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Taggart Brothers #1
Desperado
From bestselling author Lisa Bingham comes the first in a brand-new series starring a trio of handsome wranglers. The Taggart brothers have bodies of iron and hearts of gold—though both may be a shade tarnished. But that doesn’t stop them from trying to keep the women they love in their arms . . .
Elam Taggart knows about the nickname town gossips have given him: Desperado. He doesn’t care. He’s lost just about everything: his wife, his parents, his little sister, and his career as a Navy EOD specialist. After returning home, he hightails it to the rugged Wasatch Mountains outside town.
But when his brother comes asking for help, Elam can’t say no. That is, until Elam realizes that in order to help, he’ll be forced to spend time with town newcomer P.D. Raines. P.D. knows that asking Elam Taggart to be her partner in the town’s upcoming Wild West Games is a mistake. But she needs the prize money, and Elam is lean, hard, and tortured—a dangerous combination she can’t seem to resist.
As the competition heats up—to the point of peril—Elam and P.D. have to turn away from the past and embrace the passion that sparks between them in order to escape the threat to their lives.
Elam Taggart knows about the nickname town gossips have given him: Desperado. He doesn’t care. He’s lost just about everything: his wife, his parents, his little sister, and his career as a Navy EOD specialist. After returning home, he hightails it to the rugged Wasatch Mountains outside town.
But when his brother comes asking for help, Elam can’t say no. That is, until Elam realizes that in order to help, he’ll be forced to spend time with town newcomer P.D. Raines. P.D. knows that asking Elam Taggart to be her partner in the town’s upcoming Wild West Games is a mistake. But she needs the prize money, and Elam is lean, hard, and tortured—a dangerous combination she can’t seem to resist.
As the competition heats up—to the point of peril—Elam and P.D. have to turn away from the past and embrace the passion that sparks between them in order to escape the threat to their lives.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
8 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Bingham
49 books60 followersLisa Bingham was thirteen when she decided she wanted to be a published author, and she reached that goal less than ten years later. Now Lisa is the bestselling author of more than thirty historical and contemporary romantic fiction novels. Lisa has also been a teacher and a professional theatrical and historical reenactment costume designer—she’s considered an expert in those fields. She has been lucky enough to live and study in such exotic locales as Brazil, Mexico, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Currently she lives in rural northern Utah near her husband’s fourth-generation family farm. She is married to her sweetheart of twenty-two years and has three beautiful children, an over-protective dog, a burr-laden cat, and a miniature goat who thinks she’s a puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 5, 2016
He kissed her again. He could tell that she was a woman who liked kissing.
KISSING!
Anyway. What was I saying? Oh, yes. Book review.
Elam Taggert was in the Navy. But a series of unfortunate events - his mom, dad, and sister dying in a car accident, his little brother becoming brain damaged in the same accident, and his wife dying of a brain aneurysm. After that he becomes a little... riskier in his Navy job and ends up being sent home after being injured.
Now he's a recluse who keeps to himself and is anti-social.
Bingham tries to get us to believe that the "town" has nicknamed him Desperado, but I refuse to believe this because it is RIDICULOUS and would never happen.
Anyway.
Bodey (Elam's brother) gets injured and can't participate in the Wild West Games with Prairie Dawn as he had planned. So he asks Elam to take his place as Prairie Dawn's partner. P.D. owns a restaurant in town and has a tragic past of being raised by hippies.
Yes, I said a tragic past of being raised by hippies, which Bingham tries to convince us involves starving as her parents stumble around the country in a drug-induced haze. o.O She now owns a fabulous restaurant in town.
THE GOOD:
- KISSING. Bingham does not skimp on the kissing. No, not sex scenes, I'm talking about kissing. Often books are so concerned with sex that they skip over the good stuff - make-out sessions. Kissing is life.
He planted one broad forearm on the wall, while the other slid behind her nape, cradling her skull as he plundered her mouth... He reached low to grasp her buttocks, pulling her on tiptoe so their hips meshed together, ridge to valley, hard to soft.
Yay! Against-the-wall kissing!
- Bearded hero. Yes, this hero is BEARDED. Forget about this lame-ass cover, Elam has a beard and he knows how to use it.
She'd never been kissed by a man with a beard, and she found the sensation more arousing than she could ever imagine. Where the hair on his head was silken and soft, his beard was at the same time crisp and feathery, providing so many delicious sensations as it rasped across her breasts that she writhed against him, little kittenish sounds of pleasure and distress bursting unbidden from her throat.
Unfortunately, the cover can be explained by the tragic ending in which See more details about this in the "bad" section.
- P.D. and Elam are both good, kind people.
- Elam is a rare romance hero who has only slept with two women - his dead wife and now P.D. No thousand-woman past for this bloke.
- Tons of descriptions of how hot Elam is, if you like that kind of thing. Bingham goes into ELABORATE detail about every inch of his body, how his clothes are fitting his body, etc. etc. etc. P.D. eye-fucks him every chance she gets. And that's a lot of chances. o.O
- Tons of elaborate food descriptions. Bingham goes on and on about delicious foods.
bison burgers with prickly pear cactus compote, grilled river-fresh trout with a lemon and dill sauce, and lamb fries with Dutch oven potatoes.
And
...famous house beer bread, a chipotle cheese corn loaf, and a seven-grain sweet bread.... He'd never had beer bread before, but it could have been manna from heaven for all he knew. Dense and lightly sweet, it had a honey flavor that could never have been found wrapped in plastic and sitting on a grocery store shelf.
And
"The little pots next to the burger are the house's own stone-ground mustard, garlic and onion aioli, and the prickly pear compote...."
After dipping his spoon in the compote and finding it to be tart and savory with quick bite of jalapeños and the slow heat of cayenne, he liberally dosed the top of his bun and jammed it over his burger. As he took his first bite, the juice and toppings began to run down the side of his hand - which in Elam's opinion was the hallmark of an excellent burger....
Unconsciously, he licked the side of his hand, then set the burger back on the plate. The sensuality of his movements, as well as the thought of that tongue licking other things - HER things - had her sinking into the chair before she stumbled like a starstruck groupie.
Be sure not to read this on an empty stomach, is what I'm saying. Every time these two sit down for a meal it is elaborately described in the same exquisite detail Bingham dedicates to Elam's biceps. LOL
a small cast iron skillet that she set in the middle of the table. In the center, nestled in a pool of lemon sauce, was a perfectly formed shell of piecrust shaped like a flower bud. A scoop of homemade vanilla-bean ice cream was beginning to melt beneath the heat of the pastry....
Then he cracked the blossom open with the tip of his spoon. He immediately released a fragrant puff of steam and a lava-like flow of cherries, blueberries, and apples. After combining the contents with a bit of ice cream and a dab of the lemon sauce, he took a bite.
"Oh, wow." He closed his eyes, and the look of utter pleasure had her body responding in ways that it shouldn't. For a moment, Elam's barely submerged anger at the world was displaced by a primal delight that had her thoughts roaming once again to sex.
- The couple always uses condoms. Yay for safe sex! :)
- He does incredibly hot things, like installs deadbolts and new locks on her doors after she thinks someone is stalking her. Mmmmmm, so attractive. Fuck. She just wakes up and he has fucking just taken care of everything while she was sleeping like a man. Bam. Done. And he washes her car for her and vacuums it out. Yum! And he cooks her breakfast. YES. WIN. :D
And why did his thoughtfulness, his obvious care for her safety, cause her heart to melt as if he'd given her diamonds?
Come on, who wants diamonds when you have a man who can install deadbolts?!?!!? Please. Don't even play.
- There's a lot of snuggling and sleeping together. Not sex, just sleeping next to each other and snuggling together. You know, cuteness and snuggles.
- "Can I help?"
..."Would you? I'm tall, but I still can't reach the upper shelf, even on tiptoes."
He helps her get stuff down off the high shelf. I'm shivering, that is SO HOT.
THE BAD
- No foreplay. Remember when I said that Well, that's because there is no oral or manual stimulation of any kind in this book. Only kissing and then the next thing you know thrusting is going on. So. Don't expect foreplay and slow exploration of each other's bodies, etc. here. Which is sad. :(
I mean... I love the kissing - and I really appreciate all the hard work Bingham put into her kissing scenes -, but things would be even better with some exciting pre-PnV activities.
Oh, well, I guess you can't have everything. :( (Yes, you can. And I want it everything.)
- Elam praises P.D. with the term "good girl." That's disgusting. She's not a dog, you fuck.
THE UGLY
Well, not really ugly. But Prairie Dawn does have some bizarre ideas sometimes.
And from her experience, men were born with an attraction to a certain type. They might stray occasionally out of curiosity, but they always committed to the same kind of woman....
After years of fighting for her dreams beneath her parents' indifference, she would never surrender herself to another person's control.
Men are born with an attraction to a certain type. WTF? She's kind of fucked-up in the head about his dead wife and how she can never live up to her... because obviously he wants a carbon copy of his dead wife... right? o.O
Yeah, right. As if she had a snowball's chance in hell of inspiring Elam Taggart to taste anything but her food. She'd learned long ago that men who were as primitively masculine and dangerous as Elam were attracted to dainty women with blond hair and big blue Alice in Wonderland eyes. They gravitated toward delicate creatures who wore sizes that had no numbers to speak of, just lots of zeros. Females who needed to be protected from the harsh realities of life by a big, strong he-man who would wrap them in cotton wool during the day and silk and lace at night.
Where on EARTH is she getting these strange ideas?!?!!?
- She also feels, for some reason, like she doesn't have the patience or gentleness to deal with Elam and his past.
And P.D. would never be the kind of woman who could convince a man like this to lower his defenses. That would take someone with infinite gentleness and patience. P.D. had never had time for either of those qualities. After clawing her way into mainstream America, she didn't have it in her to be docile and sweet.
Wha...? At no point does she come across as impatient, rough, or irritable. I'm baffled as to why she thinks she's so "brutal" when zero of her actions correlate with this perception.
Tl;dr - Pretty darn satisfying. Kind hero who does yummy stuff like install deadbolts and helps his shorty get stuff down off the high shelf. Kind heroine who is plucky and independent yet vulnerable and sweet. Kissing! Extra kissing! Snuggling and sleeping together in the same bed. Little mystery, little intrigue, and a lot of Wild West costumes. :) Bearded kissing!!!!
This would have been a five except for the fact that I needed better sex scenes. I mean, I have standards, okay? ;)
Actually, this is pretty well-written. You know what is a good indication of a well-written romance novel? The side characters are three-dimensional instead of being the cardboard cutouts usually offered up in romance.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest.
KISSING!
Anyway. What was I saying? Oh, yes. Book review.
Elam Taggert was in the Navy. But a series of unfortunate events - his mom, dad, and sister dying in a car accident, his little brother becoming brain damaged in the same accident, and his wife dying of a brain aneurysm. After that he becomes a little... riskier in his Navy job and ends up being sent home after being injured.
Now he's a recluse who keeps to himself and is anti-social.
Bingham tries to get us to believe that the "town" has nicknamed him Desperado, but I refuse to believe this because it is RIDICULOUS and would never happen.
Anyway.
Bodey (Elam's brother) gets injured and can't participate in the Wild West Games with Prairie Dawn as he had planned. So he asks Elam to take his place as Prairie Dawn's partner. P.D. owns a restaurant in town and has a tragic past of being raised by hippies.
Yes, I said a tragic past of being raised by hippies, which Bingham tries to convince us involves starving as her parents stumble around the country in a drug-induced haze. o.O She now owns a fabulous restaurant in town.
THE GOOD:
- KISSING. Bingham does not skimp on the kissing. No, not sex scenes, I'm talking about kissing. Often books are so concerned with sex that they skip over the good stuff - make-out sessions. Kissing is life.
He planted one broad forearm on the wall, while the other slid behind her nape, cradling her skull as he plundered her mouth... He reached low to grasp her buttocks, pulling her on tiptoe so their hips meshed together, ridge to valley, hard to soft.
Yay! Against-the-wall kissing!
- Bearded hero. Yes, this hero is BEARDED. Forget about this lame-ass cover, Elam has a beard and he knows how to use it.
She'd never been kissed by a man with a beard, and she found the sensation more arousing than she could ever imagine. Where the hair on his head was silken and soft, his beard was at the same time crisp and feathery, providing so many delicious sensations as it rasped across her breasts that she writhed against him, little kittenish sounds of pleasure and distress bursting unbidden from her throat.
Unfortunately, the cover can be explained by the tragic ending in which See more details about this in the "bad" section.
- P.D. and Elam are both good, kind people.
- Elam is a rare romance hero who has only slept with two women - his dead wife and now P.D. No thousand-woman past for this bloke.
- Tons of descriptions of how hot Elam is, if you like that kind of thing. Bingham goes into ELABORATE detail about every inch of his body, how his clothes are fitting his body, etc. etc. etc. P.D. eye-fucks him every chance she gets. And that's a lot of chances. o.O
- Tons of elaborate food descriptions. Bingham goes on and on about delicious foods.
bison burgers with prickly pear cactus compote, grilled river-fresh trout with a lemon and dill sauce, and lamb fries with Dutch oven potatoes.
And
...famous house beer bread, a chipotle cheese corn loaf, and a seven-grain sweet bread.... He'd never had beer bread before, but it could have been manna from heaven for all he knew. Dense and lightly sweet, it had a honey flavor that could never have been found wrapped in plastic and sitting on a grocery store shelf.
And
"The little pots next to the burger are the house's own stone-ground mustard, garlic and onion aioli, and the prickly pear compote...."
After dipping his spoon in the compote and finding it to be tart and savory with quick bite of jalapeños and the slow heat of cayenne, he liberally dosed the top of his bun and jammed it over his burger. As he took his first bite, the juice and toppings began to run down the side of his hand - which in Elam's opinion was the hallmark of an excellent burger....
Unconsciously, he licked the side of his hand, then set the burger back on the plate. The sensuality of his movements, as well as the thought of that tongue licking other things - HER things - had her sinking into the chair before she stumbled like a starstruck groupie.
Be sure not to read this on an empty stomach, is what I'm saying. Every time these two sit down for a meal it is elaborately described in the same exquisite detail Bingham dedicates to Elam's biceps. LOL
a small cast iron skillet that she set in the middle of the table. In the center, nestled in a pool of lemon sauce, was a perfectly formed shell of piecrust shaped like a flower bud. A scoop of homemade vanilla-bean ice cream was beginning to melt beneath the heat of the pastry....
Then he cracked the blossom open with the tip of his spoon. He immediately released a fragrant puff of steam and a lava-like flow of cherries, blueberries, and apples. After combining the contents with a bit of ice cream and a dab of the lemon sauce, he took a bite.
"Oh, wow." He closed his eyes, and the look of utter pleasure had her body responding in ways that it shouldn't. For a moment, Elam's barely submerged anger at the world was displaced by a primal delight that had her thoughts roaming once again to sex.
- The couple always uses condoms. Yay for safe sex! :)
- He does incredibly hot things, like installs deadbolts and new locks on her doors after she thinks someone is stalking her. Mmmmmm, so attractive. Fuck. She just wakes up and he has fucking just taken care of everything while she was sleeping like a man. Bam. Done. And he washes her car for her and vacuums it out. Yum! And he cooks her breakfast. YES. WIN. :D
And why did his thoughtfulness, his obvious care for her safety, cause her heart to melt as if he'd given her diamonds?
Come on, who wants diamonds when you have a man who can install deadbolts?!?!!? Please. Don't even play.
- There's a lot of snuggling and sleeping together. Not sex, just sleeping next to each other and snuggling together. You know, cuteness and snuggles.
- "Can I help?"
..."Would you? I'm tall, but I still can't reach the upper shelf, even on tiptoes."
He helps her get stuff down off the high shelf. I'm shivering, that is SO HOT.
THE BAD
- No foreplay. Remember when I said that Well, that's because there is no oral or manual stimulation of any kind in this book. Only kissing and then the next thing you know thrusting is going on. So. Don't expect foreplay and slow exploration of each other's bodies, etc. here. Which is sad. :(
I mean... I love the kissing - and I really appreciate all the hard work Bingham put into her kissing scenes -, but things would be even better with some exciting pre-PnV activities.
Oh, well, I guess you can't have everything. :( (Yes, you can. And I want it everything.)
- Elam praises P.D. with the term "good girl." That's disgusting. She's not a dog, you fuck.
THE UGLY
Well, not really ugly. But Prairie Dawn does have some bizarre ideas sometimes.
And from her experience, men were born with an attraction to a certain type. They might stray occasionally out of curiosity, but they always committed to the same kind of woman....
After years of fighting for her dreams beneath her parents' indifference, she would never surrender herself to another person's control.
Men are born with an attraction to a certain type. WTF? She's kind of fucked-up in the head about his dead wife and how she can never live up to her... because obviously he wants a carbon copy of his dead wife... right? o.O
Yeah, right. As if she had a snowball's chance in hell of inspiring Elam Taggart to taste anything but her food. She'd learned long ago that men who were as primitively masculine and dangerous as Elam were attracted to dainty women with blond hair and big blue Alice in Wonderland eyes. They gravitated toward delicate creatures who wore sizes that had no numbers to speak of, just lots of zeros. Females who needed to be protected from the harsh realities of life by a big, strong he-man who would wrap them in cotton wool during the day and silk and lace at night.
Where on EARTH is she getting these strange ideas?!?!!?
- She also feels, for some reason, like she doesn't have the patience or gentleness to deal with Elam and his past.
And P.D. would never be the kind of woman who could convince a man like this to lower his defenses. That would take someone with infinite gentleness and patience. P.D. had never had time for either of those qualities. After clawing her way into mainstream America, she didn't have it in her to be docile and sweet.
Wha...? At no point does she come across as impatient, rough, or irritable. I'm baffled as to why she thinks she's so "brutal" when zero of her actions correlate with this perception.
Tl;dr - Pretty darn satisfying. Kind hero who does yummy stuff like install deadbolts and helps his shorty get stuff down off the high shelf. Kind heroine who is plucky and independent yet vulnerable and sweet. Kissing! Extra kissing! Snuggling and sleeping together in the same bed. Little mystery, little intrigue, and a lot of Wild West costumes. :) Bearded kissing!!!!
This would have been a five except for the fact that I needed better sex scenes. I mean, I have standards, okay? ;)
Actually, this is pretty well-written. You know what is a good indication of a well-written romance novel? The side characters are three-dimensional instead of being the cardboard cutouts usually offered up in romance.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest.
June 1, 2015
Loved it!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
April 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
If you have some time — come along and meet the Taggart boys. Desperado
is the first in Lisa Bingham's series about brothers Elam, Bodey, Jace and Barry from Bliss, Utah. With roots firmly entrenched in the town for generations, the Taggarts have led totally different lives from Prairie Dawn (or P. D. as she likes to be called) Raines who was raised by travelling hippie parents. Actually, to be perfectly honest, it soon becomes apparent to readers that P. D. raised herself. With admirable single-mindedness, P.D. takes responsibility for her own destiny when she leaves her benignly neglectful parents behind determined to make a different life for herself. After receiving college degrees in physics and business, P. D. finds a career in the lab is not going to be her cup of tea and decides to settle in the Wasatch mountains where she opens Vern's, a successful restaurant in Bliss. The Taggart brothers, on the other hand, have led stable lives although they are not untouched by the tragic twists of fate. Their parents and their sister have lost their lives in an accident that left their brother Barry a permanent child, and Elam, who stars in this book, has been forever changed by the horror of war and the loss of his wife — his childhood sweetheart, his soul mate, the only woman he has ever loved. When Elam agrees to help P. D. in a contest which she hopes will provide her with some much needed prize money for renovating her restaurant, he has no idea she is a woman until she steps out of his brother Bodey's truck.
If you have some time — come along and meet the Taggart boys. Desperado
is the first in Lisa Bingham's series about brothers Elam, Bodey, Jace and Barry from Bliss, Utah. With roots firmly entrenched in the town for generations, the Taggarts have led totally different lives from Prairie Dawn (or P. D. as she likes to be called) Raines who was raised by travelling hippie parents. Actually, to be perfectly honest, it soon becomes apparent to readers that P. D. raised herself. With admirable single-mindedness, P.D. takes responsibility for her own destiny when she leaves her benignly neglectful parents behind determined to make a different life for herself. After receiving college degrees in physics and business, P. D. finds a career in the lab is not going to be her cup of tea and decides to settle in the Wasatch mountains where she opens Vern's, a successful restaurant in Bliss. The Taggart brothers, on the other hand, have led stable lives although they are not untouched by the tragic twists of fate. Their parents and their sister have lost their lives in an accident that left their brother Barry a permanent child, and Elam, who stars in this book, has been forever changed by the horror of war and the loss of his wife — his childhood sweetheart, his soul mate, the only woman he has ever loved. When Elam agrees to help P. D. in a contest which she hopes will provide her with some much needed prize money for renovating her restaurant, he has no idea she is a woman until she steps out of his brother Bodey's truck.Bodey crowed in delight, pumping one fist into the air. Twisting, he threw a thumbs-up sign toward the truck. As if an all-clear signal had been given, the driver's door opened and P. D. Raines stepped out.
It wasn't until the shape stepped free of the truck and the orange of the setting sun streaked over each line and hollow that Elam realized that P. D. Raines was a woman.
Let me just say up front, I am looking forward to reading the upcoming books in the series. Lisa Bingham fleshes out Elam's brothers enough to make readers want to know more about them. And P. D. Raines is just a great character. She is such a strong woman and yet so vulnerable. Despite all her accomplishments, she can't imagine why a man like Elam Taggart would want someone like her. Elam's character is a bit predictable — as someone who has spent his life as a one woman man, he is at constant war with himself over his attraction to P. D. even though his Annabel is gone. There is a lot of sweetness and romance in this book, but there is also some very steamy sex. There is angst as Elam and P. D. struggle against their chemistry. There are mishaps and misunderstandings, and as if the contest itself isn't enough of a strain, it turns out someone is out to get P. D. and destroy everything she has worked for. I think the mysterious saboteur provides just enough suspense to keep the story line interesting even though I was almost positive of the identity. Readers who enjoy old fashioned romance novels with a bit of steam (O.K. — a lot of steam!) will definitely enjoy Desperado. This is the kind of book that will have you sighing while reading and leave you feeling good. It will also leave you ready for Jace's story which is told in the next book in the series Renegade.
April 22, 2017
This was my first time reading Lisa Bingham, and I totally enjoyed this book. I first thought the book started slow, but as I got into it, the beginning gave me insight into the mindset of the the main female character P.D. Raines. And that information helped me understand her throughout the story. Elam Taggart, has much to get over because of his background.
This book was fun to read, and if you like the TV show Amazing Race, something simular is a big part of the story. This book had some twists I wasn't expecting. And throughout the story, was could both P.D. and Elam put the past behind them to find love? And the fact I stayed up very late to read, tells me I didn't want to put the book down.
Looking forward to finding the rest of the series.
This book was fun to read, and if you like the TV show Amazing Race, something simular is a big part of the story. This book had some twists I wasn't expecting. And throughout the story, was could both P.D. and Elam put the past behind them to find love? And the fact I stayed up very late to read, tells me I didn't want to put the book down.
Looking forward to finding the rest of the series.
May 31, 2015
Wild West Games, ranch country setting, bruised characters with pasts? Count me in. It wasn't long into the story that I decided that I made a good decision. Things get off to a feverish start as far as combustible attraction. The two in question are leery of starting anything up, but then in the excitement of sabotage to her restaurant, the Wild West games, a dangerous opponent who doesn't want them to win, and growing reliance on each other makes Elam and PD think hard and fast about what they really want when the competition is over and they have to go back to real life. A sizzling, exciting start set in Northern Utah ranch country promising a rugged, wild Taggart brother with each new release.
PD Raines otherwise known as Prairie Dawn Raines thanks to her weed-smoking hippie parents has finally put down roots after all the years of endless drifting with her parents. Bliss is home with a solid house and furnishings, a restaurant that is her life, and friends that treat her as one of them. Now she's in a jam when her friend Bodey Taggart can't compete as her partner in the Wild West Games with a prize that would help her with the next phase of her restaurant. He tells her he has a solution and soon she is filled with dread that Bodey's solution is to corner his reclusive oldest brother, Elam to take his place. Elam is spoken about in whispers- lost his parents and little sister in a car accident that left his youngest brother with brain damage, lost his wife while he was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan and then sent home injured with dark issues that nobody including his brothers know how to deal with. Yeah, Elam was not going to jump at this opportunity. But he inexplicably does agree and then she has the rush of resisting her heated attraction, pushing away her feelings of inadequacy, and knowledge that Elam could only love once and never someone like her.
Elam has been going through the motions for three years as he builds the dream cabin home that he was to share with his wife while he avoids the people in town and also his family not wanting to feel the stares or hear the whispers. His brothers have kept their distance hoping he would heal, but now Bodey comes to him with a need. Elam can't believe he said yes to partnering a woman in a contest of historic western skills for four days. PD is very different from his wife and at first he feels guilty noticing her finer qualities, but somewhere along the way of helping her with the restaurant fire, training her for the contest, spending time with his brothers and partnering PD for the contest, he comes alive. However, as things get real, he is terrified. Loving and losing someone has already crushed him and he doesn't want to take that chance again.
This one got off quickly in some ways and slowly in others just like it was parts slow-paced cozy and parts exciting action and passion. Basically it was doing the job of establishing the foundation for the series while also telling the story of individuals. I thought the author did a pretty good job of it. It took the time to tease out the characters and their romance. Daily life, time with the Taggarts as family, and the description of the small ranching community along with preparations for the contest were well over half the book. Then things got exciting as the contest began particularly with the danger element and the unleashed heat of their attraction.
I laughed when I first started reading this book and I'm pretty sure it wasn't meant to be humorous. I found Elam and PD the horniest pair that I've encountered in a while because it was instant for both of them. Whoa, Nelly! They were hot and squirmy for each other. I'm not a fan of insta-lust driving the romance between new people particularly when they have issues like these two have going, but this one settled into something else when Elam put the brakes on while he was dealing with his past even as they both figured out what they were to each other in the present.
Elam seems like the tough one who needs to heal, but PD has her own inner demons from the neglect of her childhood and the unsettled lifestyle that just compounded her issues. She is absolutely convinced that she is inferior and unworthy which was sad because the evidence of her achievements shows the opposite. Loved seeing Elam heal so that he could prove that he thought she was beautiful and special.
On a side note, I was tickled to death to discover that the fictional settings were based on the real area of the rural country around Logan, UT since I spend ever summer just south of there with family. I didn't have to imagine the scenes or the feel of the community as I've seen it and that was so neat.
All in all, I had a good time with this one with its engaging characters, well-drawn backdrop, satisfying romance and interesting plot. I would recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary western and small town romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
PD Raines otherwise known as Prairie Dawn Raines thanks to her weed-smoking hippie parents has finally put down roots after all the years of endless drifting with her parents. Bliss is home with a solid house and furnishings, a restaurant that is her life, and friends that treat her as one of them. Now she's in a jam when her friend Bodey Taggart can't compete as her partner in the Wild West Games with a prize that would help her with the next phase of her restaurant. He tells her he has a solution and soon she is filled with dread that Bodey's solution is to corner his reclusive oldest brother, Elam to take his place. Elam is spoken about in whispers- lost his parents and little sister in a car accident that left his youngest brother with brain damage, lost his wife while he was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan and then sent home injured with dark issues that nobody including his brothers know how to deal with. Yeah, Elam was not going to jump at this opportunity. But he inexplicably does agree and then she has the rush of resisting her heated attraction, pushing away her feelings of inadequacy, and knowledge that Elam could only love once and never someone like her.
Elam has been going through the motions for three years as he builds the dream cabin home that he was to share with his wife while he avoids the people in town and also his family not wanting to feel the stares or hear the whispers. His brothers have kept their distance hoping he would heal, but now Bodey comes to him with a need. Elam can't believe he said yes to partnering a woman in a contest of historic western skills for four days. PD is very different from his wife and at first he feels guilty noticing her finer qualities, but somewhere along the way of helping her with the restaurant fire, training her for the contest, spending time with his brothers and partnering PD for the contest, he comes alive. However, as things get real, he is terrified. Loving and losing someone has already crushed him and he doesn't want to take that chance again.
This one got off quickly in some ways and slowly in others just like it was parts slow-paced cozy and parts exciting action and passion. Basically it was doing the job of establishing the foundation for the series while also telling the story of individuals. I thought the author did a pretty good job of it. It took the time to tease out the characters and their romance. Daily life, time with the Taggarts as family, and the description of the small ranching community along with preparations for the contest were well over half the book. Then things got exciting as the contest began particularly with the danger element and the unleashed heat of their attraction.
I laughed when I first started reading this book and I'm pretty sure it wasn't meant to be humorous. I found Elam and PD the horniest pair that I've encountered in a while because it was instant for both of them. Whoa, Nelly! They were hot and squirmy for each other. I'm not a fan of insta-lust driving the romance between new people particularly when they have issues like these two have going, but this one settled into something else when Elam put the brakes on while he was dealing with his past even as they both figured out what they were to each other in the present.
Elam seems like the tough one who needs to heal, but PD has her own inner demons from the neglect of her childhood and the unsettled lifestyle that just compounded her issues. She is absolutely convinced that she is inferior and unworthy which was sad because the evidence of her achievements shows the opposite. Loved seeing Elam heal so that he could prove that he thought she was beautiful and special.
On a side note, I was tickled to death to discover that the fictional settings were based on the real area of the rural country around Logan, UT since I spend ever summer just south of there with family. I didn't have to imagine the scenes or the feel of the community as I've seen it and that was so neat.
All in all, I had a good time with this one with its engaging characters, well-drawn backdrop, satisfying romance and interesting plot. I would recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary western and small town romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2015
I will admit that cowboys make me weak. What’s not to love about sexy, strong, good-with-a-rope, mesmerizing cowboys? I have to mention that because Elam Taggart is all this and more.
Reeling from losing so much he holds dear, including his beloved wife, Elam was back home from his military stint and trying to get through the days building what should have been their dream home. Keeping himself aloof allows him to keep it together as he struggles to overcome his grief.
P.D. Raines, however, was going to sneak under his defenses. Unlike the Taggarts who are steeped in home and hearth, she hadn’t had the conventional, supportive upbringing she had longed for. Determined to win the Wild West Games contest, she was going to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. And that included a reluctant Elam.
“What does P.D. stand for?” Elam asked. He spoke softly, but the rumble of his voice could have carried yards.
She cleared her throat before admitting, “Prairie Dawn.” She thought she saw the slightest lift to his eyebrows – as if she’d surprised him yet again.
“Pretty name.”
P.D. grimaced. “Says the man who wasn’t named after a Muppet.”
Elam is hurting and Prairie Dawn is just the refreshing dose of reality he needs to wake up and realize there is more to life than just existing. The contest was a wonderful way to see them come together to learn more about, and rely on, each other, and to build on the attraction they both feel.
This is the first in a series and, like firsts often can, they slowly set the stage for the books to come. The Taggart brothers are definitely worth more face time as each are attractive in their own unique way.
Funny and touching, I loved the warmth of this story and the characters in it. The feel of the Wild West with some modern shenanigans thrown in for good measure makes this an instant addition to my “go to re-read” shelf. ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
~~~
This book was such a fun ride and just what I needed!
Elam Taggart is a contemporary cowboy, and everything sexy all rolled into one perfect package. He begins dark and brooding, still recovering from his wife's untimely death. Elam has been hiding out from the world at the cabin he's building, trying to cope with his injuries from the Navy and the loss of not only his wife, but his parents and sister as well. He is approached by his brother Brodey to take his place in the Wild West Games, a sort of Wild West Amazing Race, where Brodey had signed on with his friend, P.D. Raines.
The attraction between these two is immediate and electric. Neither of them tries very hard to deny it, even in the beginning, and P.D. does her share of the initiating. I love a go getting woman! Usually I'm screaming at the book, “Just kiss him already!” and P.D. does!
Elam has had his share of sorrow, but he doesn't spend the entire book moping over it. I also really loved this. He's honest about his love for his first wife, but accepting of the fact that he is allowed to move on eventually. His family is wonderful, and if there are going to be books coming up about his brothers, I can't wait to read them.
I couldn't believe what a wonderful idea the Wild West Games were! The entire process was clever and fun to read about; a nonstop romp for the main characters and just plain creative on the author's part. Loved this! The background mystery is enough to bring out Elam's protective side, and P.D.'s needy side, which was also well done; I loved Elam's responses and how he didn't take the dark, brooding road that so many other authors choose for their heroes.
The only thing that brought this down to a 4 star instead of a 5 star for me is that P.D. constantly puts herself down. She can't believe she is beautiful; she can't be small and delicate like his first wife. He can't love her because she's not pretty enough, not feminine enough. He won't want to stay with a girl like her. This didn't mesh for me with the strong, go-getting woman that kissed him first, and kicked ass in those tough games. These insecurities came up so often that I found it too annoying to give this one a full 5 stars.
Overall though, this was a hard to put down read, I found it sexy-as-hell, clever and fun, and I can't wait to read the next in this new series. ~ George, 4 stars
Reeling from losing so much he holds dear, including his beloved wife, Elam was back home from his military stint and trying to get through the days building what should have been their dream home. Keeping himself aloof allows him to keep it together as he struggles to overcome his grief.
P.D. Raines, however, was going to sneak under his defenses. Unlike the Taggarts who are steeped in home and hearth, she hadn’t had the conventional, supportive upbringing she had longed for. Determined to win the Wild West Games contest, she was going to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. And that included a reluctant Elam.
“What does P.D. stand for?” Elam asked. He spoke softly, but the rumble of his voice could have carried yards.
She cleared her throat before admitting, “Prairie Dawn.” She thought she saw the slightest lift to his eyebrows – as if she’d surprised him yet again.
“Pretty name.”
P.D. grimaced. “Says the man who wasn’t named after a Muppet.”
Elam is hurting and Prairie Dawn is just the refreshing dose of reality he needs to wake up and realize there is more to life than just existing. The contest was a wonderful way to see them come together to learn more about, and rely on, each other, and to build on the attraction they both feel.
This is the first in a series and, like firsts often can, they slowly set the stage for the books to come. The Taggart brothers are definitely worth more face time as each are attractive in their own unique way.
Funny and touching, I loved the warmth of this story and the characters in it. The feel of the Wild West with some modern shenanigans thrown in for good measure makes this an instant addition to my “go to re-read” shelf. ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
~~~
This book was such a fun ride and just what I needed!
Elam Taggart is a contemporary cowboy, and everything sexy all rolled into one perfect package. He begins dark and brooding, still recovering from his wife's untimely death. Elam has been hiding out from the world at the cabin he's building, trying to cope with his injuries from the Navy and the loss of not only his wife, but his parents and sister as well. He is approached by his brother Brodey to take his place in the Wild West Games, a sort of Wild West Amazing Race, where Brodey had signed on with his friend, P.D. Raines.
The attraction between these two is immediate and electric. Neither of them tries very hard to deny it, even in the beginning, and P.D. does her share of the initiating. I love a go getting woman! Usually I'm screaming at the book, “Just kiss him already!” and P.D. does!
Elam has had his share of sorrow, but he doesn't spend the entire book moping over it. I also really loved this. He's honest about his love for his first wife, but accepting of the fact that he is allowed to move on eventually. His family is wonderful, and if there are going to be books coming up about his brothers, I can't wait to read them.
I couldn't believe what a wonderful idea the Wild West Games were! The entire process was clever and fun to read about; a nonstop romp for the main characters and just plain creative on the author's part. Loved this! The background mystery is enough to bring out Elam's protective side, and P.D.'s needy side, which was also well done; I loved Elam's responses and how he didn't take the dark, brooding road that so many other authors choose for their heroes.
The only thing that brought this down to a 4 star instead of a 5 star for me is that P.D. constantly puts herself down. She can't believe she is beautiful; she can't be small and delicate like his first wife. He can't love her because she's not pretty enough, not feminine enough. He won't want to stay with a girl like her. This didn't mesh for me with the strong, go-getting woman that kissed him first, and kicked ass in those tough games. These insecurities came up so often that I found it too annoying to give this one a full 5 stars.
Overall though, this was a hard to put down read, I found it sexy-as-hell, clever and fun, and I can't wait to read the next in this new series. ~ George, 4 stars
January 31, 2016
Amazing. Hands down. I absolutely loved it.
I read the second book in the series first—Jace’s book—and I completely fell in love with the Taggart family and everyone in the mythical town of Bliss, Utah. After Reading Jace’s book and following Elam and P.D.’s storyline, I knew I had to go back to the beginning and find out how they met.
DESPERADO is what contemporary romance is all about. I was immediately sucked into the story and never wanted to leave. Elam is broken. He’s lost his wife and his military career in the span of three years and he’s immersed himself in building a cabin, fulfilling one last promise to his deceased wife. Elam works from sunrise to sunset every day, mostly to keep his mind busy so he doesn’t have time to miss the things he’s lost. He’s drowning in oblivion until Bodey—the third Taggart brother—asks for his help.
P.D. needs help winning a contest so she can use her winnings to put into refurbishing her restaurant business. Bodey, her best friend, was supposed to be her partner but hurt himself on his family’s ranch and can’t compete. Elam is her last hope of competing for a chance at the prize money. P.D. is completely surprised when Elam, aka Desperado, agrees.
Elam and P.D. are magic together. I loved reading their story as they fell deeply in love. It’s always interesting to watch a character who’s been widowed find love again and the author handled it respectfully and brilliantly. Elam and P.D. are kindred spirits and actually have much more in common than you’d believe.
The secondary characters are also wonderful and vital to the storyline and supportive of Elam and P.D.’s relationship. I love romances set in small towns and this one is no exception. What I really love about the story is that Elam is not a bad boy/womanizer. He’s a solid man with a genuine heart and when he loves, he loves with his whole being.
DESPERADO is a beautiful story full of family, heart and love. The Taggart Brothers series has quickly become a favorite of mine and I cannot wait for the next story!
If you love small-town romances with dreamy cowboys, you’ll fall hard for The Taggarts.
I read the second book in the series first—Jace’s book—and I completely fell in love with the Taggart family and everyone in the mythical town of Bliss, Utah. After Reading Jace’s book and following Elam and P.D.’s storyline, I knew I had to go back to the beginning and find out how they met.
DESPERADO is what contemporary romance is all about. I was immediately sucked into the story and never wanted to leave. Elam is broken. He’s lost his wife and his military career in the span of three years and he’s immersed himself in building a cabin, fulfilling one last promise to his deceased wife. Elam works from sunrise to sunset every day, mostly to keep his mind busy so he doesn’t have time to miss the things he’s lost. He’s drowning in oblivion until Bodey—the third Taggart brother—asks for his help.
P.D. needs help winning a contest so she can use her winnings to put into refurbishing her restaurant business. Bodey, her best friend, was supposed to be her partner but hurt himself on his family’s ranch and can’t compete. Elam is her last hope of competing for a chance at the prize money. P.D. is completely surprised when Elam, aka Desperado, agrees.
Elam and P.D. are magic together. I loved reading their story as they fell deeply in love. It’s always interesting to watch a character who’s been widowed find love again and the author handled it respectfully and brilliantly. Elam and P.D. are kindred spirits and actually have much more in common than you’d believe.
The secondary characters are also wonderful and vital to the storyline and supportive of Elam and P.D.’s relationship. I love romances set in small towns and this one is no exception. What I really love about the story is that Elam is not a bad boy/womanizer. He’s a solid man with a genuine heart and when he loves, he loves with his whole being.
DESPERADO is a beautiful story full of family, heart and love. The Taggart Brothers series has quickly become a favorite of mine and I cannot wait for the next story!
If you love small-town romances with dreamy cowboys, you’ll fall hard for The Taggarts.
June 10, 2015
Paige's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
The book started a bit slow for me. I was wondering if the characters were meant to be together but the more I read the more I knew they were perfect for each other. I loved the way the pair worked together in the Wild West Games . I also thought the author does a good job weaving a mystery in with this romance.
Elam Taggert has had a tremendous amount of loss in the past few years. Because of this, he has build up wall and pushed his family away. He’s become a recluse but is finally ready to break out when his brother Brode and Brode’s best friend P.D. need a hand.
P.D. has always longed to fit in and be part of a family not just a passing fancy. She’s a strong spirited women who has had to build a life by herself. When her world starts to crumble, she looks towards Elam for help. He’s there lending a shoulder to P.D more than once.
The two had a lot of meddling friends. If it wasn’t Helen, P.D. best friend , it was Elam’s brothers Brode and Jace cheering for this couple to succeed. Even a few townspeople had a hand in helping this couple get to the end.
Being that this is the first in the series, I’m hopeful that the other Taggert brothers will have their own book.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
The book started a bit slow for me. I was wondering if the characters were meant to be together but the more I read the more I knew they were perfect for each other. I loved the way the pair worked together in the Wild West Games . I also thought the author does a good job weaving a mystery in with this romance.
Elam Taggert has had a tremendous amount of loss in the past few years. Because of this, he has build up wall and pushed his family away. He’s become a recluse but is finally ready to break out when his brother Brode and Brode’s best friend P.D. need a hand.
P.D. has always longed to fit in and be part of a family not just a passing fancy. She’s a strong spirited women who has had to build a life by herself. When her world starts to crumble, she looks towards Elam for help. He’s there lending a shoulder to P.D more than once.
The two had a lot of meddling friends. If it wasn’t Helen, P.D. best friend , it was Elam’s brothers Brode and Jace cheering for this couple to succeed. Even a few townspeople had a hand in helping this couple get to the end.
Being that this is the first in the series, I’m hopeful that the other Taggert brothers will have their own book.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 23, 2018
"God bless America!" Oh my goodness, I loved this! I laughed out loud!
Oh how I love Lisa Bingham's ability to bring characters to life through the written word. Lisa is a brilliant story teller who knows how to draw a reader into the world--the hearts and minds--of her characters. When I read her stories, I feel like I'm right in the midst of the action and part of the families and friendships. I laugh, worry, and love right along with the characters in her stories.
This perfectly-paced story was a great introduction to the Taggart family and I am hooked! I can't wait to read the next story in this series and continue getting to know this family and their friends. What a fun read!
Oh how I love Lisa Bingham's ability to bring characters to life through the written word. Lisa is a brilliant story teller who knows how to draw a reader into the world--the hearts and minds--of her characters. When I read her stories, I feel like I'm right in the midst of the action and part of the families and friendships. I laugh, worry, and love right along with the characters in her stories.
This perfectly-paced story was a great introduction to the Taggart family and I am hooked! I can't wait to read the next story in this series and continue getting to know this family and their friends. What a fun read!
June 22, 2015
This is a new author for me and with a new series it is the perfect introduction to her writing. A very enjoyable book, where we meet the sexy Taggart brothers who are running the family business, and I look forward to each of their stories.
P.D. Raines or Prairie Dawn was raised by drug addicted, free-loving parents. She spent her early years in a converted bus traveling to wherever her parents wished, never settling in one place and always feeling unloved as her parents often mentioned how they should have never had a child. She was determined to rise above them and got a college degree and found a permanent place to live. She selected Bliss, Utah, because it was a place she felt the safest when she was young, so she bought a cafe called Vern’s and made herself at home.
Elam Taggart is a widower who came home injured after several tours overseas while in the Navy. In the last few years he has faced many hardships, including the deaths of his parents and sister, his brother’s brain damage while in the same car accident and his wife dying. He has kept to himself since his return, not wanting to see the pity in people’s eyes. However when his brother Bodey asks him for a favor he decides he needs to rejoin the living, the bonus is that his teammate is P.D., a woman that makes his blood race again. The two are entered in the Wild West Games, based on the Amazing Race it is a four day event that has the contestants doing timed skills from a century ago with the added bonus of wearing period costumes. The race has the two spending some fun times together, but things change when people start getting hurt and mysterious things happen.
A great beginning to this series, I enjoyed the small town feel, I also like how the brothers are close and are always there for each other.
P.D. is very likeable; she has created a place to live in that is the exact opposite of where she came from. Her parents were emotionally abusive and were never there for her; amazingly she does not really have many issues that prevent her from enjoying her life. She is happy and settled and welcomes the growing relationship with Elam, even on his terms.
Elam is a broken man, in the last few years he has endured things that beat him down. He came back from Afghanistan and wanted to be alone and even though his brothers wanted to help him, they respected his wishes and took over most of the responsibilities around the ranch. When Bodey asks him to participate in the Wild West Games, he reluctantly agrees yet it seems to be the kick he needs because it is not long after that he begins to take notice again of his brothers, the ranch and of course P.D.. It is almost too sudden, but maybe he just needed that small push to start living again because he was afraid to move on. He does have some issues he still works through, mainly he thinks he is betraying his wife with his feelings for P.D. but the attraction can’t be denied, especially when P.D. feels the same.
The pace works well; I like the Wild West games that P.D. and Elam participate in, as it actually sounds like a fun thing to do and there is an added mystery as someone is stalking P.D. putting her in danger. Secondary characters play important roles, Elam and his brothers are very close so there is a lot of interaction, and since this is a small town, everyone knows each other, even newcomers like P.D. feel at home. This is a good start to a new series about these brothers and it looks like Jace will be featured in the next book, something I am definitely looking forward to reading.
Review also at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
P.D. Raines or Prairie Dawn was raised by drug addicted, free-loving parents. She spent her early years in a converted bus traveling to wherever her parents wished, never settling in one place and always feeling unloved as her parents often mentioned how they should have never had a child. She was determined to rise above them and got a college degree and found a permanent place to live. She selected Bliss, Utah, because it was a place she felt the safest when she was young, so she bought a cafe called Vern’s and made herself at home.
Elam Taggart is a widower who came home injured after several tours overseas while in the Navy. In the last few years he has faced many hardships, including the deaths of his parents and sister, his brother’s brain damage while in the same car accident and his wife dying. He has kept to himself since his return, not wanting to see the pity in people’s eyes. However when his brother Bodey asks him for a favor he decides he needs to rejoin the living, the bonus is that his teammate is P.D., a woman that makes his blood race again. The two are entered in the Wild West Games, based on the Amazing Race it is a four day event that has the contestants doing timed skills from a century ago with the added bonus of wearing period costumes. The race has the two spending some fun times together, but things change when people start getting hurt and mysterious things happen.
A great beginning to this series, I enjoyed the small town feel, I also like how the brothers are close and are always there for each other.
P.D. is very likeable; she has created a place to live in that is the exact opposite of where she came from. Her parents were emotionally abusive and were never there for her; amazingly she does not really have many issues that prevent her from enjoying her life. She is happy and settled and welcomes the growing relationship with Elam, even on his terms.
Elam is a broken man, in the last few years he has endured things that beat him down. He came back from Afghanistan and wanted to be alone and even though his brothers wanted to help him, they respected his wishes and took over most of the responsibilities around the ranch. When Bodey asks him to participate in the Wild West Games, he reluctantly agrees yet it seems to be the kick he needs because it is not long after that he begins to take notice again of his brothers, the ranch and of course P.D.. It is almost too sudden, but maybe he just needed that small push to start living again because he was afraid to move on. He does have some issues he still works through, mainly he thinks he is betraying his wife with his feelings for P.D. but the attraction can’t be denied, especially when P.D. feels the same.
The pace works well; I like the Wild West games that P.D. and Elam participate in, as it actually sounds like a fun thing to do and there is an added mystery as someone is stalking P.D. putting her in danger. Secondary characters play important roles, Elam and his brothers are very close so there is a lot of interaction, and since this is a small town, everyone knows each other, even newcomers like P.D. feel at home. This is a good start to a new series about these brothers and it looks like Jace will be featured in the next book, something I am definitely looking forward to reading.
Review also at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
October 13, 2015
Desperado Desperado (Taggart Brothers #1)by Lisa BinghamElam Taggart knows about the nickname town gossips have given him: Desperado. He doesn’t care. He’s lost just about everything: his wife, his parents, his little sister, and his career as a Navy EOD specialist. After returning home, he hightails it to the rugged Wasatch Mountains outside town.But when his brother comes asking for help, Elam can’t say no. That is, until Elam realizes that in order to help, he’ll be forced to spend time with town newcomer P.D. Raines. P.D. knows that asking Elam Taggart to be her partner in the town’s upcoming Wild West Games is a mistake. But she needs the prize money, and Elam is lean, hard, and tortured—a dangerous combination she can’t seem to resist.As the competition heats up—to the point of peril—Elam and P.D. have to turn away from the past and embrace the passion that sparks between them in order to escape the threat to their lives.My Review:Western thrillers always crack me up because they don't seem to know what it is they're trying to be. Desperado had so many "things" going on that it was difficult to keep up sometimes because I wasn't sure which drama or issue was being dealt with and at any given time it was the mystery, the sexy, the clouded pasts, history, PTSD, emotional inadequacies, tension, obligation, and so on... It didn't take away from the fact that once Elam and PD were together it was mostly escape sex that brought them together. Two broken people leaning on one another to get through another day seemed a tad much but in the end I think it was just enough to see that sometimes it takes someone equal to the devastation of their partners to really mesh. All the broken drama and psychological damage aside Desperado was a decent and enjoyable read. My Rating:3 StarsReviewed By:Krissy's Bookshelf Reviewshttp://kkmalott.booklikes.com/Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
November 27, 2015
4.5 Stars
P.D. Raines has been living in Bliss for a while now. She owns a restaurant, has a comfortable home, and is friends with the Taggart brothers. Well, except for one - Elam. When she enters to win the Wild West Games with Bodey Taggart, he gets hurt and is unable to compete with her. Enter the elusive Elam.
Elam Taggart was happily married and in the Navy doing what he loves. While away on assignment he lost his wife. Since then he's kept to himself. Only working on his cabin on the family land. He doesn't socialize in town, but helps on the farm when needed. Then he meets P.D. Raines. He agrees to take Bodey's place at the games and now that she is in his life everything changes.
The sparks between the two start to fly before the games even start, but once they are alone things really heat up. It's not easy for Elam to let go of the past, though. And P.D. has her own stuff to deal with. Will these two get their HEA or end up going their separate ways?
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself falling fast for Elam and the other Taggart boys. The chemistry and build-up between P.D. and Elam was done really well. I would have loved a little more, maybe an epilogue, just to see what the future held. I'm hoping we will see them again in the next book.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
P.D. Raines has been living in Bliss for a while now. She owns a restaurant, has a comfortable home, and is friends with the Taggart brothers. Well, except for one - Elam. When she enters to win the Wild West Games with Bodey Taggart, he gets hurt and is unable to compete with her. Enter the elusive Elam.
Elam Taggart was happily married and in the Navy doing what he loves. While away on assignment he lost his wife. Since then he's kept to himself. Only working on his cabin on the family land. He doesn't socialize in town, but helps on the farm when needed. Then he meets P.D. Raines. He agrees to take Bodey's place at the games and now that she is in his life everything changes.
The sparks between the two start to fly before the games even start, but once they are alone things really heat up. It's not easy for Elam to let go of the past, though. And P.D. has her own stuff to deal with. Will these two get their HEA or end up going their separate ways?
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself falling fast for Elam and the other Taggart boys. The chemistry and build-up between P.D. and Elam was done really well. I would have loved a little more, maybe an epilogue, just to see what the future held. I'm hoping we will see them again in the next book.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
October 19, 2015
This is an awesome book! Both of the main subjects in the book, Elam and PD, are strong individuals in their own right but when they get together look out. They team up as partners in the Wild West Games because PD's best friend and Elam's brother, Bodey, gets hurt and is unable to be her partner. There is adventure, intrigue, and romance, and plenty of laughter along the route. I will definitely read more books by this author and would recommend this book to anyone & everyone. Yes, it's that good!
Read
November 28, 2016Unfortunately, this didn't work for me and I ended up DNFing at about 40%. I found the pacing way too slow to begin with but the the relationship development (from meeting to HEA) was way too fast (it happened in about a week). I also felt like there was way too much telling rather than showing. I may read the next book if I see it at the library but this isn't a must-have series for me.
September 22, 2015
I enjoyed this story's fresh fun starting point. Elam and PD were a fun and cute couple working to overcome their challenges. The story would have been just as fun without the secret stalker guy. But this book held my attention to the end.
November 8, 2015
A good read. Just enough suspense to lift it out of the ordinary, just enough sexual tension to remind me why I like sex, enough emotional baggage to add reality to the characters, and enough fun to make me smile. What more can I ask?
December 28, 2015
Elam Taggert has lost a lot lately - his wife, parents, sister. Navy career To help his brother - he takes on the Wild West Games - and meets PD Raines As the competition progresses - PD & Elam turn from the past and emprace the future - - an excellent story!
November 29, 2015
3.5/5 (B-)
January 1, 2016
An okay story,love elam's character. But I just cannot really felt his deep feelings towards PD in the story
March 28, 2016
Loved the book! Great characters and story line.
September 26, 2016
Cute!
September 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this series.
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