What do you think?
Rate this book
AusTex #1
Trial by Fire
One Aussie. One Texan. One baby. One hell of a fight.
When his sister and her husband are killed in an accident, Aussie cattle station owner Lachlan McCoughney rushes to Texas to rescue their infant daughter, Chloe. He expects to find his niece living in squalor with the Sheffields, a rodeo family.
Instead, Lachlan finds Holden Sheffield, a salt-of-the-earth cowboy running a huge business operation. They want to explore their mutual attraction despite the many problems thrown their way, and together, they must find a way to give Chloe a new family and find a love that spans thousands of acres and two continents.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
150 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
383 books634 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
April 6, 2018
2.5
~SO MUCH GRAVY NOT ENOUGH BISCUITS~
In all the years I’ve been reading m/m books and all the years B.A Tortuga has been writing m/m this is my very first time reading the author. If “Trial by Fire” is the usual fare can I honestly say that I haven’t t been missing much or is it a case that I might have been missing all too much? This book had melodrama coming out of its wazoo. Daytime soap opera type shiiiii….
Lachlan has been searching for his sister for many years, and when he finally gets a call that she’s been located, but it comes with news that he wasn’t really expecting. His sister has perished in a plane crash along with her husband leaving behind a daughter, a niece he wants to meet and become an uncle to. That means navigating the family his sister married into, one thing is for damn sure he’ll leaving the heart of Texas with his niece.
What then transpires is drama of epic intents. My head was reeling with the amount of crazy that was going down. This book had the plane crash, a baby-napping for ransom for 10 million dollars (cue Dr Evil finger to the mouth), and straight up all out shooting. All this went down in the first 60% of the book.
Then there is Lachlan and Holden. Holden being the legal guardian of the little girl and twin brother of the husband to his sister 😒. They be hating each other but they also be loving each other, because nothing brings two people closer together than a kidnapping. It’s a dramatic mess of epic proportions and kept I reading for the sole purpose of how much more ridiculous could it get. Turmoil is thrown in from both Lachlan and Holden’s parents who can’t seem to compromise on how the baby should be raised, while also dealing with the budding relationship of love between Holden and Lachlan. Their love is fast like a mustang in the wind.
Overall, this was a very harlequinesque type read with crazy thrown in for plot device while offering a very mediocre story. There was a lot somethings without any actual answers to most of it. I found the writing alright but I couldn’t take anything seriously, the dialogue was over the top and more comedic than entertaining. Cowboys speak is a hell of thing!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review Writing Songs
Redbone by Childish Gambino
MIC Drop by BTS, Steve Aoki
DNA by BTS
~SO MUCH GRAVY NOT ENOUGH BISCUITS~
In all the years I’ve been reading m/m books and all the years B.A Tortuga has been writing m/m this is my very first time reading the author. If “Trial by Fire” is the usual fare can I honestly say that I haven’t t been missing much or is it a case that I might have been missing all too much? This book had melodrama coming out of its wazoo. Daytime soap opera type shiiiii….
Lachlan has been searching for his sister for many years, and when he finally gets a call that she’s been located, but it comes with news that he wasn’t really expecting. His sister has perished in a plane crash along with her husband leaving behind a daughter, a niece he wants to meet and become an uncle to. That means navigating the family his sister married into, one thing is for damn sure he’ll leaving the heart of Texas with his niece.
What then transpires is drama of epic intents. My head was reeling with the amount of crazy that was going down. This book had the plane crash, a baby-napping for ransom for 10 million dollars (cue Dr Evil finger to the mouth), and straight up all out shooting. All this went down in the first 60% of the book.
Then there is Lachlan and Holden. Holden being the legal guardian of the little girl and twin brother of the husband to his sister 😒. They be hating each other but they also be loving each other, because nothing brings two people closer together than a kidnapping. It’s a dramatic mess of epic proportions and kept I reading for the sole purpose of how much more ridiculous could it get. Turmoil is thrown in from both Lachlan and Holden’s parents who can’t seem to compromise on how the baby should be raised, while also dealing with the budding relationship of love between Holden and Lachlan. Their love is fast like a mustang in the wind.
Overall, this was a very harlequinesque type read with crazy thrown in for plot device while offering a very mediocre story. There was a lot somethings without any actual answers to most of it. I found the writing alright but I couldn’t take anything seriously, the dialogue was over the top and more comedic than entertaining. Cowboys speak is a hell of thing!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review Writing Songs
Redbone by Childish Gambino
MIC Drop by BTS, Steve Aoki
DNA by BTS
June 8, 2016
3.5 Hearts--It's official!
I've popped my audiobook and Dreamspun Desires cherries!
It was a long search for the right narrator that didn't sound so robotic. And if anyone is going to pop my audio cherry, it should be someone memorable. And you can't forget a name like Rusty Topsfield.
I'm going to pretend this is what Rusty looks like except with ginger hair. Dreamboat.
Well, how was a first timer's take on audiobooks? I don't think it'll be something I'll run to listen to a lot. I was hesitant to trying audiobooks, so this was going to be my trial run. A book I didn't read, but had a physical copy in case it bombed.
Verdict : story didn't bomb...just the narration.
This story was flufftastic, over the top and filled with some sexual tension - a good mix for entertainment purposes. I knew ahead of time that I would need to suspend reality while reading.
Baby orphan Chloe has two uncles who want for custody, once they meet sparks fly and they fall in love. I like this guardian/battling in laws fall in love trope. Billionaire Aussie uncle Lachlan learns his sister is dead and gets a surprise when he learns she was married and had a baby. So he travels to Texas to get his niece. But his niece already has a guardian, her dead father's fraternal twin Holden. The two square off and argued, said a lot of "good deals" and angry flirted. But then a kidnapping happens by a group of the sloppiest kidnappers ever. Just horrible. An ensemble cast with big personalities get together to find the kidnapped baby, which gets solved fairly quickly...because sloppy. There was even a murder added on top of the men fighting and sexing.
And more importantly instalove.
But for this brand, it's to be expected, so no complaints here.
I think I can separate the story from the narrator...mostly. Because though Rusty, my audiobook de-virginizer, was memorable...Rusty got lazier as the story progressed especially with the accents. Hoo boy, Rusty's Texan accent was okay-ish? But he tended to mix in a lot of the Texan "good deal" with Aussie Lachlan. Rusty was reading from the text, I get it it. But the accents didn't have much distinction after a while and when more Aussies and Texans came in?
Oh those were horrible!The Australian accents sounds like a Brit/Martian/Southern person implanted a garbage disposal inside their throat.
What in the world was that?
It was distracting as hell and made me laugh for all the wrong reasons. Then I'd have to replay the damn scene to figure out what the hell was said. Like when one of the main men's dad said "I'm pooped", but the accent made it sound like I've pooped.
So there I am wondering why his father took a dump when there was custody battling going on and a baby missing. Couldn't he have excused himself to the bathroom without announcing?
Anyway, the story has a lot of action in between the fluff and over the top-ness.
The story is probably about 3.5-3.75 Hearts.
The Narration...is about 2 Hearts.
I'll audiobook again.
Whatever.
A copy proved for an honest review.
I've popped my audiobook and Dreamspun Desires cherries!
It was a long search for the right narrator that didn't sound so robotic. And if anyone is going to pop my audio cherry, it should be someone memorable. And you can't forget a name like Rusty Topsfield.
I'm going to pretend this is what Rusty looks like except with ginger hair. Dreamboat.
Well, how was a first timer's take on audiobooks? I don't think it'll be something I'll run to listen to a lot. I was hesitant to trying audiobooks, so this was going to be my trial run. A book I didn't read, but had a physical copy in case it bombed.
Verdict : story didn't bomb...just the narration.
This story was flufftastic, over the top and filled with some sexual tension - a good mix for entertainment purposes. I knew ahead of time that I would need to suspend reality while reading.
Baby orphan Chloe has two uncles who want for custody, once they meet sparks fly and they fall in love. I like this guardian/battling in laws fall in love trope. Billionaire Aussie uncle Lachlan learns his sister is dead and gets a surprise when he learns she was married and had a baby. So he travels to Texas to get his niece. But his niece already has a guardian, her dead father's fraternal twin Holden. The two square off and argued, said a lot of "good deals" and angry flirted. But then a kidnapping happens by a group of the sloppiest kidnappers ever. Just horrible. An ensemble cast with big personalities get together to find the kidnapped baby, which gets solved fairly quickly...because sloppy. There was even a murder added on top of the men fighting and sexing.
And more importantly instalove.
But for this brand, it's to be expected, so no complaints here.
I think I can separate the story from the narrator...mostly. Because though Rusty, my audiobook de-virginizer, was memorable...Rusty got lazier as the story progressed especially with the accents. Hoo boy, Rusty's Texan accent was okay-ish? But he tended to mix in a lot of the Texan "good deal" with Aussie Lachlan. Rusty was reading from the text, I get it it. But the accents didn't have much distinction after a while and when more Aussies and Texans came in?
Oh those were horrible!The Australian accents sounds like a Brit/Martian/Southern person implanted a garbage disposal inside their throat.
What in the world was that?
It was distracting as hell and made me laugh for all the wrong reasons. Then I'd have to replay the damn scene to figure out what the hell was said. Like when one of the main men's dad said "I'm pooped", but the accent made it sound like I've pooped.
So there I am wondering why his father took a dump when there was custody battling going on and a baby missing. Couldn't he have excused himself to the bathroom without announcing?
Anyway, the story has a lot of action in between the fluff and over the top-ness.
The story is probably about 3.5-3.75 Hearts.
The Narration...is about 2 Hearts.
I'll audiobook again.
Whatever.
A copy proved for an honest review.
October 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
In this Dreamspun Desires offering, we have an orphaned baby and her two uncles (from different sides of her family) warring over custody, which is a particularly tricky situation because one lives in Texas and the other in Australia.
Plenty of cowboy melodrama ensues, as Holden (the Texan) and Lachlan (the Aussie) go from hostile strangers to forever in love in 2 seconds flat.
I don’t mind a fast moving romance every now and again, so that aspect didn’t particularly bother me as it may some. They came together in extenuating circumstances, both seeming sincere in their attraction and quickly developing romantic feelings, but I enjoyed their interactions, however hasty.
There were definitely a lot of outlandish events that transpired over the brief week or two that this story took place, with fires, assaults, kidnappings and shootings to name but a few of the silly but fun occurrences. It reminded me a bit of RJ Scott’s Texas series with all it's soap opera antics, which I’m truthfully a huge fan of.
However, I personally found Tortuga’s writing style quite jarring. There were a lot of confusing scenes where the dialogue had me questioning who was actually talking, and on more than one occasion random characters suddenly appeared in scenes they’d previously not been in. It was kind of odd really; a bit nonsensical in structure. Admittedly, this is my first experience with this author, so perhaps it was a one off kind of thing, or maybe just a style of writing I simply don’t “get.”
As an Aussie, I also had some issues with the authenticity of the Australian characters and the references they were making. Nothing particularly major was off about it, just little things bugged me, like Lachlan’s constant harping on about how weird American’s are with their coffee and how it’s all tea for him all the time, yadda, yadda, yadda. Sure, I know a few Aussies who enjoy a cup of tea every now and again, but coffee is still a major beverage consumed by almost 90% of the people I know, and even though it’s fine if Lachlan’s character was mad about tea, he really was written as if coffee-lovers were a foreign concept to him as an Australian, and that shitted me. Not to mention, after the kidnapping, Lachlan contacted someone who told him his parents were on route to Texas ASAP, from Queensland, and they arrived within the time he called in the morning and that very same evening. Just no. They would have gone from Brisbane, to Sydney, to LA or San Fran, and then connected to Texas, factoring in airport waiting time and transfers, it’s simply not possible. Sydney to LA alone is a 14 hour flight, people. Did they teleport? It’s this sort of inconsistency that unfortunately bugs me when reading.
This sounds like a lot of complaining, and I apologise for that, but sometimes I just need to jot this stuff down more for my own recollections later on than to simply whine about my issues. Just know that, overall, I did enjoy the story, regardless of my personal concerns, and I would definitely be open to trying more from Tortuga’s backlog in the future.
In this Dreamspun Desires offering, we have an orphaned baby and her two uncles (from different sides of her family) warring over custody, which is a particularly tricky situation because one lives in Texas and the other in Australia.
Plenty of cowboy melodrama ensues, as Holden (the Texan) and Lachlan (the Aussie) go from hostile strangers to forever in love in 2 seconds flat.
I don’t mind a fast moving romance every now and again, so that aspect didn’t particularly bother me as it may some. They came together in extenuating circumstances, both seeming sincere in their attraction and quickly developing romantic feelings, but I enjoyed their interactions, however hasty.
There were definitely a lot of outlandish events that transpired over the brief week or two that this story took place, with fires, assaults, kidnappings and shootings to name but a few of the silly but fun occurrences. It reminded me a bit of RJ Scott’s Texas series with all it's soap opera antics, which I’m truthfully a huge fan of.
However, I personally found Tortuga’s writing style quite jarring. There were a lot of confusing scenes where the dialogue had me questioning who was actually talking, and on more than one occasion random characters suddenly appeared in scenes they’d previously not been in. It was kind of odd really; a bit nonsensical in structure. Admittedly, this is my first experience with this author, so perhaps it was a one off kind of thing, or maybe just a style of writing I simply don’t “get.”
As an Aussie, I also had some issues with the authenticity of the Australian characters and the references they were making. Nothing particularly major was off about it, just little things bugged me, like Lachlan’s constant harping on about how weird American’s are with their coffee and how it’s all tea for him all the time, yadda, yadda, yadda. Sure, I know a few Aussies who enjoy a cup of tea every now and again, but coffee is still a major beverage consumed by almost 90% of the people I know, and even though it’s fine if Lachlan’s character was mad about tea, he really was written as if coffee-lovers were a foreign concept to him as an Australian, and that shitted me. Not to mention, after the kidnapping, Lachlan contacted someone who told him his parents were on route to Texas ASAP, from Queensland, and they arrived within the time he called in the morning and that very same evening. Just no. They would have gone from Brisbane, to Sydney, to LA or San Fran, and then connected to Texas, factoring in airport waiting time and transfers, it’s simply not possible. Sydney to LA alone is a 14 hour flight, people. Did they teleport? It’s this sort of inconsistency that unfortunately bugs me when reading.
This sounds like a lot of complaining, and I apologise for that, but sometimes I just need to jot this stuff down more for my own recollections later on than to simply whine about my issues. Just know that, overall, I did enjoy the story, regardless of my personal concerns, and I would definitely be open to trying more from Tortuga’s backlog in the future.
July 14, 2016
I went into this book expecting a fun premise, a bit of melodrama, and instalove - just as the Harlequin Gods... er... Dreamspun Desires editors intended. And I got it in spades.
Unfortunately, I found the soap opera-worthy plot twists to have been even more over the top than I was expecting. I know a lot of readers will be grinning right about now, eager to bite into the submarine sandwich of long lost siblings, bears with babies, kidnappings, assaults, murders, and constant bickering, but it just didn't work for me. It was just too much "too much," if you feel me. The author didn't leave enough space on the page for any of her ideas to breath; the story just went from one crisis to another and it was exhausting.
More than the plot, however, the writing just wasn't to my taste. This was my first exposure to Tortuga's writing, so I didn't know what to expect going in. It wasn't until I was about half way through before my friend Dani warned me off. By then, it was far too late - I was committed to finishing the book.
In fairness to the author, it's not like the book was riddled with typos (which I feel shows a lack of editing and therefore a lack of respect for ones readers). It was, however, severely lacking in clarity. I found myself reading pages or entire sections of the novel several times to try to figure out what the hell was going on in any given scene. The author had a bad habit of inserting characters she'd never properly introduced and switching back and forth between calling them by their title (e.g. "Mr. Brandon), their first name, their last name, or one of several unexplained nicknames (where the hell did "Lofty" come from? Why did there also have to be a "Lefty"?). Further, it always seemed like there were characters magically popping in and out of rooms in the middle of a scene (I still don't understand where the hell Shiloh disappeared to after )! And the over the top Texas good 'ole boy drawl when combined with the crazy Aussie vocab constantly being thrown in your face was annoying. I admit I don't know any Texans, but I know a few Aussies, and not a single one of 'em talks in that unintelligible way that Lachlan did.
Anyway... Bottom line is that I've come to the conclusion that neither this author, nor this series, is my thing. I'll definitely be steering clear from now on. :(
Unfortunately, I found the soap opera-worthy plot twists to have been even more over the top than I was expecting. I know a lot of readers will be grinning right about now, eager to bite into the submarine sandwich of long lost siblings, bears with babies, kidnappings, assaults, murders, and constant bickering, but it just didn't work for me. It was just too much "too much," if you feel me. The author didn't leave enough space on the page for any of her ideas to breath; the story just went from one crisis to another and it was exhausting.
More than the plot, however, the writing just wasn't to my taste. This was my first exposure to Tortuga's writing, so I didn't know what to expect going in. It wasn't until I was about half way through before my friend Dani warned me off. By then, it was far too late - I was committed to finishing the book.
In fairness to the author, it's not like the book was riddled with typos (which I feel shows a lack of editing and therefore a lack of respect for ones readers). It was, however, severely lacking in clarity. I found myself reading pages or entire sections of the novel several times to try to figure out what the hell was going on in any given scene. The author had a bad habit of inserting characters she'd never properly introduced and switching back and forth between calling them by their title (e.g. "Mr. Brandon), their first name, their last name, or one of several unexplained nicknames (where the hell did "Lofty" come from? Why did there also have to be a "Lefty"?). Further, it always seemed like there were characters magically popping in and out of rooms in the middle of a scene (I still don't understand where the hell Shiloh disappeared to after )! And the over the top Texas good 'ole boy drawl when combined with the crazy Aussie vocab constantly being thrown in your face was annoying. I admit I don't know any Texans, but I know a few Aussies, and not a single one of 'em talks in that unintelligible way that Lachlan did.
Anyway... Bottom line is that I've come to the conclusion that neither this author, nor this series, is my thing. I'll definitely be steering clear from now on. :(
April 30, 2016
This fun and sweet romance actually has a little bit of everything: humor, insta-love, suspense, some emotionally charged scenes, action, heartache, some sexiness, and even a kidnapping!
For over two years Aussie cattle station owner Lachlan McCoughney has been looking for his runaway sister. Instead of the happy reunion he hopes for he instead finds out his sister and her husband have recently been killed in a plane crash leaving behind their infant daughter in the custody of her husband's twin brother, Holden Sheffield.
Lachlan immediately rushes to Texas to take custody of his niece from Holden. There's friction between the two at first, but, of course, that friction turns to sparks and the two fall in love. Lachlan recognizes how perfect Holden is with their niece Chloe, and he tries to work out how to break it to his parents that Chloe will be staying with the family she already has. However, when Chloe is kidnapped the two men must work together to bring her home.
Yes, it is bit dramatic at times, and the insta-love is super fast (especially under the circumstances), but I was prepared for all of that and enjoyed it all.
The only thing I was baffled by is how Holden, who runs a huge rodeo operation in the U.S., and Lachlan, who runs an enormous cattle station in Australia, would be able to make a relationship work. In the end obviously there's a solution, but I didn't quite buy it. I found myself having to suspend my disbelief a lot in order to enjoy the HEA.
Rusty Topsfield is a great narrator and I enjoyed the narration overall with one glaring exception. I'll admit I didn't care for his Australian accents. Though I give full kudos for him making an effort, I felt like his Aussie needs some work.
If you're looking for an insta-romance with some suspense and humor, and are a fan of the Dreamspun Desires series, I think you'll enjoy this as much as I did.
Audio copy of Trial By Fire provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 15, 2016
Oh, this was an epic story. It has a bit of everything - two men who are different but not, heartache and pain, meddling parents, kidnappers who are bumbling fools, sacrifice, and even a baby.
It's a sweeping grand story of two men from different corners of the globe, united in grief, divided by what they think they must do, lusting after each other (holy hot boysecks, batman), and fighting for what they want.
I read this epic tale while on the edge of my seat for the most part, crying and laughing with them, fanning myself when they finally get it on, and biting my nails when... well, read it for yourself.
Of course, this being an installment of Dreamspun Desires, it's a bit over the top, as expected. Lachlan rides into Texas on a rather high horse, grief-stricken and wanting to bring his niece home to Australia, because she's all he's got left of his sister, who ran off some years back because life on her parents' rather large sheep station was stifling her.
Except what he expected to find on the Sheffield ranch (deplorable living conditions, a bunch of rodeo clowns) isn't quite what he encounters when he arrives. Lachlan also doesn't expect Holden, brother-in-law to his late sister, nor did he see the punch to his face coming his way when he strides in, all haughty, and demands they turn over his niece, Chloe.
Confronted with the truth of the situation - no squalor, no clowns, no traveling from one rodeo to the next - Lachlan focuses his attention on how to solve his dilemma. He's got no legal foot to stand on, as Holden was named guardian of the little girl by his late twin brother and sister-in-law. While Holden is willing to allow Lachlan and his parents to visit the little girl, that'll only happen when and where he says.
But oh, lust sets both men aflame, and the UST is killer for a long while. Just when you thought they'd finally get together, something terrible happens that nearly derails the budding romance.
I really liked this, no matter how much it was OTT, what with the foolish kidnapping plot, and the ranch hands, and Lachlan's parents blowing into town, and Holden's parents finding out that their remaining son doesn't swing the way they thought. It was oh so romantic in that special cowboy way, and it swept me off my feet, leaving me breathless for most of the time but smiling happily when it ended.
A worthy installment to this series. Recommended for all Harlequin romance lovers!
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
It's a sweeping grand story of two men from different corners of the globe, united in grief, divided by what they think they must do, lusting after each other (holy hot boysecks, batman), and fighting for what they want.
I read this epic tale while on the edge of my seat for the most part, crying and laughing with them, fanning myself when they finally get it on, and biting my nails when... well, read it for yourself.
Of course, this being an installment of Dreamspun Desires, it's a bit over the top, as expected. Lachlan rides into Texas on a rather high horse, grief-stricken and wanting to bring his niece home to Australia, because she's all he's got left of his sister, who ran off some years back because life on her parents' rather large sheep station was stifling her.
Except what he expected to find on the Sheffield ranch (deplorable living conditions, a bunch of rodeo clowns) isn't quite what he encounters when he arrives. Lachlan also doesn't expect Holden, brother-in-law to his late sister, nor did he see the punch to his face coming his way when he strides in, all haughty, and demands they turn over his niece, Chloe.
Confronted with the truth of the situation - no squalor, no clowns, no traveling from one rodeo to the next - Lachlan focuses his attention on how to solve his dilemma. He's got no legal foot to stand on, as Holden was named guardian of the little girl by his late twin brother and sister-in-law. While Holden is willing to allow Lachlan and his parents to visit the little girl, that'll only happen when and where he says.
But oh, lust sets both men aflame, and the UST is killer for a long while. Just when you thought they'd finally get together, something terrible happens that nearly derails the budding romance.
I really liked this, no matter how much it was OTT, what with the foolish kidnapping plot, and the ranch hands, and Lachlan's parents blowing into town, and Holden's parents finding out that their remaining son doesn't swing the way they thought. It was oh so romantic in that special cowboy way, and it swept me off my feet, leaving me breathless for most of the time but smiling happily when it ended.
A worthy installment to this series. Recommended for all Harlequin romance lovers!
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
February 10, 2016
5 Cowboy Up Stars!! Between Oz and Texas - these cowboys do it bigger and better while finding love along the way!!
Trial by Fire is from the collection of books known as Dreamspun Desires which are books where
Love Always Finds a Way
Dreamspun Desires are contemporary category romance novels, complete with your favorite heartwarming heroes, captivating plots, and exotic settings. These titles are all about happily ever afters that leave you with a satisfied smile for days.
So, this is one of my favorite books of the Dreamspun Desires collection thus far. It has everything I love in a book, two sexy MC, drama, angst, conflict, a resolution that is believable, some mystery, and hot as hell sex! B.A. Tortuga does an excellent job with this book the only thing that I had trouble with was the "Aussie Dialect" but I had fun figuring it all out and the story was just that much better!
We enter this story when Lachlan McCoughney has just learned that his sister Ades has been killed in a plane crash along with her husband, they left behind a four month old daughter in Texas. Worse yet, they left her with the traveling rodeo clowns she married into and his niece is going to grow up being bounced from rodeo to rodeo. Well it doesn't take Lachlan but two seconds to come to the conclusion that he is what his niece needs and he is going to go to Texas and retrieve her, with a plan to bring her back to OZ where she can be raised by his family. Once Laughlan arrives in Texas he is met with resistance. This resistance comes in the form of a 5'10" Texan Cowboy, Holden Sheffield, who is not about to let his niece Chloe go anywhere - he was named as her guardian and he intends to honor his twin brother and sister-in-laws wishes - even if that means punching a sexy Aussie cattleman right in the kisser! So begins the battle of the wills - who is best for Chloe, but does it even matter, the law is on Holden's side and he isn't budging. He is however a reasonable man and willing to allow Lachlan and his parents the right to visit, on his terms and his turf.
Lachlan, who really can't believe that his sister is gone - (nor can he get over how sexy Holden is) and how much bigger the Sheffield's ranch is - he guesses he was wrong to think that the Sheffield's were just a bunch of traveling rodeo clowns. That still doesn't change the fact that he wants his niece to have what is best nor the fact that his parents expect him to bring her back to the Station in OZ. He really is at a loss as to what is going to happen because he can't deny that Holden really is a good father for Chloe and he really does have his act together, he can't see any reason why Chloe shouldn't live her life in Texas as is sister wanted. In-fact, he is finding himself more and more drawn to the little cowboy and wouldn't mind having a taste of that Texan. Holden can't deny his attraction to the sexy Australian but he will be damned if he allows that hunk to take his "daughter" back to Aussie - she is his daughter now and he plans to raise her. He wouldn't be opposed to some help though, in the form of one 6'2" Tall, dark, handsome Australian.
The sexual tension continues to develop between these two MC and just when we think we are going to get some action - tragedy strikes and threatens to undo all the trust that has been earned between the two. Someone kidnaps Chloe and nobody is safe from suspicion. Can these two overcome suspicion and learn to trust each other, will they get Chloe back safe and sound, who has Chloe, will these two find a way to do what is right for Chloe while both full-filling their obligations and duty to their families? Their relationship is one that is under Trial by Fire from the start ~ Sometimes it takes a tragedy to make you see what is right in front of you!
5 Stars!!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
Trial by Fire is from the collection of books known as Dreamspun Desires which are books where
Love Always Finds a Way
Dreamspun Desires are contemporary category romance novels, complete with your favorite heartwarming heroes, captivating plots, and exotic settings. These titles are all about happily ever afters that leave you with a satisfied smile for days.
So, this is one of my favorite books of the Dreamspun Desires collection thus far. It has everything I love in a book, two sexy MC, drama, angst, conflict, a resolution that is believable, some mystery, and hot as hell sex! B.A. Tortuga does an excellent job with this book the only thing that I had trouble with was the "Aussie Dialect" but I had fun figuring it all out and the story was just that much better!
We enter this story when Lachlan McCoughney has just learned that his sister Ades has been killed in a plane crash along with her husband, they left behind a four month old daughter in Texas. Worse yet, they left her with the traveling rodeo clowns she married into and his niece is going to grow up being bounced from rodeo to rodeo. Well it doesn't take Lachlan but two seconds to come to the conclusion that he is what his niece needs and he is going to go to Texas and retrieve her, with a plan to bring her back to OZ where she can be raised by his family. Once Laughlan arrives in Texas he is met with resistance. This resistance comes in the form of a 5'10" Texan Cowboy, Holden Sheffield, who is not about to let his niece Chloe go anywhere - he was named as her guardian and he intends to honor his twin brother and sister-in-laws wishes - even if that means punching a sexy Aussie cattleman right in the kisser! So begins the battle of the wills - who is best for Chloe, but does it even matter, the law is on Holden's side and he isn't budging. He is however a reasonable man and willing to allow Lachlan and his parents the right to visit, on his terms and his turf.
Lachlan, who really can't believe that his sister is gone - (nor can he get over how sexy Holden is) and how much bigger the Sheffield's ranch is - he guesses he was wrong to think that the Sheffield's were just a bunch of traveling rodeo clowns. That still doesn't change the fact that he wants his niece to have what is best nor the fact that his parents expect him to bring her back to the Station in OZ. He really is at a loss as to what is going to happen because he can't deny that Holden really is a good father for Chloe and he really does have his act together, he can't see any reason why Chloe shouldn't live her life in Texas as is sister wanted. In-fact, he is finding himself more and more drawn to the little cowboy and wouldn't mind having a taste of that Texan. Holden can't deny his attraction to the sexy Australian but he will be damned if he allows that hunk to take his "daughter" back to Aussie - she is his daughter now and he plans to raise her. He wouldn't be opposed to some help though, in the form of one 6'2" Tall, dark, handsome Australian.
The sexual tension continues to develop between these two MC and just when we think we are going to get some action - tragedy strikes and threatens to undo all the trust that has been earned between the two. Someone kidnaps Chloe and nobody is safe from suspicion. Can these two overcome suspicion and learn to trust each other, will they get Chloe back safe and sound, who has Chloe, will these two find a way to do what is right for Chloe while both full-filling their obligations and duty to their families? Their relationship is one that is under Trial by Fire from the start ~ Sometimes it takes a tragedy to make you see what is right in front of you!
5 Stars!!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
March 21, 2017
This was good, y'all. Even though I cried about 900 times while reading, it was still a light and fluffy comfort read. Over-the-top drama just the way I like it.
March 24, 2016
I loved some bits about the book, especially the nicknames and goofing off between all friends. But I really didn't like some others, like the Harlequin Intrigue storyline.
But a fine enough read, otherwise... Just not one I would ever revisit...:-)
But a fine enough read, otherwise... Just not one I would ever revisit...:-)
June 21, 2016
Avoid the audiobook if you plan on reading this book. The horrible job the narrator does with the Australian accent makes the entire experience just awkward for everyone involved.
Read
March 15, 2016I reckon I should tell y’all how sweet this story is and it was. So sit back and lend this ginger your ear for spell.
I am not going to go into great detail with my review on this book. I am a firm believer that telling you what happens in the book, things that made me surprised should be left to each individual reader so I am gonna hit a few points and let sleeping babies lie in the arms of adorable, rugged and sexy cowboys. You ready? You best get your aww faces on...
When Holden’s twin brother Landon and sister in law Addie die in a plane crash, Holden becomes the one to care for his niece Chloe being left guardianship over the little baby. But as much as Holden loves his niece, he is a bit in over his head with running his cattle business, taking care of a baby, dealing with his aging parents and then a fast talking Aussie comes into the picture with a punch or um, yeah.
Lachlan, said Aussie, has been searching for his sister Adelaide who ran away from the oppression that comes with the family business only to be met with bad news. She died in a plane crash with her husband, leaving behind one baby girl. When Lachlan arrives in Texas determined to meet his niece and take her back with him, he realizes this family he judged on reputation alone, might not be the worst place for Chloe.
Now, I know I said to get your aww faces on, which is true but this was also a bittersweet story when you remember the catalyst that has brought Holden and Lachlan together with Chloe between them. There is loss here, for both men and both families and that loss, it’s presented in a lovely way that allows the reader to feel and also heal.
This is a story about family and a story about doing what’s best for the greater good and that good is baby Chloe. I loved how she was front and center for the story and how much love she draws to her. Holden is a great daddy, he will move the world for his niece and make sure he does everything in his power to do right by her late parents, even if that means pushing away her relatives from the Land of Oz. And then you have Lachlan who has come to Texas, determined that Miss Chloe needs to be with her mother’s family, that they have lost so much of Addie already, they cannot miss out on being a part of her daughter’s life.
The men have a rough beginning with one another and yet they are able to put that all behind then and focus as much on the now but not letting go of the past that has brought them together. During a argumentative family moment, a storm hits that leads to an acknowledged shared grief, where a small touch ignites more than either man know was there and sets the barn on fire... Mmm Hmm. But then, you know things happen and regardless of guilt or innocence, these two cowboys are put to a painful task that makes them lean on each other in more ways than one.
Trial by Fire, or as I like to call it, two cowboys and a baby, was a sweet, steady and yet wild ride that teaches you about second chances and the true meaning of family. Get your aww faces read to watch an Aussie and a Yank fall head over spurs for a tiny baby girl as they fall into each other’s arms.
I am not going to go into great detail with my review on this book. I am a firm believer that telling you what happens in the book, things that made me surprised should be left to each individual reader so I am gonna hit a few points and let sleeping babies lie in the arms of adorable, rugged and sexy cowboys. You ready? You best get your aww faces on...
When Holden’s twin brother Landon and sister in law Addie die in a plane crash, Holden becomes the one to care for his niece Chloe being left guardianship over the little baby. But as much as Holden loves his niece, he is a bit in over his head with running his cattle business, taking care of a baby, dealing with his aging parents and then a fast talking Aussie comes into the picture with a punch or um, yeah.
Lachlan, said Aussie, has been searching for his sister Adelaide who ran away from the oppression that comes with the family business only to be met with bad news. She died in a plane crash with her husband, leaving behind one baby girl. When Lachlan arrives in Texas determined to meet his niece and take her back with him, he realizes this family he judged on reputation alone, might not be the worst place for Chloe.
No one knew how he felt but this man right here.
Now, I know I said to get your aww faces on, which is true but this was also a bittersweet story when you remember the catalyst that has brought Holden and Lachlan together with Chloe between them. There is loss here, for both men and both families and that loss, it’s presented in a lovely way that allows the reader to feel and also heal.
This is a story about family and a story about doing what’s best for the greater good and that good is baby Chloe. I loved how she was front and center for the story and how much love she draws to her. Holden is a great daddy, he will move the world for his niece and make sure he does everything in his power to do right by her late parents, even if that means pushing away her relatives from the Land of Oz. And then you have Lachlan who has come to Texas, determined that Miss Chloe needs to be with her mother’s family, that they have lost so much of Addie already, they cannot miss out on being a part of her daughter’s life.
The men have a rough beginning with one another and yet they are able to put that all behind then and focus as much on the now but not letting go of the past that has brought them together. During a argumentative family moment, a storm hits that leads to an acknowledged shared grief, where a small touch ignites more than either man know was there and sets the barn on fire... Mmm Hmm. But then, you know things happen and regardless of guilt or innocence, these two cowboys are put to a painful task that makes them lean on each other in more ways than one.
Trial by Fire, or as I like to call it, two cowboys and a baby, was a sweet, steady and yet wild ride that teaches you about second chances and the true meaning of family. Get your aww faces read to watch an Aussie and a Yank fall head over spurs for a tiny baby girl as they fall into each other’s arms.
“Do you think it’ll ever be less odd? Life, I mean.”
“I think we’ll find a new normal.”
July 20, 2020
Lachlan gets the news three weeks later, his sister, Adelaide, and husband, Landon, died in a plane crash, and left behind a tiny Chloe, 3 1/2 months old. Shocked and in need to see the little one, Lachlan heads to America.
Holden has been awarded guardianship in the will,
and he is keeping his new baby.
A lot is happening, with each man in charge of a huge spread in different continents. Holden is standing his ground, and Lachlan is starry-eyed for his niece, too. An action packed kidnapping and rescue causes all forces to unite. We see terrific characters, sadness and happiness, and a reckoning.
Lachlan and Holden are drawn to each other, and it's fierce, raw powerful and meaningful.
They need to put their minds together and solve the puzzle of how they can be together, to love each other and care for sweet Chloe.
I liked each man, and together they are dynamite. I thought the language barriers were fun, and there was only one "crickey" in the whole story !
A heartwarming tale of acceptance, bonding, and overcoming obstacles, that is quite entertaining.
ENJOY !
========
Holden has been awarded guardianship in the will,
and he is keeping his new baby.
A lot is happening, with each man in charge of a huge spread in different continents. Holden is standing his ground, and Lachlan is starry-eyed for his niece, too. An action packed kidnapping and rescue causes all forces to unite. We see terrific characters, sadness and happiness, and a reckoning.
Lachlan and Holden are drawn to each other, and it's fierce, raw powerful and meaningful.
They need to put their minds together and solve the puzzle of how they can be together, to love each other and care for sweet Chloe.
I liked each man, and together they are dynamite. I thought the language barriers were fun, and there was only one "crickey" in the whole story !
A heartwarming tale of acceptance, bonding, and overcoming obstacles, that is quite entertaining.
ENJOY !
========
March 16, 2016
Hey lovelies, are you familiar with Dreamspinner Press’ Dreamspun Desires series? If not, you need to pick that shit up right now. I haven’t read all of the books in the series, but the ones I have read are pure entertainment.
It’s basically like watching a lifetime movie with a soap-opera flavour –ish. The romance is grand (and often unbelievable), there’s always some kind of villain, there is a mystery to be solved, and of course, a rather dramatic rescue mission. In this book, two cowboys come together to find their kidnapped 4-month old orphaned niece. Do you have the tissues out yet? But it’s not angsty at all! It’s OTT, and super fun, the characters are quite caricature-like, the fall in love in a few hours, and of course they live happily ever after, having had crazy hot sex first, of course.
I especially loved the fact that the story unfolded in Texas. There’s something about cowboys in Texas man, I don’t even know. And especially when they say stuff like:
“That feller ain’t gonna give up.” “No, sir. I reckon he won’t.”
And stuff like:
"Holden, your momma’s gonna shit a pink Twinkie iff’n you messed up her cannas.”
I don’t even know what that shit means! But who the hell cares. This book was funny, entertaining, and hot, with an awww factor (cue baby who apparently felt affinity towards her never-before seen uncle by his accent –at 4 months old!) and overall a hoot.
Recommend!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It’s basically like watching a lifetime movie with a soap-opera flavour –ish. The romance is grand (and often unbelievable), there’s always some kind of villain, there is a mystery to be solved, and of course, a rather dramatic rescue mission. In this book, two cowboys come together to find their kidnapped 4-month old orphaned niece. Do you have the tissues out yet? But it’s not angsty at all! It’s OTT, and super fun, the characters are quite caricature-like, the fall in love in a few hours, and of course they live happily ever after, having had crazy hot sex first, of course.
I especially loved the fact that the story unfolded in Texas. There’s something about cowboys in Texas man, I don’t even know. And especially when they say stuff like:
“That feller ain’t gonna give up.” “No, sir. I reckon he won’t.”
And stuff like:
"Holden, your momma’s gonna shit a pink Twinkie iff’n you messed up her cannas.”
I don’t even know what that shit means! But who the hell cares. This book was funny, entertaining, and hot, with an awww factor (cue baby who apparently felt affinity towards her never-before seen uncle by his accent –at 4 months old!) and overall a hoot.
Recommend!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2020
What a fantastic novel! ‘Trial by Fire’ is action-packed, emotionally intense, full of hot cowboys from two continents, and an utterly charming story. The setup is simple: two families fight for the right to raise a little girl left an orphan when her parents die in an airplane crash. One family runs a huge rodeo operation in the US, the other an enormous cattle station in Australia. Both don’t have to worry about money, and neither is willing to give an inch where the little girl is concerned. There is confrontation from page one, including fistfights, arson, a kidnapping, and minor and major shouting matches. And in the middle of this huge mess there are two men, Holden and Lachlan, who have lost their siblings but have found each other. And despite all the animosity and bad blood, they soon realize there may be more between them than a shared status as little Chloe’s uncles.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 18, 2023
This is book 1 in BA Tortuga’s Cozy Cowboys series (it was also previously part of the AusTex series).
I grabbed this because I was looking for single dad romance and the blurb sounded cute. I’ll admit I was a little thrown because this is romantic suspense - but I love that so I rolled with it. Over the top and insta love, but a fun read nonetheless.
At first it seems opposites attract but Lachlan and Holden discover they actually have a lot in common. Chloe is only a few months old and adorable and so are all the tough cowboys and ranch hands cooing over her. Lachlan and Holden are completely smitten with her and they bond over providing her the best future.
Unfortunately not everyone can be trusted and Chloe’s life is in jeopardy. As the chaos continues Holden learns to trust Lachlan, but question whether their future be built on a overwhelmingly stressful week.
Enjoyed the HEA and cute epilogue.
CW (potential spoilers)
Story starts with learning of the death of sibling, baby is kidnapped, death of secondary characters
I grabbed this because I was looking for single dad romance and the blurb sounded cute. I’ll admit I was a little thrown because this is romantic suspense - but I love that so I rolled with it. Over the top and insta love, but a fun read nonetheless.
At first it seems opposites attract but Lachlan and Holden discover they actually have a lot in common. Chloe is only a few months old and adorable and so are all the tough cowboys and ranch hands cooing over her. Lachlan and Holden are completely smitten with her and they bond over providing her the best future.
Unfortunately not everyone can be trusted and Chloe’s life is in jeopardy. As the chaos continues Holden learns to trust Lachlan, but question whether their future be built on a overwhelmingly stressful week.
Enjoyed the HEA and cute epilogue.
CW (potential spoilers)
Story starts with learning of the death of sibling, baby is kidnapped, death of secondary characters
November 24, 2018
This is book that races at a break neck speed with its boots stuffed full of action.
I liked both Holden and Lachlan. I loved that Holden wasn't very big (height) and I loved that both our heroes grieved and risked.
I liked the cast--horses, dogs, and crazy oldies and all.
I am not sure all the allusions to Brokeback Mountain (tongue and cheek?) replaced the need I had to take a break and slow down and simmer and have these two get some real time together.
So, yeah. Out of breath but need more to treasure.
I liked both Holden and Lachlan. I loved that Holden wasn't very big (height) and I loved that both our heroes grieved and risked.
I liked the cast--horses, dogs, and crazy oldies and all.
I am not sure all the allusions to Brokeback Mountain (tongue and cheek?) replaced the need I had to take a break and slow down and simmer and have these two get some real time together.
So, yeah. Out of breath but need more to treasure.
May 4, 2016
Lachlan McCoughney has been looking for his sister since she ran off years ago. When he finally gets word of where she has gone, it also comes with the bad news that she had died, along with her husband, in an airplane accident. Devastated that he had found his sister only to lose her again, Lachlan is determined to go to the US and find his niece who was being cared for by his sister’s in-laws. But when he arrives he finds that Holden Sheffield–-his sister’s brother-in-law-–has full custody and has no intention of letting the little girl out of his sight, let alone go off to live in Australia with Lachlan. At an impasse, Lachlan plans on staying till he can change the man’s mind or find some way for him to keep the last bit of his sister in his life.
This is the first book I’ve read in Dreamspinner’s Dreamspun Desires collection. I mostly picked it up to read because I love reading everything Aussie. And, well, the blurb looked interesting even though I tend to steer away from books where parenting is the main theme of the story. I liked the blurb, though, so I’d thought I’d give it a chance.
One of the things I did really like about this book from the beginning was how well it set up the feel of the place and of the people. These characters have a unique was of speaking and it did a lot to make this book stand out. Granted, half the time I had no clue what they were saying (a bit of a distraction when trying to read) but I can’t deny that these people felt real and substantial.
I did however have a rough time with several aspects of the story.
For one, the climax happened at nearly the 2/3 mark and it really threw off the flow of the story for that last third. As much as I found these characters interesting, nearly 70 pages of custody arguments was not all that interesting to read. There is very little plot or character development going on during those last 70 pages and to be frank, it was kinda boring.
I also have some problem with how these characters felt a little forced when it came to their tough-man antics. It sometimes felt that they were constantly posturing, trying to prove how manly they were. How cowboy. How…alpha. It was, it is fair to say, not my favorite part of this story. I can get that some of this was just the characters being the characters, but at times it felt seriously over the top.
For example that whole first scene with Lachlan and Holden. Really? The dude is threatened with a shot gun, punched, and literally thrown out of the house. All while everyone congratulates Holden on being a massive fucking asshole to the guy who just found out his sister is dead. I get that the family is grieving, but no one seems to think it is odd or wrong to beat up the man. Not only do I find these kind of actions and assumption the last thing I’d want in someone who is now in charge of raising a child, but it felt like it was there just to prove how Texan everyone was. And that was were it lost me. It felt like the story was trying to push this ideal of manliness that really was just a bunch of dudes acting like assholes towards each other. I found it hard to connect to these characters whose main character trait is pretty much the essence of dude-bro (if minus the homophobic tendencies).
The emphases on family, on responsibility, did help even out some of this, but not enough for me to get overly invested in the story. And when I’m not invested there is little that the story can do to win me back. I think there are definitely good parts of this story, and that others clearly seem to have found them, but this book lost me so early in the game that I had a hard time finding a way back in. It is not a bad story, but I think it takes someone without my temperament to really enjoy it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This is the first book I’ve read in Dreamspinner’s Dreamspun Desires collection. I mostly picked it up to read because I love reading everything Aussie. And, well, the blurb looked interesting even though I tend to steer away from books where parenting is the main theme of the story. I liked the blurb, though, so I’d thought I’d give it a chance.
One of the things I did really like about this book from the beginning was how well it set up the feel of the place and of the people. These characters have a unique was of speaking and it did a lot to make this book stand out. Granted, half the time I had no clue what they were saying (a bit of a distraction when trying to read) but I can’t deny that these people felt real and substantial.
I did however have a rough time with several aspects of the story.
For one, the climax happened at nearly the 2/3 mark and it really threw off the flow of the story for that last third. As much as I found these characters interesting, nearly 70 pages of custody arguments was not all that interesting to read. There is very little plot or character development going on during those last 70 pages and to be frank, it was kinda boring.
I also have some problem with how these characters felt a little forced when it came to their tough-man antics. It sometimes felt that they were constantly posturing, trying to prove how manly they were. How cowboy. How…alpha. It was, it is fair to say, not my favorite part of this story. I can get that some of this was just the characters being the characters, but at times it felt seriously over the top.
For example that whole first scene with Lachlan and Holden. Really? The dude is threatened with a shot gun, punched, and literally thrown out of the house. All while everyone congratulates Holden on being a massive fucking asshole to the guy who just found out his sister is dead. I get that the family is grieving, but no one seems to think it is odd or wrong to beat up the man. Not only do I find these kind of actions and assumption the last thing I’d want in someone who is now in charge of raising a child, but it felt like it was there just to prove how Texan everyone was. And that was were it lost me. It felt like the story was trying to push this ideal of manliness that really was just a bunch of dudes acting like assholes towards each other. I found it hard to connect to these characters whose main character trait is pretty much the essence of dude-bro (if minus the homophobic tendencies).
The emphases on family, on responsibility, did help even out some of this, but not enough for me to get overly invested in the story. And when I’m not invested there is little that the story can do to win me back. I think there are definitely good parts of this story, and that others clearly seem to have found them, but this book lost me so early in the game that I had a hard time finding a way back in. It is not a bad story, but I think it takes someone without my temperament to really enjoy it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
April 23, 2016
The flow of the story doesn't stop. It has its downtime, but there's action and movement around every corner and I like that in a book. It's focus is more on the plot than on the sex, although the sex is fine ;)
The relationship development is pretty quick and its not totally realistic, but you have to remember that this is still styled on the Mills&Boon/Harlequin romances, so that's sort of a given :D
The relationship development is pretty quick and its not totally realistic, but you have to remember that this is still styled on the Mills&Boon/Harlequin romances, so that's sort of a given :D
March 25, 2016
A fun story of Australia meets the U.S. to fight over custody of a baby girl. Holden has legal custody of Chloe while Lachlan thinks that he should have custody. Bring in the grandparents and all hell breaks loose. Throw in Chloe being kidnapped and barns being burned and the story is complete. I enjoyed the differences in tastes of food and culture. The writing is typical Tortuga, smooth and clean. A very enjoyable twist on a cowboy story.
March 16, 2016
I love when I can picture places in a story. Being an Aussie myself helped along the way and even though some of the slang was hilarious and over the top, I loved this book. Put 2 hot cowboys together with a baby and I'm gone. Complete mush. Great read.
March 16, 2016
BA Tortuga brings us new feuding families, the Texas Sheffields and the Australian McCougheys, in Trial by Fire, a story filled with drama, tension, a wee mystery, and cowboy love—right up to the first punch.
Holden Sheffield owns a big spread in Texas and helps out with a traveling rodeo business. He’s been left with the legal guardianship of his niece, Chloe, after his brother and sister-in-law died—a responsibility he takes seriously—and everyday he’s becoming more of a dad to her. He would just as soon stay at home and take care of ranch business than travel with the rodeo.
Lachlan McCoughey has been searching for his missing sister, Adelaide. By the time her whereabouts are discovered, it’s too late. And when he finds out he has a niece, he’s on the first plane to America to rescue her from the Sheffields. Lachlan can only imagine what life is like for his niece, living in such a horrible environment with those “rodeo buggers.” When Lachlan shows up at the ranch, Holden tries to be reasonable, but he ends up taking his daddy’s advice, “If you’re fixin’ to fight, don’t talk. Hit the bastard first.” Holden may be small but he can hold his own against Lachlan, and the big man falls hard in more ways than one.
And when Chloe is kidnapped, the Texans and Australians rally together to find the missing baby.
The one thing that stood out for me while reading Trial by Fire was the contrast between Holden and Lachlan. They are both big businessmen, in their own right, and experts in different styles of ranching. Holden is still mourning the loss of his loved ones, and Lachlan is only just beginning to mourn the loss of his sister. They both have to deal with Chloe’s kidnapping, and Holden has to deal with more tragedy. The more Lachlan sees the type of man Holden is, the more they start to bond. And they will need each other’s support to deal with the situations ahead. Both men have to hurt family and make major decisions about their lives for what will benefit baby Chloe. For Lachlan, he finally has to face the facts about why Adelaide never contacted her family once she reached America.
For me, BA Tortuga does cowboys best. She takes us through many different emotions and, as always, gives us many memorable characters. I also always enjoy the unique words that she sneaks into her stories. The MCs, Holden and Lachlan, are so right for each other. I love the feuding and fighting, the hard working cowboys with their soft hearts, family that rallies together, quirky cowboy humor, and lots of cowboy loving. And, of course, there’s a very sweet HEA!
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Holden Sheffield owns a big spread in Texas and helps out with a traveling rodeo business. He’s been left with the legal guardianship of his niece, Chloe, after his brother and sister-in-law died—a responsibility he takes seriously—and everyday he’s becoming more of a dad to her. He would just as soon stay at home and take care of ranch business than travel with the rodeo.
Lachlan McCoughey has been searching for his missing sister, Adelaide. By the time her whereabouts are discovered, it’s too late. And when he finds out he has a niece, he’s on the first plane to America to rescue her from the Sheffields. Lachlan can only imagine what life is like for his niece, living in such a horrible environment with those “rodeo buggers.” When Lachlan shows up at the ranch, Holden tries to be reasonable, but he ends up taking his daddy’s advice, “If you’re fixin’ to fight, don’t talk. Hit the bastard first.” Holden may be small but he can hold his own against Lachlan, and the big man falls hard in more ways than one.
And when Chloe is kidnapped, the Texans and Australians rally together to find the missing baby.
The one thing that stood out for me while reading Trial by Fire was the contrast between Holden and Lachlan. They are both big businessmen, in their own right, and experts in different styles of ranching. Holden is still mourning the loss of his loved ones, and Lachlan is only just beginning to mourn the loss of his sister. They both have to deal with Chloe’s kidnapping, and Holden has to deal with more tragedy. The more Lachlan sees the type of man Holden is, the more they start to bond. And they will need each other’s support to deal with the situations ahead. Both men have to hurt family and make major decisions about their lives for what will benefit baby Chloe. For Lachlan, he finally has to face the facts about why Adelaide never contacted her family once she reached America.
For me, BA Tortuga does cowboys best. She takes us through many different emotions and, as always, gives us many memorable characters. I also always enjoy the unique words that she sneaks into her stories. The MCs, Holden and Lachlan, are so right for each other. I love the feuding and fighting, the hard working cowboys with their soft hearts, family that rallies together, quirky cowboy humor, and lots of cowboy loving. And, of course, there’s a very sweet HEA!
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
February 28, 2016
I started this story loving the blurb. The chemistry between Holden and Lachlan was good but for some reason I couldn't get into the story itself. To me it was too fast paced and I was having trouble following. Not sure if it was all the Aussie language mixed with Texas. I enjoyed how Holden handled himself with his niece since he lost his twin brother and BFF in an accident against all the family telling him what should be done. I was happy with the HEA but again I thought it was just too easy once the kidnapping was over. I will definitely read more from BA but this once was great for me. Reviewd by Jodi Marinich from Alpha Book Club.
March 17, 2016
4.5 stars...Love that came out of a tragedy. I loved these two together.
June 6, 2017
I just didn't like it, sorry. There was too much going on, too many characters bumbling around, too much insta-love. Not for me.
August 25, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FIVE-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Super cute… stoic, serious looking cowboy holding a small infant.
Synopsis sounds truly enjoyable.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Setting ~> Texas, USA, with Epilogue in Australia
Holy cow, what was not to like about this one?
Hot cowboys, a baby, animals, some sweet moments, mystery intrigue, action, sexy times, meddling parents… yes!
Lachlan is a wealthy and successful cattle rancher in Australia. He’s been searching for his sister since the day she disappeared. Suddenly, late one night, he receives a call from the investigator that he’d hired. She’s been found, but she’d recently died in the US, leaving behind an infant daughter.
Holden’s family runs a major livestock operation, from rodeo rough stock to a Mustang Rescue and cattle ranching, not to mention various training facilities. When his twin dies suddenly, he’s named little Chloe’s guardian. He has no idea what he’s doing but he trusts that Landon and Adelaide knew what they were doing in naming him, so he’s determined to do his level best to make sure that baby is safe, loved, and provided for.
Never did he expect anyone to show up from the other side of the globe to contest custody. No one ever expected a traitor in their midst but when potentially fatal attacks on ranchland occur and Chloe goes missing, they know it was one of their own.
Excitement, drama, turmoil! Lachlan and Holden have great relationship dynamics that slowly develops and there are so many C-blocked moments that it’s truly endearing. The secondary cast is a big one here, with both sets of parents, Dez, Ryan (who I kept feeling like I should have already known… he felt like an already established character somewhere), the ranch hands, emergency personnel, feebs, and local community/neighbors. How it got packed into two and a quarter hundred pages is beyond me.
I love all the Aussie lingo thrown in there but think that the book would have benefitted from having an intro page with “translations” for some of the words and phrases used.
The story was packed full of content and entertaining cast members and the plot flowed smoothly. The writing style is super easy to read. There were several conflicts along the way, all of which were addressed and resolved by the end, providing a solid and satisfying conclusion with very little predictability.
Overall, I think this was my favorite book by BA Tortuga to-date and can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever write a story for Dez and/or Ryan.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.5 ~ Stars: 4.5
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from the Publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Super cute… stoic, serious looking cowboy holding a small infant.
Synopsis sounds truly enjoyable.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Setting ~> Texas, USA, with Epilogue in Australia
Holy cow, what was not to like about this one?
Hot cowboys, a baby, animals, some sweet moments, mystery intrigue, action, sexy times, meddling parents… yes!
Lachlan is a wealthy and successful cattle rancher in Australia. He’s been searching for his sister since the day she disappeared. Suddenly, late one night, he receives a call from the investigator that he’d hired. She’s been found, but she’d recently died in the US, leaving behind an infant daughter.
Holden’s family runs a major livestock operation, from rodeo rough stock to a Mustang Rescue and cattle ranching, not to mention various training facilities. When his twin dies suddenly, he’s named little Chloe’s guardian. He has no idea what he’s doing but he trusts that Landon and Adelaide knew what they were doing in naming him, so he’s determined to do his level best to make sure that baby is safe, loved, and provided for.
Never did he expect anyone to show up from the other side of the globe to contest custody. No one ever expected a traitor in their midst but when potentially fatal attacks on ranchland occur and Chloe goes missing, they know it was one of their own.
Excitement, drama, turmoil! Lachlan and Holden have great relationship dynamics that slowly develops and there are so many C-blocked moments that it’s truly endearing. The secondary cast is a big one here, with both sets of parents, Dez, Ryan (who I kept feeling like I should have already known… he felt like an already established character somewhere), the ranch hands, emergency personnel, feebs, and local community/neighbors. How it got packed into two and a quarter hundred pages is beyond me.
I love all the Aussie lingo thrown in there but think that the book would have benefitted from having an intro page with “translations” for some of the words and phrases used.
The story was packed full of content and entertaining cast members and the plot flowed smoothly. The writing style is super easy to read. There were several conflicts along the way, all of which were addressed and resolved by the end, providing a solid and satisfying conclusion with very little predictability.
Overall, I think this was my favorite book by BA Tortuga to-date and can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever write a story for Dez and/or Ryan.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.5 ~ Stars: 4.5
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from the Publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
February 10, 2020
What a fantastic novel! ‘Trial by Fire’ is action-packed, emotionally intense, full of hot cowboys from two continents, and an utterly charming story. The setup is simple: two families fight for the right to raise a little girl left an orphan when her parents die in an airplane crash. One family runs a huge rodeo operation in the US, the other an enormous cattle station in Australia. Both don’t have to worry about money, and neither is willing to give an inch where the little girl is concerned. There is confrontation from page one, including fistfights, arson, a kidnapping, and minor and major shouting matches. And in the middle of this huge mess there are two men, Holden and Lachlan, who have lost their siblings but have found each other. And despite all the animosity and bad blood, they soon realize there may be more between them than a shared status as little Chloe’s uncles.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 11, 2022
I read some good books in the last days but this one showed me again, that there is a difference when you connect with a character immediately.
I loved Lachlan as soon as I read his voice. don't know why, but he just fit.
Holden was a bit more difficult for me, maybe because I think some things he did were reckless and a bit selfish. but all in all he is a good fit for Lachlan.
the story was well written, well paced and interesting ... even the love-at-first-sight was not a problem for me. normally I am a sucker for a lot of tension and relationship development but here I didn't mind that it was only such a short time.
I am really looking forward to seeing Ryand and Des story ... these two are like fire and water and there is a lot of tension! Yammi
all in all, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read the next book as well
I am very happy that I got the opportunity to review an ARC and my opinion is as always honest and my own
I loved Lachlan as soon as I read his voice. don't know why, but he just fit.
Holden was a bit more difficult for me, maybe because I think some things he did were reckless and a bit selfish. but all in all he is a good fit for Lachlan.
the story was well written, well paced and interesting ... even the love-at-first-sight was not a problem for me. normally I am a sucker for a lot of tension and relationship development but here I didn't mind that it was only such a short time.
I am really looking forward to seeing Ryand and Des story ... these two are like fire and water and there is a lot of tension! Yammi
all in all, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read the next book as well
I am very happy that I got the opportunity to review an ARC and my opinion is as always honest and my own
October 18, 2025
Cute, sweet, a little on the nose, and fairly predictable -what I wanted in a smutty romance novel to switch my brain off to. I bought this on it's own for ten bucks and don't regret it. It was exactly what I needed.
August 14, 2016
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
When he finally tracks down his long lost sister, Addie, Lachlan McCoughney is brokenhearted to discover that she and her Texan husband, Landon, have been killed in a plane crash. Even more distressing is that she left behind a three-month-old daughter named Chloe, and Chloe is in the custody of Landon’s brother. Enraged, Lachlan rushes to Texas to get her back only to be met with a short, but very tough, cowboy who refuses to relinquish his niece to some wealthy Australian family that treated Addie so badly she ran away.
Getting off on the wrong foot, puts Lachlan at a disadvantage, but he quickly learns that Holden loves Chloe with all his heart and will make a good father as his brother and Addie requested. But parental interference from both sides of the world throw a wrench in the works, and when Chloe is kidnapped, it seems like an impossible situation. But Lachlan and Holden grow closer and eventually they become their own family unit, though it’s tough going and they have a ton of hurdles in their way.
This story had a lot of potential, and I may have enjoyed it more if I read it in ebook version. Listening to it was difficult, not because of Rusty Topsfield who actually did an outstanding job, but because of other things authors don’t think of when they are writing. For example, it was very confusing to constantly hear the names Landon and Lachlan, especially at the beginning when the story wasn’t yet established. And, there were so many secondary characters, it was incredibly difficult to keep it all straight—two sets of parents, a housekeeper, two security chiefs, a host of cowboys, the kidnappers, the FBI and cops. And not all paragraphs had dialogue tags so I could only rely on listening carefully to the narrator’s voice to be able to tell which character was speaking.
So, though I’ve been enjoying this Dreamspun Desires series, this one is my least favorite. Even looking back on it after a day away from it, I still find it confusing. There was just so much going on, and so many people involved, it just didn’t flow for me.
When he finally tracks down his long lost sister, Addie, Lachlan McCoughney is brokenhearted to discover that she and her Texan husband, Landon, have been killed in a plane crash. Even more distressing is that she left behind a three-month-old daughter named Chloe, and Chloe is in the custody of Landon’s brother. Enraged, Lachlan rushes to Texas to get her back only to be met with a short, but very tough, cowboy who refuses to relinquish his niece to some wealthy Australian family that treated Addie so badly she ran away.
Getting off on the wrong foot, puts Lachlan at a disadvantage, but he quickly learns that Holden loves Chloe with all his heart and will make a good father as his brother and Addie requested. But parental interference from both sides of the world throw a wrench in the works, and when Chloe is kidnapped, it seems like an impossible situation. But Lachlan and Holden grow closer and eventually they become their own family unit, though it’s tough going and they have a ton of hurdles in their way.
This story had a lot of potential, and I may have enjoyed it more if I read it in ebook version. Listening to it was difficult, not because of Rusty Topsfield who actually did an outstanding job, but because of other things authors don’t think of when they are writing. For example, it was very confusing to constantly hear the names Landon and Lachlan, especially at the beginning when the story wasn’t yet established. And, there were so many secondary characters, it was incredibly difficult to keep it all straight—two sets of parents, a housekeeper, two security chiefs, a host of cowboys, the kidnappers, the FBI and cops. And not all paragraphs had dialogue tags so I could only rely on listening carefully to the narrator’s voice to be able to tell which character was speaking.
So, though I’ve been enjoying this Dreamspun Desires series, this one is my least favorite. Even looking back on it after a day away from it, I still find it confusing. There was just so much going on, and so many people involved, it just didn’t flow for me.
December 3, 2017
Dual review with Morgan on The Blogger Girls
When Lachlan finds out that his baby sister died months ago, he hops on a plane to Texas intending to take custody of his niece, Chloe. But when he shows up to the Sheffields, he doesn’t expect the fight they’re ready to give to keep the little girl and especially doesn’t expect to get his ass handed to him by Holden Sheffield. Thankfully, the Sheffields are nice enough to let Lachlan get to know Chloe but when the unexpected happens, Holden and Lachlan will do anything necessary to keep their family together.
This was probably my favorite story out of the Dreamspun Desires series so far. I just loved the animosity between Holden and Lachlan at first and how that changed into such passion. It was nice to see how loved Chloe was by the Sheffields but I just adored the way Holden would do anything for her. It was interesting to see how everything played out and how every time something happened, Lachlan and Holden would get closer. I admit, there were one or two scenes where I literally said out loud “Oh no, you DIDN’T”. I had such fun with this story!!
While I highly enjoyed this one there were two issues for me. Mostly, once Holden and Lachlan had sex, I felt like it was overly excessive so it was way too much for me to the point where I ended up skipping about half of it. The other issue was that the author tried really hard to put as much Aussie slang in the story as possible to the point of confusion. Half the time I didn’t understand what the Aussies (mostly Lachlan) were saying so it grew a little aggravating having to figure out what he actually meant.
In the end, though, I still really enjoyed the story. It has a lot going on but I was totally suckered into the soap opera feel of it (one of my guilty pleasures) and I loved the connection between Lachlan and Holden. It was also great to see that little snippet of their lives years down the road so I didn’t feel like it was all for nothing. Definitely give this one a go if you’re into a ton of melodrama and some smut!
When Lachlan finds out that his baby sister died months ago, he hops on a plane to Texas intending to take custody of his niece, Chloe. But when he shows up to the Sheffields, he doesn’t expect the fight they’re ready to give to keep the little girl and especially doesn’t expect to get his ass handed to him by Holden Sheffield. Thankfully, the Sheffields are nice enough to let Lachlan get to know Chloe but when the unexpected happens, Holden and Lachlan will do anything necessary to keep their family together.
This was probably my favorite story out of the Dreamspun Desires series so far. I just loved the animosity between Holden and Lachlan at first and how that changed into such passion. It was nice to see how loved Chloe was by the Sheffields but I just adored the way Holden would do anything for her. It was interesting to see how everything played out and how every time something happened, Lachlan and Holden would get closer. I admit, there were one or two scenes where I literally said out loud “Oh no, you DIDN’T”. I had such fun with this story!!
While I highly enjoyed this one there were two issues for me. Mostly, once Holden and Lachlan had sex, I felt like it was overly excessive so it was way too much for me to the point where I ended up skipping about half of it. The other issue was that the author tried really hard to put as much Aussie slang in the story as possible to the point of confusion. Half the time I didn’t understand what the Aussies (mostly Lachlan) were saying so it grew a little aggravating having to figure out what he actually meant.
In the end, though, I still really enjoyed the story. It has a lot going on but I was totally suckered into the soap opera feel of it (one of my guilty pleasures) and I loved the connection between Lachlan and Holden. It was also great to see that little snippet of their lives years down the road so I didn’t feel like it was all for nothing. Definitely give this one a go if you’re into a ton of melodrama and some smut!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews