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Rough Edges
Nothing is sexier than someone who knows what they want and has the confidence go after it. This anthology is crammed full of hot romances featuring those kinds of rough-around-the-edges alpha personalities–stories about the kind of men and women who ride horses during the day and their partners at night, who speak few words but mean every one of them, and who would never break their own personal code of honor.
Contains the following stories:
Emma’s Ride
Emma is a demure young lady from Back East, or so she appears until her stern parents discover her inclination toward lusty leanings, and decide she’d best be safely married off before she can ruin the family reputation. She finds herself on a stagecoach bound West, set to wed an old man she’s never met. When a strapping cowboy boards the same stage, Emma realizes this might be her last chance to give in to her wild and wanton ways, but the journey may yet have some surprises in store for them both.
Time Machine Cowboy
A boring end to a cold winter’s day means shedding work clothes and popping a frozen dinner into the microwave. But once in a magical while, the package contains a sizzling surprise that heats up more than a cold heart.
Hunted and Haunted
A key witness in her ex’s corruption trial, Anna needs to lay low for her own safety. While she’s stashed in a remote hunting cabin in Montana, her nightly erotic dreams make her wish that sheriff’s deputy Gabe McKenna’s protective custody was a little more hands-on. Then she learns about the ghost who shares the cabin with them and discovers it’ll take both men to keep her safe… and satisfied.
My Midnight Cowboy
If chocolate is the way to a man’s heart, then pastry chef Lucy Baker has the recipe for success. But will her culinary skills melt the most-hard hearted bachelor in Wyoming?
A chance encounter on a New Year’s Eve flight leaves two strangers to discover unbound pleasure and a hunger for more sexual discovery.
Lady of Lacrymosa
When Katarina started her shift in the saloon, it was a night like any other. That was before the silent lady gunslinger strolled in through the batwing doors. Katarina can’t keep her eyes off the woman, and when the gunslinger starts to dance, sensuously spinning a black magic spell, Kat finds herself hopelessly, utterly lost. By morning, nothing will be the same.
The West gets weird, the night the strangers come to Lacrymosa.
Coming Up Roses
To get the long-coveted D.V.M. initials after her name, healer Rose is forced to spend the last two weeks of her internship at the Finnegan Ranch she left eight years ago, where she spent and best and worst times of her childhood. Now Rose had to contend with using her rusty healing abilities to help a wounded, angry donkey and deal with the sexy shapeshifter cowboy who broke her heart.
Finn’s wolf did the unthinkable eight years ago – attacked the girl he loved. Then years later she’d unknowingly saved his wolf, and him. Now he has two weeks to convince Rose that the bite which drove them apart also binds them together. Because letting her go this time might not be possible.
Jump Without Looking
Jackie has a veterinary practice, her family’s ranch, and a habit of avoiding men. The last thing she needs is a giant, blonde cowboy who tears down her fence and rattles her nerves. Russ has no job, a beat-up old pickup, and a rundown ranch he just inherited. He needs everything except the beautiful, angry neighbor who turns him on and then runs him off. Can one pregnant cow, two horses that love to jump, and three long kisses prove them both wrong?
Contains the following stories:
Emma’s Ride
Emma is a demure young lady from Back East, or so she appears until her stern parents discover her inclination toward lusty leanings, and decide she’d best be safely married off before she can ruin the family reputation. She finds herself on a stagecoach bound West, set to wed an old man she’s never met. When a strapping cowboy boards the same stage, Emma realizes this might be her last chance to give in to her wild and wanton ways, but the journey may yet have some surprises in store for them both.
Time Machine Cowboy
A boring end to a cold winter’s day means shedding work clothes and popping a frozen dinner into the microwave. But once in a magical while, the package contains a sizzling surprise that heats up more than a cold heart.
Hunted and Haunted
A key witness in her ex’s corruption trial, Anna needs to lay low for her own safety. While she’s stashed in a remote hunting cabin in Montana, her nightly erotic dreams make her wish that sheriff’s deputy Gabe McKenna’s protective custody was a little more hands-on. Then she learns about the ghost who shares the cabin with them and discovers it’ll take both men to keep her safe… and satisfied.
My Midnight Cowboy
If chocolate is the way to a man’s heart, then pastry chef Lucy Baker has the recipe for success. But will her culinary skills melt the most-hard hearted bachelor in Wyoming?
A chance encounter on a New Year’s Eve flight leaves two strangers to discover unbound pleasure and a hunger for more sexual discovery.
Lady of Lacrymosa
When Katarina started her shift in the saloon, it was a night like any other. That was before the silent lady gunslinger strolled in through the batwing doors. Katarina can’t keep her eyes off the woman, and when the gunslinger starts to dance, sensuously spinning a black magic spell, Kat finds herself hopelessly, utterly lost. By morning, nothing will be the same.
The West gets weird, the night the strangers come to Lacrymosa.
Coming Up Roses
To get the long-coveted D.V.M. initials after her name, healer Rose is forced to spend the last two weeks of her internship at the Finnegan Ranch she left eight years ago, where she spent and best and worst times of her childhood. Now Rose had to contend with using her rusty healing abilities to help a wounded, angry donkey and deal with the sexy shapeshifter cowboy who broke her heart.
Finn’s wolf did the unthinkable eight years ago – attacked the girl he loved. Then years later she’d unknowingly saved his wolf, and him. Now he has two weeks to convince Rose that the bite which drove them apart also binds them together. Because letting her go this time might not be possible.
Jump Without Looking
Jackie has a veterinary practice, her family’s ranch, and a habit of avoiding men. The last thing she needs is a giant, blonde cowboy who tears down her fence and rattles her nerves. Russ has no job, a beat-up old pickup, and a rundown ranch he just inherited. He needs everything except the beautiful, angry neighbor who turns him on and then runs him off. Can one pregnant cow, two horses that love to jump, and three long kisses prove them both wrong?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2016
3 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Cori Vidae
16 books60 followersErotica writer and collector of shiny things. Occasionally NSFW.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2016
I've been die-hard "I'm not a fan of Westerns" for a long time now. But, a few recent reads of mine have caused me to re-think that stance, and ROUGH EDGES is no exception.
What I love most about an anthology is how you can take a simple theme, in this case "cowboys" and get a collection of incredibly diverse stories. It's not just cowboys. It's ghosts, and magic, and cowboys, and first loves, soul mates, and even time travel, and some very hot scenes that ... yeah. Just, damn.
Cori does a fantastic job of weaving together disparate stories around her theme and it's fantastic. Even if you look at it and think, "meh, cowboys," I urge you to pick it up anyway. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't... and I'm (admittedly) a tough one to please.
What I love most about an anthology is how you can take a simple theme, in this case "cowboys" and get a collection of incredibly diverse stories. It's not just cowboys. It's ghosts, and magic, and cowboys, and first loves, soul mates, and even time travel, and some very hot scenes that ... yeah. Just, damn.
Cori does a fantastic job of weaving together disparate stories around her theme and it's fantastic. Even if you look at it and think, "meh, cowboys," I urge you to pick it up anyway. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't... and I'm (admittedly) a tough one to please.
May 29, 2016
What a wonderful group of short stories. Each one provided the reader with a different flare. I enjoyed the fact that there were modern time stories mixed with the old West. Nicely compiled.
If you're looking for something quick to read, pick this collection.
*Note - I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
If you're looking for something quick to read, pick this collection.
*Note - I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
June 4, 2016
An anthology of seven tasty short stories, all featuring cowboys. Normally, I wouldn't think of "western" or "cowboy" as one of the genres I enjoyed reading, but this collection changed my thinking. These are all imaginative and well-written examples of erotica, engaging stories which include lively sex scenes.
With any anthology, there will always be some stories I enjoyed more, but that’s just my personal preference. It’d be unfair to say more – strongly encourage others to find their own favourites! This is a good collection.
Lady of Lacrymosa – delicious FF story set in the old West with a twist I hadn’t expected.
Hunted and Haunted – contemporary MF story about a woman in witness protection, hiding in a cabin with a tragic history.
Jump Without Looking - contemporary MF story about earning and developing trust, and the benefits of being neighbourly.
Coming Up Roses – a modern shape-shifter MF story about getting a second chance at a relationship.
Emma’s Ride – set in 1870, a young woman travels by train and coach to Montana for an arranged marriage and finds out things look more promising than she’d feared.
My Midnight Cowboy – contemporary cowboy-meets-pastry-chef story, set on an overnight cross-country flight.
Time Machine Cowboy – a woman finds a microwave meal called “Western Wonder” went down far, far better than she’d expected.
With any anthology, there will always be some stories I enjoyed more, but that’s just my personal preference. It’d be unfair to say more – strongly encourage others to find their own favourites! This is a good collection.
Lady of Lacrymosa – delicious FF story set in the old West with a twist I hadn’t expected.
Hunted and Haunted – contemporary MF story about a woman in witness protection, hiding in a cabin with a tragic history.
Jump Without Looking - contemporary MF story about earning and developing trust, and the benefits of being neighbourly.
Coming Up Roses – a modern shape-shifter MF story about getting a second chance at a relationship.
Emma’s Ride – set in 1870, a young woman travels by train and coach to Montana for an arranged marriage and finds out things look more promising than she’d feared.
My Midnight Cowboy – contemporary cowboy-meets-pastry-chef story, set on an overnight cross-country flight.
Time Machine Cowboy – a woman finds a microwave meal called “Western Wonder” went down far, far better than she’d expected.
June 16, 2016
This anthology is a fun read. Cowboys are a straight forward theme and evokes images of the wild west, rough & tumble times, and hard living men [and women]. Add in sex and you get a new look on the genre. Cori picked very well the selection of stories, none of which failed to entertain. From decidedly mundane to the supernatural, each story brings a unique voice to the subject.
While I think all the stories are good, I found two that drew me in and wouldn't let go. The first is "Lady of Lacrymosa" by Brantwijn Serrah which leads off the anthology. Told from the viewpoint of a saloongirl who's captivated by a group of newcomers that ride into town. Things aren't what they seem on the surface and she finds a night of passion with a lusty partner. The ending left me in admiration with its surprising and fitting twist.
"Jump without Looking" by TJ Todd is the other story that drew me in with its very in depth characters and believable characters. Two imperfect people find a bond that both attracts and scares in turn. The POV shifts between them to build the story naturally and does so without leaving you confused or breaking the flow. I found myself wanting more of their story when it ended. A nice little romantic story that you could believe might happen.
Hats off to Cori for bringing together a neat anthology and the authors for creating enjoyable stories.
While I think all the stories are good, I found two that drew me in and wouldn't let go. The first is "Lady of Lacrymosa" by Brantwijn Serrah which leads off the anthology. Told from the viewpoint of a saloongirl who's captivated by a group of newcomers that ride into town. Things aren't what they seem on the surface and she finds a night of passion with a lusty partner. The ending left me in admiration with its surprising and fitting twist.
"Jump without Looking" by TJ Todd is the other story that drew me in with its very in depth characters and believable characters. Two imperfect people find a bond that both attracts and scares in turn. The POV shifts between them to build the story naturally and does so without leaving you confused or breaking the flow. I found myself wanting more of their story when it ended. A nice little romantic story that you could believe might happen.
Hats off to Cori for bringing together a neat anthology and the authors for creating enjoyable stories.
June 15, 2016
I was given the book Rough Edges for review. All of the stories were very good, exciting and sexy. They were also westerns, which I normally don't get into but a few of these were fun reads. My favorite was the first story, Lady of Lacrymosa. The mysterious Lady Gunslinger intrigued me until the very end when I discovered to my great surprise and delight who she really was. Great twist. The paranormal Hunted And Haunted held my attention to the very end, and I like ghost stories so this one pleased me. The only story I had a problem with was Jump Without Looking since the characters head hopped so much I was taken out of the story. I couldn't keep track of the points of view and that was quite distracting. A short but very hot story called Time Machine Cowboy was an intriguing idea but I wanted to know more about the characters. The story felt too short to me, and the author could have developed the characters and the situation a bit more. Overall, I enjoyed Rough Edges very much. If you're looking for a few short sexy western stories to occupy your day, this is the book for you.
May 22, 2016
This erotic anthology of adventure in the Wild West tradition gives new meaning to the phrase ‘bucking bronco.' Not to be missed, Rough Edges will make you want to save a horse and ride a ... well, you get the idea.
July 1, 2018
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
With seven stories packed into this anthology, there’s plenty of variety. What they have in common is a distinct Western flair.
Lady of Lacrymosa was a strange sort of story with a f/f twist. No real details other than a lady gunslinger. It was highly explicit, with a bit of a twist at the end.
Hunted and Haunted proved to be an interesting story with a ghostly presence. Although short on content, it delivered an unexpected slice of drama. I liked this story because of the detail provided by the writer.
Jump Without Looking introduced Russell Bruce, who inherited his uncle’s dilapidated ranch and finds himself meeting the new vet. They bonded over a calf birthing experience with both getting a new lease on life.
The next story, Coming Up Roses, provided a true paranormal twist with a wolf shifter. I found this installment to be particularly interesting because of the chemistry between Finn and Rose. In a sense it was a second chance at love kind of story.
Emma’s Ride added a different kind of flavor. Of all the characters presented, Emma earned my sympathy. Her father was absolutely atrocious in light of the drama with the piano teacher. She provided an adventurous element to the anthology.
My Midnight Cowboy provided a pairing between a cowboy and a pastry chef. What stood out was the snappy dialog between the characters. There’s plenty of heat in this installment.
Time Machine Cowboy is the final story in the anthology. This particular selection has a time travel element, or at least a heavy dose of paranormal since the two characters are in different time periods. The change in reality took a bit of adjustment for the female character, but it led to a spicy encounter. Of all the stories, this was the shortest.
Overall, I found the stories to be well suited as appetizers, but lacking in the development area. While I liked the diversity in content, the end result left me hoping for more.
Book provided by publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
With seven stories packed into this anthology, there’s plenty of variety. What they have in common is a distinct Western flair.
Lady of Lacrymosa was a strange sort of story with a f/f twist. No real details other than a lady gunslinger. It was highly explicit, with a bit of a twist at the end.
Hunted and Haunted proved to be an interesting story with a ghostly presence. Although short on content, it delivered an unexpected slice of drama. I liked this story because of the detail provided by the writer.
Jump Without Looking introduced Russell Bruce, who inherited his uncle’s dilapidated ranch and finds himself meeting the new vet. They bonded over a calf birthing experience with both getting a new lease on life.
The next story, Coming Up Roses, provided a true paranormal twist with a wolf shifter. I found this installment to be particularly interesting because of the chemistry between Finn and Rose. In a sense it was a second chance at love kind of story.
Emma’s Ride added a different kind of flavor. Of all the characters presented, Emma earned my sympathy. Her father was absolutely atrocious in light of the drama with the piano teacher. She provided an adventurous element to the anthology.
My Midnight Cowboy provided a pairing between a cowboy and a pastry chef. What stood out was the snappy dialog between the characters. There’s plenty of heat in this installment.
Time Machine Cowboy is the final story in the anthology. This particular selection has a time travel element, or at least a heavy dose of paranormal since the two characters are in different time periods. The change in reality took a bit of adjustment for the female character, but it led to a spicy encounter. Of all the stories, this was the shortest.
Overall, I found the stories to be well suited as appetizers, but lacking in the development area. While I liked the diversity in content, the end result left me hoping for more.
October 31, 2025
Rough Edges is a fearless, sensuous anthology that blends grit, desire, and emotion into a series of stories that celebrate the beauty of raw, unfiltered passion. Each tale dives into the hearts (and habits) of characters who live unapologetically those “rough-around-the-edges” souls who love as hard as they work.
From the seductive energy of Emma’s Ride to the supernatural allure of Hunted and Haunted, every piece in this collection pushes boundaries while maintaining a strong emotional core. The anthology’s strength lies not only in its eroticism but in its diversity of tone and theme cowboys, shapeshifters, ghosts, and lovers all collide in an intoxicating mix of sensual storytelling and heartfelt connection.
The writing throughout is confident, evocative, and immersive, with each contributor adding a distinct flavor to the larger tapestry. There’s heat, yes, but also tenderness, humor, and a celebration of individuality that makes Rough Edges far more than a collection of steamy scenes it’s a salute to the complexities of love and the courage it takes to pursue it on your own terms.
I just dropped a review on your book, it’s bold, daring, and beautifully crafted. Rough Edges deserves a spotlight among today’s standout romance anthologies for the way it mixes emotional depth with unapologetic sensuality.
From the seductive energy of Emma’s Ride to the supernatural allure of Hunted and Haunted, every piece in this collection pushes boundaries while maintaining a strong emotional core. The anthology’s strength lies not only in its eroticism but in its diversity of tone and theme cowboys, shapeshifters, ghosts, and lovers all collide in an intoxicating mix of sensual storytelling and heartfelt connection.
The writing throughout is confident, evocative, and immersive, with each contributor adding a distinct flavor to the larger tapestry. There’s heat, yes, but also tenderness, humor, and a celebration of individuality that makes Rough Edges far more than a collection of steamy scenes it’s a salute to the complexities of love and the courage it takes to pursue it on your own terms.
I just dropped a review on your book, it’s bold, daring, and beautifully crafted. Rough Edges deserves a spotlight among today’s standout romance anthologies for the way it mixes emotional depth with unapologetic sensuality.
October 9, 2016
A super collection of short stories just loved this set of stories recommended to all
June 16, 2016
Wow.
Just ...wow.
Let me say up front that I have never been an enthusiastic fan of Western romance, in fact one of the last ones I read was back in 1992! So, when offered a chance to read and review this anthology, I undertook my mission with 85% 'open mind' and 15% 'please, Book Gods, do not fail me on this.'
I am happy to say that as I finished the last story, I was 100% 'Yeehaw, we done got us a gold mine here!'
This amazingly sexy anthology of adventure, romance, sensuality and all the good stuff definitely delivers in all the ways you'd expect such a collaboration to.
Each story came with its own unique flavor, the authors handling their own tales with deft skill, obvious passion and a huge whopping helping of word mojo that kept me turning pages with all the excitement of a kid on Christmas warning.
I don't do spoilers but I will say that if you're looking for a great, fun and memorable read, 'Rough Edges' is the just the app...I mean book, you're looking for!
**I received a copy of this book for an honest review**
Just ...wow.
Let me say up front that I have never been an enthusiastic fan of Western romance, in fact one of the last ones I read was back in 1992! So, when offered a chance to read and review this anthology, I undertook my mission with 85% 'open mind' and 15% 'please, Book Gods, do not fail me on this.'
I am happy to say that as I finished the last story, I was 100% 'Yeehaw, we done got us a gold mine here!'
This amazingly sexy anthology of adventure, romance, sensuality and all the good stuff definitely delivers in all the ways you'd expect such a collaboration to.
Each story came with its own unique flavor, the authors handling their own tales with deft skill, obvious passion and a huge whopping helping of word mojo that kept me turning pages with all the excitement of a kid on Christmas warning.
I don't do spoilers but I will say that if you're looking for a great, fun and memorable read, 'Rough Edges' is the just the app...I mean book, you're looking for!
**I received a copy of this book for an honest review**
November 22, 2016
This anthology had a mix of short stories, varying in subject matter, interest, and quality. Ghost stories and time travel are not genres usually to my liking, and these stories, I enjoyed less, although "Lady of Lacrymosa" chilled almost delightfully. Standout stories included Coming up Roses, about a Healer and a Shifter; My Midnight Cowboy, about a special new beginning for a pastry chef and ranch hand on a New Year's Eve flight, and Jump Without Looking where two ornery horses gentle two wounded ranch owners. The stories all had some steamy elements, and the standout stories balanced steam and story particularly well. This is a good anthology for readers who prefer characters that don't beat around the bush about what they want, and the variety makes it a pretty decent bet that people will find more stories to like, than not.
December 12, 2016
I LOVE COWBOYS! An anthology of cowboy stories is right up my street.
This is a group of seven short stories all centred around cowboys, but all so different, from modern day to old western, to paranormal. Its a great way to read new authors in one go, and not have to read a full Novel.
There are some that I preferred more than others in here but they are all well written and enjoyable. I wont say which were my favourites as I think everyone should read them and form their own opinion. I know that after this there will be some authors I will be looking up more of their work.
Cori Vidae has done a great job bringing all of this together. 4 stars
This is a group of seven short stories all centred around cowboys, but all so different, from modern day to old western, to paranormal. Its a great way to read new authors in one go, and not have to read a full Novel.
There are some that I preferred more than others in here but they are all well written and enjoyable. I wont say which were my favourites as I think everyone should read them and form their own opinion. I know that after this there will be some authors I will be looking up more of their work.
Cori Vidae has done a great job bringing all of this together. 4 stars
October 15, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book. This is a huge book with different Cowboy stories one for every type of romance lover out there. I loved each different type and how well written the stories where. I would definitely read more from these authors.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book.
July 31, 2016
A great selection of erotic short stories. Never judge someone before yo know them. Sometimes dreams can come true no matter how strange they might be. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
October 24, 2016
via netgalley
a good quick read
a good quick read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews