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Rough Riders #16.5
Long Time Gone
The right love is worth the wait...
Calvin McKay can't understand his twin brother's rush toward the altar—until he lays eyes on the bride's younger sister. But she's far too innocent for him to pursue…and yet something about that little blonde tornado gets his blood pumping and his heart all twisted up.
Kimi West is used to boys chasing after her, but Cal McKay is a man—all man—and his hot kisses are like nothing she's ever experienced. But he's a rancher, tied to the land, and she can’t wait for the day she can escape from Wyoming and see the world.
After a tragedy sends Kimi running from her family, Cal gives Kimi a place to stay—and oh so many tantalizing reasons to stay—while she sorts out her plans. Now she'll have to decide whether the adventure she wants is in a new frontier or right there by Cal's side.
Please note: Long Time Gone is a NOVELLA, a slice of life in the Rough Riders world rather than the whole pie.
BONUS! At the end of this novella you'll find an exclusive excerpt of Unbreak My Heart, the long-awaited love story that reunites Sierra Daniels McKay and Boone West from Gone Country...
Calvin McKay can't understand his twin brother's rush toward the altar—until he lays eyes on the bride's younger sister. But she's far too innocent for him to pursue…and yet something about that little blonde tornado gets his blood pumping and his heart all twisted up.
Kimi West is used to boys chasing after her, but Cal McKay is a man—all man—and his hot kisses are like nothing she's ever experienced. But he's a rancher, tied to the land, and she can’t wait for the day she can escape from Wyoming and see the world.
After a tragedy sends Kimi running from her family, Cal gives Kimi a place to stay—and oh so many tantalizing reasons to stay—while she sorts out her plans. Now she'll have to decide whether the adventure she wants is in a new frontier or right there by Cal's side.
Please note: Long Time Gone is a NOVELLA, a slice of life in the Rough Riders world rather than the whole pie.
BONUS! At the end of this novella you'll find an exclusive excerpt of Unbreak My Heart, the long-awaited love story that reunites Sierra Daniels McKay and Boone West from Gone Country...
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2015
131 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,339 followersLorelei James is New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary erotic westerns and erotic romances. She lives in western South Dakota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 16, 2015
♦ 5 "Devouring" Stars! ♦
After reading Turn and Burn, which belongs to another Lorelei's series, I remembered that she had written a short story about the other parents in the Rough Riders series, so I decided to read it. And let me tell you, it was fantastic!
Long Time Gone is the story of Calvin McKay (the funny and hot twin brother of Carson) and Kimi West (the fiesty younger sister of Carolyn, Carson's wife). Also, if you have read this amazing series, you may know them as the parents of the hot McKay twins: Kade and Kane.
“Please tell me you’re not my future brother-in-law?”
“I’m not. But darlin’ girl, I’m damn near certain I’m your future husband.”
What I loved the most about this series is these two last stories about the parents of this amazing family. I mean, I loved Cowboy Take Me Away and now, I loved this novella as well. I actually wanted more!! I loved the relationship that grows between Cal and Kimi and their instantaneous chemistry and funny moments.
“Get in the truck or I’m going to fuck you right here, in the parking lot, Kimi. Where anyone can see just what you do to me.” He nuzzled her ear. “And how goddamn much I missed you.”
“That sounds like a threat, cowboy.”
“No, sweet darlin’ mine. It’s a promise.”
Still, James' had time to make me laugh and also cry, and I love that. So sad when they are apart!
He rested his forehead to hers. “I don’t think my heart was beating at all until the moment I saw you again.”
And well, I still cannot believe this series is finished. HOWEVER, GREAT NEWS!!: at the end of the book, Lorelei annouced that she is starting a spin-off series (The Rough Riders Legacy) and I am crazy ecxited about it because the first story is about Sierra and Boone (who started their story in the 14th book, Gone Country).
Therefore, my rating is 5 STARS because simply this was a fabulous read! I love everything about it: the couple, the secondary characters, their smokin' chemistry and the emotions that they produced in me. Totally recommend if you are into western romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
After reading Turn and Burn, which belongs to another Lorelei's series, I remembered that she had written a short story about the other parents in the Rough Riders series, so I decided to read it. And let me tell you, it was fantastic!
Long Time Gone is the story of Calvin McKay (the funny and hot twin brother of Carson) and Kimi West (the fiesty younger sister of Carolyn, Carson's wife). Also, if you have read this amazing series, you may know them as the parents of the hot McKay twins: Kade and Kane.
“Please tell me you’re not my future brother-in-law?”
“I’m not. But darlin’ girl, I’m damn near certain I’m your future husband.”
What I loved the most about this series is these two last stories about the parents of this amazing family. I mean, I loved Cowboy Take Me Away and now, I loved this novella as well. I actually wanted more!! I loved the relationship that grows between Cal and Kimi and their instantaneous chemistry and funny moments.
“Get in the truck or I’m going to fuck you right here, in the parking lot, Kimi. Where anyone can see just what you do to me.” He nuzzled her ear. “And how goddamn much I missed you.”
“That sounds like a threat, cowboy.”
“No, sweet darlin’ mine. It’s a promise.”
Still, James' had time to make me laugh and also cry, and I love that. So sad when they are apart!
He rested his forehead to hers. “I don’t think my heart was beating at all until the moment I saw you again.”
And well, I still cannot believe this series is finished. HOWEVER, GREAT NEWS!!: at the end of the book, Lorelei annouced that she is starting a spin-off series (The Rough Riders Legacy) and I am crazy ecxited about it because the first story is about Sierra and Boone (who started their story in the 14th book, Gone Country).
Therefore, my rating is 5 STARS because simply this was a fabulous read! I love everything about it: the couple, the secondary characters, their smokin' chemistry and the emotions that they produced in me. Totally recommend if you are into western romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
June 15, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I knew one thing going in to Long Time Gone and that was I was finally going to get some insight into the couple that birthed my favorite McKay, Kade and his twin Kane. What I didn't expect was to see a man who completely understood a woman enough to let her go and experience life while he stayed home and prepared for her return. This is a novella that reads like a novel and I loved it but, I won't lie and say I could have easily read another 5 years worth of their story because I loved them so much (and I'm just nosey that way). A love story of two people who met before their time to be together, who never once forgot the other, and who trusted each other enough to live their lives while waiting for their time to come Long Time Gone is an epic journey of a great romance and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
I always knew Kimi McKay was a spitfire and we knew her sons called her the blond tornado but we find out in this book that label started with her dear husband, Calvin. What I loved so much about this story is seeing how different Kimi was from Carolyn and how different Calvin was from Carson. They lived their lives differently, they wanted different things and they didn't apologize for it. At a time when women were expected to stay home, raise a family and tend to their husband's needs, Kimi wanted something different out of her life and Cal made sure she got it even though it about killed him to do so.
From their story told over a span of about 7 years we see that Kimi has a mind of her own, she's strong and she has a sense of adventure. We see that Cal is steady, he is even tempered and he will do anything to make sure Kimi gets what she needs out of life. As I read this book I couldn't help but think about the traits these two passed down to their sons. Both Kade and Kane learned out to handle a strong woman from their father, they learned to be there for them but to know when to back off and let them figure out what they wanted out of life and they learned that sometimes you just have to put your foot down when the time is right. From Kimi the boys learned to not be afraid of a woman's strength; to nurture it, to not be afraid to try new things; to be open to new experiences, and most of all to always follow your dreams.
There were so many fantastic moments in this book and I appreciated Cal's absolute trust in that they would be together from the start even though Kimi was only 16 when they met. Calvin proved that he knew she was worth waiting for and in doing so Kimi realized the difference between men and boys. While they were apart for a portion of this book, it was easy to see the absolute affection they had for one another. It would have been easy for them to try and tear each other apart with jealousy and anger over their separation but instead they focused on how they felt when they were together again and I admire them so much for the adult way they handled their lives.
From the sweet moments to the sexy ones and everything in between I LOVED every minute of Long Time Gone and I now feel like the Rough Riders series is fully complete.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I knew one thing going in to Long Time Gone and that was I was finally going to get some insight into the couple that birthed my favorite McKay, Kade and his twin Kane. What I didn't expect was to see a man who completely understood a woman enough to let her go and experience life while he stayed home and prepared for her return. This is a novella that reads like a novel and I loved it but, I won't lie and say I could have easily read another 5 years worth of their story because I loved them so much (and I'm just nosey that way). A love story of two people who met before their time to be together, who never once forgot the other, and who trusted each other enough to live their lives while waiting for their time to come Long Time Gone is an epic journey of a great romance and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
I always knew Kimi McKay was a spitfire and we knew her sons called her the blond tornado but we find out in this book that label started with her dear husband, Calvin. What I loved so much about this story is seeing how different Kimi was from Carolyn and how different Calvin was from Carson. They lived their lives differently, they wanted different things and they didn't apologize for it. At a time when women were expected to stay home, raise a family and tend to their husband's needs, Kimi wanted something different out of her life and Cal made sure she got it even though it about killed him to do so.
From their story told over a span of about 7 years we see that Kimi has a mind of her own, she's strong and she has a sense of adventure. We see that Cal is steady, he is even tempered and he will do anything to make sure Kimi gets what she needs out of life. As I read this book I couldn't help but think about the traits these two passed down to their sons. Both Kade and Kane learned out to handle a strong woman from their father, they learned to be there for them but to know when to back off and let them figure out what they wanted out of life and they learned that sometimes you just have to put your foot down when the time is right. From Kimi the boys learned to not be afraid of a woman's strength; to nurture it, to not be afraid to try new things; to be open to new experiences, and most of all to always follow your dreams.
There were so many fantastic moments in this book and I appreciated Cal's absolute trust in that they would be together from the start even though Kimi was only 16 when they met. Calvin proved that he knew she was worth waiting for and in doing so Kimi realized the difference between men and boys. While they were apart for a portion of this book, it was easy to see the absolute affection they had for one another. It would have been easy for them to try and tear each other apart with jealousy and anger over their separation but instead they focused on how they felt when they were together again and I admire them so much for the adult way they handled their lives.
From the sweet moments to the sexy ones and everything in between I LOVED every minute of Long Time Gone and I now feel like the Rough Riders series is fully complete.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 15, 2015
If you love someone you have to be willing to let them go, if it's meant to be, they'll come back, right? So the saying goes.
Cal and Kimi McKay are one of those couples you know without a doubt love and care for each other deeply, but because we were given a look into how they met and fell in love, it only cemented what we already knew. THEY are one of the great McKay love stories and I'm thrilled to have read how it all came to be. My face hurt from smiling the first 4 chapters. It is so sweet, so perfect, my stomach was doing cartwheels. It rocked on, my heart stopped, then I broke out in a sweat (cause it gets pretty steamy), then happy times with cartwheels again.
One of the reasons I love Lorelei James' writing style is because she can tell the sweetest story without making it sappy. I devour every word of every page until I'm left with a permanent smile on my face. We all know she is the Queen of steam, but she's also pretty damn good at telling a love story like no other.
Two things I noted while reading this. One, KADE is so much like his father, I fell in love with Cal even more upon this revelation because Kade is one amazing character. Two, Keely gets her wild ways from her aunt Kimi and maybe a little of her sass from her mama. All I gotta say is ELIZA BELLE...watch out for this one. heehee
I love this novella! I've read it more than once just because....
Now, if you bought Long Time Gone to read the Sierra and Boone sneak peek, good for you. I hope you enjoyed, but if you skipped Cal and Kimi's story altogether, shame on you! Go back and read this story right now. It's more than worth it. :)
Cal and Kimi McKay are one of those couples you know without a doubt love and care for each other deeply, but because we were given a look into how they met and fell in love, it only cemented what we already knew. THEY are one of the great McKay love stories and I'm thrilled to have read how it all came to be. My face hurt from smiling the first 4 chapters. It is so sweet, so perfect, my stomach was doing cartwheels. It rocked on, my heart stopped, then I broke out in a sweat (cause it gets pretty steamy), then happy times with cartwheels again.
One of the reasons I love Lorelei James' writing style is because she can tell the sweetest story without making it sappy. I devour every word of every page until I'm left with a permanent smile on my face. We all know she is the Queen of steam, but she's also pretty damn good at telling a love story like no other.
Two things I noted while reading this. One, KADE is so much like his father, I fell in love with Cal even more upon this revelation because Kade is one amazing character. Two, Keely gets her wild ways from her aunt Kimi and maybe a little of her sass from her mama. All I gotta say is ELIZA BELLE...watch out for this one. heehee
I love this novella! I've read it more than once just because....
Now, if you bought Long Time Gone to read the Sierra and Boone sneak peek, good for you. I hope you enjoyed, but if you skipped Cal and Kimi's story altogether, shame on you! Go back and read this story right now. It's more than worth it. :)
June 23, 2015
This was a fairly short novella about Kimi West and Cal McKay. Cal, as Rough Riders readers will remember, is Carson McKay's twin brother. Kimi is Carolyn West McKay's younger sister.
I loooooooved the origin story of Carson and Carolyn, Cowboy Take Me Away, but this one fell short. And not just because it was a fraction of the length.
When Kimi and Cal first meet (we saw this in CTMA) she's only sixteen. They hit it off, but he's 24 years old so while they do kiss, he doesn't let it go any further. The age difference didn't bother me much, probably because we were first introduced to Kimi (and Cal in more of a background way) in Rough Riders and she's part of the older generation. Knowing she and Cal are together for the long haul makes this first meeting not so squicky. Also, Kimi and Carolyn are both older than their chronological ages due to their family experiences.
The story felt rushed and there's a whole chunk that gets glossed over completely. It felt like the middle of the book just wasn't there. In the end I was unsatisfied. TBH, though, I loved Cowboy Take Me Away so much that this one could never have matched it, but evidence of a little effort might have been helpful.
The worst part of the whole book? The announcement that Boone and Sierra's story will kick off LJ's foray into the NA genre with the Rough Riders Legacy series. I hate that genre. And the excerpt didn't make it any better. Years later, Sierra is still a brat. Yay.
So, this was disappointing. I did like getting to know Cal a bit since he's always seemed more like Carson's shadow. I wanted more for him and Kimi didn't come off as well as she could have by the end. As I said above, though, knowing they're together for the long haul and raise two great sons is a big help to pulling this up to three stars.
Better luck next time. :)
I loooooooved the origin story of Carson and Carolyn, Cowboy Take Me Away, but this one fell short. And not just because it was a fraction of the length.
When Kimi and Cal first meet (we saw this in CTMA) she's only sixteen. They hit it off, but he's 24 years old so while they do kiss, he doesn't let it go any further. The age difference didn't bother me much, probably because we were first introduced to Kimi (and Cal in more of a background way) in Rough Riders and she's part of the older generation. Knowing she and Cal are together for the long haul makes this first meeting not so squicky. Also, Kimi and Carolyn are both older than their chronological ages due to their family experiences.
The story felt rushed and there's a whole chunk that gets glossed over completely. It felt like the middle of the book just wasn't there. In the end I was unsatisfied. TBH, though, I loved Cowboy Take Me Away so much that this one could never have matched it, but evidence of a little effort might have been helpful.
The worst part of the whole book? The announcement that Boone and Sierra's story will kick off LJ's foray into the NA genre with the Rough Riders Legacy series. I hate that genre. And the excerpt didn't make it any better. Years later, Sierra is still a brat. Yay.
So, this was disappointing. I did like getting to know Cal a bit since he's always seemed more like Carson's shadow. I wanted more for him and Kimi didn't come off as well as she could have by the end. As I said above, though, knowing they're together for the long haul and raise two great sons is a big help to pulling this up to three stars.
Better luck next time. :)
June 30, 2015
Review of Kindle ebook purchased in June, 2015
3 stars
A pleasant read, but there's nothing that knocked my socks off. I can honestly say I have never met a man that would wait all those years for a woman to sow her wild oats. It also seems like maybe the time-frame doesn't jive with their ages in some of the last books of the series, but it's really vague as to what era this happens. This story would have to occur in the 1950's for them to be the ages they were in the last of the series. They would basically be my parents' contemporaries. I don't think the Prudhoe Bay stuff was happening that early on, but even if it was, 'nice' women didn't just go off much on their own to such a place... kind of like nice women didn't just go off on their own to mining or oil boom towns. Especially pretty women. It was a much different time than now. I guess I just didn't 'buy it'.
Anyway, Kimi's adventures in Alaska just seemed to be skimmed over and Cal's life is pretty much just ranch drudgery and bar-hopping.
I really wouldn't buy this again. It should have been a little longer.
3 stars
A pleasant read, but there's nothing that knocked my socks off. I can honestly say I have never met a man that would wait all those years for a woman to sow her wild oats. It also seems like maybe the time-frame doesn't jive with their ages in some of the last books of the series, but it's really vague as to what era this happens. This story would have to occur in the 1950's for them to be the ages they were in the last of the series. They would basically be my parents' contemporaries. I don't think the Prudhoe Bay stuff was happening that early on, but even if it was, 'nice' women didn't just go off much on their own to such a place... kind of like nice women didn't just go off on their own to mining or oil boom towns. Especially pretty women. It was a much different time than now. I guess I just didn't 'buy it'.
Anyway, Kimi's adventures in Alaska just seemed to be skimmed over and Cal's life is pretty much just ranch drudgery and bar-hopping.
I really wouldn't buy this again. It should have been a little longer.
June 17, 2015
3.5 stars.
A bit confusing for me.
H/h meet when h is very young( h 16, H 24). h has a yen to roam so H lets her go though they write to each other and they get back together after 5 yrs.
Its confusing bcos IRL, I might want the kind of guy like the H who loves me enough to let me go do my own thing and wait for me to come back.
But in romancelandia, I want a guy who wouldn't want to spend a minute apart from the h, who would pack his bags and go along with her wherever she went! In this case I felt let down that the H didn't even think of doing that - he could have found a way if he wanted it badly enough.
Also it didn't help that it was implied that the lonely H hooked up casually with women in the separation period ( even though he loved the h) and the h sounded as if she was too busy working, saving money and taking in the sights of the world every spare bit of time she had to ever think of dating:(
Whatever.
Not exactly my idea of romance...
A bit confusing for me.
H/h meet when h is very young( h 16, H 24). h has a yen to roam so H lets her go though they write to each other and they get back together after 5 yrs.
Its confusing bcos IRL, I might want the kind of guy like the H who loves me enough to let me go do my own thing and wait for me to come back.
But in romancelandia, I want a guy who wouldn't want to spend a minute apart from the h, who would pack his bags and go along with her wherever she went! In this case I felt let down that the H didn't even think of doing that - he could have found a way if he wanted it badly enough.
Also it didn't help that it was implied that the lonely H hooked up casually with women in the separation period ( even though he loved the h) and the h sounded as if she was too busy working, saving money and taking in the sights of the world every spare bit of time she had to ever think of dating:(
Whatever.
Not exactly my idea of romance...
September 6, 2015
I’m pretty much a fan girl of the Rough Riders series and even after sixteen books Kimi and Carson have always been the couple that I wanted to know more about. Part of it is due to the fact that the Wonder Twins aka Kade and Kane are my favorite McKay’s and wanting to know more about their parents goes hand in hand. The other is that whenever Kimi was apart of a scene she always captured my attention and after Cowboy Take Me Away, I really, really wanted to know more about Kimi and Cal, so you can just imagine how excited I was when it was announced that they would be getting their own book. It didn’t matter that it was a novella, I just wanted something and I was in no way disappointed!
I thought I loved Kimi and Calvin before, but now I absolutely adore them and they may just be my favorite couple of the series or at least top three. (It tends to change when I start a re read). But regardless, I loved that while Kimi is definitely a Blonde Tornado in every way ~ firey, speaks her mind, knows who she is and what she wants ~ she is also a deeply caring and observant woman, even when we meet her at the tender age of sixteen.
Calvin is all sexy charm and charisma, something that we’ve come to expect and love about all the men in the Rough Rider world, but his runs on the calmer, more relaxed side of the coin though he’s just as sly, intense and determined as the rest of them.
I loved how their relationship progressed. Having known already that they’d had that instant connection from reading Cowboy Take Me Away, it was fun to watch how they handled it. The open and honest nature of their relationship was refreshing, as was the lack of unnecessary drama, and the chemistry between them as hot as Kimi’s fiery personality.
As for that excerpt about Sierra and Boone? What a perfect start (continuation?) of their story and it looks like it’s going to be a wild ride.
The Bottom Line: I loved this glimpse into the beginning of Kimi and Calvin’s relationship and though I do want more, I’m satisfied...for now.
I thought I loved Kimi and Calvin before, but now I absolutely adore them and they may just be my favorite couple of the series or at least top three. (It tends to change when I start a re read). But regardless, I loved that while Kimi is definitely a Blonde Tornado in every way ~ firey, speaks her mind, knows who she is and what she wants ~ she is also a deeply caring and observant woman, even when we meet her at the tender age of sixteen.
Calvin is all sexy charm and charisma, something that we’ve come to expect and love about all the men in the Rough Rider world, but his runs on the calmer, more relaxed side of the coin though he’s just as sly, intense and determined as the rest of them.
I loved how their relationship progressed. Having known already that they’d had that instant connection from reading Cowboy Take Me Away, it was fun to watch how they handled it. The open and honest nature of their relationship was refreshing, as was the lack of unnecessary drama, and the chemistry between them as hot as Kimi’s fiery personality.
As for that excerpt about Sierra and Boone? What a perfect start (continuation?) of their story and it looks like it’s going to be a wild ride.
The Bottom Line: I loved this glimpse into the beginning of Kimi and Calvin’s relationship and though I do want more, I’m satisfied...for now.
November 16, 2015
I had a hard time with 24 year old Cal being attracted to 16 year old Kimi so I really couldn't get into the beginning of the book. And although nothing happened between them until she was 18 it was still creepy. How would you feel if a 24 year old man had the hots for your 16 year old daughter?
Also Kimi was a bit too aggressive for my liking; I like my virginal characters to be a tad bit more submissive and inexperience and not asking to blow the guy the first time out having sex. There really wasn't very much new to the story than what we got in Carson and Carolyn's book.
The best part of the story for me was when Kimi met her nephews Cord and Colby.
Also Kimi was a bit too aggressive for my liking; I like my virginal characters to be a tad bit more submissive and inexperience and not asking to blow the guy the first time out having sex. There really wasn't very much new to the story than what we got in Carson and Carolyn's book.
The best part of the story for me was when Kimi met her nephews Cord and Colby.
June 15, 2015
I swear I could read about the McKay’s and West till my dying days. This was a special treat to get an even better glimpse into the early days of Calvin McKay and Kimi West romance than what we got in Cowboy Take Me Away.
Don’t know what more I can say about Long Time Gone other than I loved it. And if their story wasn’t enough of a treat finally getting a sneak peak at Sierra and Boone’s story that will be coming out next year made me even more giddy.
Don’t know what more I can say about Long Time Gone other than I loved it. And if their story wasn’t enough of a treat finally getting a sneak peak at Sierra and Boone’s story that will be coming out next year made me even more giddy.
June 10, 2018
3,5 stars
I liked Cal and Kimi’s story. Not as much as Carson and Caro’s but it was great fun reading about the OG McKay men and how they got their women. I had some trouble with especially Kimi’s age (she was 16 at the beginning of the story and 23 by the end) as I prefer to read about heroines closer to my own age and at least in their 20s.
Also somehow for me, as a reader that loves chronologic order in her reading, it was weird reading about characters I already have known through the many Rough Rider books. Still I can never go wrong with a Lorelei James book: LONG TIME GONE was an emotional and sexy story sprinkled with subtle humor and kept me entertained for several hours.
I liked Cal and Kimi’s story. Not as much as Carson and Caro’s but it was great fun reading about the OG McKay men and how they got their women. I had some trouble with especially Kimi’s age (she was 16 at the beginning of the story and 23 by the end) as I prefer to read about heroines closer to my own age and at least in their 20s.
Also somehow for me, as a reader that loves chronologic order in her reading, it was weird reading about characters I already have known through the many Rough Rider books. Still I can never go wrong with a Lorelei James book: LONG TIME GONE was an emotional and sexy story sprinkled with subtle humor and kept me entertained for several hours.
August 22, 2015
3 stars
It could have done with being a little bit longer it felt rushed at times.
It could have done with being a little bit longer it felt rushed at times.
September 7, 2015
Another look back in time to the origins of some of my favorite heroes in romance. Yes, after the epic story of Carson McKay and Carolyn West in COWBOY TAKE ME AWAY, Ms. James goes back in time to show us how Calvin McKay and Kimi West got together.
I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that twins Calvin and Carson McKay ended up marrying the West sisters. I had already fallen in love with Carolyn, and it was fun to see the differences between the brothers as well as the sisters.
LONG TIME GONE gives us that glimpse. And where COWBOY TAKE ME AWAY was more tumultuous and heart wrenching, LONG TIME GONE was easy going, a slow burn that once it gets going it quickly sparks.
Calvin falls in lust with Kimi at first sight when he meets her just before his brother’s wedding. At the time she was a week shy of 17. She may be young, but she knows what she wants. She has a big personality with a side of rebel. She’s been repressed by her family and just wants to forge her path on her own. Even if that path leads her away from home. Or maybe in hopes of that.
Calvin shocked me with his cool and calm demeanor, his patience and his determination to get the girl he had his heart set on. Kimi doesn’t make things easy but somehow Calvin is just that strong, silent type that works perfectly to reel her in and tame her. They are almost complete opposites and complement each other so well. Reading these stories now almost makes me forget about any of their interactions I’ve read in the series. And definitely makes me want to do a whole series re-read!
For long time lovers of the series (like me!), this is a must read. Everything you love from Ms. James is here, and I can’t help but want to gobble up anything new about the McKays to fit in my puzzle. For new fans? It may just be a glimpse into the big McKay world that you MUST get into. This might just be the best western erotic series out there. So do yourself a favor and pick it up right away.
Now the elephant in the room? The Boone and Sierra story excerpt. I refuse to read it, because it will only highten my anticipation and I don’t think I can handle that right now. But if you don’t mind the itchy grabby paws it’ll give you by reading it, then go for it! Ms. James gave us some exciting news about the “placement” of this story in the Rough Riders universe. I think you’ll be happy with the news, as much as I am.
October 30, 2024
Claro, te tiras más de una docena de libros viendo a tito Cal y tita Kimi como una pareja de mediana edad, los padres de Kane y Kade y claro, que te cuenten ahora su historia romántica pues... es eso que digo otras veces, es de esos libros sobre «tío Pepe y tía Josefina», que para ellos será muy sexi, a ti te da cierta dentera verlo. Que tendrán sexo y romance, claro, si no, ¿de dónde van a venir tus primos?, pero preferirías que se lo guardaran para ellos.
Tienen sus momentos dulces, incluidas cartas (sí, hay parte de novela epistolar), y otros sexis, con un dirty talking ciertamente crudo.
Una historieta más bien breve muy agradable que se puede leer separada del resto de la serie, pero por la generación a la que se refiere, quizá no sea representativa de los Rough Riders.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Tienen sus momentos dulces, incluidas cartas (sí, hay parte de novela epistolar), y otros sexis, con un dirty talking ciertamente crudo.
Una historieta más bien breve muy agradable que se puede leer separada del resto de la serie, pero por la generación a la que se refiere, quizá no sea representativa de los Rough Riders.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
February 11, 2017
3.5 stars.
July 14, 2018
When you know it's meant to be you just have to let it happen in its own time. I loved this whirlwind love story!
November 20, 2017
3 stars
Aaaw, how much I missed the McKay Boys... I love this series so much.
Aaaw, how much I missed the McKay Boys... I love this series so much.
June 16, 2015
Sometimes you read a book and it just sticks with you no matter how you feel about the subsequent books you read after. But, for me, it has always been this entire Rough Riders series. It's just something so exceedingly special, you have to read it to understand where I’m coming from. I just can't quite put into words to tell you all just how much I absolutely adore it. The series warms my heart in ways that no other book or series has ever been able to accomplish, so I can’t highly suggest enough that you need to take the time to read it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Long Time Gone is a sexy and extraordinarily sweet novella that gives us a glimpse back into the history of Cal and Kimi McKay’s relationship and how it all started. From the moment these two meet in the ice cream parlor, there is no turning back for either one of them. They are undeniably perfect for one another, despite the West/McKay complications, and I absolutely adore these two. I love and respect Cal even more so now after learning the way he allowed Kimi to spread her wings. He knew if you love something with the desire to be free, that you need to let it go so it comes back to you strong than ever before. I seriously don’t know how Cal, or Kimi for that matter, managed those years while she was gone. I was amazed at the determination and strength of their love, because this is what pulled them through. Let me put this quite simply for all of you guys, Cal McKay is nothing short of amazing. It’s no wonder his sons are two of my favorite guys from the McKay clan, because the apple didn’t fall far from the tree there.
With all that said, I’m sure you know I’m going to tell you that this is a MUST read. Their relationship is complicated, but yet also so simple in the purity of the love they have for one another. I have to say it again because it bares reminding, but I just love these two. So read this book, but more so read the whole series. When you are invested in it like I am, each time you get to revisit with your favorite family becomes such a treat. I can’t wait for what Lorelei has in store for us next.
For this and more of my reviews, check out my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
Long Time Gone is a sexy and extraordinarily sweet novella that gives us a glimpse back into the history of Cal and Kimi McKay’s relationship and how it all started. From the moment these two meet in the ice cream parlor, there is no turning back for either one of them. They are undeniably perfect for one another, despite the West/McKay complications, and I absolutely adore these two. I love and respect Cal even more so now after learning the way he allowed Kimi to spread her wings. He knew if you love something with the desire to be free, that you need to let it go so it comes back to you strong than ever before. I seriously don’t know how Cal, or Kimi for that matter, managed those years while she was gone. I was amazed at the determination and strength of their love, because this is what pulled them through. Let me put this quite simply for all of you guys, Cal McKay is nothing short of amazing. It’s no wonder his sons are two of my favorite guys from the McKay clan, because the apple didn’t fall far from the tree there.
With all that said, I’m sure you know I’m going to tell you that this is a MUST read. Their relationship is complicated, but yet also so simple in the purity of the love they have for one another. I have to say it again because it bares reminding, but I just love these two. So read this book, but more so read the whole series. When you are invested in it like I am, each time you get to revisit with your favorite family becomes such a treat. I can’t wait for what Lorelei has in store for us next.
For this and more of my reviews, check out my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
June 19, 2015
Rough Riders
Thank you Lorelei. I was sad when we read the last Rough Riders book. Yes, I know that after 20 books, Lorelei probably wanted to write something else, but the McKays were a part of our lives. We waited on pins and needles for the next book. Having her write about the parents of the original characters is awesome.
Cal McKay is the calmer of the twins. He doesn't get too excited about much....Until he sees the blonde bombshell eating ice cream.
Kimi West has been living g with her aunt for years and going to school. Now that her sister is married her parents have other plans.
After a fight with her parents, she takes off and the first person she runs into is Cal and the sparks fly. But she's going back to school and you will have to read this novella to find out how Cal and Kimi finally get together.
Now we find out that in time, we may get sneak peeks into the lives of our beloved McKay and West families.....you'll have to become a fan of Lorelei James to keep up on her AWESOME writing.......I know I'll be waiting for more.....
Thank you Lorelei. I was sad when we read the last Rough Riders book. Yes, I know that after 20 books, Lorelei probably wanted to write something else, but the McKays were a part of our lives. We waited on pins and needles for the next book. Having her write about the parents of the original characters is awesome.
Cal McKay is the calmer of the twins. He doesn't get too excited about much....Until he sees the blonde bombshell eating ice cream.
Kimi West has been living g with her aunt for years and going to school. Now that her sister is married her parents have other plans.
After a fight with her parents, she takes off and the first person she runs into is Cal and the sparks fly. But she's going back to school and you will have to read this novella to find out how Cal and Kimi finally get together.
Now we find out that in time, we may get sneak peeks into the lives of our beloved McKay and West families.....you'll have to become a fan of Lorelei James to keep up on her AWESOME writing.......I know I'll be waiting for more.....
April 26, 2022
*4+ Stars*
OMG! OMG!! OMG!!! Is it terribly wrong that while I loved this book, I got really excited about the letter from the author at the end?! Sierra and Boone's story is coming (Unbreak my Heart, 2.8.16)! Not only that - we get more McKays!! She is starting a spin-off series, Rough Riders Legacy, with the next generation! I am beyond thrilled!
OK, back to Kimi and Cal - what a sweet, hot story! I was so happy to see their beginning. I loved how Cal treated her . They refused to take the easy path, it wouldn't have worked for them anyway. The journey made their story even better! It was definitely sigh-worthy!
OMG! OMG!! OMG!!! Is it terribly wrong that while I loved this book, I got really excited about the letter from the author at the end?! Sierra and Boone's story is coming (Unbreak my Heart, 2.8.16)! Not only that - we get more McKays!! She is starting a spin-off series, Rough Riders Legacy, with the next generation! I am beyond thrilled!
OK, back to Kimi and Cal - what a sweet, hot story! I was so happy to see their beginning. I loved how Cal treated her . They refused to take the easy path, it wouldn't have worked for them anyway. The journey made their story even better! It was definitely sigh-worthy!
July 30, 2016
While a fan of this series, I'm not overjoyed with this story any more than I was with Carson and Carolyn's. I guess is was nice to know their struggles/story but after so many...I'm pretty much done with this world and ready to move on. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of short stories or novellas. There never seems to be really enough story to make an engaging journey for me. While these characters have all the wonder and joy Lorelei puts into her writing...there really isn't anything that pushes this over the mediocre fence for me. So, I'm ready to say goodbye to this world and tuck them on the bookshelf. It was a great journey on many fronts. On to other adventures...
June 16, 2015
There is nothing better than a McKay, West love story. The love story between Calvin McKay and Kimi West was fantastic. It was nice to see that a five year long separation between the two kept that chemistry alive for when they reconnected. This book was just as hot as every one of the Rough Rider series books were. Also a thanks to Lorelei for giving us a glimpse of Boone and Sierra's story, another couple that will burn up the pages.
June 19, 2015
Lorelei James never fails to deliver with the Rough Riders series, and I love that she is going back and providing readers with an insight into the events surrounding the relationships of the founding fathers of the McKay clans.
Without this story readers would not have known that Cal waited many years for Kimi to satisfy her need for adventure before coming home to claim her place at his side.
I'm so happy knowing that there are more stories to come about the next generation of McKays!
Without this story readers would not have known that Cal waited many years for Kimi to satisfy her need for adventure before coming home to claim her place at his side.
I'm so happy knowing that there are more stories to come about the next generation of McKays!
January 8, 2017
Okay, I knew that Calvin was 24 and Kimi was 16 when they met. He really liked her then. And I understand the time period has to be like late sixties, seventies (the elder McKays' lovestories) but Kimi was just too young...at the time. It sort of bothered me.
Yet, the love story was definitely not as profound as Carson and Carolyn's.
Oh well. I like Kimi's character though, especially in the later books.
Yet, the love story was definitely not as profound as Carson and Carolyn's.
Oh well. I like Kimi's character though, especially in the later books.
June 15, 2015
Good short novella with Cal and Kimi's story. However, let's get to it - there is an excerpt at the end of the long awaited story of Boone and Sierra. Feb. 2016 - the wait is over. I trust Lorelei so I'm reserving judgment, but it's not exciting to me that it's going to be considered the "New Adult" genre or that it seems to be written in 1st person...
July 7, 2015
I loved the chemistry between Kimi and Cal, loved that neither shied away from what they felt. I did find myself sort of pissed that Kimi stayed away for as long as she did. I could see the first year, but 5 years was a bit much. Cal's way of letting her know it was time to come home was great! The ending to this one made me smile, loved that they lived according to how they wanted.
July 24, 2015
Loved Cal and Kimi story. This book just made me love Cal even more letting her go and have adventures even tho it killed him to experience them. Gonna miss this lots so much but can't be sad with LJ promising more McKay/West in future.
If you haven't read any rough riders or Wild West and blacktop cowboys you a absolutely missing out.
If you haven't read any rough riders or Wild West and blacktop cowboys you a absolutely missing out.
June 16, 2015
I love these cowboys!
I loved reading about Kimi and Cal. It's proof that if you truly love someone you're willing to give them wings and hope that your roots are strong to bring them back.
These McKay men are sweet talkers picked some feisty women.
I also loved the glimpse for the new series!
I loved reading about Kimi and Cal. It's proof that if you truly love someone you're willing to give them wings and hope that your roots are strong to bring them back.
These McKay men are sweet talkers picked some feisty women.
I also loved the glimpse for the new series!
June 16, 2015
Loved this book!!! I have read all the Rough Rider Series and I loved reading Kimi and Cal's story. I love seeing how it all began. My only problem is I didn't want it to end. This book will be added to one of my favorites in the series. I read just about everything from James, and I look forward to more.
July 25, 2015
I loved this novella.
I can't pinpoint how Lorelei hooks me. I think it must be the southern drawl of those sexy cowboys, but every damn time I fall in love.
The preview at the end was fantastic too.
I can't pinpoint how Lorelei hooks me. I think it must be the southern drawl of those sexy cowboys, but every damn time I fall in love.
The preview at the end was fantastic too.
June 17, 2015
3.5! It was just too dang short! I just adore this series. I was really sad when it ended. This book was a good way for me to read a happy ever after (look into the future); especially about how it all started.
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