. There was obviously a spark but they weren’t given enough time to figure things out before it all blew up. Catching up with them a few years later their history is revealed through flashbacks that are woven around their second chance. The flashback scenes made the first chapters a bit of a hard go but the story tantalized as more and more of the characters’ thoughts and emotions were put on display.
“What had he been thinking? Practically goddamn rutting on her in a public place? You were thinking she was fierce and loyal and snarky and sexy as fuck…”
Hugh was definitely hiding a lot of his real self behind a quiet exterior and seeing more and more of his protective, romantic (and sexy) side come out certainly had my attention! Harlow was a fiercely independent woman and, despite being a hard-won fight, she was open about her feelings in spite of all that she had gone through. There seemed to be many different sub-plots vying for attention and muting the romance to some extent but their courtship had sexy, emotional moments that had me cheering their love on to the end. Surprising twists and a whole lot of story has me pining for the wilds of Wyoming…
Oh, and I want to be a “Mud Lily” when I grow up… *snicker*
“Our motto has always been ‘Liliies Before Willies’!” ~ Diane, 4 stars
May 17, 2016
3 stars is quite a low rating for me to give because I am a big fan of Lorelei James and the series, but I didn't really enjoy Wrapped and Strapped as much as other books in the series.
I hated the slow start and the flashbacks dragged. Once Hugh and Harlow got on the road for the rodeo circuit the pacing was better and we got to see the connection between them, but for me it was still somewhat rocky and not quite believable that it wasn't just a physical connection. The ending was a bit of a let down for me. It all seemed a bit rushed and tied with a bow to get the number of pages right. Not my favourite of the series or by LJ by a long shot
I hated the slow start and the flashbacks dragged. Once Hugh and Harlow got on the road for the rodeo circuit the pacing was better and we got to see the connection between them, but for me it was still somewhat rocky and not quite believable that it wasn't just a physical connection. The ending was a bit of a let down for me. It all seemed a bit rushed and tied with a bow to get the number of pages right. Not my favourite of the series or by LJ by a long shot
August 13, 2016
DNF. I stopped at the point where Harlow and Hugh went to her sister's house to "confess" about their relationship. Her sister, Tierney, then proceeded to demand that they show her how they kiss - she wanted to see their passion.
First of all: ew. I'm a sister myself to two women. To demand that they tell me about whatever relationship they're having is intrusive and gossipy. To further demand that my sister kiss her boyfriend or partner in front of me, while I blatantly watch, is weird, disgusting, weird, and WTF. I said "weird" twice. That's how much I was turned off by that scene.
Second: I don't get their connection at all. It seemed, to me, like they were just in lust with each other.
First of all: ew. I'm a sister myself to two women. To demand that they tell me about whatever relationship they're having is intrusive and gossipy. To further demand that my sister kiss her boyfriend or partner in front of me, while I blatantly watch, is weird, disgusting, weird, and WTF. I said "weird" twice. That's how much I was turned off by that scene.
Second: I don't get their connection at all. It seemed, to me, like they were just in lust with each other.
November 3, 2015
WRAPPED and STRAPPED - BTC Book 7 - Without giving away any of the plot, I'll just way this couple ended up being perfect for each other. Which goes to show you that opposites really can make it work.
Loved that we got so much of Renner and were able to see a different side to him.
I did feel like the series is being WRAPPED up and that's something I'm not happy about. The Mud Lilies were hilarious as usual.
I will forever be in love with this series and Lorelei James has once again made me want to live in Muddy Gap, WY.
Loved that we got so much of Renner and were able to see a different side to him.
I did feel like the series is being WRAPPED up and that's something I'm not happy about. The Mud Lilies were hilarious as usual.
I will forever be in love with this series and Lorelei James has once again made me want to live in Muddy Gap, WY.
February 17, 2017
this was a good read from the Blacktop Cowboys series. not as great as the others in the series. it was a bit slow in the beginning with the back and forth between the two main characters. once Harlow and Hugh decided to stop playing around with each other it got better.
both Hugh and Harlow had some emotional hangups they had to work through to really commit. they both had strong personalities, so of course it took some arguing to come to a decision about their relationship.
i liked how Hugh stepped up to the plate at the end to help solidify their relationship. that was a first in a novel for me. endearing though.
there was a bit of referring from previous novels concerning their relationship in the beginning that confused me. i would have preferred a recap. but anywho.
can't wait for the next one.
both Hugh and Harlow had some emotional hangups they had to work through to really commit. they both had strong personalities, so of course it took some arguing to come to a decision about their relationship.
i liked how Hugh stepped up to the plate at the end to help solidify their relationship. that was a first in a novel for me. endearing though.
there was a bit of referring from previous novels concerning their relationship in the beginning that confused me. i would have preferred a recap. but anywho.
can't wait for the next one.
October 7, 2017
4.5 Wrapped and Strapped Stars
Hot, Hot, Hot. I loved this book I forgot how much I enjoyed this series. Cowboys… YUM!!!
I think I liked that they were lovers that went wrong then became lovers again. And boy howdy Hugh does not back down.. hehe
Ahh but Harlow is a stubborn ole girl and she gives him a run for her money.
It’s a sweet and sexy story, and it didn’t matter that it’s been months since I read a book in this series, it was easy to jump back into it.
Loved the narration too.. she can sure do a male voice WELL! ;)
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Hot, Hot, Hot. I loved this book I forgot how much I enjoyed this series. Cowboys… YUM!!!
I think I liked that they were lovers that went wrong then became lovers again. And boy howdy Hugh does not back down.. hehe
Ahh but Harlow is a stubborn ole girl and she gives him a run for her money.
It’s a sweet and sexy story, and it didn’t matter that it’s been months since I read a book in this series, it was easy to jump back into it.
Loved the narration too.. she can sure do a male voice WELL! ;)
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
November 5, 2015
The Mud Lilies (group of older women all widowed) have been in every book in this series and they steal almost every scene they are in. One of my favorite lines from them (and the funniest) from this book was “Lilies before Willies” - the woman's version of “bros before hoes” You go ladies!!
This book reminded me of One Night Rodeo in the way that the characters had family drama and how their childhoods affected them as adults today and that people are judged based on past behaviors or preconceived notions.
Harlow Pratt is nothing like her sister Tierney. Harlow was more of a free spirit who loved her causes. They lost their mother at a young age and their rich father never gave them the love they needed as kids. Harlow puts on a good front of not caring what anyone thinks of her but deep down its caused some insecurity issues which caused her to get in a bad relationship which left some deep scars. Three years ago when she was in town for the birth of her sisters first kid she met Hugh Pritchett who works for her brother in law. They had a short fling that ended badly and she left town without looking back. Now she's come back after her father had a heart attack to help take care of him and her sister who is due any day with her second kid. The last person she wanted to run into again was Hugh. She is also surprised that Hugh is full of apologies and wants a second chance.
Hugh Pritchett was raised on a farm and figured that would be his life. Got married young but when the marriage went south it left him being gun shy when it came to women and relationships. He ended up leaving home and moving to Wyoming and working with Renner Jackson in the stock contracting business. Things have changed and now its more about cattle and the resort. He become restless and knows this isnt what he wants to do anymore. The only thing he for sure knows he wants is Harlow but she's even more skittish now that she was 3 years ago and he had his work cut out for him.
Both Hugh and Harlow go through some big changes through out the book and even though they had a rough start you could see that they really belonged together and were rooting that some how they would manage to find a way to make a relationship work.
This book reminded me of One Night Rodeo in the way that the characters had family drama and how their childhoods affected them as adults today and that people are judged based on past behaviors or preconceived notions.
Harlow Pratt is nothing like her sister Tierney. Harlow was more of a free spirit who loved her causes. They lost their mother at a young age and their rich father never gave them the love they needed as kids. Harlow puts on a good front of not caring what anyone thinks of her but deep down its caused some insecurity issues which caused her to get in a bad relationship which left some deep scars. Three years ago when she was in town for the birth of her sisters first kid she met Hugh Pritchett who works for her brother in law. They had a short fling that ended badly and she left town without looking back. Now she's come back after her father had a heart attack to help take care of him and her sister who is due any day with her second kid. The last person she wanted to run into again was Hugh. She is also surprised that Hugh is full of apologies and wants a second chance.
Hugh Pritchett was raised on a farm and figured that would be his life. Got married young but when the marriage went south it left him being gun shy when it came to women and relationships. He ended up leaving home and moving to Wyoming and working with Renner Jackson in the stock contracting business. Things have changed and now its more about cattle and the resort. He become restless and knows this isnt what he wants to do anymore. The only thing he for sure knows he wants is Harlow but she's even more skittish now that she was 3 years ago and he had his work cut out for him.
Both Hugh and Harlow go through some big changes through out the book and even though they had a rough start you could see that they really belonged together and were rooting that some how they would manage to find a way to make a relationship work.
November 2, 2015
~*~ 3.5 STARS ~*~
Wrapped and Strapped by Lorelei James was a sweet romance with TONS of heat! Although, this wasn't a favorite of mine from the Blacktop Cowboys series, doesn't mean I don't recommend it. I recommend this book to all of those cowboy-lovin' romance readers out there. And let's face it, the author is Lorelei James, so you know the sex scenes are going to be SCORCHING hot and intensely erotic! This is exactly why I keep coming back for more.
Hugh Pritchett screwed up BIG TIME years ago. He has been burned in the past by a vile woman and he is very leery at going through that again. His heart was broken and it can't take another blow. A night of passion turns into regret and he is left to wallow in his mistakes.
Harlow Pratt, the woman with the biggest heart, never stays in one place for too long. Hugh just happened to make it much easier to leave as soon as possible. Her heart was broken by Hugh years ago, and when she fled, she promised she would never come back. A family matter forces her to return and face her family and Hugh head on. She knows she will never be who her family wants her to be, but with Hugh, she wasn't expecting a change in him. She also wasn't expecting to still feel things for him, even though she knows it will never work out. They can't stand each other, right? Harlow is determined to not fall back in the same pattern with Hugh. But the attraction is just too strong. When they finally give in to their desires, they are putting their hearts at risk once again.
Even though this book didn't make my heart pound like the previous installments, it packed no less of an emotional punch. It's sweet. It's sexy. It's a scorcher for sure. The connection between the characters are there and I believe the heroine was the big winner for me in this story. This was worth the read!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Wrapped and Strapped by Lorelei James was a sweet romance with TONS of heat! Although, this wasn't a favorite of mine from the Blacktop Cowboys series, doesn't mean I don't recommend it. I recommend this book to all of those cowboy-lovin' romance readers out there. And let's face it, the author is Lorelei James, so you know the sex scenes are going to be SCORCHING hot and intensely erotic! This is exactly why I keep coming back for more.
Hugh Pritchett screwed up BIG TIME years ago. He has been burned in the past by a vile woman and he is very leery at going through that again. His heart was broken and it can't take another blow. A night of passion turns into regret and he is left to wallow in his mistakes.
Harlow Pratt, the woman with the biggest heart, never stays in one place for too long. Hugh just happened to make it much easier to leave as soon as possible. Her heart was broken by Hugh years ago, and when she fled, she promised she would never come back. A family matter forces her to return and face her family and Hugh head on. She knows she will never be who her family wants her to be, but with Hugh, she wasn't expecting a change in him. She also wasn't expecting to still feel things for him, even though she knows it will never work out. They can't stand each other, right? Harlow is determined to not fall back in the same pattern with Hugh. But the attraction is just too strong. When they finally give in to their desires, they are putting their hearts at risk once again.
Even though this book didn't make my heart pound like the previous installments, it packed no less of an emotional punch. It's sweet. It's sexy. It's a scorcher for sure. The connection between the characters are there and I believe the heroine was the big winner for me in this story. This was worth the read!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 2, 2020
It's been a while since I read the other books in this series, but I was able to get right back into the storyline without any problems. It felt kinda like when I don't watch my favorite soap for a few years, then see another episode, and I'm able to pick up the story and plot like I never left. I did love this couple in this book. I loved how they dealt with their past history, and how they came back together with honesty and truth between them. When there were issues, they worked them out. And man, I loved that ending, when Hugh promised her that he would work things out so they could be together. It was perfect. I just hope that the next time I pick up a book in this series it will be as wonderful as this one was.
December 12, 2015
Hugh and Harlow. Hugh is prejudiced against Harlow from the get go and it seems to take forever for him to pull his head out of his *ss and find his b*lls. Harlow and Hugh met 5 years ago and even though he didn't like her style, (assuming she was overly idealistic with no grasp of real life), there was a burning attraction between them. Instead of talking to her like a person, he gives her a verbal smack down that was pretty darn near unforgiveable after their one night together which sends her running away to lick her wounds. Five years later she comes back to town to help her father who had a heart attack. A LOT has happened to Harlow in those five years and she isn't the woman he remembered. Sure she is still a vegetarian and spends her time doing charity work. But she's not trusting and free with her feelings anymore. She figures he will be fun to fool around with, but she doesn't expect anything more from him. Why would she? Hugh needs to man up and prove to her that he has heart after all. He needs to earn her forgiveness... and he does. I was surprised, but he did it and it was sweet! Not your typical couple with your typical ending, but romantic.
November 8, 2015
I do love me some cowboys and no one writes hot cowboys like Lorelei James! This is somewhat of a second chance romance, even though the first time around was a one-off. It took me a while to warm up to the characters but once I did, I was on fire! These two ran smokin' hot! I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop at a natural pace, but found some of their actions/reactions to be a bit tiring. The ending wrapped up so abruptly that it felt unfinished.
July 27, 2017
While Lorelei James' erotic writing is well-done, I find it disturbing that her main male character is two steps away from being a domestic violence aggressor. I won't support the glamorization or bedazzling of the sexual control of a woman, which is why I gave this book a single star.
August 12, 2016
Of course this is another great book by Lorelei James. So of course there are smoldering hot scenes. But this book has some serious topics in it. Not just fluff and stuff.
June 9, 2016
Seventh in the Blacktop Cowboys western romance series and revolving around friends and family around Muddy Gap, Wyoming. The couple focus is on Harlow Pratt and Hugh Pritchett, three years after their leavetaking three years ago.
My Take
It begins with a vague prologue as to why Harlow took off. Well, okay, more of a glancing suggestion to begin the reader on that lonesome trail of wonder.
I'm of two minds about Dad. He is a jerk, but he is at least willing to learn from his mistakes. It is funny to watch Tierney and their dad gang up on Harlow, all in the name of making up for lost time, hormonal cravings for family, etc., all inspired by Tierney's coming delivery and their dad's sudden wake-up call. Thank god that Harlow finally stood up for her choices to her father and Tierney.
Huh. I gotta wonder how smart Hugh actually is when, at the start, he wonders why Harlow keeps avoiding him. You'll be thinking that she done him wrong, and he wants an answer, but the shoe is so completely on the other foot.
Now Hugh is working hard to make up for his actions three years earlier. Considerate. Willing to talk in bed. And he sure does get miffed about that "spa day", lol, and the topless steer riding. Nice going, ladies, excellent payback, *more laughter*...um, how can I get in on that??
Whoa, Hugh's previous marital experiences are horrific. And I absolutely loved their encounter with his ex, lol. Unfortunately, James left off an excellent opportunity to use his ex as Hugh's excuse to not want to get involved, to milk it for drama and emotional tension. Instead she leaves very vague hints that took forever for me to pick up on.
A secondary conflict is Hugh's frustration with Renner's lack of decision about the stock company. Fredrick poses a third conflict with plenty of symptoms regarding the signs of an abusive relationship. As for Gene Pratt being a player…yeah, I suppose he is, but I wish James had played up these other dramatic moments as much as she played up Gene foolin' around. Then when Gene's actions cause the showdown, James fizzles.
We get a piece of Karen's back history; she sounds like a gem!
That chili cook-off was a crack-up. And talk about defensive!? Although I gotta say I have to wonder about Harlow's reactions. Why would she only start throwing up after she knows about the meat? And, no, I am not condoning what those jerks did. I'd like to have had a hand in Hugh's actions too! I sure did appreciate what he said in her support!!
Wrapped and Strapped is all over the place, bouncing from one angle to another, its characters switching up and down and from side to side; it was annoying.
The Story
Flower child, vegetarian, and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff, strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she's nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he's had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered troublemaker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they're forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
The Characters
Harlow "Harlot" Pratt, Tierney's free-wheeling sister always flitting about the world on her "humanitarian" missions, has come back to the Split Rock to help her family out and tend bar.
The recently divorced Hugh "Grumpy" Pritchett is the foreman and livestock manager for Jackson Stock Contracting at the Split Rock. Mary is the sister to whom Hugh isn't speaking. His ex-wife, Cleo Ashland, had been the spoiled daughter of Ramses Ashland who owns the Ashland Ranch and Stockyards. Tallulah is Cleo's daughter.
The Split Rock Ranch and Resort is…
…owned by Renner and the very pregnant brainiac Tierney Pratt Jackson ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3). Rhett is the expected baby. Isabelle is their three-year-old.
Harlow and Tierney's father, Gene Pratt, has been a prat most of their lives with his interest primarily tied up in Pratt Financial Group. Now he's gotten a wake-up call. Karen is his valued executive assistant. Jean was the mother who died in childbirth. Barbara was the nasty "Christian" stepmother who got rid of Rosa, their beloved maid, and Beedie, the "butler".
Tobin Hale works under Hugh, sort of. He's primarily concerned with a new breeding program that includes Dream Killer; BB is the legendary bull; CC is his promising son while DD, Triple E, and Double F are still too young. Jimbo is one of the horses.
Harper Turner (she's married to Bran Turner who is gaining a reputation for tying flies; Saddled and Spurred , 2); Tanna Barker and Harley (Zinnia was her sister) work Wild West, the clothing store; Janie Lawson, the general manager, is nursing the new baby (Brianna is her and Abe's daughter; Wrangled and Tangled ); Jaxson Flint is Dodie's grandson — Dodie is the cook; and, Lela and Yvette are maids (Dave is Yvette's husband). Lainie Lawson, a nurse, is Hank's wife ( Corralled , 1) and keeping an eye on Gene's rehab. Dr. "Fletch" Fletcher is the local veterinarian ( Turn and Burn , 5). Eli. Ike is a cattle broker. Larissa "Riss" Thorpe drives a cattle truck.
The Mud Lilies are…
…a group of wild old ladies with a part ownership in the Split Rock whose battle cry is "Lilies Before Willies". The ladies include Garnet, Miz Maybelle, Pearl, Bernice, Tilda, and Vivien. And they're bemoaning the loss of all them young bucks, including Devin who has married Liberty ( Hillbilly Rockstar , 6), Abe Lawson ( Wrangled and Tangled ), Kyle Gilchrist ( One Night Rodeo , 4), and Max.
The Buckeye is…
…a bar in Muddy Gap that is run (and part-owned) by Sherry Gilchrist, Kyle's mother. Emil Pharris and Tort Franklin are some of the cowboy patrons.
Dr. Mazur is a cardiac surgeon in Denver. Charlie is a hospital coordinator. Greg is Pratt's tailor at Bergdorf. Gigi and Madge are the coordinators of spa day. Sheena is the pleasure business expert. Dolores is quite good at artistic waxing. Alton and Piker are some of the hired hands on the stock drive. Bleeker is the school that has offered Harlow a teaching position.
The relief team headed…
…to a yearlong tour in Laos was led by Fredrick. The team included Daphne, Nico, Pat, Rialta, and Erika. Aida is a counselor in Florida.
The Cover and Title
The behatted Hugh's nicely muscled back draws the eye right in, and then I noticed that gorgeous pink and blue sky. The landscape is a typical Wyoming plain with those distant mountains with a tiny barn way back there, enhancing that sense of distance. The royal blue title is almost unnoticeable tucked up in the left side of the sky while the white of the author's name spans the bottom of the cover.
I am utterly clueless on the inspiration for the title, Wrapped and Strapped, unless it's the more metaphysical idea that Harlow and Hugh have wrapped around each other, circling and circling, until they finally strap themselves together.
My Take
It begins with a vague prologue as to why Harlow took off. Well, okay, more of a glancing suggestion to begin the reader on that lonesome trail of wonder.
I'm of two minds about Dad. He is a jerk, but he is at least willing to learn from his mistakes. It is funny to watch Tierney and their dad gang up on Harlow, all in the name of making up for lost time, hormonal cravings for family, etc., all inspired by Tierney's coming delivery and their dad's sudden wake-up call. Thank god that Harlow finally stood up for her choices to her father and Tierney.
Huh. I gotta wonder how smart Hugh actually is when, at the start, he wonders why Harlow keeps avoiding him. You'll be thinking that she done him wrong, and he wants an answer, but the shoe is so completely on the other foot.
Now Hugh is working hard to make up for his actions three years earlier. Considerate. Willing to talk in bed. And he sure does get miffed about that "spa day", lol, and the topless steer riding. Nice going, ladies, excellent payback, *more laughter*...um, how can I get in on that??
Whoa, Hugh's previous marital experiences are horrific. And I absolutely loved their encounter with his ex, lol. Unfortunately, James left off an excellent opportunity to use his ex as Hugh's excuse to not want to get involved, to milk it for drama and emotional tension. Instead she leaves very vague hints that took forever for me to pick up on.
A secondary conflict is Hugh's frustration with Renner's lack of decision about the stock company. Fredrick poses a third conflict with plenty of symptoms regarding the signs of an abusive relationship. As for Gene Pratt being a player…yeah, I suppose he is, but I wish James had played up these other dramatic moments as much as she played up Gene foolin' around. Then when Gene's actions cause the showdown, James fizzles.
We get a piece of Karen's back history; she sounds like a gem!
That chili cook-off was a crack-up. And talk about defensive!? Although I gotta say I have to wonder about Harlow's reactions. Why would she only start throwing up after she knows about the meat? And, no, I am not condoning what those jerks did. I'd like to have had a hand in Hugh's actions too! I sure did appreciate what he said in her support!!
"You entered vegetarian chili at a county event in beef country."It's not my cup of tea, but I do appreciate Harlow's convictions and her willingness to volunteer to help people. And I certainly agree with her convictions that countries should only work with organizations that will respect that country's values and beliefs. I also appreciated that bit of insight into how and why Harlow got caught up in her humanitarian causes.
"Volunteering made me feel good about myself. People relied on me."I enjoy reading up on characters in a series and seeing how they're getting on, but the romance between Harlow and Hugh isn't believable. James isn't making me believe in the attraction. Especially when Hugh was the one originally at fault, and now he's suddenly laying down the law about their exclusive relationship?? Meantime, Harlow's been whining about Hugh dissing her and then becoming so possessive, and when he goes overly protective in the bar…oh, brother… As for putting Hugh on the same shelf as Fredrick…gimme a break…he's nothing like him. Duhhh…
Wrapped and Strapped is all over the place, bouncing from one angle to another, its characters switching up and down and from side to side; it was annoying.
The Story
Flower child, vegetarian, and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff, strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she's nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he's had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered troublemaker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they're forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
The Characters
Harlow "Harlot" Pratt, Tierney's free-wheeling sister always flitting about the world on her "humanitarian" missions, has come back to the Split Rock to help her family out and tend bar.
The recently divorced Hugh "Grumpy" Pritchett is the foreman and livestock manager for Jackson Stock Contracting at the Split Rock. Mary is the sister to whom Hugh isn't speaking. His ex-wife, Cleo Ashland, had been the spoiled daughter of Ramses Ashland who owns the Ashland Ranch and Stockyards. Tallulah is Cleo's daughter.
The Split Rock Ranch and Resort is…
…owned by Renner and the very pregnant brainiac Tierney Pratt Jackson ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3). Rhett is the expected baby. Isabelle is their three-year-old.
Harlow and Tierney's father, Gene Pratt, has been a prat most of their lives with his interest primarily tied up in Pratt Financial Group. Now he's gotten a wake-up call. Karen is his valued executive assistant. Jean was the mother who died in childbirth. Barbara was the nasty "Christian" stepmother who got rid of Rosa, their beloved maid, and Beedie, the "butler".
Tobin Hale works under Hugh, sort of. He's primarily concerned with a new breeding program that includes Dream Killer; BB is the legendary bull; CC is his promising son while DD, Triple E, and Double F are still too young. Jimbo is one of the horses.
Harper Turner (she's married to Bran Turner who is gaining a reputation for tying flies; Saddled and Spurred , 2); Tanna Barker and Harley (Zinnia was her sister) work Wild West, the clothing store; Janie Lawson, the general manager, is nursing the new baby (Brianna is her and Abe's daughter; Wrangled and Tangled ); Jaxson Flint is Dodie's grandson — Dodie is the cook; and, Lela and Yvette are maids (Dave is Yvette's husband). Lainie Lawson, a nurse, is Hank's wife ( Corralled , 1) and keeping an eye on Gene's rehab. Dr. "Fletch" Fletcher is the local veterinarian ( Turn and Burn , 5). Eli. Ike is a cattle broker. Larissa "Riss" Thorpe drives a cattle truck.
The Mud Lilies are…
…a group of wild old ladies with a part ownership in the Split Rock whose battle cry is "Lilies Before Willies". The ladies include Garnet, Miz Maybelle, Pearl, Bernice, Tilda, and Vivien. And they're bemoaning the loss of all them young bucks, including Devin who has married Liberty ( Hillbilly Rockstar , 6), Abe Lawson ( Wrangled and Tangled ), Kyle Gilchrist ( One Night Rodeo , 4), and Max.
The Buckeye is…
…a bar in Muddy Gap that is run (and part-owned) by Sherry Gilchrist, Kyle's mother. Emil Pharris and Tort Franklin are some of the cowboy patrons.
Dr. Mazur is a cardiac surgeon in Denver. Charlie is a hospital coordinator. Greg is Pratt's tailor at Bergdorf. Gigi and Madge are the coordinators of spa day. Sheena is the pleasure business expert. Dolores is quite good at artistic waxing. Alton and Piker are some of the hired hands on the stock drive. Bleeker is the school that has offered Harlow a teaching position.
The relief team headed…
…to a yearlong tour in Laos was led by Fredrick. The team included Daphne, Nico, Pat, Rialta, and Erika. Aida is a counselor in Florida.
The Cover and Title
The behatted Hugh's nicely muscled back draws the eye right in, and then I noticed that gorgeous pink and blue sky. The landscape is a typical Wyoming plain with those distant mountains with a tiny barn way back there, enhancing that sense of distance. The royal blue title is almost unnoticeable tucked up in the left side of the sky while the white of the author's name spans the bottom of the cover.
I am utterly clueless on the inspiration for the title, Wrapped and Strapped, unless it's the more metaphysical idea that Harlow and Hugh have wrapped around each other, circling and circling, until they finally strap themselves together.
October 19, 2017
Was a busy week so I took my time on this book. I loved the unlikely pairing! Hugh was an unexpected hero. I never saw that one coming! Also enjoyed the story of Harlow's father and the changes there. Great addition to this series.
December 21, 2017
Loved this. Harlow is amazing. And Hugh!! TW: mentions of rape, self harm.
November 27, 2015
Wrapped and Strapped (Blacktop Cowboys #7) by Lorelei James
Flower child, vegetarian and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff and strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she’s nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he’s had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered trouble-maker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they’re forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
My Review:
I didn't think that the abusive ex plot was needed since the story was strong enough on its own but its great because Westerns are a good re-set kind of read when I get bogged down by my usual genres.
All the hot and cold passion is understandable with the past hurt between Harlow and Hugh (All the H names... Holy moly... I got a headache with all the between dancing of this H or that H or another H) It was nice that both H/H got to resolve their issues and we get to see that transition they make from cold to hot closed to open again.
*Spoiler*
I wasn't surprised Hugh gave up the ranch for Harlow but I was sad that he did that for her because I felt an ending where Harlow finally finds and embraces the sense of "home" and "family" would have been a better ending than simply having Hugh follow Harlow to her next destination.
Its cool to accept who you are but its okay to blossom too. I just wish we had gotten more of the family come together vibe than the "I need to roam" thing.
Regardless of my disappointment in the ending I am happy with the over all story and enjoyed reading it. Hugh is one of my favorites.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley/NAL/Penguin
Flower child, vegetarian and humanitarian Harlow Pratt and gruff and strapping cattle ranch foreman Hugh Pritchett have been taunting each other for years. Hugh thinks she’s nothing but a spoiled rich girl, and he’s had enough of that life with his ex-wife. Harlow thinks Hugh is an ill-mannered trouble-maker who wouldn't know fun if it bit him on his tight denim-clad butt.
When they’re forced together at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, everything changes. They might be polar opposites, but working out their differences skin to skin, in the dark, seems to help their incompatibility a lot. But when trouble from both their pasts comes calling, Harlow and Hugh have no one else to lean on. Can they trust one another enough to make it through the hard times together… or will their tentative truce fall apart?
My Review:
I didn't think that the abusive ex plot was needed since the story was strong enough on its own but its great because Westerns are a good re-set kind of read when I get bogged down by my usual genres.
All the hot and cold passion is understandable with the past hurt between Harlow and Hugh (All the H names... Holy moly... I got a headache with all the between dancing of this H or that H or another H) It was nice that both H/H got to resolve their issues and we get to see that transition they make from cold to hot closed to open again.
*Spoiler*
I wasn't surprised Hugh gave up the ranch for Harlow but I was sad that he did that for her because I felt an ending where Harlow finally finds and embraces the sense of "home" and "family" would have been a better ending than simply having Hugh follow Harlow to her next destination.
Its cool to accept who you are but its okay to blossom too. I just wish we had gotten more of the family come together vibe than the "I need to roam" thing.
Regardless of my disappointment in the ending I am happy with the over all story and enjoyed reading it. Hugh is one of my favorites.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley/NAL/Penguin
October 12, 2015
Review for Wrapped and Strapped by Lorelei James
Wrapped and Strapped is a ride ‘em cowboy kind of romance and another sexy sweet read by Lorelei James. I’m a huge fan of James and this book is another to add to the growing list of must reads from her.
Hugh is a sexy as sin cowboy. Rough around the edges in all the best ways. He’s been burned by love in the past and the last thing he wants is another broken heart by a lecherous woman. After one night of mindless passion with a horrible end, Hugh is left with regrets and no way to set things straight.
Harlow is a beautiful character inside and out. She’s selfless and does everything she can to help where help is needed. Traveling to dangerous places, sacrificing her own safety and comfort all for the sake of bettering the world. I really loved her drive to make the world a better place. I connected with her character on many levels. She’s consistently let down by her family and feels like the black sheep. Like she will never live up to their expectations or standards. Getting a front row seat to how she deals with these challenges and overcomes obstacles was up-lifting.
When Harlow returns to Split Rock Ranch, she is forced to face the one man who could break her heart. Determined not to give him an inch, but desperately attracted to Hugh, she just can’t stay away. When they fall into bed, against the wall, on the floor, and any other surface around the game changes and they realize how much they really have to lose.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. So many feels I can’t even explain how some parts of this storyline impacted me. While Hugh is a complete jerk and earns his nickname ‘Grumpy’, he is also loyal, protective, and has a heart of gold. Not to mention an animal in the sack.
If you like sexy cowboys, Wrapped and Strapped is a definite must for your TBR. Four Stars for storyline and Four Wet Panties.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
Wrapped and Strapped is a ride ‘em cowboy kind of romance and another sexy sweet read by Lorelei James. I’m a huge fan of James and this book is another to add to the growing list of must reads from her.
Hugh is a sexy as sin cowboy. Rough around the edges in all the best ways. He’s been burned by love in the past and the last thing he wants is another broken heart by a lecherous woman. After one night of mindless passion with a horrible end, Hugh is left with regrets and no way to set things straight.
Harlow is a beautiful character inside and out. She’s selfless and does everything she can to help where help is needed. Traveling to dangerous places, sacrificing her own safety and comfort all for the sake of bettering the world. I really loved her drive to make the world a better place. I connected with her character on many levels. She’s consistently let down by her family and feels like the black sheep. Like she will never live up to their expectations or standards. Getting a front row seat to how she deals with these challenges and overcomes obstacles was up-lifting.
When Harlow returns to Split Rock Ranch, she is forced to face the one man who could break her heart. Determined not to give him an inch, but desperately attracted to Hugh, she just can’t stay away. When they fall into bed, against the wall, on the floor, and any other surface around the game changes and they realize how much they really have to lose.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. So many feels I can’t even explain how some parts of this storyline impacted me. While Hugh is a complete jerk and earns his nickname ‘Grumpy’, he is also loyal, protective, and has a heart of gold. Not to mention an animal in the sack.
If you like sexy cowboys, Wrapped and Strapped is a definite must for your TBR. Four Stars for storyline and Four Wet Panties.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
January 14, 2016
*4+ Stars*
I really enjoyed this. Hugh and Harlow had history and it wasn't good, but their chemistry sure was! Hugh was determined to make up for his bad behavior when circumstances brought them together again, and boy did he ever! I enjoyed their path, I loved how Hugh didn't try to belittle Harlow's choices and supported her. Together they were wonderful and I really enjoyed the end!
This was a slower than normal read for me than usual with a Lorelei James book, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment.
I really enjoyed this. Hugh and Harlow had history and it wasn't good, but their chemistry sure was! Hugh was determined to make up for his bad behavior when circumstances brought them together again, and boy did he ever! I enjoyed their path, I loved how Hugh didn't try to belittle Harlow's choices and supported her. Together they were wonderful and I really enjoyed the end!
This was a slower than normal read for me than usual with a Lorelei James book, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment.
November 8, 2015
Unfortunately this does appear to the weakest of the Blacktop Cowboys series.
It is still a good read and in particular, the first half to three quarters of the book was very strong but the last quarter and the end was a bit meh.
I did like revisiting previous characters and I did enjoy Harlow and Hugh as a couple. Anyone who has read the previous books in this series will enjoy Wrapped and Strapped.
Special mention to how wonderful the Mud Lilies are!
It is still a good read and in particular, the first half to three quarters of the book was very strong but the last quarter and the end was a bit meh.
I did like revisiting previous characters and I did enjoy Harlow and Hugh as a couple. Anyone who has read the previous books in this series will enjoy Wrapped and Strapped.
Special mention to how wonderful the Mud Lilies are!
March 23, 2016
Another awesome story by Lorelei James. Humor, suspense, erotica, Sex and more. great book. looking forward to more. must read this series in order.
Just love the Blacktop Cowboys Series. Reading other series by Lorelei James as well and they are rockin books with a lot of erotica. Hot.
Just love the Blacktop Cowboys Series. Reading other series by Lorelei James as well and they are rockin books with a lot of erotica. Hot.
October 7, 2015
I love when Lorelei writes about her Cowboys. I have been desperate for Hugh's story and it did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews