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Blacktop Cowboys #9
Racked and Stacked
Opposites don't just attract in the West--they sizzle--and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hang Tough.
Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.
Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.
With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...
Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.
Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.
With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
341 people are currently reading
3424 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,327 followersLorelei James is New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary erotic westerns and erotic romances. She lives in western South Dakota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
August 13, 2018
Ike and Larissa at one time wanted to tear each other’s throats out, but after being in a truce they’ve come to sort of like each other. On the eve of their friend’s (Tobin & Jade from the last book) wedding the Mud Lilies pull them aside to give the third degree. Thinking their previous hate has turned into lust making assumptions that aren’t true, but get Ike and Larissa thinking about each other in a new, interesting light.
As these new thoughts are circling, an unexpected accident throws Larissa and Ike together in close quarters and they struggle with mutual attraction. Heated looks, accidental brushes, and a few steamy kisses make staying apart an impossible feat. All that pent-up desire turned into fiery hot pleasure once they gave in! Larissa and Ike’s romance was fun, sassy, and at times sizzling hot! Ike was a dirty talker and followed through with action!
But this was more than just a romance. Both Ike and Larissa are at a turning point with their jobs. Larissa because her injury may end the career she loves and Ike because his company is on the rocks. Problems that real people face every day in life. I’m glad they didn’t wallow, they each helped each other look at things realistically and come up with workable solutions. They came up with cheap dates to have fun while not breaking the bank, all the while growing closer and closer, and I just knew these two were in it for the long haul.
With Racked and Stacked Lorelei James once again captured my heart, made me laugh, and got me all hot and bothered! I loved every minute!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
As these new thoughts are circling, an unexpected accident throws Larissa and Ike together in close quarters and they struggle with mutual attraction. Heated looks, accidental brushes, and a few steamy kisses make staying apart an impossible feat. All that pent-up desire turned into fiery hot pleasure once they gave in! Larissa and Ike’s romance was fun, sassy, and at times sizzling hot! Ike was a dirty talker and followed through with action!
But this was more than just a romance. Both Ike and Larissa are at a turning point with their jobs. Larissa because her injury may end the career she loves and Ike because his company is on the rocks. Problems that real people face every day in life. I’m glad they didn’t wallow, they each helped each other look at things realistically and come up with workable solutions. They came up with cheap dates to have fun while not breaking the bank, all the while growing closer and closer, and I just knew these two were in it for the long haul.
With Racked and Stacked Lorelei James once again captured my heart, made me laugh, and got me all hot and bothered! I loved every minute!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
4.5 Stars Racked and Stacked: Blacktop Cowboys, Book 9 (audiobook) by Lorelei James read by Scarlet Chase.
This was a fun modern cowboy romance. This couple have been hurling insults at each other for years. Now Riss has broken her arm and Ike drops everything to step in when it looks like nobody’s going to give her the care she needs. Ike has the time to take care of Riss because his life is falling apart and now they can actually have the time get to know each other.
This was a fun modern cowboy romance. This couple have been hurling insults at each other for years. Now Riss has broken her arm and Ike drops everything to step in when it looks like nobody’s going to give her the care she needs. Ike has the time to take care of Riss because his life is falling apart and now they can actually have the time get to know each other.
February 28, 2019
I think I'm officially in a reading slump. I just couldn't get into this couple. Riss and Ike aka Palmer (because Ike is just not a name I want to associate with a Hero in a romance, EVER) were described as the perfect love/hate relationship. The first chapter was actually really entertaining but when your 50% in and the heroine is still being an immature mouthy piece of work, I started skimming.
There is a lot of family drama, forced angst and pages and pages where it feels like nothing really happens and the story kind of comes to a stand still. I stopped reading several times and had to force myself to pick it back up again.
Palmer wasn't a terrible Hero, I actually liked him quiet a bit, even if he was more Beta then I prefer. He was sweet, kind, thoughtful, always ready to lend a hand when needed and genuinely a good guy. I didn't really understand his fascination with Riss. She was a heroine that was a bit too brash for my taste. I kept forgetting that she was a grown ass woman with some of her antics.
Would I recommend? This was another flop for me, sadly. I've been in the mood for a cute cowboy romance but haven't had much luck :((
SAFETY INFO:
There is a lot of family drama, forced angst and pages and pages where it feels like nothing really happens and the story kind of comes to a stand still. I stopped reading several times and had to force myself to pick it back up again.
Palmer wasn't a terrible Hero, I actually liked him quiet a bit, even if he was more Beta then I prefer. He was sweet, kind, thoughtful, always ready to lend a hand when needed and genuinely a good guy. I didn't really understand his fascination with Riss. She was a heroine that was a bit too brash for my taste. I kept forgetting that she was a grown ass woman with some of her antics.
Would I recommend? This was another flop for me, sadly. I've been in the mood for a cute cowboy romance but haven't had much luck :((
SAFETY INFO:
July 21, 2018
After two years of relentless squabbling, Rhiss Thorpe and Ike Palmer had come to the conclusion that a truce was in order, at least until their best friends were married. It would not do to fight each other when you are respectively bridesmaid and best man. Little did they know that it would come in handy when one of them got hurt!
A friend of mine had recommended I read Lorelei James’ books. While I implicitly trust her, I was a tad concerned that RACKED AND STACKED would consist mostly of sex scenes with a flimsy story to hold the steamy bits together, since it was the impression I had got from reading some reviews of the author’s past work. I am overjoyed to admit that my fears were entirely unjustified, as RACKED AND STACKED is absolutely brilliant! I adored Rhiss, her foul mouth and unrepentant independence and her hold-no-prisoner attitude; she’s someone I would love to call my friend. Ike’s character is unlike anyone I have ever read about, and this is due entirely to Ms. James’ extraordinary writing skills at fleshing out her characters. Watching Ike and Rhiss go from enemies to more, was positively enthralling! Ms. James made me go through the wringer, as
RACKED AND STACKED is all show and no tell. At all! Which is nearly a novelty with this sort of trope; the author’s storytelling skills simply blew me away! Gripping from the very beginning, I was hanging on to every word, almost nothing predictable happened, and it was glorious! I also liked the fact that both Rhiss and Ike are blue collars, and have normal money worries; no over the top drama, no rescuing of damsels in distress – Rhiss would have had a fit – everything was just perfect! Lorelei James was a new-to-me author who, with one book, vaulted to the top of my contemporary romance author list. If you like a romance that is entertaining, intelligent, with characters who behave like adults, not teenagers, I could not recommend RACKED AND STACKED and Lorelei James any higher! This is truly a remarkable book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A friend of mine had recommended I read Lorelei James’ books. While I implicitly trust her, I was a tad concerned that RACKED AND STACKED would consist mostly of sex scenes with a flimsy story to hold the steamy bits together, since it was the impression I had got from reading some reviews of the author’s past work. I am overjoyed to admit that my fears were entirely unjustified, as RACKED AND STACKED is absolutely brilliant! I adored Rhiss, her foul mouth and unrepentant independence and her hold-no-prisoner attitude; she’s someone I would love to call my friend. Ike’s character is unlike anyone I have ever read about, and this is due entirely to Ms. James’ extraordinary writing skills at fleshing out her characters. Watching Ike and Rhiss go from enemies to more, was positively enthralling! Ms. James made me go through the wringer, as
RACKED AND STACKED is all show and no tell. At all! Which is nearly a novelty with this sort of trope; the author’s storytelling skills simply blew me away! Gripping from the very beginning, I was hanging on to every word, almost nothing predictable happened, and it was glorious! I also liked the fact that both Rhiss and Ike are blue collars, and have normal money worries; no over the top drama, no rescuing of damsels in distress – Rhiss would have had a fit – everything was just perfect! Lorelei James was a new-to-me author who, with one book, vaulted to the top of my contemporary romance author list. If you like a romance that is entertaining, intelligent, with characters who behave like adults, not teenagers, I could not recommend RACKED AND STACKED and Lorelei James any higher! This is truly a remarkable book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2018
Another very engaging and sexy installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series! 'Racked and Stacked' is only the second book I have read in this series and in my opinion, these characters totally stand on their own. (I read 'Saddled and Spurred' and LOVED it!) Riss and Ike have been feuding for years but agree to a temporary truce so that they can coordinate the planning for their best friends' wedding. The sexy banter between these two is fantastic and their undeniable attraction leads them to...something more.
Riss is a total tomboy and is single by choice (she NEVER dates!) She is a strong heroine with her own career as a trucker but is not interested in any kind of emotional connection. When she is seriously injured, Ike steps in and takes care of her. He is in the middle of a professional crisis which was a refreshing change of pace for a romance novel. Riss actually gives him some great career advice. Besides the unbelievably sexy scenes and amazing chemistry between these tow, I loved learning about the trucking industry in this book! I love an good small-town, blue collar romance and this book fit the bill.
This is a wonderful story about family, work, love and the modern West. The hero and heroine makes lots of mistakes and almost let their stubborn pride get in the way of their happiness. Lorelei James shows once again that she knows her setting (LOVED the Wyoming backdrop) and she writes a sexy Western romance like no one else! Fans of the Blacktop Cowboys series will love this latest installment in the series, and new readers will love the sexy cowboys and the smart, independent Riss.
Riss is a total tomboy and is single by choice (she NEVER dates!) She is a strong heroine with her own career as a trucker but is not interested in any kind of emotional connection. When she is seriously injured, Ike steps in and takes care of her. He is in the middle of a professional crisis which was a refreshing change of pace for a romance novel. Riss actually gives him some great career advice. Besides the unbelievably sexy scenes and amazing chemistry between these tow, I loved learning about the trucking industry in this book! I love an good small-town, blue collar romance and this book fit the bill.
This is a wonderful story about family, work, love and the modern West. The hero and heroine makes lots of mistakes and almost let their stubborn pride get in the way of their happiness. Lorelei James shows once again that she knows her setting (LOVED the Wyoming backdrop) and she writes a sexy Western romance like no one else! Fans of the Blacktop Cowboys series will love this latest installment in the series, and new readers will love the sexy cowboys and the smart, independent Riss.
August 1, 2018
***5 ‘Alternative Reality’ Stars***
I feel like I slipped into my own “Alternative Reality” and came home after being away for a really long time. It seems crazy because if you knew me you’d know how much of an AR this would really be, but it’s true. From the first page I felt like I was home, or at least in one of my verybestfavorite happy places and thoroughly enjoyed Rissa and Ike’s story. It was sweet, smexy, funny, frustrating (the eye rolling moments were numerous, but less than I initially thought there would be and most in conjunction with laughing) and filled with the kind of heart that I’ve come to expect from this series.
Larissa is a no nonsense, no edit button, blunt from the tips of her red hair to her boots kinda woman with a brain that never quits ~ which depending on what she is using it for and on can cause a plethora of reactions ~ and I couldn’t help but adore her. She’s got a good heart, but that heart is well guarded, which caused some moments of wanting to reach out and Gibbs smack her with a two by four, but it is a golden one when it’s used for all things good.
Ike is a laid back good ‘ole boy with more charm and charisma than he really needs. He’s all about going with the flow, but when that flow gets disrupted he doesn’t always know what to do about it. He carries a lot of weight on his shoulders, much of which is of his own doing, but he just rolls with it because it’s what he’s always known, but also because he loves hard and doesn’t want to let other down.
Ike and Larissa’s frenemies to lovers journey promised to be an explosive one and the fireworks were real. From the first page the chemistry between them jumped off the page, even though they were slightly oblivious to it, it was there just waiting for them to take the blinders off and see it for themselves, and the way it happens was all kinds of fun. I loved watching as they had numerous lightbulb moments about each other and how, even with doing the two steps forward one step back dance a few times, finally saw what everyone else did. The smexy was HAWT (Have your B.O.B. within reach HAWT) and I loved their bantering, but what really proved how well they fit together was how they ended up being each others safe place to land even when they were laying down some tough love.
Now, if it wasn’t apparent in the beginning, I’m a fangirl of the series. Have been for a long time, so I have to admit that part of my rating has to do with the Muddy Gap gang as a whole and the family dynamic they bring to the story. They make it real and fun and I love even getting a glimpse of where they all are. While I didn’t get much time with my absolute fav couple (I got a little so I’m happy), I still got a good dose of the Mud Lilies, whom I still want to be like when I grow up, and am hoping that there will be at least a few more books in the works because I wouldn’t mind getting up close and personal with Riss’s brothers….just sayin’ *BSEG*
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I feel like I slipped into my own “Alternative Reality” and came home after being away for a really long time. It seems crazy because if you knew me you’d know how much of an AR this would really be, but it’s true. From the first page I felt like I was home, or at least in one of my verybestfavorite happy places and thoroughly enjoyed Rissa and Ike’s story. It was sweet, smexy, funny, frustrating (the eye rolling moments were numerous, but less than I initially thought there would be and most in conjunction with laughing) and filled with the kind of heart that I’ve come to expect from this series.
Larissa is a no nonsense, no edit button, blunt from the tips of her red hair to her boots kinda woman with a brain that never quits ~ which depending on what she is using it for and on can cause a plethora of reactions ~ and I couldn’t help but adore her. She’s got a good heart, but that heart is well guarded, which caused some moments of wanting to reach out and Gibbs smack her with a two by four, but it is a golden one when it’s used for all things good.
Ike is a laid back good ‘ole boy with more charm and charisma than he really needs. He’s all about going with the flow, but when that flow gets disrupted he doesn’t always know what to do about it. He carries a lot of weight on his shoulders, much of which is of his own doing, but he just rolls with it because it’s what he’s always known, but also because he loves hard and doesn’t want to let other down.
Ike and Larissa’s frenemies to lovers journey promised to be an explosive one and the fireworks were real. From the first page the chemistry between them jumped off the page, even though they were slightly oblivious to it, it was there just waiting for them to take the blinders off and see it for themselves, and the way it happens was all kinds of fun. I loved watching as they had numerous lightbulb moments about each other and how, even with doing the two steps forward one step back dance a few times, finally saw what everyone else did. The smexy was HAWT (Have your B.O.B. within reach HAWT) and I loved their bantering, but what really proved how well they fit together was how they ended up being each others safe place to land even when they were laying down some tough love.
Now, if it wasn’t apparent in the beginning, I’m a fangirl of the series. Have been for a long time, so I have to admit that part of my rating has to do with the Muddy Gap gang as a whole and the family dynamic they bring to the story. They make it real and fun and I love even getting a glimpse of where they all are. While I didn’t get much time with my absolute fav couple (I got a little so I’m happy), I still got a good dose of the Mud Lilies, whom I still want to be like when I grow up, and am hoping that there will be at least a few more books in the works because I wouldn’t mind getting up close and personal with Riss’s brothers….just sayin’ *BSEG*
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
May 22, 2018
Racked and Stacked is an enemies to lovers story filled with sexy verbal foreplay, two people discovering each other in a new light, intrusive relatives and friends, a whole lot of self discovery, and it is by far one of my favorite books in the Blacktop Cowboys series.
Full review will post on release date.
Full review will post on release date.
August 8, 2018
“This is gonna be intense, sweet cheeks, you sure you’re ready?”
Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a wonderful enemies to lovers romance with enough cowboy charm to leave you swoonin’ for days! Riss and Ike couldn’t be more different. They fight like cats and dogs whenever they’re around each other, but with their so-called “truce” in place, they have to buckle down and try to be civil. Even with the understanding between them, they can’t help but to egg each other on. Their antagonist and hilarious banter made the sexual tension between them burn even brighter. I had so much fun with their witty comebacks and sarcastic barbs. It made the anticipation of them finally getting together that much greater with all that animosity swirling around them.
Book nine in Lorelei’s fantastic Blacktop Cowboys series gives us drama, heat, and enough verbal foreplay to knock you on your backside. With the beautiful backdrop of Wyoming, the author sets the stage for quite the journey. Riss and Ike are unforgettable characters that I fell hard for, despite their stubborn pride and stupid mistakes. I loved them. I loved their journey. I loved their banter. Everything about their story pulled hard on my heartstrings. If you are craving an enemies to lovers romance with some southern charm mixed in, get ready for one wild ride with Racked and Stacked! Great writing, an exciting and entertaining storyline, amazing characters, OH! And a bunch of Ike’s hugs…can’t forget the hugs. You’ll see what I mean. Pretty soon, you’ll be hankerin’ for an Ike of your very own. Wow! I totally sounded like a country bumpkin right then. Eh, seems fitting, don’t ya think?
Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a wonderful enemies to lovers romance with enough cowboy charm to leave you swoonin’ for days! Riss and Ike couldn’t be more different. They fight like cats and dogs whenever they’re around each other, but with their so-called “truce” in place, they have to buckle down and try to be civil. Even with the understanding between them, they can’t help but to egg each other on. Their antagonist and hilarious banter made the sexual tension between them burn even brighter. I had so much fun with their witty comebacks and sarcastic barbs. It made the anticipation of them finally getting together that much greater with all that animosity swirling around them.
Book nine in Lorelei’s fantastic Blacktop Cowboys series gives us drama, heat, and enough verbal foreplay to knock you on your backside. With the beautiful backdrop of Wyoming, the author sets the stage for quite the journey. Riss and Ike are unforgettable characters that I fell hard for, despite their stubborn pride and stupid mistakes. I loved them. I loved their journey. I loved their banter. Everything about their story pulled hard on my heartstrings. If you are craving an enemies to lovers romance with some southern charm mixed in, get ready for one wild ride with Racked and Stacked! Great writing, an exciting and entertaining storyline, amazing characters, OH! And a bunch of Ike’s hugs…can’t forget the hugs. You’ll see what I mean. Pretty soon, you’ll be hankerin’ for an Ike of your very own. Wow! I totally sounded like a country bumpkin right then. Eh, seems fitting, don’t ya think?
August 4, 2018
Sweet and sexy all rolled up into a highly entertaining romantic read. The perfect book to hit that romance reading need.
James did make a little error...its a Western Star Trucks has the best cab ever ;D!
I received this ARC copy of Racked and Stacked from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Racked and Stacked is set for publication Aug. 7, 2018.
My Ratings: 4.5 stars
Written by: Lorelei James
Series: Blacktop Cowboys Novel
Sequence in Series: Book 9
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
ISBN-10: 0399584110
ISBN-13: 978-0399584114
Genre: Contemporary Cowboy Romance
James did make a little error...its a Western Star Trucks has the best cab ever ;D!
I received this ARC copy of Racked and Stacked from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Racked and Stacked is set for publication Aug. 7, 2018.
My Ratings: 4.5 stars
Written by: Lorelei James
Series: Blacktop Cowboys Novel
Sequence in Series: Book 9
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
ISBN-10: 0399584110
ISBN-13: 978-0399584114
Genre: Contemporary Cowboy Romance
August 8, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
James did an awesome job with this enemies to lovers trope novel. But then again, what else can you expect from the author who started this sexy series. Lorelei James had managed to keep each Blacktop Cowboys installment filled with lovable characters, sexy as hell scenes, and always tops it with good humor.
Riss and Ike have been at each other throat, but came to a truce during their friends’ wedding. After all, as maid of honor and the best man, they have to work closely together. Little did they know that their truce would come to be so much more.
Despite their mutual annoyance, Riss and Ike were very much attracted to each other. They tried to deny it, but anyone can see right through them. Even the sexual tension vibrated off the pages. Yes, as usual, James wrote a sexy novel, though I think this book is the least sexy of them all. James was also consistent with humor in this novel. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and snarky banters. What I love most is how Ike new exactly how to care for Riss when she was sick. He also knew how to let Riss be the independent woman that she is while letting her know he is there for her. It takes a very confident man to let his woman take the lead.
I do wish there was more of the previous characters in this book. The Mud Lilies and the precious couples made their cameos but not nearly as much as before. They were there, but not as much as I would like. Nevertheless, another entertainingly good read.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 6, 2018
With years of a friendly banter under their belts, Riss and Ike are calling a truce during their friends wedding festivities. Both hold respective places of honor beside the bride and groom, and their constant back and forth would be a hindrance during all of the celebrating. A task that is a tad harder to accomplish but one that is completely possible when the two let their kindness shine through.
Nothing about Riss is what you would expect. From her ‘trucker mouth’ to the way she exerts her independence, Riss is definitely a woman that stands her ground. Growing up with all brothers, Riss is used to dishing it out as good as it is divvied out. When a little accident puts Riss out of commission, Ike is the one that steps up to the plate to help out Ms. Independent.
Everything about Ike’s life revolves around cattle. From the moment he awakens to the moment his head hits the pillow, Ike leads a cowboy life. When things begin to look bleak in the new business venture, Ike begins to reflect on where his life is headed. When Ike realizes that Riss needs a helping hand, he makes sure to volunteer his services. Little did Ike know that the close proximity would make ignoring the attraction he felt towards Riss that much harder. Will two stubborn and headstrong individuals find a way to overcome their hesitation and still find a way to keep the independence they both have known?
Racked and Stacked is the latest novel in the Blacktop Cowboys series by Lorelei James. Riss and Ike are both your average blue collar workers. Both have money woes, and always worry about where the future will leave them. Their attraction took quite a while to work to the surface. One of the things I loved most was their banter. It was realistic and often times funny.
Both characters have fallen on ‘hard times’, but find themselves in a unique situation. The realistic quality to this story is the biggest draw. Ike and Riss are great characters. However – nothing beats the Mud Lilies!!! While I did enjoy the story, it felt like a lot of the plot was drawn out. There were moments when I wanted to shake the two characters and say ‘pay attention’. At the same time, I loved the strength between the two. So – I had a mixed bag of feelings on Racked and Stacked!! I will continue to read the series as I look forward to seeing more about my favorite characters.
Nothing about Riss is what you would expect. From her ‘trucker mouth’ to the way she exerts her independence, Riss is definitely a woman that stands her ground. Growing up with all brothers, Riss is used to dishing it out as good as it is divvied out. When a little accident puts Riss out of commission, Ike is the one that steps up to the plate to help out Ms. Independent.
Everything about Ike’s life revolves around cattle. From the moment he awakens to the moment his head hits the pillow, Ike leads a cowboy life. When things begin to look bleak in the new business venture, Ike begins to reflect on where his life is headed. When Ike realizes that Riss needs a helping hand, he makes sure to volunteer his services. Little did Ike know that the close proximity would make ignoring the attraction he felt towards Riss that much harder. Will two stubborn and headstrong individuals find a way to overcome their hesitation and still find a way to keep the independence they both have known?
Racked and Stacked is the latest novel in the Blacktop Cowboys series by Lorelei James. Riss and Ike are both your average blue collar workers. Both have money woes, and always worry about where the future will leave them. Their attraction took quite a while to work to the surface. One of the things I loved most was their banter. It was realistic and often times funny.
Both characters have fallen on ‘hard times’, but find themselves in a unique situation. The realistic quality to this story is the biggest draw. Ike and Riss are great characters. However – nothing beats the Mud Lilies!!! While I did enjoy the story, it felt like a lot of the plot was drawn out. There were moments when I wanted to shake the two characters and say ‘pay attention’. At the same time, I loved the strength between the two. So – I had a mixed bag of feelings on Racked and Stacked!! I will continue to read the series as I look forward to seeing more about my favorite characters.
January 28, 2024
Ninth in the Blacktop Cowboys western romance series and revolving around a loose group of friends around Rawlins, Wyoming. The couple focus is on Riss Thorpe and Ike Palmer.
My Take
It was cute, although not particularly cozy. Which might be because it focuses so much on Ike's business failing and all his negativity right along with Riss jumping to conclusions so dang fast. Although I suspect it could also be a lack of show.
It's not fair, but it is different to read a story where the guy takes a loss. But that's a brave moment, to realize when you're in the wrong place and take steps to fix it. Find your strength and go for it. Of course, it doesn't help that Ike sees himself as such a loser from high school on to taking on Jackson Stock Contracting.
The primary conflict here is that family unity thing Riss has with her three brothers. What they hate, she's gotta hate. And Ike does not have a good reputation in the Thorpe family. Underneath that is the pride Riss and Ike each sport. They simply don't want to show any weakness and will do what they can to prevent it from peeking out. We'll learn more through James' use of third person dual point-of-view, reading what both Riss and Ike think and feel.
For Ike, he'll re-examine his life and his priorities, what he wants in truth. And that a woman who'll stand up to him and surprise him at most every corner is exactly what he needs. He also comes to realize that he has to stop enabling those sisters of his. I really dislike Ike's sisters. And I am so glad he's finally wised up to their selfishness. For Riss, she'll discover that being with one person doesn't mean losing your independence...and that cuddling can be a pretty good deal.
On a judgmental note, I don't see why Ike getting laid off is so demeaning. And why he jumped into the stock contracting business so fast has me puzzled. In fact, any time James talks about the stock business, I can't tell which part she's referring to, his old job or his new business.
You wanna know who the Mud Lilies are...just read the scene where they've asked Ike to settle a bet. You'll be shaking with laughter and horror, all at the same time, lol. It's also the same scene where we discover Riss' fears. Geez. That old saying just ain't true. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words always hurt the worst, and it's part of what formed Riss' attitude about sex:
It is too cute...and so extremely practical that Ike and Riss are so creative with their "cheap" dates.
The Story
Jade and Tobin are finally getting married, and that truce has managed to hold. It only has to last until the end of the wedding, for Riss and Ike have to keep an eye on that wedding couple — they keep skipping out to grab a little somethin' somethin'.
It's that proximity to Jade and Tobin and getting to know Riss that causes Ike to offer to help out when Riss breaks her arm. In three places. He knows how to help someone with a broken arm, and he raised three sisters, so he knows what Riss will need.
The Characters
Larissa "Riss" Thorpe grew up a tomboy and likes it that way. She is not one for getting prettied up and much prefers being behind the wheel of one of her trucks. (She has a part share in a flatbed, a stepdeck, dump truck, a small dry box, and a double-decker bull hauler.)
...how Riss refers to the family home where her three brothers live: Lonnie is the oldest, and he raised 'em all up after their dad died. Seems Lonnie sometimes ran gambling tables in the house when they were short of funds. Lloyd is the middle brother with a harem of women hanging around; he joined the Air Force right out of high school and now works at the garage that Lonnie bought from Ricky Freytag. Louie is the life of the party and the shift manager at Crow's Truck Stop.
Ike Palmer, a.k.a., Palmer the Charmer, has a rep for the ladies. The part of himself that he keeps hidden is that he got "fired" from his job as a cattle broker with Stocksellers which had been taken over by Bernie Stack's idiot son, Bernie Junior. Augie was his mentor when he first started. He has three younger sisters whom he raised: Jen, Kay, and Lea who's a single mother with two kids, Mikayla and Elijah. Mike is Mikayla's dad and Alice is his mom, Mikayla's grandmother. Sparky is the horse Ike rides.
Now Ike is in partnership with Hugh Pritchett (he married Harlow in Wrapped and Strapped , 7) in Jackson Stock Contracting, and it's going downhill fast.
Tito owns a trucking company that provides seventy percent of Riss' jobs; Esme is his wife. Dianne is his dispatcher. Jerry and Dickie are some of his drivers. Ron Fiora runs Desert Plains Distribution which makes runs to a few prisons and military installations.
Jade and Tobin Hale, a.k.a., Sweetie Pie and Boy Scout, are getting married at the Split Rock. Dan Hale is Tobin's dad, Driscoll and Streeter are his brothers.
The Mud Lilies are...
...a group of feisty old ladies that include Garnet Evans, the grandmother of the bride; Miz Maybelle; Tilda who's the tiniest and flightiest of them; Vivien is the youngest; Pearl; and, Bernice who runs Bernice's Beauty Barn in Muddy Gap (she's also Riss' Aunt B who's married to Bob, her dad's stepbrother).
Friends include...
...Bran and Harper Turner ( Saddled and Spurred , 2); Abe and Janie Lawson ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3); Hank and Lainie Lawson ( Corralled , 1); Holt Andrews is a friend of Ike's who owns a construction company; Tanna Fletcher ( Turn and Burn , 5); Celia Gilchrist ( One Night Rodeo , 4); and Devin McClain who is a long-time buddy of Ike's and a country superstar ( Hillbilly Rockstar , 6). Susan Williams and Sherry Gilchrist own Buckeye Joe's. Riss' book club includes the knocked-up Geena.
Split Rock Ranch and Resort is...
Renner Jackson's multipurpose ranch. The more obvious aspect is its guest ranch side. He's married to Tierney ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3).
Bit Players
Ryland Johnson works at the Blackwood sale barn and can't get over Riss. Zeke Toggles inherited a ranch but no cattle. Dr Frost handles Riss' broken arm. Wanda is the receptionist. Brandi works at the boxing gym that Rocky owns. Sutton Rodeos is an offshoot of Sutton Cattle Company in South Dakota. Eric is a team leader for the Global Communications Outreach Program. Genie worked the front table. Gino is working the front desk at the hotel. Ingrid Olaffson is a horny widow whose husband, Olly, Ike used to deal with. Marlon is a client of Tito's who does concrete sculptures; his son, Marlon Jr, is special needs. Paxton also works for Marlon.
The Cover and Title
Dang...for an almost-forty-year-old, Ike is lookin' pretty young in that black cowboy hat. He finished up that cowboy look with a blue and black plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a black leather belt and big buckle, a'rollin' up his sleeves so he can get to work. The background is a faded, out-of-focus barn with silo on the right and a cattle truck on the left. A testimonial is in a burnt red in the top right. The series information is just below Ike's shoulders with the title centered across his torso. Both are in white. At the bottom is an info blurb with the author's name below that in a soft colonial blue.
I'm not sure about the title. It could be that Riss and Ike have it Racked and Stacked with their priorities set.
My Take
It was cute, although not particularly cozy. Which might be because it focuses so much on Ike's business failing and all his negativity right along with Riss jumping to conclusions so dang fast. Although I suspect it could also be a lack of show.
It's not fair, but it is different to read a story where the guy takes a loss. But that's a brave moment, to realize when you're in the wrong place and take steps to fix it. Find your strength and go for it. Of course, it doesn't help that Ike sees himself as such a loser from high school on to taking on Jackson Stock Contracting.
The primary conflict here is that family unity thing Riss has with her three brothers. What they hate, she's gotta hate. And Ike does not have a good reputation in the Thorpe family. Underneath that is the pride Riss and Ike each sport. They simply don't want to show any weakness and will do what they can to prevent it from peeking out. We'll learn more through James' use of third person dual point-of-view, reading what both Riss and Ike think and feel.
For Ike, he'll re-examine his life and his priorities, what he wants in truth. And that a woman who'll stand up to him and surprise him at most every corner is exactly what he needs. He also comes to realize that he has to stop enabling those sisters of his. I really dislike Ike's sisters. And I am so glad he's finally wised up to their selfishness. For Riss, she'll discover that being with one person doesn't mean losing your independence...and that cuddling can be a pretty good deal.
On a judgmental note, I don't see why Ike getting laid off is so demeaning. And why he jumped into the stock contracting business so fast has me puzzled. In fact, any time James talks about the stock business, I can't tell which part she's referring to, his old job or his new business.
You wanna know who the Mud Lilies are...just read the scene where they've asked Ike to settle a bet. You'll be shaking with laughter and horror, all at the same time, lol. It's also the same scene where we discover Riss' fears. Geez. That old saying just ain't true. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words always hurt the worst, and it's part of what formed Riss' attitude about sex:
"She'd made peace with her body years ago. She refused to let anyone — male or female — body-shame her. Same with slut-shaming. She liked sex. Denying herself pleasure because of someone else's archaic moral standard? Nope. The way she saw it, she had one life and she'd live it on her terms."Far as I'm concerned, what's good for the gander is good for the goose. It's too bad that pride keeps getting in Riss' way, in spite of this attitude. 'Course, it's Ike's besetting problem as well.
It is too cute...and so extremely practical that Ike and Riss are so creative with their "cheap" dates.
The Story
Jade and Tobin are finally getting married, and that truce has managed to hold. It only has to last until the end of the wedding, for Riss and Ike have to keep an eye on that wedding couple — they keep skipping out to grab a little somethin' somethin'.
It's that proximity to Jade and Tobin and getting to know Riss that causes Ike to offer to help out when Riss breaks her arm. In three places. He knows how to help someone with a broken arm, and he raised three sisters, so he knows what Riss will need.
The Characters
Larissa "Riss" Thorpe grew up a tomboy and likes it that way. She is not one for getting prettied up and much prefers being behind the wheel of one of her trucks. (She has a part share in a flatbed, a stepdeck, dump truck, a small dry box, and a double-decker bull hauler.)
"Suck a guy's dick one time and suddenly he's in love."Triple L Whorehouse and Gambling Emporium is...
...how Riss refers to the family home where her three brothers live: Lonnie is the oldest, and he raised 'em all up after their dad died. Seems Lonnie sometimes ran gambling tables in the house when they were short of funds. Lloyd is the middle brother with a harem of women hanging around; he joined the Air Force right out of high school and now works at the garage that Lonnie bought from Ricky Freytag. Louie is the life of the party and the shift manager at Crow's Truck Stop.
Ike Palmer, a.k.a., Palmer the Charmer, has a rep for the ladies. The part of himself that he keeps hidden is that he got "fired" from his job as a cattle broker with Stocksellers which had been taken over by Bernie Stack's idiot son, Bernie Junior. Augie was his mentor when he first started. He has three younger sisters whom he raised: Jen, Kay, and Lea who's a single mother with two kids, Mikayla and Elijah. Mike is Mikayla's dad and Alice is his mom, Mikayla's grandmother. Sparky is the horse Ike rides.
Now Ike is in partnership with Hugh Pritchett (he married Harlow in Wrapped and Strapped , 7) in Jackson Stock Contracting, and it's going downhill fast.
Tito owns a trucking company that provides seventy percent of Riss' jobs; Esme is his wife. Dianne is his dispatcher. Jerry and Dickie are some of his drivers. Ron Fiora runs Desert Plains Distribution which makes runs to a few prisons and military installations.
Jade and Tobin Hale, a.k.a., Sweetie Pie and Boy Scout, are getting married at the Split Rock. Dan Hale is Tobin's dad, Driscoll and Streeter are his brothers.
The Mud Lilies are...
...a group of feisty old ladies that include Garnet Evans, the grandmother of the bride; Miz Maybelle; Tilda who's the tiniest and flightiest of them; Vivien is the youngest; Pearl; and, Bernice who runs Bernice's Beauty Barn in Muddy Gap (she's also Riss' Aunt B who's married to Bob, her dad's stepbrother).
Friends include...
...Bran and Harper Turner ( Saddled and Spurred , 2); Abe and Janie Lawson ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3); Hank and Lainie Lawson ( Corralled , 1); Holt Andrews is a friend of Ike's who owns a construction company; Tanna Fletcher ( Turn and Burn , 5); Celia Gilchrist ( One Night Rodeo , 4); and Devin McClain who is a long-time buddy of Ike's and a country superstar ( Hillbilly Rockstar , 6). Susan Williams and Sherry Gilchrist own Buckeye Joe's. Riss' book club includes the knocked-up Geena.
Split Rock Ranch and Resort is...
Renner Jackson's multipurpose ranch. The more obvious aspect is its guest ranch side. He's married to Tierney ( Wrangled and Tangled , 3).
Bit Players
Ryland Johnson works at the Blackwood sale barn and can't get over Riss. Zeke Toggles inherited a ranch but no cattle. Dr Frost handles Riss' broken arm. Wanda is the receptionist. Brandi works at the boxing gym that Rocky owns. Sutton Rodeos is an offshoot of Sutton Cattle Company in South Dakota. Eric is a team leader for the Global Communications Outreach Program. Genie worked the front table. Gino is working the front desk at the hotel. Ingrid Olaffson is a horny widow whose husband, Olly, Ike used to deal with. Marlon is a client of Tito's who does concrete sculptures; his son, Marlon Jr, is special needs. Paxton also works for Marlon.
The Cover and Title
Dang...for an almost-forty-year-old, Ike is lookin' pretty young in that black cowboy hat. He finished up that cowboy look with a blue and black plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a black leather belt and big buckle, a'rollin' up his sleeves so he can get to work. The background is a faded, out-of-focus barn with silo on the right and a cattle truck on the left. A testimonial is in a burnt red in the top right. The series information is just below Ike's shoulders with the title centered across his torso. Both are in white. At the bottom is an info blurb with the author's name below that in a soft colonial blue.
I'm not sure about the title. It could be that Riss and Ike have it Racked and Stacked with their priorities set.
August 19, 2018
Riss and Ike were really great together. I found their relationship really interesting to read. They had an antagonistic history that has smoothed over by the time the book started, but it was constantly in the background while they figured things out. It was more of an issue for their friends and families than for themselves. This is one of those stories where people have an opinion of the couple or parts of the couple, but they see themselves differently because they know all the underlying bits of the story. Not a lot of angst. There was the potential for it, but they did their best to be truthful and to talk to each other. Another great addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series.
August 11, 2018
loved it!!!
September 12, 2020
Frenemies with all the angst and a whole lot of attitude…
Actually, I could be talking about just Riss actually. She’s a trucker with a mouth to go with the tough job and an independent streak a few miles long. She and Ike are best man/woman at their friends’ wedding and the truce they kept up for weeks was either going to crash and burn or turn into something unexpected…
Riss was a bold, in your face character, with a lack of self-confidence under all her bluster. At times over the top, but never mean, the sparks between her and Ike drove this story completely. Ike was the quieter of the two, calmly doing his thing while keeping his problems hidden, as he fell under her unintentional spell…
There was a lot of family in their lives and that spawned much of the drama they both faced. Career problems, money issues, neither was in a good place until Ike was suddenly her protector and Riss had his back. Riss fought every inch of the way and Ike wasn’t that much better though her vocabulary was a lot more (ahem) colourful… They made me laugh, made me shake my head, and kept me glued to their story all the way through. They grew and changed as their relationship did and it was a treat to watch each tentative step they made towards admitting their true feelings…
Steamy, funny and full of drama, this duo shouldn’t have worked. Yet they did, spectacularly. In fact, they could have written the book on dealing with adversity and real life with a lot of love and communication. Eventually (lol)… One of my favourites in the series. ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Actually, I could be talking about just Riss actually. She’s a trucker with a mouth to go with the tough job and an independent streak a few miles long. She and Ike are best man/woman at their friends’ wedding and the truce they kept up for weeks was either going to crash and burn or turn into something unexpected…
Riss was a bold, in your face character, with a lack of self-confidence under all her bluster. At times over the top, but never mean, the sparks between her and Ike drove this story completely. Ike was the quieter of the two, calmly doing his thing while keeping his problems hidden, as he fell under her unintentional spell…
There was a lot of family in their lives and that spawned much of the drama they both faced. Career problems, money issues, neither was in a good place until Ike was suddenly her protector and Riss had his back. Riss fought every inch of the way and Ike wasn’t that much better though her vocabulary was a lot more (ahem) colourful… They made me laugh, made me shake my head, and kept me glued to their story all the way through. They grew and changed as their relationship did and it was a treat to watch each tentative step they made towards admitting their true feelings…
Steamy, funny and full of drama, this duo shouldn’t have worked. Yet they did, spectacularly. In fact, they could have written the book on dealing with adversity and real life with a lot of love and communication. Eventually (lol)… One of my favourites in the series. ~Diane, 4.5 stars
July 1, 2018
Riss doesn't know how to be invisible. She makes herself heard. Her brash personality is her calling card. She's no wilting violet. She can keep up with any man. Unfortunately what is her most appealing quality is also a painful cross for her to bear. She wants to be true to herself, but will it end up costing her a chance to be loved? Lorelei James goes beyond the armor and exposes what makes Ike and Riss a perfect match. Racked and Stacked is not just a romance. It's about staying true to your heart despite the inconvenience. Ike and Riss wear their flaws proudly, however what each fails to realize is that the imperfections are perfectly placed to help the uniqueness shine through. James and her dueling duo headline an important message with laughter and heart. Loved it!!
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
May 25, 2018
I truly wish I’d come into this series prior to this book, there was so much backstory I missed which would have helped keep all the different characters straight. Even with that I still enjoyed the story and the give and take between Ike and Riss.
The dialog was exceptional, fast paced keeping the story moving at a fast clip. Riss’ smart mouth and bantering shots at Ike were laughable...Ike’s bewilderment at his feelings towards Riss priceless. All in all I’m glad a took a chance on reading this story even though it is well into the series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The dialog was exceptional, fast paced keeping the story moving at a fast clip. Riss’ smart mouth and bantering shots at Ike were laughable...Ike’s bewilderment at his feelings towards Riss priceless. All in all I’m glad a took a chance on reading this story even though it is well into the series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
July 9, 2018
DNF
I just couldn't get into this book. I didn't find either character relate-able.
I just couldn't get into this book. I didn't find either character relate-able.
August 5, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the 9th book in the series, and whilst richer if read in order, this is an excellent story in its own right.
Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple, from when we meet them co-ordinating their respective best friends' wedding thanks to an agreed truce, to the wonderful ending - and every page in between. Whether you had met them in previous books or not, you would learn just why these two are how they are - and what it takes to change ... everything!
Riss was brought up by her older brothers, and her view of herself is as a tomboy, she works as a trucker, and she views sex as recreational, rather than emotional. We soon understand why, when we meet her brothers. I loved her - and when her strong independent streak results in her badly injuring herself and in need of care, unexpectedly Ike steps up to help.
Ike brought up his three sisters, and whilst he is attracted to Riss, he blows hot and cold, one minute older brother, the next sexy cowboy. Ike is also struggling with his career status, and it is lovely to see that he trusts Riss with the issues he is having and asks for her advice. This mixture of romance, business, the impact of family on both, and the unravelling of their feelings for each other is perfect. These are two people who have to work for a living, who are not perfect, and who don't get lots of lucky breaks. They worry about the cost of healthcare, the lack of spare money and the future.
This is a really good read, thank you for another engaging installment.
This is the 9th book in the series, and whilst richer if read in order, this is an excellent story in its own right.
Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple, from when we meet them co-ordinating their respective best friends' wedding thanks to an agreed truce, to the wonderful ending - and every page in between. Whether you had met them in previous books or not, you would learn just why these two are how they are - and what it takes to change ... everything!
Riss was brought up by her older brothers, and her view of herself is as a tomboy, she works as a trucker, and she views sex as recreational, rather than emotional. We soon understand why, when we meet her brothers. I loved her - and when her strong independent streak results in her badly injuring herself and in need of care, unexpectedly Ike steps up to help.
Ike brought up his three sisters, and whilst he is attracted to Riss, he blows hot and cold, one minute older brother, the next sexy cowboy. Ike is also struggling with his career status, and it is lovely to see that he trusts Riss with the issues he is having and asks for her advice. This mixture of romance, business, the impact of family on both, and the unravelling of their feelings for each other is perfect. These are two people who have to work for a living, who are not perfect, and who don't get lots of lucky breaks. They worry about the cost of healthcare, the lack of spare money and the future.
This is a really good read, thank you for another engaging installment.
January 27, 2020
I forgot how much a I like Lorelei’s cowboys. I wish these series never ended seriously I love the way she makes these men so rugged and yet down to earth.
Ike is no different I love the way he takes care of his family even if they take him for granted. I loved the back and forth he and Riss have. It fun and witty and just keeps you interested.
Riss is a take charge kinda gal whether that is because she grew up with three yes three brothers or what but she doesn’t want to want or need help from anyone. SO when she is hurt and needs help well she isn’t the best patient.
I loved how sassy these two were with each other and how they end up as a couple. I like that they communicated and if things got heated they took a cooling off period.
Fantastic narration as always she can do a male voice like nobody’s business!
Ike is no different I love the way he takes care of his family even if they take him for granted. I loved the back and forth he and Riss have. It fun and witty and just keeps you interested.
Riss is a take charge kinda gal whether that is because she grew up with three yes three brothers or what but she doesn’t want to want or need help from anyone. SO when she is hurt and needs help well she isn’t the best patient.
I loved how sassy these two were with each other and how they end up as a couple. I like that they communicated and if things got heated they took a cooling off period.
Fantastic narration as always she can do a male voice like nobody’s business!
August 5, 2018
Did I read the same book as all these 4 and 5 stars? This was so slow and claustrophobic. A decent enough read, especially towards the end; but certainly not all that...
August 20, 2018
Love Lorelei James
Racked and stacked was another great love story by Lorelei 💕 The chemistry between Riss and Ike was hot🔥 as usual!
Racked and stacked was another great love story by Lorelei 💕 The chemistry between Riss and Ike was hot🔥 as usual!
August 7, 2018
I so love this series. I loved Ike and Riss so much. They are my fave couple in the series. The banter that they have with each other is hilarious, and throw in the sexual tension just equals the best story. Their story is one the best ones I have read this year. I laughed out loud so many times while reading. That Riss is something else. Her gruffness along with Ike's charm worked hand in hand together to make their reunion quiet an experience. I just finished and want to reread again right away. I would recommend this book and series to all my friends that are readers.
July 24, 2018
The Blacktop series continues with Ike and Riss. Enemies to Lovers, they learn things about each other they never expected. They never wanted a relationship and never expected to fall in LOVE..
August 2, 2018
Racked and Stacked is Book 9 of Lorelei James' Blacktop Cowboys series. While you can probably pick it up easy enough and follow along, I do recommend reading at least the book prior as Tobin and Jade do make some appearances in this book as well.
Ironically, I found myself reading this in the car at the start of our family vacation to none other than the South Dakota/Wyoming area. The author did such a superb job of bringing the story to life that I half expected to look up and find myself right in the middle. After driving in the mountains, I can certainly appreciate Riss and Ike's truck driving skills. I can't even imagine driving a big rig on those steep slopes.
This book was simply amazing! Even though they started off as enemies, the heat leaped from the pages between these 2. It was great how they agreed to put their differences aside for their friends and found love along the way. It was also refreshing for the author to include financial and employment struggles. It seems like everyone's been jumping on the billionaire bandwagon.
Overall this was an excellent addition to the series and I look forward to the next!
Ironically, I found myself reading this in the car at the start of our family vacation to none other than the South Dakota/Wyoming area. The author did such a superb job of bringing the story to life that I half expected to look up and find myself right in the middle. After driving in the mountains, I can certainly appreciate Riss and Ike's truck driving skills. I can't even imagine driving a big rig on those steep slopes.
This book was simply amazing! Even though they started off as enemies, the heat leaped from the pages between these 2. It was great how they agreed to put their differences aside for their friends and found love along the way. It was also refreshing for the author to include financial and employment struggles. It seems like everyone's been jumping on the billionaire bandwagon.
Overall this was an excellent addition to the series and I look forward to the next!
May 30, 2018
For the sake of their friends upcoming wedding, which they are best man and bridesmaid, two people who have never gotten along call a truce until after the wedding. Even though they called a truce the snarky comments were still a plenty which provided an abundance of humor. In a move that was surprising to both, Ike Palmer offers his home to Larissa Thorpe to recovery after an accident she has after the wedding.
What was a surprising twist for me was the hero, Ike Palmer. This author is known for her Alpha males so it was a change for the man to more of a beta male with some Alpha traits. Larissa is what I would call an alpha female with beta traits that she rarely lets others see. The longer these two were together the more you see they complement each others traits.
This being book 9 in the series there were lots of couples to catch up with along with those crazy Mud Lillie's. This was an enjoyable enemies to friends to lovers romance.
What was a surprising twist for me was the hero, Ike Palmer. This author is known for her Alpha males so it was a change for the man to more of a beta male with some Alpha traits. Larissa is what I would call an alpha female with beta traits that she rarely lets others see. The longer these two were together the more you see they complement each others traits.
This being book 9 in the series there were lots of couples to catch up with along with those crazy Mud Lillie's. This was an enjoyable enemies to friends to lovers romance.
August 7, 2018
So good. I definitely want a follow up of these two in the future.
I think Ike and Riss are my new favorite couple. They are real. And they solve their problems on their own without either one being independently wealthy. I can't wait to catch glimpses of these two down the road.
I think Ike and Riss are my new favorite couple. They are real. And they solve their problems on their own without either one being independently wealthy. I can't wait to catch glimpses of these two down the road.
August 7, 2018
4 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 7,2018
Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.
Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.
With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more.
•••••••••••
REVIEW: RACKED AND STACKED is the ninth full-length instalment in Lorelei James’ contemporary, adult BLACKTOP COWBOYS erotic, cowboy romance series. This is thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer’s story line. RACKED AND STACKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Riss and Ike) RACKED AND STACKED focuses on the contemptuous relationship between thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer. Ike Palmer is the bane of Riss Thorpe’s existence since the day, two years earlier, Ike supposedly got her brother Lloyd fired. For the upcoming wedding of Tobin and Jade, Ike and Riss have agreed to call a truce in their mutual disdain for one another until an accident finds Riss in need of round the clock care, and Ike offers up his services for the foreseeable future. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Riss and Ike, and the potential fall-out as a distinct lack of communication, snark, misunderstanding, and risks to one another’s independence threatens the growing love and limited peace that as developed throughout the weeks.
Larissa Thorpe is a bit of a ball-buster; a hard-nosed, stubborn, in your face heroine who refuses to ask for help especially where is concerns any threat to her long-fought independence. Finding herself laid-up for close to twelve weeks is a slap in the face for both her financial and personal life but coming face to face with the man who was once the target of every nasty word and thought pushes our heroine into a friend zone that slowly develops into something more. Ike Palmer raised his three younger sisters, and didn’t think anything about helping Larissa Thorpe on her long road to recovery but Ike never expected to find himself falling in love with the foul-mouthed red-head who was currently starring in his fantasies and dreams.
The relationship between Ike and Larissa is an enemies to friends to lovers romance that struggles with misunderstanding, a lack of communication, and Riss’s fear of losing her independence. Ike’s fear of failure pulls him closer to the brink of bankruptcy and unemployment, and Riss’ downtime forces her to confront the direction of her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, intense and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word I found unnecessary in a romance story line.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Larissa’s brothers-Lou, Lonnie and Lloyd, as their Aunt Beatrice; Ike’s sisters Lea, Jen and Kay, as well as Tobin and Jade (Hang Tough #8).
RACKED AND STACKED is a story of family, friendship, misunderstanding and forgiveness. The premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are lively and animated; the romance is fated and sassy. RACKED AND STACKED is an engaging and delightful addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 7,2018
Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.
Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.
With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more.
•••••••••••
REVIEW: RACKED AND STACKED is the ninth full-length instalment in Lorelei James’ contemporary, adult BLACKTOP COWBOYS erotic, cowboy romance series. This is thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer’s story line. RACKED AND STACKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Riss and Ike) RACKED AND STACKED focuses on the contemptuous relationship between thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer. Ike Palmer is the bane of Riss Thorpe’s existence since the day, two years earlier, Ike supposedly got her brother Lloyd fired. For the upcoming wedding of Tobin and Jade, Ike and Riss have agreed to call a truce in their mutual disdain for one another until an accident finds Riss in need of round the clock care, and Ike offers up his services for the foreseeable future. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Riss and Ike, and the potential fall-out as a distinct lack of communication, snark, misunderstanding, and risks to one another’s independence threatens the growing love and limited peace that as developed throughout the weeks.
Larissa Thorpe is a bit of a ball-buster; a hard-nosed, stubborn, in your face heroine who refuses to ask for help especially where is concerns any threat to her long-fought independence. Finding herself laid-up for close to twelve weeks is a slap in the face for both her financial and personal life but coming face to face with the man who was once the target of every nasty word and thought pushes our heroine into a friend zone that slowly develops into something more. Ike Palmer raised his three younger sisters, and didn’t think anything about helping Larissa Thorpe on her long road to recovery but Ike never expected to find himself falling in love with the foul-mouthed red-head who was currently starring in his fantasies and dreams.
The relationship between Ike and Larissa is an enemies to friends to lovers romance that struggles with misunderstanding, a lack of communication, and Riss’s fear of losing her independence. Ike’s fear of failure pulls him closer to the brink of bankruptcy and unemployment, and Riss’ downtime forces her to confront the direction of her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, intense and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word I found unnecessary in a romance story line.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Larissa’s brothers-Lou, Lonnie and Lloyd, as their Aunt Beatrice; Ike’s sisters Lea, Jen and Kay, as well as Tobin and Jade (Hang Tough #8).
RACKED AND STACKED is a story of family, friendship, misunderstanding and forgiveness. The premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are lively and animated; the romance is fated and sassy. RACKED AND STACKED is an engaging and delightful addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
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August 29, 2018
The Blacktop Cowboys series has been a real favorite of mine, kind of the lesser-known cousin to Lorelei James's powerhouse Rough Riders western contemporary family saga series, but no less heartfelt, emotional, sexy, and all the true-to-life highs and lows of ranching life in the wild country of Wyoming. The early books were especially my favorites, and though not every book or couple have resonated the same with me, I was ramped up for Larissa and Ike's story. The female truck driver and the stock contractor who bickered every time they were in the same place—and they found themselves having to work together more and more—and hated each other… I could not wait.
So it was more than disappointing to get their book in my hands and find out that all the hopes I had for their story were just not realized. A freak injury puts Larissa out of commission driving semis and making the hauls that are her much depended on livelihood, and somehow Ike ends up her caretaker, making them uncomfortable roomies of sorts. So for the majority of the book we don't get to see them in action on the blacktop, but rather day in and day out cooped up in Ike's house.
Also, the trajectory from enemies to misunderstood, reluctant friends to agreeing to, slowly, try dating just feels like a missed opportunity. Any time you have an excellent, built-up honest-to-God enemies-to-lovers story in romance, the chance for hate f&%*!ing should not be passed up. I wanted to see Larissa and Ike going at it, in every sense of the word. I wanted to see the anger, the frustration, the pent-up passion that I'd waited for since they were introduced in the series. None of it was there.
Blacktop Cowboys began as an erotic romance series, and just as sure as Harper and Bran or Celia and Kyle, Ike and Larissa's story warranted an erotic romance. But it isn't. And what's worse, this wasn't the picture of the characters that I expected. Larissa rubs the wrong way more often than not, abrasive and surly. And Ike isn't really the manly man I hoped and expected he'd be given what we knew so far. And by the time Ike and Larissa get on the road, the book is nearly over.
There are bright spots, as I was invested in Larissa and Ike because of the way they'd been set up till now. I also love that they are true blue collar characters, and their real life situation being one major catastrophe away from total financial collapse is a truth more than a fair share of Americans deal with. I LOVE our truck driver heroine—I just wish we'd seen a lot more of what made these characters so irresistible and compelling until now, and there was something lost in this story.
So I think it may be time to hang up the hat on this series, much as I have dearly loved it.
So it was more than disappointing to get their book in my hands and find out that all the hopes I had for their story were just not realized. A freak injury puts Larissa out of commission driving semis and making the hauls that are her much depended on livelihood, and somehow Ike ends up her caretaker, making them uncomfortable roomies of sorts. So for the majority of the book we don't get to see them in action on the blacktop, but rather day in and day out cooped up in Ike's house.
Also, the trajectory from enemies to misunderstood, reluctant friends to agreeing to, slowly, try dating just feels like a missed opportunity. Any time you have an excellent, built-up honest-to-God enemies-to-lovers story in romance, the chance for hate f&%*!ing should not be passed up. I wanted to see Larissa and Ike going at it, in every sense of the word. I wanted to see the anger, the frustration, the pent-up passion that I'd waited for since they were introduced in the series. None of it was there.
Blacktop Cowboys began as an erotic romance series, and just as sure as Harper and Bran or Celia and Kyle, Ike and Larissa's story warranted an erotic romance. But it isn't. And what's worse, this wasn't the picture of the characters that I expected. Larissa rubs the wrong way more often than not, abrasive and surly. And Ike isn't really the manly man I hoped and expected he'd be given what we knew so far. And by the time Ike and Larissa get on the road, the book is nearly over.
There are bright spots, as I was invested in Larissa and Ike because of the way they'd been set up till now. I also love that they are true blue collar characters, and their real life situation being one major catastrophe away from total financial collapse is a truth more than a fair share of Americans deal with. I LOVE our truck driver heroine—I just wish we'd seen a lot more of what made these characters so irresistible and compelling until now, and there was something lost in this story.
So I think it may be time to hang up the hat on this series, much as I have dearly loved it.
August 3, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The awesome telling of frenemies to lovers with all twists, turns and heat that one has come to expect from Lorelei James.
I absolutely adored this book. The characters were well-written, the story believable and the heat between the two arcing off the page.
Strong alpha females are often written as highly successful career oriented women, but in this instance you get the same focused character who happens to be like a lot of people - blue collar, hard working and doing the best that they can. If it means working two or three jobs to make ends meet, that's what they do. No complaining, no whining.
Same for men. Most men we read about are successful or upwardly mobile. Rarely do we seen a male lead admit that his business is floundering, that he can't make it work. This rare glimpse into life as most know it, its great because it shows that two people who are struggling with bills can find time for love and make it work.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
The awesome telling of frenemies to lovers with all twists, turns and heat that one has come to expect from Lorelei James.
I absolutely adored this book. The characters were well-written, the story believable and the heat between the two arcing off the page.
Strong alpha females are often written as highly successful career oriented women, but in this instance you get the same focused character who happens to be like a lot of people - blue collar, hard working and doing the best that they can. If it means working two or three jobs to make ends meet, that's what they do. No complaining, no whining.
Same for men. Most men we read about are successful or upwardly mobile. Rarely do we seen a male lead admit that his business is floundering, that he can't make it work. This rare glimpse into life as most know it, its great because it shows that two people who are struggling with bills can find time for love and make it work.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
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