What do you think?
Rate this book
Rocking W #1
The Wounded Warrior
When Luke's lost everything, the only thing to do is head back home to the ranch and pray that he finds his way again.
When Navy SEAL Luke Blanchard comes back to Northeast Texas after a devastating injury, he feels like the whole world has gone dark. In a wheelchair and feeling worthless, Luke has no idea what to do, even as his twin brother Matt is determined to lift him up and help him heal.
Rory McConnell is a local prodigy, a real estate lawyer with a plan to buy up land before his bitter rival can collect it. When the Blanchard ranch goes into the red, he offers to buy out the debt. Luke backs his brother instead, but he doesn't believe for a minute that Rory is a bad guy. No one that sexy and fun can be, right?
As Luke claws his way out of depression with a crazy idea to run a therapy ranch, he and Rory start to explore the need growing between them. Will Rory's need for revenge against a man who damaged him forever come between them, or will it be the force which brings these two wounded men together for good?
When Navy SEAL Luke Blanchard comes back to Northeast Texas after a devastating injury, he feels like the whole world has gone dark. In a wheelchair and feeling worthless, Luke has no idea what to do, even as his twin brother Matt is determined to lift him up and help him heal.
Rory McConnell is a local prodigy, a real estate lawyer with a plan to buy up land before his bitter rival can collect it. When the Blanchard ranch goes into the red, he offers to buy out the debt. Luke backs his brother instead, but he doesn't believe for a minute that Rory is a bad guy. No one that sexy and fun can be, right?
As Luke claws his way out of depression with a crazy idea to run a therapy ranch, he and Rory start to explore the need growing between them. Will Rory's need for revenge against a man who damaged him forever come between them, or will it be the force which brings these two wounded men together for good?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
80 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
384 books642 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 88 reviews
February 4, 2024
After serving in the Navy SEALs, Luke Blanchard has come home to Texas a wounded warrior, and is staying on the ranch with his twin brother, Matt. Matt’s worried about Luke. Luke was always the more happy, fun-loving brother, while Matt was the more serious one...but now, Luke struggles and depends on a wheelchair and sometimes crutches. He finds comfort and hope for recovery in working on the ranch with the horses. A neighbor, Rory McConnell, is a smart lawyer who is "out and proud". Rory has been buying up land and ranches all around his area. He has a purpose and a secret he would prefer never to come out, for doing this. He’s trying to keep the land out of the clutches of a shifty developer....one that knows his secret because he was the instigator. He of course, approaches Matt about selling, but Matt has already refused several times, and things are now getting heated. Luke learns that Matt is behind with their mortgage payments, so to help his twin he buys into the ranch hoping to keep Rory from coming around and asking again. Luke and Rory run into each other a few times afterwards, and he constantly flirts with Luke. Things quickly go downhill after this. Luke is getting stronger every day and has a dream to create a special place on the ranch land for wounded warriors to work with the horses, so Rory sells/almost gives him a piece of land for the venture as well as helping him with the paperwork. The attraction that they have felt for one another almost from the time that Luke returns home blooms and grows stronger and stronger with every day they spend together. The pesky developer won't give up, and his pursuit of Rory and the incidents become more and more dangerous...but the straw that almost broke the camel's back was when a video of the "secret" incident that happen when Rory was a 19-year-old kid suddenly appears on the cell phones of every friend and family member and all the papers and TV stations are notified. Rory is ashamed and goes on the run... and Luke goes after him letting him know that he has love and support from everyone. I have always liked this author. I've read several of her books that was written with Jodi Payne that always include rodeo cowboys, but this is the first that I have read that she wrote alone and entirely about cowboys. This series has started out great with this one and seems to have a great deal of potential. I'm looking forward to more Matt and Luke and their friends.
July 20, 2025
Luke and Rory…
Navy SEAL, Luke is rehabbing at his brother’s ranch, hoping to work his way to be free of the wheelchair. Rory is a Lawyer, working on buying the land around the ranch, but there is an ulterior motive, a ”good guy” motive.
This is a unique tale of a past that just won’t go away. Along with that we see Luke’s progress, the brother’s issues, and Rory’s enemy with near death attempts at Rory.
Luke and Rory get closer and Luke is planning on helping the ranch’s money problems by making a peaceful place for injured warriors.
The ranch’s horses have helped Luke greatly.
The men’s sexy times are equal and super hot, plus the emotions have moved along well.
The enemy is guilty of evil deeds and a horrible, heinous crime from the past.
Our men are solid, caring and good together, while events come to a head.
This is a terrific tale and book two will get us through the ranch transformation and the justice that is needed.
ENJOY !
======
Navy SEAL, Luke is rehabbing at his brother’s ranch, hoping to work his way to be free of the wheelchair. Rory is a Lawyer, working on buying the land around the ranch, but there is an ulterior motive, a ”good guy” motive.
This is a unique tale of a past that just won’t go away. Along with that we see Luke’s progress, the brother’s issues, and Rory’s enemy with near death attempts at Rory.
Luke and Rory get closer and Luke is planning on helping the ranch’s money problems by making a peaceful place for injured warriors.
The ranch’s horses have helped Luke greatly.
The men’s sexy times are equal and super hot, plus the emotions have moved along well.
The enemy is guilty of evil deeds and a horrible, heinous crime from the past.
Our men are solid, caring and good together, while events come to a head.
This is a terrific tale and book two will get us through the ranch transformation and the justice that is needed.
ENJOY !
======
July 4, 2017
‘The Wounded Warrior’ is a fantastic story, and if it’s any indication of what the rest of the series will be like, it’s going to be a winner as far as I am concerned. There are cowboys and horses, a former Navy SEAL now in a wheelchair and fighting depression, a real estate lawyer with an ax to grind and a stubborn determination to stop the evil land developer’s plans, a cast of hilariously wonderful secondary characters, and a roller coaster of a romance. With a setting in a small town in Texas you can see where this is going – or you think you can, because this author managed to surprise and delight me at every twist and turn of this suspense-filled tale.
Luke is in a wheelchair – for now – but he can still more than stand up for himself. He is also determined to walk again but it’s going to be a long, tough road to get there. The horses help him calm down when things get bad, so he develops a plan to convert the family ranch into a place for therapy. That is easier said than done though, because Luke and his twin brother constantly struggle to stay in the black. Both men are too proud to accept charity, but help and support is something Luke is slowly learning to admit might be helpful on occasion. His spirit is unbroken, and that is one of his greatest assets in his fight to find a new normal.
Rory has been bullied in the past, but he has become a successful real estate lawyer and plans to take revenge on his old tormentors by destroying their business. Buying up land before they can is his strategy, but in the case of Luke and his brother, Rory is having a harder-than-usual time convincing them. Rory has his heart in the right place, has been out since he was a teenager, and is definitely attracted to Luke. Luckily Rory doesn’t give up easily – pursuing the man he is falling for turns out to be far more difficult than he thought.
Luke and Rory have a lot of obstacles to overcome, mostly Luke’s stubborn refusal to believe he is attractive as a lover and partner. But there are external difficulties as well, and the villain is an evil, manipulative man, so Luke and Rory never know where the next attack is going to come from. It’s a good thing they have a few supporters in Luke’s brother, Rory’s loyal assistant, and an assortment of other colorful, quirky characters who populate this book. These guys need all the help they can get.
If you like wounded men who have to fight themselves and others before they can be together, if you enjoy stories with lots of intrigue, suspense, and business machinations, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining and funny, touchingly emotional, and a wonderful ode to human determination, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. From the setting to the people to the language – I loved it all!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Luke is in a wheelchair – for now – but he can still more than stand up for himself. He is also determined to walk again but it’s going to be a long, tough road to get there. The horses help him calm down when things get bad, so he develops a plan to convert the family ranch into a place for therapy. That is easier said than done though, because Luke and his twin brother constantly struggle to stay in the black. Both men are too proud to accept charity, but help and support is something Luke is slowly learning to admit might be helpful on occasion. His spirit is unbroken, and that is one of his greatest assets in his fight to find a new normal.
Rory has been bullied in the past, but he has become a successful real estate lawyer and plans to take revenge on his old tormentors by destroying their business. Buying up land before they can is his strategy, but in the case of Luke and his brother, Rory is having a harder-than-usual time convincing them. Rory has his heart in the right place, has been out since he was a teenager, and is definitely attracted to Luke. Luckily Rory doesn’t give up easily – pursuing the man he is falling for turns out to be far more difficult than he thought.
Luke and Rory have a lot of obstacles to overcome, mostly Luke’s stubborn refusal to believe he is attractive as a lover and partner. But there are external difficulties as well, and the villain is an evil, manipulative man, so Luke and Rory never know where the next attack is going to come from. It’s a good thing they have a few supporters in Luke’s brother, Rory’s loyal assistant, and an assortment of other colorful, quirky characters who populate this book. These guys need all the help they can get.
If you like wounded men who have to fight themselves and others before they can be together, if you enjoy stories with lots of intrigue, suspense, and business machinations, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining and funny, touchingly emotional, and a wonderful ode to human determination, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. From the setting to the people to the language – I loved it all!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 28, 2018
3.5 Stars
I really liked this story. Luke is a wounded vet returned home to try and fix his broken life. Rory is an out and proud Texas lawyer with a dark secret. The interaction is great and the story flows so well and then toward the end when the big secret is being told I felt that the author kinda dropped the ball on the telling. It was really kinda oh yeah uh huh and it was fine. I would have really likeda little more meat at the end but that's just my opinion.
I really liked this story. Luke is a wounded vet returned home to try and fix his broken life. Rory is an out and proud Texas lawyer with a dark secret. The interaction is great and the story flows so well and then toward the end when the big secret is being told I felt that the author kinda dropped the ball on the telling. It was really kinda oh yeah uh huh and it was fine. I would have really likeda little more meat at the end but that's just my opinion.
July 2, 2021
This just did not work for me. The story was okay I guess? A little predictable and not much happened, but the writing was just so not my cup of tea. It was like every single character was a Texas frat boy. I mean, almost every dialogue ended in “man”; even during sex one of the MCs said ,”[you’re] So fine, man”. It just really felt juvenile to me.
November 12, 2017
I have to say that my favorite part of this story was the relationship between Luke and his twin brother, Matt. That doesn’t mean that the budding romance between Luke and Rory was lacking, only that the twin connection was written really well and resonated with me. So much so, I need to keep reading to find out the story on Matt.
I am a sucker for the strong, alpha males, and when you make one a serviceman, like a Navy Seal, then I am yours forever. In this case, our wounded warrior is actually a wounded sailor. Luke comes back home with traumatic leg injuries incurred after an IED takes him out. He struggles being in a wheelchair, but the hope is that he will, at least with a crutch or cane, walk again. He knows that is more than some get, and for that he is grateful and does not spend a large portion of the book feeling sorry for himself, but instead ponders how he can help others, like him.
Enter Rory, the small town out-and-proud troublemaker. Troublemaker on the surface, but he has his reasons and once you learn them, you want to join in his quest. At first, I was little put off with his constant use of the word, “honey”, but I forced myself to ignore it. I am not a southern girl so maybe it is used excessively in every sentence, but for me, it was just a bit grating. Otherwise, I loved that he fell for Luke and saw the man, not the scarred and near useless legs. It spoke volumes and added credibility to his somewhat tarnished character.
There is a lot going on in this story and it is all good. Besides the honey issue, my only other aside was the time jumping. Not days or weeks or years, but they were almost fade-to-black-like. In some instances, I would turn the page expecting a certain situation to continue, but the next page was a new chapter and a new scene. It wasn’t bad, just different than I am used to. I guess besides not being southern, I am wanting all the details, gory or otherwise. Regardless, this is a really sweet story with a bit of drama thrown in for effect. I look forward to seeing what happens next, and I will keep reading because I really want to find out what is up with Matt.
A 3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls
I am a sucker for the strong, alpha males, and when you make one a serviceman, like a Navy Seal, then I am yours forever. In this case, our wounded warrior is actually a wounded sailor. Luke comes back home with traumatic leg injuries incurred after an IED takes him out. He struggles being in a wheelchair, but the hope is that he will, at least with a crutch or cane, walk again. He knows that is more than some get, and for that he is grateful and does not spend a large portion of the book feeling sorry for himself, but instead ponders how he can help others, like him.
Enter Rory, the small town out-and-proud troublemaker. Troublemaker on the surface, but he has his reasons and once you learn them, you want to join in his quest. At first, I was little put off with his constant use of the word, “honey”, but I forced myself to ignore it. I am not a southern girl so maybe it is used excessively in every sentence, but for me, it was just a bit grating. Otherwise, I loved that he fell for Luke and saw the man, not the scarred and near useless legs. It spoke volumes and added credibility to his somewhat tarnished character.
There is a lot going on in this story and it is all good. Besides the honey issue, my only other aside was the time jumping. Not days or weeks or years, but they were almost fade-to-black-like. In some instances, I would turn the page expecting a certain situation to continue, but the next page was a new chapter and a new scene. It wasn’t bad, just different than I am used to. I guess besides not being southern, I am wanting all the details, gory or otherwise. Regardless, this is a really sweet story with a bit of drama thrown in for effect. I look forward to seeing what happens next, and I will keep reading because I really want to find out what is up with Matt.
A 3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls
June 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
A heartwarming story between Luke, a decorated former SEAL who is learning to walk again after taking a hit from an IED, and Rory, a smart lawyer who is buying up land to protect it from a rotten old man who attacked and has been gunning for him since he started out.
It did take me a little while to get used to this author’s writing style. I don’t know if it was just me, but some of the language they used felt forced and made them come across really immature one moment and old souls the next. There were a few editing issues, but this was an ARC, so I’m assuming they’ll get picked up.
The story is deep and meaningful but also has humour and fun throughout. The disability aspect is done well; nothing is glossed over, and Luke has to work hard. Rory has his own issues to contend with, but he pushes them down to reach his goal.
I really enjoyed the development between these two characters, the life they set out to build, and the progress they make as a team in bringing down Harris. I love the way they tease us about Matt and leave us with questions about him. I’m hoping it’s his story I’m moving onto next!
Edit. Turns out the next book is not Matts, so I’m a little disappointed we were left hanging without any reasons for why he can’t date. Hopefully, he’ll be mentioned in the next book, but it was a pretty big deal in this book to just not address it at all?!
——————————————
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
A heartwarming story between Luke, a decorated former SEAL who is learning to walk again after taking a hit from an IED, and Rory, a smart lawyer who is buying up land to protect it from a rotten old man who attacked and has been gunning for him since he started out.
It did take me a little while to get used to this author’s writing style. I don’t know if it was just me, but some of the language they used felt forced and made them come across really immature one moment and old souls the next. There were a few editing issues, but this was an ARC, so I’m assuming they’ll get picked up.
The story is deep and meaningful but also has humour and fun throughout. The disability aspect is done well; nothing is glossed over, and Luke has to work hard. Rory has his own issues to contend with, but he pushes them down to reach his goal.
I really enjoyed the development between these two characters, the life they set out to build, and the progress they make as a team in bringing down Harris. I love the way they tease us about Matt and leave us with questions about him. I’m hoping it’s his story I’m moving onto next!
Edit. Turns out the next book is not Matts, so I’m a little disappointed we were left hanging without any reasons for why he can’t date. Hopefully, he’ll be mentioned in the next book, but it was a pretty big deal in this book to just not address it at all?!
——————————————
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
June 18, 2018
I loved this for the most part. The plot is engaging and the motivations are completely understandable. While there is some DARK subject matter, this is a fairly hilarious read...though probably not to everyone. Characters were great. I loved how Luke's injury was treated, it was refreshing to see someone not go down the darkness spiral (though I know that's real and valid), it was just a nice change. Doesn't mean he was Mr. Optimisim or never grumbled but for the most part he was just "Gotta do the work." I loved the relationship with Rory. Rory has his own issues and they're pretty horrific. I wish some therapy had been mentioned. I'm disappointed with the resolution a bit. It's pretty off page and that's always anti-climactic.
June 1, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I really enjoyed this book. I instantly loved both Rory and Luke. Their banter just made me laugh and I couldn't help but smile every time they were together. Rory is out for revenge and I don't blame him and how he is going about it is just perfect. We don't know until late in the book why but once we find out we want blood! The love and tenderness between Rory and Luke is amazing. You can't help but root for them. I love all the secondary characters as well, they just feel like people you would know or want to know and have as family and friends. I just hope we get Matt's story next or soon, I want that man happy! Great start to a new series and I hope the next installment comes out soon!
I really enjoyed this book. I instantly loved both Rory and Luke. Their banter just made me laugh and I couldn't help but smile every time they were together. Rory is out for revenge and I don't blame him and how he is going about it is just perfect. We don't know until late in the book why but once we find out we want blood! The love and tenderness between Rory and Luke is amazing. You can't help but root for them. I love all the secondary characters as well, they just feel like people you would know or want to know and have as family and friends. I just hope we get Matt's story next or soon, I want that man happy! Great start to a new series and I hope the next installment comes out soon!
June 16, 2025
Rory is out for revenge against a man and his friends who drugged and assaulted him. He’s smart and rich, and buys up land this terrible man is after to develop.
One of the landowners are Luke and his twin, Matt. Luke is an ex-SEAL, wounded and recovering, in a wheelchair. He’s angry and sad about his career, but he loves spending time with Matt’s horses, rescues who need a lot of love.
He and Matt want to start a therapy farm, which inspires Luke, and as he and Rory talk, he sees that Rory has good intentions for the land he’s buying.
They encourage and support each other, and in the end, the perpetrators are caught and Rory can live in peace with Luke, running their dream program.
The premise of this story is great, but is poorly executed. The seriousness of Rory being assaulted and him not being to blame isn’t really highlighted until the end, and Luke’s ideas all work out without much effort or understanding of what’s needed.
The ‘cowboy language’ doesn’t make sense at times, and the sometimes the conversation goes so off track I couldn’t follow it.
The relationship between these two seems artificial, though after Rory runs away to get some space, Luke driving to him is a heroic, loving move.
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but this one is a miss for me.
I received this ARC for free, and am pleased to give it my honest review with thanks.
One of the landowners are Luke and his twin, Matt. Luke is an ex-SEAL, wounded and recovering, in a wheelchair. He’s angry and sad about his career, but he loves spending time with Matt’s horses, rescues who need a lot of love.
He and Matt want to start a therapy farm, which inspires Luke, and as he and Rory talk, he sees that Rory has good intentions for the land he’s buying.
They encourage and support each other, and in the end, the perpetrators are caught and Rory can live in peace with Luke, running their dream program.
The premise of this story is great, but is poorly executed. The seriousness of Rory being assaulted and him not being to blame isn’t really highlighted until the end, and Luke’s ideas all work out without much effort or understanding of what’s needed.
The ‘cowboy language’ doesn’t make sense at times, and the sometimes the conversation goes so off track I couldn’t follow it.
The relationship between these two seems artificial, though after Rory runs away to get some space, Luke driving to him is a heroic, loving move.
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but this one is a miss for me.
I received this ARC for free, and am pleased to give it my honest review with thanks.
June 1, 2017
The Wounded Warrior (Rocking W #1) by B.A. Tortuga
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Abuse, war wound
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was an amazing story about finding a new purpose, revenge, living your life and redemption.
Luke is back from war and has lost the ability to walk, for now. Luke is having to go to PT and work very hard to get the use of his legs back due to being hit by an IED. However, he feels like a fraud. His twin, Matt, is a horse trainer, and just wants his brother to feel better. Matt notices that Luke seems to be coming back to him while working with the young horses.
Rory is the resident gay citizen in a very conservative town. Despite his gayness, he is also incredibly wealthy and successful. His past has been haunting him for years and he’s doing everything he can to exact his revenge. Because he’s smart and hilarious, wants to help the local people keep their land away from a developer, he has to think quickly on his feet when he makes a horrible first impression on Luke.
With crazy, vengeful people trying to tear Rory down, he and Luke have to navigate the town and in doing that, they develop feelings. I think that their relationship was more organic because even though they were instantly attracted to each other, they didn’t necessarily act on those impulses right away.
When push comes to shove and Rory can’t outrun his past anymore, will Luke stick by him? I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to see if Matt gets a story, because he’s such a huge support in this story.
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Abuse, war wound
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was an amazing story about finding a new purpose, revenge, living your life and redemption.
Luke is back from war and has lost the ability to walk, for now. Luke is having to go to PT and work very hard to get the use of his legs back due to being hit by an IED. However, he feels like a fraud. His twin, Matt, is a horse trainer, and just wants his brother to feel better. Matt notices that Luke seems to be coming back to him while working with the young horses.
Rory is the resident gay citizen in a very conservative town. Despite his gayness, he is also incredibly wealthy and successful. His past has been haunting him for years and he’s doing everything he can to exact his revenge. Because he’s smart and hilarious, wants to help the local people keep their land away from a developer, he has to think quickly on his feet when he makes a horrible first impression on Luke.
With crazy, vengeful people trying to tear Rory down, he and Luke have to navigate the town and in doing that, they develop feelings. I think that their relationship was more organic because even though they were instantly attracted to each other, they didn’t necessarily act on those impulses right away.
When push comes to shove and Rory can’t outrun his past anymore, will Luke stick by him? I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to see if Matt gets a story, because he’s such a huge support in this story.
June 30, 2018
Tortuga never disappoints in her characters when her books are set in Texas (maybe they all are, I haven't read them all) as she nails the lingo and the feel so vividly it is easy to transport yourself there and to see yourself as a part of the story.
This was about a man who is disabled and goes back to the ranch to help his brother - keep them out of loosing the farm for financial means. His love interest was a guy who has been through a traumatic incident - but who shines on anyway. Boy did I like him - even if at times I hated him.
This couple just worked. A few things bothered but mostly inconsequential and related to issues where I wondered why a character chose an action or similar. Overall - where's the next one?
This was about a man who is disabled and goes back to the ranch to help his brother - keep them out of loosing the farm for financial means. His love interest was a guy who has been through a traumatic incident - but who shines on anyway. Boy did I like him - even if at times I hated him.
This couple just worked. A few things bothered but mostly inconsequential and related to issues where I wondered why a character chose an action or similar. Overall - where's the next one?
June 26, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
I'm in love with Rory and Luke. And the rest of the family too. It's been awhile since I read a book with such a lovely cast. The story moves at a steady pace and we get enough details to make it interesting without getting all angst.
The only drawback for me was Rory's past since it played a central part in the story. But it's because I try to stay away from books with that specific content. It's a case of it's me, not the book.
Overall, it's a great story. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'm in love with Rory and Luke. And the rest of the family too. It's been awhile since I read a book with such a lovely cast. The story moves at a steady pace and we get enough details to make it interesting without getting all angst.
The only drawback for me was Rory's past since it played a central part in the story. But it's because I try to stay away from books with that specific content. It's a case of it's me, not the book.
Overall, it's a great story. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read
June 18, 2025‘The Wounded Warrior’ is a fantastic story, and if it’s any indication of what the rest of the series will be like, it’s going to be a winner as far as I am concerned. There are cowboys and horses, a former Navy SEAL now in a wheelchair and fighting depression, a real estate lawyer with an ax to grind and a stubborn determination to stop the evil land developer’s plans, a cast of hilariously wonderful secondary characters, and a roller coaster of a romance. With a setting in a small town in Texas you can see where this is going – or you think you can, because this author managed to surprise and delight me at every twist and turn of this suspense-filled tale.
Luke is in a wheelchair – for now – but he can still more than stand up for himself. He is also determined to walk again but it’s going to be a long, tough road to get there. The horses help him calm down when things get bad, so he develops a plan to convert the family ranch into a place for therapy. That is easier said than done though, because Luke and his twin brother constantly struggle to stay in the black. Both men are too proud to accept charity, but help and support is something Luke is slowly learning to admit might be helpful on occasion. His spirit is unbroken, and that is one of his greatest assets in his fight to find a new normal.
Rory has been bullied in the past, but he has become a successful real estate lawyer and plans to take revenge on his old tormentors by destroying their business. Buying up land before they can is his strategy, but in the case of Luke and his brother, Rory is having a harder-than-usual time convincing them. Rory has his heart in the right place, has been out since he was a teenager, and is definitely attracted to Luke. Luckily Rory doesn’t give up easily – pursuing the man he is falling for turns out to be far more difficult than he thought.
Luke and Rory have a lot of obstacles to overcome, mostly Luke’s stubborn refusal to believe he is attractive as a lover and partner. But there are external difficulties as well, and the villain is an evil, manipulative man, so Luke and Rory never know where the next attack is going to come from. It’s a good thing they have a few supporters in Luke’s brother, Rory’s loyal assistant, and an assortment of other colorful, quirky characters who populate this book. These guys need all the help they can get.
If you like wounded men who have to fight themselves and others before they can be together, if you enjoy stories with lots of intrigue, suspense, and business machinations, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining and funny, touchingly emotional, and a wonderful ode to human determination, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. From the setting to the people to the language – I loved it all!
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.
Luke is in a wheelchair – for now – but he can still more than stand up for himself. He is also determined to walk again but it’s going to be a long, tough road to get there. The horses help him calm down when things get bad, so he develops a plan to convert the family ranch into a place for therapy. That is easier said than done though, because Luke and his twin brother constantly struggle to stay in the black. Both men are too proud to accept charity, but help and support is something Luke is slowly learning to admit might be helpful on occasion. His spirit is unbroken, and that is one of his greatest assets in his fight to find a new normal.
Rory has been bullied in the past, but he has become a successful real estate lawyer and plans to take revenge on his old tormentors by destroying their business. Buying up land before they can is his strategy, but in the case of Luke and his brother, Rory is having a harder-than-usual time convincing them. Rory has his heart in the right place, has been out since he was a teenager, and is definitely attracted to Luke. Luckily Rory doesn’t give up easily – pursuing the man he is falling for turns out to be far more difficult than he thought.
Luke and Rory have a lot of obstacles to overcome, mostly Luke’s stubborn refusal to believe he is attractive as a lover and partner. But there are external difficulties as well, and the villain is an evil, manipulative man, so Luke and Rory never know where the next attack is going to come from. It’s a good thing they have a few supporters in Luke’s brother, Rory’s loyal assistant, and an assortment of other colorful, quirky characters who populate this book. These guys need all the help they can get.
If you like wounded men who have to fight themselves and others before they can be together, if you enjoy stories with lots of intrigue, suspense, and business machinations, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining and funny, touchingly emotional, and a wonderful ode to human determination, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. From the setting to the people to the language – I loved it all!
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.
June 26, 2025
This book had a different cover but a new publisher, so is apparently the same book as the previous release.
I loved the story of Luke and Rory, two men damaged in different ways but finding each other and helping each other heal. Luke, former Navy SEAL, injured with an explosion of an IED while deployed, is now back home in Texas, wheelchair-bound for the moment, living with his brother on his ranch, getting PT to work his way back physically and working with the horses to come back mentally and emotionally. Rory is a successful lawyer and real estate mogul, buying up all the land for sale locally to thwart his nemesis, a man who injured him emotionally and physically many years ago, pursuing his vendetta until that man is ruined.
When Rory and Luke meet, there is an instant attraction (luckily since Rory is the only out gay man in the small town, and Luke I definitely gay). Rory is very flirtatious while Luke holds back somewhat, feeling unworthy of attention from this handsome man in so many ways, concerned about his injuries and his relative inexperience. If anyone can get Luke out of his head, Rory can, he is so confident and outgoing.
The relationship develops slowly but steadily as Luke becomes more comfortable with his injuries and Rory accepts them and Luke without reservations. One thing I liked thinking back on it, the intimate scenes develop and flow naturally, a seamless part of the whole. Not all goes smoothly and there is a final confrontation of sorts which does result in a satisfying conclusion to Rory’s story, setting them on a path to their HEA.
The characters are interesting and realistic, making them easy to identify with. Side characters are also interesting, I liked Luke’s brother Matt, there is definitely a story there, so I hope he gets his own book. Luke is starting a ranch for wounded veterans, physical or emotional, to work on healing, so there are many possible stories available at the Roking W ranch.
Great story and characters, one I would recommend, especially if you like this author, which I do.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I loved the story of Luke and Rory, two men damaged in different ways but finding each other and helping each other heal. Luke, former Navy SEAL, injured with an explosion of an IED while deployed, is now back home in Texas, wheelchair-bound for the moment, living with his brother on his ranch, getting PT to work his way back physically and working with the horses to come back mentally and emotionally. Rory is a successful lawyer and real estate mogul, buying up all the land for sale locally to thwart his nemesis, a man who injured him emotionally and physically many years ago, pursuing his vendetta until that man is ruined.
When Rory and Luke meet, there is an instant attraction (luckily since Rory is the only out gay man in the small town, and Luke I definitely gay). Rory is very flirtatious while Luke holds back somewhat, feeling unworthy of attention from this handsome man in so many ways, concerned about his injuries and his relative inexperience. If anyone can get Luke out of his head, Rory can, he is so confident and outgoing.
The relationship develops slowly but steadily as Luke becomes more comfortable with his injuries and Rory accepts them and Luke without reservations. One thing I liked thinking back on it, the intimate scenes develop and flow naturally, a seamless part of the whole. Not all goes smoothly and there is a final confrontation of sorts which does result in a satisfying conclusion to Rory’s story, setting them on a path to their HEA.
The characters are interesting and realistic, making them easy to identify with. Side characters are also interesting, I liked Luke’s brother Matt, there is definitely a story there, so I hope he gets his own book. Luke is starting a ranch for wounded veterans, physical or emotional, to work on healing, so there are many possible stories available at the Roking W ranch.
Great story and characters, one I would recommend, especially if you like this author, which I do.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
June 4, 2017
Wounded and in a wheelchair, Navy SEAL, Luke Blanchard is back home on his brother Matt’s ranch.
He wouldn’t admit it at first, but being with those horses was the only bit of peace he’d found since returning home. Unfortunately, a local developer was trying to get the Blanchard’s to sell their land… and so was local real estate attorney, Rory McConnell…only Rory was doing it for the greater good, to keep condo’s and developments off of good ranching land. It also turned out, he was trying to get the slimey development guy to sink low… He deserved it… trust me on that.
Rory got caught up in a scandal some years back and Harris was the culprit. Now, he was going head to head with Rory and he was holding nothing back. When Rory started seeing Luke, it put everyone in danger because Harris was coming after anybody and everybody.
I DID NOT like that we didn’t get to see the karmic justice with the bad guy …. I would have loved to see him suffer some…. He deserved the worst, for real. If you read it, be prepared for that. You’ll want to kill him yourself.
The story though, I really enjoyed it. The dialogue was a little meh for me, because “Rock on” was used in abundance and I haven’t said that since like… 6th grade lol but the rest of it was cute. I also loved Rory AND Luke and Matt’s parents. Their mom’s were somethin’ else and I love how southern boys are with their Mama’s. Very cute! I also loved how Luke used his disability and other rescourses to do something amazing and I’m so glad it worked out for him. I loved that too!
Overall though, everything works out in the end and of course Rory and Luke end up together! There’s no drama between them other than the one guy who’s trying to take everyone’s land… No cheating, low angst, I like that. I’m really looking forward to reading more of this series and hope to see more from Luke and Rory, but really want Matt to get him some happy. <3
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
He wouldn’t admit it at first, but being with those horses was the only bit of peace he’d found since returning home. Unfortunately, a local developer was trying to get the Blanchard’s to sell their land… and so was local real estate attorney, Rory McConnell…only Rory was doing it for the greater good, to keep condo’s and developments off of good ranching land. It also turned out, he was trying to get the slimey development guy to sink low… He deserved it… trust me on that.
Rory got caught up in a scandal some years back and Harris was the culprit. Now, he was going head to head with Rory and he was holding nothing back. When Rory started seeing Luke, it put everyone in danger because Harris was coming after anybody and everybody.
I DID NOT like that we didn’t get to see the karmic justice with the bad guy …. I would have loved to see him suffer some…. He deserved the worst, for real. If you read it, be prepared for that. You’ll want to kill him yourself.
The story though, I really enjoyed it. The dialogue was a little meh for me, because “Rock on” was used in abundance and I haven’t said that since like… 6th grade lol but the rest of it was cute. I also loved Rory AND Luke and Matt’s parents. Their mom’s were somethin’ else and I love how southern boys are with their Mama’s. Very cute! I also loved how Luke used his disability and other rescourses to do something amazing and I’m so glad it worked out for him. I loved that too!
Overall though, everything works out in the end and of course Rory and Luke end up together! There’s no drama between them other than the one guy who’s trying to take everyone’s land… No cheating, low angst, I like that. I’m really looking forward to reading more of this series and hope to see more from Luke and Rory, but really want Matt to get him some happy. <3
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
June 17, 2025
4.5 stars...
I love this author's cowboys so much. I never knew I needed to read cowboys till I found this author.
Luke has come home from service a littler different then he went in. He is now in a wheelchair trying to get to the point where he can walk on his own someday. Feeling down on himself he heads to the family farm to recover but he also needs to heal and get back to what he loves. Very quickly he learns his twin brother, Matt, is in some debt from family obligations and there is someone sniffing around to try and take the farm and land away from the family. Luke has to convince Matt to let him pay the back taxes and get them caught up on any other payments but he does it. One night while out at the bar, Luke comes across a good looking man but their meeting goes a little askew when the man appears to get overly drink. He is eventually hauled away and Luke heads home thinking he dodged a bullet.
Rory is completely embarrassed over what happened between him and Luke. He believes he was drugged once again and can not believe this time he did it in front of the a war veteran. Once better and after dealing on some new land purchases to keep a bully from buying up more of the town he heads to the ranch to apologize to Luke but this time he finds a herd of loose horses. Calling for help, he does his best but when a truck comes at them all he injures himself trying to get the horses out of the road when the truck fires shots. Now he needs Luke and Matt's help.
Just who is trying to hurt Matt and Luke's horses? Has Rory's past come back to haunt him? Will Rory share his past with Luke? Will Luke be the one in danger? Will the budding relationship between Luke and Rory be accepted by both families? Does Luke come up with a plan to help not only him heal but others as well.
GREAT start to a new series and I hope it goes on forever.
I love this author's cowboys so much. I never knew I needed to read cowboys till I found this author.
Luke has come home from service a littler different then he went in. He is now in a wheelchair trying to get to the point where he can walk on his own someday. Feeling down on himself he heads to the family farm to recover but he also needs to heal and get back to what he loves. Very quickly he learns his twin brother, Matt, is in some debt from family obligations and there is someone sniffing around to try and take the farm and land away from the family. Luke has to convince Matt to let him pay the back taxes and get them caught up on any other payments but he does it. One night while out at the bar, Luke comes across a good looking man but their meeting goes a little askew when the man appears to get overly drink. He is eventually hauled away and Luke heads home thinking he dodged a bullet.
Rory is completely embarrassed over what happened between him and Luke. He believes he was drugged once again and can not believe this time he did it in front of the a war veteran. Once better and after dealing on some new land purchases to keep a bully from buying up more of the town he heads to the ranch to apologize to Luke but this time he finds a herd of loose horses. Calling for help, he does his best but when a truck comes at them all he injures himself trying to get the horses out of the road when the truck fires shots. Now he needs Luke and Matt's help.
Just who is trying to hurt Matt and Luke's horses? Has Rory's past come back to haunt him? Will Rory share his past with Luke? Will Luke be the one in danger? Will the budding relationship between Luke and Rory be accepted by both families? Does Luke come up with a plan to help not only him heal but others as well.
GREAT start to a new series and I hope it goes on forever.
June 23, 2025
MY OPINION: This book was so good. I am a fan of BA Tortuga’s stories, and this one was certainly a winner.
Luke was physically and emotionally damaged when he ended up back home with his twin brother. It was unexpected that the things he thought weren’t part of him were what helped to heal him of his injuries. He started working with the horses on his brother’s ranch and found that being a cowboy might not be such a bad thing after all. He was taught all the things necessary to be strong and powerful when he was a SEAL. Now, he has to soften a little and forge a new path in his life.
Rory was brilliant. He was also very out and very proud in a conservative Texas town. That was okay, though he lived his authentic life, and everyone else could jump. He was a successful lawyer and had sworn revenge on a guy who harmed him when he was nineteen.
These two men come together and find that as a unit, they are stronger. Both have great families that are a part of the book. This story takes us down a path of the two of them healing wounds in different ways, and once they are together, it makes them better men for each other, and it's beautiful. You feel their love and how together they are a force. You walk through Luke’s wounds, being accepted, and his body getting stronger. While Rory finds himself under the thumb of his abuser, he stands strong
There are some great spicy moments with two men who clearly care about each other. They have fun with each other, and Luke's physical disabilities are addressed but handled as part of life, not something that needs to be handled as a problem.
I liked this book a lot. It’s a great mix of a soldier story and a cowboy story. Two great men with families that are loving, supportive, and included in their HEA. Pick it up and read it; you will not be disappointed.
Luke was physically and emotionally damaged when he ended up back home with his twin brother. It was unexpected that the things he thought weren’t part of him were what helped to heal him of his injuries. He started working with the horses on his brother’s ranch and found that being a cowboy might not be such a bad thing after all. He was taught all the things necessary to be strong and powerful when he was a SEAL. Now, he has to soften a little and forge a new path in his life.
Rory was brilliant. He was also very out and very proud in a conservative Texas town. That was okay, though he lived his authentic life, and everyone else could jump. He was a successful lawyer and had sworn revenge on a guy who harmed him when he was nineteen.
These two men come together and find that as a unit, they are stronger. Both have great families that are a part of the book. This story takes us down a path of the two of them healing wounds in different ways, and once they are together, it makes them better men for each other, and it's beautiful. You feel their love and how together they are a force. You walk through Luke’s wounds, being accepted, and his body getting stronger. While Rory finds himself under the thumb of his abuser, he stands strong
There are some great spicy moments with two men who clearly care about each other. They have fun with each other, and Luke's physical disabilities are addressed but handled as part of life, not something that needs to be handled as a problem.
I liked this book a lot. It’s a great mix of a soldier story and a cowboy story. Two great men with families that are loving, supportive, and included in their HEA. Pick it up and read it; you will not be disappointed.
June 17, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
This is the first book that I’ve read by BA Tortuga and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to the Rockin’ W Series. I thought that Luke and Rory were really good together, their lighthearted banter just added to the story. Luke, a Navy Seal comes back home wounded and is staying on his twin brother Matt’s ranch, while he does rehab to get back on his feet. He’s currently in a wheelchair but he’s adamant that he’ll get back to using his crutches pretty much full time. He’s kind of depressed but helping with the horses is helping him heal. Rory, a local real estate lawyer who is buying up a lot of land to try and stop his biggest rival getting the land.
This is how Luke & Rory first meet when as Rory shows up on the Ranch to talk to Luke’s brother Matt about buying some land from him because he’s currently in the red. I liked how Rory & Matt’s relationship progressed. Man, it was horrible what happened to Rory in the past but I’m glad that the guys that hurt him got what they deserved but it was pretty anticlimactic since it was pretty much off page. The secondary characters added som much to this story like Matt & Rory’s assistant Lori. I’m hoping that Matt will eventually get his own story because something obviously happened to him to give up on love. I’m looking forward to reading Doing Life next, as well as more books from BA Tortuga in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This is the first book that I’ve read by BA Tortuga and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to the Rockin’ W Series. I thought that Luke and Rory were really good together, their lighthearted banter just added to the story. Luke, a Navy Seal comes back home wounded and is staying on his twin brother Matt’s ranch, while he does rehab to get back on his feet. He’s currently in a wheelchair but he’s adamant that he’ll get back to using his crutches pretty much full time. He’s kind of depressed but helping with the horses is helping him heal. Rory, a local real estate lawyer who is buying up a lot of land to try and stop his biggest rival getting the land.
This is how Luke & Rory first meet when as Rory shows up on the Ranch to talk to Luke’s brother Matt about buying some land from him because he’s currently in the red. I liked how Rory & Matt’s relationship progressed. Man, it was horrible what happened to Rory in the past but I’m glad that the guys that hurt him got what they deserved but it was pretty anticlimactic since it was pretty much off page. The secondary characters added som much to this story like Matt & Rory’s assistant Lori. I’m hoping that Matt will eventually get his own story because something obviously happened to him to give up on love. I’m looking forward to reading Doing Life next, as well as more books from BA Tortuga in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
June 15, 2025
**I received an electronic ARC via Gay Romance Reviews.**
BA Tortuga begins her Rockin' W series with book 1, The Wounded Warrior. A small-town Texas MM contemporary western, readers follow Luke, who is a Navy SEAL trying to get used to the wheelchair his last deployment earned him. Luke is working on his twin brother's ranch while he recovers from injury. While there, he meets Rory, an out and proud quick-talking lawyer who is buying up a lot of local land. But there is more to Rory than his job or his looks. When Luke comes up with the idea of a therapy ranch for veterans, Rory is quick to offer to invest. As long as he can stay alive long enough given that he has a local competitor who keeps trying to kill him. But he's happy to take Luke to lunch in the meantime. Or bed. Both would be good.
This is a re-release with a new cover.
Content warning for historic sexual assault and blackmail/SEM distribution of a MMC.
Rory and Luke get off on the wrong foot and in the wrong mindset, but communicate well and are very vocal about their support for one another. More than that, both gay cowboys have the complete support of their families. All the conflict here is external to their relationship once they get on the same page.
BA Tortuga takes on big emotions with care and does not make the dip into angst.
Overall, there's a reason BA Tortuga is one of the big names of MM cowboy romance, and this book/series is absolutely an example of that. Stay tuned for a review of book two coming soon :)
BA Tortuga begins her Rockin' W series with book 1, The Wounded Warrior. A small-town Texas MM contemporary western, readers follow Luke, who is a Navy SEAL trying to get used to the wheelchair his last deployment earned him. Luke is working on his twin brother's ranch while he recovers from injury. While there, he meets Rory, an out and proud quick-talking lawyer who is buying up a lot of local land. But there is more to Rory than his job or his looks. When Luke comes up with the idea of a therapy ranch for veterans, Rory is quick to offer to invest. As long as he can stay alive long enough given that he has a local competitor who keeps trying to kill him. But he's happy to take Luke to lunch in the meantime. Or bed. Both would be good.
This is a re-release with a new cover.
Content warning for historic sexual assault and blackmail/SEM distribution of a MMC.
Rory and Luke get off on the wrong foot and in the wrong mindset, but communicate well and are very vocal about their support for one another. More than that, both gay cowboys have the complete support of their families. All the conflict here is external to their relationship once they get on the same page.
BA Tortuga takes on big emotions with care and does not make the dip into angst.
Overall, there's a reason BA Tortuga is one of the big names of MM cowboy romance, and this book/series is absolutely an example of that. Stay tuned for a review of book two coming soon :)
June 22, 2025
Luke and Rory's story is a tale of survive, adapt, and overcome while finding their faith, their dreams, and true love. The supporting cast of friends and family really make them shine, both as a couple and individually.
Overall, Luke's journey is one of finding a new path and new hope in his life. His military career is over thanks to an IED, and the road to recovery appears painful and unending. But he discovers comfort in helping with his twin brother's horses and new purpose in helping others like him - injured both inside and out.
Rory also carries deep scars, but they are internal and not easy to discover since he goes to great lengths to hide them. His thirst for revenge runs deep, but he does it in a way that is legal and benefits the community at large.
The way the author portrays Rory and Luke as survivors rather than victims makes them relatable rather than pitiful. They are good, strong men who had horrors inflicted upon them. But their tragedies are not what brings them together, and they don't use them as the foundation of their relationship, which is healthy and supportive. The story moves forward at a great pace with moments of laughter, anger, and joy. It is a great read from start to finish.
Recommend for fans of Leona Windwalker, Foz Meadows, and Jwssie Stevens.
* I received an eARC through GRR in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *
Overall, Luke's journey is one of finding a new path and new hope in his life. His military career is over thanks to an IED, and the road to recovery appears painful and unending. But he discovers comfort in helping with his twin brother's horses and new purpose in helping others like him - injured both inside and out.
Rory also carries deep scars, but they are internal and not easy to discover since he goes to great lengths to hide them. His thirst for revenge runs deep, but he does it in a way that is legal and benefits the community at large.
The way the author portrays Rory and Luke as survivors rather than victims makes them relatable rather than pitiful. They are good, strong men who had horrors inflicted upon them. But their tragedies are not what brings them together, and they don't use them as the foundation of their relationship, which is healthy and supportive. The story moves forward at a great pace with moments of laughter, anger, and joy. It is a great read from start to finish.
Recommend for fans of Leona Windwalker, Foz Meadows, and Jwssie Stevens.
* I received an eARC through GRR in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *
June 8, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aKK
From that review: " Ya'll know I love me some B.A. Tortuga (hoping to sound all B.A. Tortuga like and probably not succeeding very well) and The Wounded Warrior (Rocking W #1) is just another prime example why. The first in a new series from Pride Publishing, the author delivers up another great story with two wounded men, each damaged in different but very deep ways, living in a hot, small Texas town she knows inside and out.
There's been a lot of twins in B.A.'s stories recently, not sure why other than maybe she's as intrigued by the twin dynamics just as we are. In The Wounded Warrior, we have another twin set in Luke and Matt Blanchard. Luke, the Navy SEAL, is The Wounded Warrior, returning home from a tour in a wheelchair, his world blown apart. Matt is the brother trying to find the Luke he knows and loves buried under the PTSD, depression, and darkness Luke is existing in. A horse trainer, Matt also rescues horses and other animals, and its to these injured, almost broken animals that Luke is drawn to. Something Matt notices as well, as watches as horses and man start to heal each other..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and other things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aKK
From that review: " Ya'll know I love me some B.A. Tortuga (hoping to sound all B.A. Tortuga like and probably not succeeding very well) and The Wounded Warrior (Rocking W #1) is just another prime example why. The first in a new series from Pride Publishing, the author delivers up another great story with two wounded men, each damaged in different but very deep ways, living in a hot, small Texas town she knows inside and out.
There's been a lot of twins in B.A.'s stories recently, not sure why other than maybe she's as intrigued by the twin dynamics just as we are. In The Wounded Warrior, we have another twin set in Luke and Matt Blanchard. Luke, the Navy SEAL, is The Wounded Warrior, returning home from a tour in a wheelchair, his world blown apart. Matt is the brother trying to find the Luke he knows and loves buried under the PTSD, depression, and darkness Luke is existing in. A horse trainer, Matt also rescues horses and other animals, and its to these injured, almost broken animals that Luke is drawn to. Something Matt notices as well, as watches as horses and man start to heal each other..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and other things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
June 10, 2025
4.25 stars
“The Wounded Warrior” by BA Tortuga is the first book in the ‘Rocking W’ series and introduces Luke, a severely injured SEAL who is struggling to find meaning to his life even as he tries to help his twin brother until he runs into the human tornado known as Rory, whose acrimonious relationship with Luke’s brother somehow doesn’t impede the growing attraction that forms. The question is whether their relationship will survive all of the challenges that are thrown at it, some of which may prove to be fatal.
This adult contemporary gay romance is being re-released as the first book in a lovely series. Ironically, I had just savored it a week ago and was delighted to see that there is a sequel available, although I evidently will still have to wait for the twin’s romance. I adore the guys’ mom, and there is a scene that just tickled me as she demonstrates where her boys got their grit from. This author has a gift for creating charismatic characters honed in the harshest of crucibles as well as those who are unapologetically themselves, and I continue to enjoy the interactions and the beautiful romances that arise. I look forward to many more enthralling stories, especially the next in this series, “Doing Life.”
A copy of this title was provided for review
“The Wounded Warrior” by BA Tortuga is the first book in the ‘Rocking W’ series and introduces Luke, a severely injured SEAL who is struggling to find meaning to his life even as he tries to help his twin brother until he runs into the human tornado known as Rory, whose acrimonious relationship with Luke’s brother somehow doesn’t impede the growing attraction that forms. The question is whether their relationship will survive all of the challenges that are thrown at it, some of which may prove to be fatal.
This adult contemporary gay romance is being re-released as the first book in a lovely series. Ironically, I had just savored it a week ago and was delighted to see that there is a sequel available, although I evidently will still have to wait for the twin’s romance. I adore the guys’ mom, and there is a scene that just tickled me as she demonstrates where her boys got their grit from. This author has a gift for creating charismatic characters honed in the harshest of crucibles as well as those who are unapologetically themselves, and I continue to enjoy the interactions and the beautiful romances that arise. I look forward to many more enthralling stories, especially the next in this series, “Doing Life.”
A copy of this title was provided for review
June 29, 2025
I loved Luke and Rory’s story, with their relationship growing from their first antagonistic meeting to getting to know, and falling for each other. I particularly loved the role that family plays, and Luke and Matt’s sibling/twin relationship.
This story was a little darker than some I’ve read from their author, with Rory’s experience with Harris, the nasty bad guy. I loved that Luke, although in a wheelchair, wields a solid punch, and is more than capable of looking after his man. I loved how Rory sets out to keep all the surrounding land out of Harris’s grip, while at the same time going out of his way to help out the folks he buys land from. I liked how he’s moving forward from a horrible experience until it all comes tumbling down.
The scenes with Luke and the horses are sweet, and show his connections with the animals who have gone through trauma. I thought his experiences were sensitively handled, and real.
Lori is a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t want to get on her wrong side. I love Luke and Rory’s parents too, and Rory’s siblings, and how they all rally around to help out. Their support and love for each other is obvious in both words and actions.
I also liked Avery, and hope he gets his own HEA. Ditto with Matt.
This story was a little darker than some I’ve read from their author, with Rory’s experience with Harris, the nasty bad guy. I loved that Luke, although in a wheelchair, wields a solid punch, and is more than capable of looking after his man. I loved how Rory sets out to keep all the surrounding land out of Harris’s grip, while at the same time going out of his way to help out the folks he buys land from. I liked how he’s moving forward from a horrible experience until it all comes tumbling down.
The scenes with Luke and the horses are sweet, and show his connections with the animals who have gone through trauma. I thought his experiences were sensitively handled, and real.
Lori is a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t want to get on her wrong side. I love Luke and Rory’s parents too, and Rory’s siblings, and how they all rally around to help out. Their support and love for each other is obvious in both words and actions.
I also liked Avery, and hope he gets his own HEA. Ditto with Matt.
June 22, 2025
OH MY STARS! BA, has brought us a story that lets our heart and mind know the joy of surviving and saving oneself from the mariana depths of pain and shame. We get to meet two of the most amazing men Luke, a service disabled Navy SEAL and Rory and out gay man who graduated high school at 12. Luke, returns home to recover from his injuries with his twin, Matt and the most amazing family supporting him. Luke, is in a wheel chair and only his will and dedication to rehab will get him walking again. Rory, is an investor, who came home to seek revenge against an older disgusting man who tried to break him. He also has an amazingly supportive family. Their relationship starts out with a contentious misunderstanding, with a hint of attraction seeping in. Absolutely amazing story with fantastic characters, a bit of a mystery, peppered with tragedy and covered with a lot of family unconditional love. We meet some great side characters from whom I hope we get great future stories. There is sadness, but Rory's and Luke's character and personality keep us more up than down. BA hits it out of the park again. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2018
I quite liked this. The literal wounded warrior who returns to the family home and finds solace in the horses on his twin's ranch and then meets the hot shot lawyer who seems intent on buying up any land he can get to the utter dismay of some "good old boy". It takes a while before you find out why he's doing it but his way of treating Luke like a "normal" guy and not someone in a wheelchair. That he was so open and flirty and made Luke realize his life wasn't over.
Of course now I'm dying to know what's up with Luke's younger brother who's living in Mexico and I want to see his twin Matt get a HEA. It's definitely sucked me in.
My only niggles was it leapt ahead quite a bit. One moment he's brushing the horse and the horse is shedding it's winter coat, the next it's fall and getting cold. The bad guy is arrested and boom, it's many months later and the rehab facility is finalized. I also wanted to know what happened to the bad guy. He was arrested and then...
But on the whole it sucked me in and I'll be looking for follow-up stories for some of the other characters.
Of course now I'm dying to know what's up with Luke's younger brother who's living in Mexico and I want to see his twin Matt get a HEA. It's definitely sucked me in.
My only niggles was it leapt ahead quite a bit. One moment he's brushing the horse and the horse is shedding it's winter coat, the next it's fall and getting cold. The bad guy is arrested and boom, it's many months later and the rehab facility is finalized. I also wanted to know what happened to the bad guy. He was arrested and then...
But on the whole it sucked me in and I'll be looking for follow-up stories for some of the other characters.
June 9, 2025
Former navy SEAL Luke returns home to his brother Matt's ranch after being injured in the line of duty - he's in a wheelchair, although he gets better throughout the book, moving on to crutches. He meets Rory, who is trying to buy up all the land that is for sale in their area, and initially they argue because they aren't ready to sell their ranch. Turns out, Rory (who is very well off & comes from people who have money) is trying to buy the ranches so the local banker can't get his hands on them and build industrial parks/condos. Rory also has a large personal vendetta against the banker, and is trying to ruin him financially. There's falling in love, meeting the families, and plans for a facility to help veterans using horses, as well as exposing the banker for what he did to Rory years ago.
This is pretty much your typical Tortuga story with cowboys falling in love, and making lots of cool plans for the future. If you've liked her other stuff, you'll like this. I did. And now I'm off to read book#2.
This is pretty much your typical Tortuga story with cowboys falling in love, and making lots of cool plans for the future. If you've liked her other stuff, you'll like this. I did. And now I'm off to read book#2.
June 11, 2025
Luke and Rory have suffered tragic events, both personal and professional, in their lives. Luke is a retired warrior sitting in a wheelchair from military wounds while Rory lives with a haunted past from an incident when he was 19YOA. Both are seeking a sense of redemption. Luke and his twin brother Matt are in a financial bind on their horse farm when Luke envisions starting a therapy ranch for like injured soldiers with their horses as therapeutic aids. Rory offers his land development expertise in assisting the brothers. Rory has his own agenda in that he's undermining the plans of the evil villain whose only objective is to buy up the farmland to build condos. Thus, this plot sets the stage for the passionate interplay between Luke and Rory as each man treats the other tenderly and passionately and sets the theme for whatever this new series is building on. This is another fine example of Ms. Tortuga's writing talent and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
June 13, 2025
What a fantastic story!
I loved this book! Luke has come back from the military a little worse for wear and a bit down. Helping his twin brother around the ranch will have surprising results for Luke as it will help him heal. Luke’s first meeting with the local lawyer, Rory will be quite the experience but the truth will be a little bitter to swallow. Rory has made it his mission to get revenge on a certain local who has seriously wronged him and it’s helping some of the other townspeople by allowing them to keep their land. But this brings danger to not only Rory’s doorstep but Luke and Matt’s as well. It will be a bit of a bumpy road but as Luke gets stronger with his physical therapy and he and Rory get closer, they manage to weather the storm together. An idea to help others as Matt’s ranch has helped him will have Luke using some of the land Rory has bought to build the Rocking W Ranch which will help others like him that just need a little helping hand.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I loved this book! Luke has come back from the military a little worse for wear and a bit down. Helping his twin brother around the ranch will have surprising results for Luke as it will help him heal. Luke’s first meeting with the local lawyer, Rory will be quite the experience but the truth will be a little bitter to swallow. Rory has made it his mission to get revenge on a certain local who has seriously wronged him and it’s helping some of the other townspeople by allowing them to keep their land. But this brings danger to not only Rory’s doorstep but Luke and Matt’s as well. It will be a bit of a bumpy road but as Luke gets stronger with his physical therapy and he and Rory get closer, they manage to weather the storm together. An idea to help others as Matt’s ranch has helped him will have Luke using some of the land Rory has bought to build the Rocking W Ranch which will help others like him that just need a little helping hand.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
October 29, 2017
Luke has recently come home from the Navy Seals injured and wheelchair bound and in low spirits. His twin Brother matt uses tough love to get him to work with the horses and out of his depression.
Rory is a young lawyer and from money buying up all the land he can. He has a secret as to why. Luke and Rory hit it off quickly but will Rory's past come back to haunt Matt and Luke?
I loved this story right away but I am a HUGE BA Tortuga fan. She has a way with characters and this book is full of great ones. Both Luke and Rory are amazing characters. There is mention of another brother that has me hoping for his book as well. The plot is also good and well paced with lots of action.
If you like cowboys, war heroes, action, horses, lawyers, wealthy men with secrets, and some moderate man sex you will like this book!
Rory is a young lawyer and from money buying up all the land he can. He has a secret as to why. Luke and Rory hit it off quickly but will Rory's past come back to haunt Matt and Luke?
I loved this story right away but I am a HUGE BA Tortuga fan. She has a way with characters and this book is full of great ones. Both Luke and Rory are amazing characters. There is mention of another brother that has me hoping for his book as well. The plot is also good and well paced with lots of action.
If you like cowboys, war heroes, action, horses, lawyers, wealthy men with secrets, and some moderate man sex you will like this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews