Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Where there’s smoke…

Stirling Gradsky abandoned the corporate rat race for a more laidback lifestyle. So it’s ironic she’s partnered with a hard-bodied, know-it-all scientist who treats her like a stoner instead of a stone cold business woman capable of running a large scale marijuana farm. Dr. Hot and Tattooed with the big…brain needs to stop sampling their product; he’s under the half-baked idea that he’s the boss.

Dr. Liam Argent’s doctorate isn’t in chemistry, but from the moment he meets his sexy new coworker, there’s enough heat between them to short out all the grow lights in the greenhouse. First item on his agenda? Clearing up the sassy, blunt blonde’s hazy notion that she’s in charge.

Sparks fly as their attraction blazes. But can they weed out their differences without getting burned?

194 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2017

185 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read

About the author

Lorelei James

77 books8,331 followers
Lorelei James is New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary erotic westerns and erotic romances. She lives in western South Dakota.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
361 (41%)
4 stars
268 (30%)
3 stars
161 (18%)
2 stars
54 (6%)
1 star
24 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
949 reviews1,157 followers
September 24, 2017
4.5 'Pop Tarts & Cheetos' Stars!


Well, color me surprised! Or not really.. I mean, Lorelei James is one of my favorite western romance writers but she is actually great on any kind of genre she writes. In fact this novella is part of a western series but it feels it belongs more to the NA genre. But leaving that aside, Tripped Out was fantastic!

As I said, Tripped Out is part of the Blacktop Cowboys series and it tells the story of two people we have met through the 1001 Dark Nights novellas in said series. Liam and Stirling work together and, supposedly, they hate each other. However, let's just say that when their walls fall down these two discover a beautiful connection between them.

“You’re not prim and proper when the lab coat comes off, are you?”
“Not. Even. Fucking. Close.”


I feel great after reading this short story (and it's not because of the weed these two make! lol). Tripped Out is funny, extremely entertaining and sexy as hell! The sexual tension between Liam and Stirling is off-the-charts HAWT. And they are just so hilarious and adorable together. I really loved this short story and that wonderful ending!

Their mouths would meet and part. Sharing a tender kiss. A kiss that bordered on brutal. Ebb and flow. Perfection. He’d found it, even when he never really believed it existed. But it did. Here in this space and time with her.

Therefore, my rating for Tripped Out is 4.5 STARS because it was a great (and quick and sexy!) reading experience that gave me everything I enjoy in a good light romance. Lorelei James did not disappoint at all (she never does!). Definitely recommend this one!

CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,945 reviews172 followers
September 9, 2017
Tripped Out (Blacktop Cowboys) by Lorelei James  
A pheromone level this high should be illegal. Tripped Out is borderline neurotic, holy smokes chaotic, with temperature that tip the scales at exotic. Lorelei James knows how to make things happen.  With a name like Stirling for her heroine, she turns geeky stereotypes on their ear and sets readers hearts racing when a bad boy scientist hits the pages. Together Liam and Stirling set tongues wagging and sparks flying with the electricity they make.  Tripped Out is a smart look at the science of sexual attraction and the utter chaos of falling in love.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,800 reviews124 followers
March 27, 2018
3.5 Tripped Out Stars

Stirling and Liam.
Hmm I liked the story, it was unique but I guess I just didn’t connect well with the characters.

I kind of felt like Stirling was just a little over the top and kind of whinny. I thought boohoo you are the third child and your family loves you and yet you complain.

I don’t know I think I liked her better in the other books she was in. This one just didn’t do it for me.

Overall it’s a nice short story. And I am glad I finished it.
Narration again is spot on. :)

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,840 reviews1,343 followers
September 13, 2017
I seem to have terrible memory these days so when I started this book I really had no recollection of how they may be connected to the Blacktop Cowboys series.  That being said, I was excited to see a different kind of setting in this world and needed to jump right in.

Stirling is tired of the corporate world and she's a business partner with her brother on a marijuana farm.  Her brother hired Dr. Liam Agent for his expertise about a year ago and since then they've been butting heads.  Granted, we know they've been butting heads but because this is a novella we aren't privy to all the details of that since we come in when their relationship is about to change.  I both liked this and wish we had gotten a bit more.  Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and part of that love comes from seeing all tension build up.  We get some info on that, but I think I wanted to see more of it.  That would've made this book longer, though, so I'm happy with what we got.

If I had to pick a favorite character, then I'm going to have to say Liam.  I love the contradictions about his character.  When he was younger he did what he could to get his grandmother some relief by purchasing marijuana for her.  When financial strains got the better of them, he even got as far as working for his ummmm dealer.  He's straddled the good boy/bad boy line, he is well educated and still seems a bit of a bad boy rebel.  And he doesn't shy away from dirty talking when the mood strikes, plus he has a great sense of humor.  So Liam definitely is my HIGHlight of this book. hehe

That's not to say I didn't like Stirling, because I found her very interesting.  But I didn't connect with her as much as I would've liked.  Nevertheless, Liam and Stirling have great chemistry, lots of sexy banter and humor.  They know how to push each others buttons but also how to work together and I had a lot of fun reading their story.

Another thing I think is noteworthy to point out was the educational aspect of setting this romance in a marijuana farm.  I enjoyed reading those details and made this story give a professional approach to the subject while still keeping it fun at times.

This was a quick one I read in one sitting and I can't wait to go back into the Blacktop world again soon. 

*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
September 12, 2017


As I begin my review of Tripped Out, I have to admit a couple of things; one I’m still smiling at the verbal foreplay between the two main characters because it was so smart and sassy, and two, I have so many “high life” cracks running through my head I have to push them out so I don’t sound like a total stoner writing this review. Lorelei James takes takes a bit of a risk with this book, jumping out of the norm in the Blacktop Cowboys series, and writing a fun and educating book about two people working to take their company to a higher level (hey, I never promised not to use ANY references to weed).

For the past ten months Stirling Gradsky’s life has been a living hell working with Dr. Liam Argent, a biochemist her brother and business partner saw fit to hire. What I loved about this book is that almost from the start Stirling and Liam are calling a truce to the pranks they’ve been playing on one another for nearly a year, yet we hear about them during their conversations in this book, so we are privy to their antagonistic start but the personal relationship building between them begins immediately. I appreciated the easy way these two fell into a friendship that built to more, but even more important was how their snarky, quick witted comments never ceased. While they did seem to be able to open up a bit more to one another while enjoying some of their fine product, it was evident pretty early on that trust was building between them daily.

Working together and going through ups and downs that come with owning and working for a very busy and lucrative legal cannabis company added a bit of drama to their relationship, but these two worked hard at communicating effectively in many interesting and sexy ways.

The secondary characters were a colorful lot including some that fans of Ms. James previous works will no doubt recognize, I know I was very intrigued by what was going on between two that appeared at a Gradsky party, and the High Society crew was entertaining to say the least.

While a departure from what fans normally see in the Blacktop Cowboy series, Tripped Out was an intelligent, humorous, and sexy story and I loved every minute of it.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
20 reviews
September 13, 2017
Another Fantastic book from Lorelei James. I have to say that she never disappoints! Her writing, her research and style of writing are amazing!! I went into this story not really knowing what to expect as I work in the Law Enforcement field. I was completely surprised at how much I learned about Marijuana and all of the different strains and types especially with Medical Dispensaries going to be cropping up in my state.

Now, I absolutely loved the hijinks between Stirling and Liam. The verbal foreplay which Lorelei excels at. Such a great, sexy yet funny story with a few surprises thrown in!!!
Profile Image for Larri.
139 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2017
Tripped Out is so much fun! Liam and Stirling were so much fun to read about, but that doesn't mean there aren't sad, poignant, even heartbreaking moments in this book--it has all that, and more. I loved how these two awkward, workaholic souls found each other. Tripped Out is a longer novella, but time seemed to fly by while I read it and it was over much too soon! Lorelei James packs a lot of action, emotion, and story into Tripped Out, and I loved it all!
Profile Image for Haley.
2 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2017
One thing I count can on with a Lorelei James book is a scorching hot, satisfying romance. She delivers yet again with Tripped Out. I hadn't read a book before based around a legal marijuana growing/dispensing business, so much of the subject matter was new for me. And there were times when I skimmed a few pages because the technical details of said business didn't interest me. But I loved the build of Liam and Stirling's romance and may have squee'd out loud when Jack and Keely were mentioned toward the end. Overall, a nice addition to the series.
Profile Image for Kali McQuillen.
1,936 reviews36 followers
September 4, 2017
Oh my gosh I laughed so hard throughout this book! These two and their pranks that they played on each other just got better and better as the book went on. The puns! I literally laughed out loud while reading, I could totally picture their faces and voices as they went back and forth with each other!

As with any Lorelei James book AND it being a 1001 Dark Night book, you know this book is smoking hot! Stirling and Liam definitely fan the flames once they actually get it out there that they want each other.



Profile Image for Penny.
572 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2017
Wow! What an excellent read from Lorelei James! Stirling and Liam are amazing, smart, sexy, and funny. They are a smoking combination for sure.
Profile Image for Maren Lee.
Author 11 books239 followers
October 12, 2017
I love Lorelei. I enjoyed this book and I liked the quirky characters but it was a little cheesy in parts and a bit too slow burn for me (not a pot smoking pun). But LJ books are always a good read for me.
23 reviews
September 6, 2017
Tripped Out is a great little story that can be read alone or in order with the Blacktop Cowboy and Rough Riders series. This story introduces us to High Society business owner Stirling Gradsky and biology major/lab worker Dr. Liam Argent. These two seem to be at odds on everything and think it is more fun to one-up the other with pranks instead of being professional. When the two are forced to work closely on a project, it seems they get along much better than everyone expected. Will love boom between Liam and Stirling or will their relationship go up in smoke? This is a great read, I really enjoyed the characters, and can’t wait for the next installment from 1001 Dark Nights.
Profile Image for Jeanne Stone.
937 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2017
Rating 4.5 Stars

I love the hot nerd. Dr. Liam Argent is so damn sexy both as the tatted hot guy and as the hopeless geek. Sexy and smart could both be excuses to be cocky but he’s sweetly endearing. Stirling Gradsky with her dreadlocks doesn’t look like the daughter of a ranching family or the accomplished business woman but she’s both. She’s also very smart. After months of juvenile pranking each other, the two realize they’re really attracted and once they admit it there’s no looking back.

Watching these two was pure pleasure. They were intelligent, funny, sweet and so good together. James continues to create funny dialog, unique story lines and characters you either want to be or be in love with.
Profile Image for Rebecca Black.
70 reviews
September 12, 2017
Holy Lab Coats, Khaki Pants and boots!!!...I was so Stoked to read another dope novella by the Highly talented and Recommended author Lorelei James!. The way that Liam and Stirling Hashed out their differences and made a Joint effort to work together was puffing-funny!! This was a Smoking hot, torch you up sexy read. The Spark between the two left you burning and wanting more! This book ended in a Blaze of sexy!! I am being completely Blunt when I tell you this novella will bowl you over!!.. Now I need some Pop tarts and gummys!!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,398 reviews622 followers
September 15, 2019
I knew as soon as I read this in the blurb that I was going to have a spectacular time with the story: But can they weed out their differences without getting burned? AND I DID! (if you don't get why then re-read the blurb LOL)

Stirling and Liam have hilarious history .... pranking/punking each other for the last year or so. But now it's time to call a truce and come together for a common goal. However, their sass towards one another never faltered and it was GREAT to read.

This is a rather short read but not short in the sexy because that's what Lorelei James delivers every single time! Stirling & Liam not only had personality chemistry but between the sheets they exploded as well! OH HOW I'VE MISSED THIS WOMAN'S WRITING!!

Copy provided for blog tour review
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,728 reviews528 followers
September 19, 2017
I have to start out by saying how much fun this book was to read, from the constant barbs to practical jokes that were played on one another. This book had me laughing from beginning to end!

Even though Stirling and Liam have been pranking each other for ten months there is some definite sexual chemistry going on and you don't need to be a scientist to see it. When they finally give into their carnal needs the pages start to smoke it so hot. This was a great addition to the Blacktop and 1001 Dark Nights series but do not feel that you have to have read the other books in either series because this can totally stand on its own.

You can see my full review here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
Profile Image for Angels.
2,041 reviews17 followers
September 29, 2017
I have to say that this is one of my favorite authors and she never seems to disappoint. Omg ! from the onset of the story she had me laughing out loud.I have to say that I laughed through the entire story and after the week I had a needed those laughs and this was the perfect story to do just that.A great quick read with a great cast of characters.

I have to say that I really loved the main characters Stirling and Liam from the onset of the story.They were both hilarious.I loved their teasing the back and forth banter their pranks that they play on one another and also the animosity that they had for one another at the beginning but not in a mean or threating way.Underneath the disguise they really liked one another and you just new it was really just a smoke screen as they were really attracted to one another.

I have to say that the plot of the story was so new and refreshing and different and I think for me it just made it a bit more fun.Two really smart and intelligent people have really serious and stressful jobs at work but , could be so laid back and carefree and quirky on their own down time.

I always pick a favorite character and mine is Stirling that girl just cracked me up every time she opened her mouth.I loved the camaraderie she had with Liam.These two really were perfect for one another as Liam tended to be a bit uptight but Stirling seemed to mellow him out.

Liam was not what I expected with all those tattoo's and his rock hard body and stunning looks not your typical looking doctor.But, man underneath it all he was a man of surprises who liked down right dirty panty melting sex.What a refreshing character that I found to be funny and I really loved him.

What a quick and fun read and I loved it from cover to cover.A cute love story that had me grinning and smiling from the onset which I really enjoyed with a surprising and different kind of plot that I found refreshing as I have never come across reading anything like it before.

Overall the story brought enjoyment and grins and smiles and quite a few chuckles and more than a few stares from the hubby as I was laughing out loud....

5 stars for us
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,156 reviews72 followers
September 6, 2017
Upon receiving this book to review it came with a warning of sorts that it was different than Lorelei's previous books. I would expect nothing less because even as I look forward to a familiar writing style when it comes to reading one of my favorite authors, like slipping on a pair of my favorite shoes, I also expect that an author, as well seasoned as Lorelei, to make the journey interesting and she did not disappoint.

Tripped Out is everything Lorelei James is well known for delivering. It is full of humor, the sizzling heat that builds up to the point where I want to rip the clothes off of each character myself because I can no longer stand it (Lorelei is a master at the slow burn and then BAM she always delivers), fantastic secondary characters, and a sweet follow up on family members because once I've fallen in love with her characters I always have to know what is happening in their lives.

Tripped Out introduces us to Stirling Gradsky in the midst of a customer tour. A tour of her large scale cannabis operation. What makes this tour different? She's leading the group into the sexy-know-it-all-stubborn-scientist's Dr. Liam Argent's private workspace. A place she's been specifically told never to take anyone. As a matter of fact it wasn't long ago that she was even allowed into his work area.

Stirling and Liam have a twisted ongoing practical prank going on between them where neither one will admit it exists yet neither one will concede either. Stirling should be furious over some of the pranks Liam has pulled over the past 10 months they have worked together, instead she's been silently impressed. Not that she would ever tell him that. She doesn't like that he keeps secrets. Secrets mean trouble which spells money loss in the weed industry.

Dr. Liam Argent was hired on by Stirling's brother, Macon, the silent partner to Stirlings' living loud partnership. The snag he didn't expect is working alongside the irritating and sexy Stirling. Liam was burned in his former job so he doesn't like sharing his work with anyone, no matter how much she gets under his skin. She lights up every one of his triggers. She's smart, feisty, and doesn't let anything stand in her way of getting what she wants, especially him. He should stay away because the last time he was involved it cost him everything he'd worked for. He knows he should stay away, but does he want to.

Liam and Stirling may be perfect for each other as long as they don't burn one another to get what they want.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,262 reviews123 followers
September 5, 2017
***4 ‘4-20’ Stars***

Let me start off my saying that when it comes to Lorelei James’ cowboy series I am a total fangirl, even if the main characters are not cowboys or cowgirls, as long as the story takes places in one of those worlds I will ALWAYS get excited and want to get my hands on the book and Tripped Out was no different. I wanted to know what was going on with Stirling and Liam after that little glimpse of them in Strung Up and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how their relationship played out. It was a fun, smexy and quick read and I even enjoyed getting a look into the whole recreational/medicinal marijuana industry.

I really liked Stirling and Liam. Stirling was a force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed how her mind worked and how determined she could be when she put her mind to it. I loved learning about her past and how she came to be comfortable in her own skin. Liam was sweet, smexy and I loved when his geeky side came out to play. He didn’t have the easiest childhood or teenage years, and he still bears scars from it, but he still has a golden heart. As I’ve already said, their journey to their HEA was a pleasant surprise. The antagonism between them, and how they dealt with it, was all at once funny and juvenile, but showed beyond a shadow of a doubt how into each other they really were. I enjoyed how they finally got past it and learned what really made the other tick and found that they fit each other perfectly.

Tripped Out was a fun read, not that I had any doubt it would be, and I have to say that as much as I enjoyed Stirling and Liam, I really liked learning about the recreational & medical marijuana industry and what goes into running a dispensary. There is a nice little side twist thrown into the story and I can’t help but hope something more may come out of it? But, if not it definitely made me happy that it was included.

~ Copy provided by InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Angela Shirley.
937 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2017
This novella is full of the witty, fast pace dialogue which you come to except from this brilliant author.

This story intertwines the love for dope with love for a dope in the form of Stirling Gradsky ans Liam Argent

Liam has had not a hard life growing up because he had the love a great woman, his Gramma but when he saw the stress of getting him a better education on his Grandmother he tried to easy her life in more ways than one.

Stirling is the third child in the family, never really having a bond with her sister but when things don't go well in the corporate world she has sacrificed so much for she then goes into business with her brother.

That's were the story gets interesting, its full of pranks and arguments but in true Mrs James fashion the two characters find an attraction and its fireworks from there on in.

I also love the way that Lorelei has threaded through the story that Jack's brother works for her parents and her brother and Stirling has brought Jack's development business, the Black martial arts studio comes up which had me wishing more books should be written in these great series.

If this is your first taste of this wonderful author then I recommend you try all the other series she writes you definitely won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Renee.
201 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2017
Lorelei James continues to give us one amazing story after another. Tripped Out is another example of LJ's ability to pull a reader in no matter what the topic is. Let's just say I love this woman and no matter what she writes I'm all in.

Stirling and Liam grab your attention from the first page and keep you swiping the pages wanting more of their fun and witty banter. This LOL book is perfect and the pranks are pure genius. The canibus story line just keeps rolling out the hilarity so you may want to refrain from eating or drinking while reading this one. The sexual tension between the uptight scientist and the equally brilliant business owner is smoking' enough to heat up your eReader as well. These are two of my best loved Blacktop Cowboy characters and hope to hear more from them.

If you're looking for a ROFL read, this is the book you need to grab.
Profile Image for Nicole.
60 reviews
September 11, 2017
Tripped Out has to be one of my favorite books of all times. I had to read it twice before I could write this. I may just read it a third time tonight.......
Stirling Gradsky is a bad-ass corporate woman who was wrongly treated by her prior company. Once she won her lawsuit, she invested her gains in her brother's cannabis business turning it into one of the top stores in Denver.
Dr. Liam Argent got screwed by his prior company and by his prior girlfriend. Both only wanted him for what he could do for the business. So when Dr. Argent was offered free rain at Stirling's rapidly growing cannabis business by her brother - he jumped at the chance.
After 10 months of practical jokes, Stirling and Liam call a truce which allowed sparks to fly......
Profile Image for Melissa.
648 reviews65 followers
September 9, 2017
I've been a long time fan of Lorelei James' work. One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to tell a wide range of stories within the different sub genres of the romance genre. Her characters often stick out and are not easily forgotten and that is not something easily accomplished with readers who read several books a month.

Liam and Sterlings story is more of a friendemy to lovers story. Their constant banter had me LOLing hard.

Toward the end of the book we were introduced to two semi new characters, that I hope get a novella of their own. :)

Great for anyone needing a fun short light read!


Profile Image for Nancy.
6 reviews
September 10, 2017
I will read anything with Lorelei James' name on it, but I will admit I was a little worried....how to make a romance out of scientists and weed....I was pleasantly surprised! This is a great book for romance and comedy. You might even learn something about marijuana growing...at least commercially. It was also proven again that opposites do attract and you shouldn't base your feelings on appearances. Liam wasn't a total nerd in a white lab coat with a pocket protector and Stirling wasn't a total stoner with her long braided hair and funky outfits. Set your preconceived notions and beliefs aside and enjoy another great read from Lorelei James!
Profile Image for Angie.
438 reviews
September 11, 2017
What happens when you acknowledge that the person you've been pranking for months could be something more than you could ever have imagined? Stirling has worked hard to make High Society a success. Liam has been given full autonomy to create the finest product he can produce. When these two finally realize that they are not at cross purposes, they begin to work together and find out that their chemistry is off the charts! This was a fun, hot read about how Stirling and Liam realize that they are the perfect match for each other! A terrific read!
Profile Image for Amanda Kramer.
324 reviews12 followers
September 11, 2017
Another fantastically witty book for Lorelei James. If practical jokes are foreplay, then this entire book is a hysterical romance. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of romance, as we've come to expect from one of Ms. James' books, but this book literally had me laughing out loud on a plane. I got some extremely weird looks (the poor people sitting around me on that 2.5 hr flight). Tripped Out is slightly different from what we usually encounter with this author, since neither of the main characters are cowboys, however it's not lacking. Highly recommend!
31 reviews
September 13, 2017
Tripped Out is another great book by. Lorelie James!

Liam had a tough child hood. Then to loss his grandma just after college was a tough loss to go though.

Stirling was the youngest of three who also had a tough time finding her place.

When Liam goes to work for Stirling's and her brother's lab the chemistry between could set you on fire. While the practical jokes would keep you in stitches for days. Tripped Out is is laugh out loud funny if you have never read any of Ms. James books before you won't go wrong with this one.
772 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2017
WOW LJ is absolutely amazing. I cant even say enough about this awesome book. No one and I
do mean no one does it like Ms James. WOW again this was just so entertaining and so real and
so funny . I love these people. The subject is so now . I loved it all . The research for this book must
have some of the highest she has ever had to do. Stirling was so cool I want to have her job well and her man. Liam is the perfect nerd. A nerd who is smoking hot and get high and knows all there is
to know about the good points of the good stuff. I only wish it could have been full length cuz
I could read more about all the subjects in this book. A must read.
23 reviews
September 4, 2017
The relationship between Stirling and Liam has been adversarial since he was hired to head research at the cannabis operation owned by her and her brother Macon. Once they decide to talk out their differences they find they have many things in common. Now they just have to find time to act on their attraction for each other. Both of them are driven to make sure others don't take advantage of them.

This novella is part of Ms. James' Blacktop Cowboys series; however, you don't have to have read the other books in the series in order to understand this one. That said, I did like the Easter eggs Ms. James had in one section of the book that echoed back to her Rough Riders and Mastered series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.