Caught Up

by Rya Stone

Steamy romance and contemporary suspense collide in this compelling debut novel from Rya Stone. Cassie Mitchum is interested in one thing and one thing only—closing a deal on the Lucas property. Until she sets eyes on Jason Lucas. He’s bad news, but he looks damn good doing it. She’s never been one for tattooed roughnecks, but she’s willing to make an exception, especially since he won’t look at her lease offer unless she agrees to a date with him. Jason Lucas needs Cassie Mitchum to stay the hell off his land. There’s more happening than she needs to be aware of—or mixed up in. With that feisty attitude and those tight jeans...he can’t get her out of his head. Too bad being close to her would put her on the radar of the most dangerous person Jason has ever known.

370 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2018

Reviews

[Maria Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an intense and drama filled contemporary romance, with some super sexy scenes and lots of action. It's a bit darker than I anticipated, with human and drug trafficking forming a large part of the suspenseful plot. Cassie is a landwoman hoping to lease parts of the Lucas land for oil drilling which will give her some bonus pay to help provide for her mother who suffers from Parkinson's disease and is in a nursing home. Jason Lucas is a sexy roughneck, working on an oil rig but also dealing with the darker legacy of his family's land use. As secrets get revealed, the danger rachets up. I wasn't overly keen on the parts of the plot that center on ex-partners, both Cassie's and Jason's making trouble for the new couple. Some of that drama was a combination of high school/small town gossip and jealousy and was too over the top for my tastes. But Jason and Cassie definitely have chemistry and their love scenes and developing relationship lead to a happy ending. There's a lot going in this novel but it's an entertaining read.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.

[Lindsi (Do You Dog-ear?) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 12%

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

This one was a little darker than I was expecting... domestic violence, prostitution, and so much drama. It wasn't enjoyable drama, but the type that follows jealous women around. These were supposed to be adults, yet they were acting like hormonal teenagers and wild animals claiming their territory. It just wasn't a good fit for me from the start.

Also, if someone is a jerk... please don't swoon over them. I don't care what the flark their eyes look like, or whether or not their rough exterior makes you hot and bothered. Have more respect for yourself!

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Well written dark contemporary romance.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received in exchange for a honest review.

I really liked this book. I liked how there was that mystery about the Lucas brothers and what was going on at the house. How they were rough on the outside but really were sweet marshmallows. Don’t get me wrong Jason and his brother weren’t all cuddly and mushy but they were caring under those rough exteriors. Heck Jase’s brother did everything possible to protect Jase even pushing him away and that is something that hurt Jase. It was Cassie that brought them back together.

Cassie is a woman who is trying to make a better life for her mom. She wants her to get the treatment she deserves and to do this she is in a job she isn’t excited about. He latest job brings her in the path of jase and his brother and a town that is just odd. She needs Jase’s signature on a lease and is determined to get it.

When she first meets Jase he is gruff and scary to her but she is oddly attracted to him. His brother not so much he is the big scary cowboy who keeps that concept of danger surrounding him. Jase has the air of mystery bad boy. Except he isn’t really a bad boy only perceived as one. He is a hard working man who is just trying to do what is right. He has a past with a girl who has burned him and now many are trying to protect him from Cassie. I like that they look out for him.

Jase tries to protect Cassie from the happenings on his land as well. He pushes her away but also keeps her close. Their attraction is palpable and he loves to push her buttons as well. As they learn about one another and she pursues the lease with him, we find these two get closer and we see the kind sweet and tender side of Jase. We learn of his past and his family skeletons. We learn about Cassie and her past as well. ONly for Jase the past catches up to his family and puts Cassie in danger and he does something to protect her that breaks the heart but is also sweet. It doesn’t come off that way but is. when Cassie is in danger, Jase is there and so is his brother and they do what is needed to help her.

The story is fast paced, full of danger, adventure, witty and sarcastic banter and a romance that is steamy. We see Jase show Cassie that she is a woman to worship and love and not someone to toss aside. We see them work together to explore their feelings and confide in each other. They support one another and respect one another as well. We see them be there for each other when needed and fight for each other. A story with intrigue and intimacy but also second chances for family and love. A great beginning to the series. Can’t wait to read about Jace’s brother next.

[SassyFraz · Rating 3 out of 5]

....I received a free eARC copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review....
#netgalley #caughtup #ryastone

This was a good little read. I am not a huge fan out Third party POVs, but this one flowed very well. Being a Texas girl myself, that story was great. To read about areas you have been or lived, seems give me a more fondness for it. I liked Cassie's character most of the time. There were some moments (when isn't there now a days) that I thought could have been done differently. Either way, she was fairly decent. Now Jase on the other hand.... Whoo. Give me some of that! I would actually like to read more of these two characters and found that I was sad it ended so soon. The story for was pretty authentic for me. I haven't read one with that plot line or just the story all the way around. I will definitely pick up more reads from this author.

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: CAUGHT UP (A Roughneck Romance) by Rya Stone https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aFp
Publication Date: March 26, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed Rya Stone’s debut novel. I did wish Jase’s thoughts were more clearly explained sooner in the story. His behavior and romantic intention toward Cassie may have flowed easier for me. That being said, he was a macho-sexy man with a mysterious threat that kept dogging him and his brother. Cassie’s motivation was much easier to understand, as well as her attraction to the sexy roughneck. CAUGHT UP is a hot romantic suspense with a nice teaser for book two.

*Review copy provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/2G1KL7t

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was sooooooo long for me and it’s written in third person, which is not my fave. It took me a couple of days to get through it. There is just so much detail about pretty much everything. I started skimming at about 60% because I thought the story was never going to end. After awhile I just didn’t care how the story ended, I just wanted to be done. I mean if you’re into heavy details that are really well written, then this book would be right up your alley.

*ARC received through Netgalley for an honest review.*

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jase doesn't ask for things, the man demands them, "he planted both hands on her desk, pinning her tight. “Tonight,” he whispered into her ear. “My place. Grilled shrimp.” Sometimes the things that come out of Cassie's mouth just doesn't come out right, “no,” she groaned. “I need out of these jeans.” Jase’s eyes took on a lusty sheen, and Cassie realized her mistake. “That came out wrong. I mean—” Boy did I loved this book, I can't wait to see if clint gets one as well.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one for me to review. It's just a little too dark and angst filled for my taste but it isn't a bad book. The writing is excellent, the characters are well developed, and the pace of the story is nice. There are lots of twists and turns to the story as well as a ton of drama. Overall not a bad book just not for me.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Mitchum is determined to get Jason 'Jase' Lucas's signature to seal the deal she's looking to close on the Lucas property. However, the moment she meets Jase, she knows closing the deal isn't going to be easy, especially with his reaction to her presence. Yet, the more time she spends with him, the harder they both find it not to give in, to get what they both want -- a date in exchange for his agreeing to the lease agreement. But when the danger Jase has been trying so hard to keep her from closes in, will Jase be able to keep her safe or will the pair lose their shot at happy ever after?

When I started reading this book I couldn't decide whether I was going to like it, but I'm glad I gave it a chance because I found it to be a really good read in the end, as the hero and heroine clash in the beginning because the hero is determined to protect her from the reasons he wants her to stay off his land and the heroine is determined to get her way by making her presence known and spelling out the terms she wishes for him to accept. Will he give her a chance to explain what she wants? Will the heroine give up on getting what she wants? Who will win the battle in the end?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and the danger that is closing in around the pair, as Jase is determined to finally right the wrongs of the past; wrongs that had to do with his family. Will the hero's brother fall in line? Furthermore, with the main characters, I liked how the heroine challenged the hero. She's feisty, resilient and I liked how determined she was to secure the hero's signature, even if it means agreeing to his terms. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she would do anything for family, which is proven by her reasons for needing to secure Jason's signature. While the hero, he's confident, driven, and I liked how persistent he was in his pursuit of the heroine, especially once he realized there was no way he could stay away with her. I also liked the decisions the hero made when it came to righting the wrongs of the past because no way can he continue to look over his shoulder, especially because of the way he lost his father. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how protective he was of the heroine and the lengths he goes to in order to keep her safe, even if it means making someone very annoyed with him; someone who would love to get revenge no matter who they hurt to get to Jase.

Overall, Ms. Stone has delivered a really good read in her debut book where the chemistry between this couple was strong and spills over onto the pages in very hot sex scenes that had me loving the hero's need for the heroine; and the ending had me worried for the main characters because of the danger, but had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with the heroine, especially after what he does that causes their relationship to go awry. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as the hero has the best surprise for heroine. I would recommend Caught Up by Rya Stone, if you enjoy contemporary romance with a good dash of suspense, especially suspense that keeps you guessing as to how many people are causing trouble for the hero; or if you enjoy books by authors Claudia Shelton, Jenna Ryan, Tessa Bailey and Sidney Halston.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassie's job is to make deals with landowners allowing her company to build oil and gas wells on their property and if she convinces the Lucas brothers to accept the deal, she's been promised a huge bonus check. That money is needed to ensure her mom, suffering from Parkinson's, continues to receive the care she needs. However, neither brother is eager to sign, something Cassie knows is always a possibility, but the instant attraction between her and Jase Lucas isn't.

Jase, an oil rig worker, likes his life and as he and his brother, Clint, have a strained relationship, he's happy to have the distance between them. Though he's immediately aware of Cassie and the impact she has on him, having recently dealt with a bad breakup is still handling all the baggage that went along with it, Jase isn't looking to start another.

But things on the Lucas property aren't as they seem and the land as well as the county holds secrets, ones Jase wants to ensure Cassie stays away from. Jase knows though, that life doesn't always comply and Cassie's appearance in his town stirs things up, and he isn't just talking about how she makes him feel.

As Jase and Cassie navigate the changes in both their personal and professional lives, their connection grows as does their attraction to one another, and soon resisting one another is no longer an option. However, there are people that would prefer Jase and Cassie don't get the chance to explore what they could have together and will take any steps necessary to make sure they get their way.

Can Jase keep Cassie safe? What secrets does the town hold? Will Cassie be able to take care of her mom? Will Jase and Cassie get the HEA they're supposed to have?

One-click now and follow along as two people discover how the past sometimes never truly fades. While I enjoyed the story and the author's talent is obvious, especially as this is a debut, I wish the exes of both main characters wouldn't have played such a part in the plot. I understand how they did to an extent, but it started to become too much at some point.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caught Up begins with Jase Lucas driving down the road and seeing a car pull right up to the entrance to the place he was raised. And, a place where his brother, Clint, still lived. When the driver stepped out of the car, Jase tried to ignore it, but a lady with a blown tire wasn’t something he could ignore. When he approaches the lady, he finds out that she is looking for Clint and that she is trying to arrange oil and gas leases on their tract of land. Jase tells her that they aren’t interested in a lease and that she should be on her way, once they get her tire changed. Cassie has a lot riding on this deal, and is bound and determined to land the lease, no matter what.

However, once she meets the brother, Clint, she’s not quite so sure. He’s scary and one of the most abrasive people she’s ever met. Add to that the strange behavior of some in the small town, and she wonders if it’s all worth it. Even though Jase is not her usual type, she can’t help but be a little attracted. Jase tries to stay away from her as well, but the chemistry between them isn’t so easily forgotten.

What follows is a story wrought with “ex” drama, old family feuds and a steamy romance between Jase and Cassie.

The premise of Caught Up was a promising one. But, if I’m being honest, it was a little too dark for me. As I was reading, it almost played out in my mind as a film noir. At one point, I thought that maybe it was a screenplay originally. I liked Cassie. I liked her stubborn streak, and I loved her determination. Jase’s character seemed a little off to me. He would say the weirdest things sometimes, and for some reason, Cassie liked it. The scenes with Clint and all of the “family secret” drama felt forced and disjointed. There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed. When it was just the two main characters, I thought it flowed nicely. But, it seemed to veer off when others joined the fray. Like I said, the premise is promising, and I would be willing to give the next book a look.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars! Cassie is a Landman and has been promised an override if she can get the Lucas brothers to sign a lease for an oil well on their property. Easier said than done! First Clint, the scary cowboy brother, chases her off his land and then when she finds the second brother, Jase, she has an attraction towards him that even she can't understand. Jase and his brother Clint don't get along so when Jase came back from the army, he became a roughneck working the oil rigs. And when he caught his ex-girlfriend in bed with someone else, he swore that he would never get into another relationship, but when he meets Cassie, he becomes protective over her as if she was his. He just wants her to stay away from his property because there are bad things happening there and he doesn't want her to get caught up in it.

This was a good debut novel ... I liked the characters and the story line, but at times it just seemed to build up and you couldn't wait to find out the answer, only to be a little disappointed when the answers seemed to be smaller than you expected with all the build up. But the chemistry between Cassie and Jase was off the charts. I'm not sure who is going to be the main characters in the next book, but my guess is Clint and Karyn.

I received an ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

A good debut novel that kept me entertained!

This romantic suspense kept me interested from beginning to end. It flowed well, kept the suspense coming and I really liked how everything was wrapped up. Cassie was a great character--a little bit sassy with a big heart, she loves big and fights hard. Jace was danger and mystery wrapped up in a sexy package. Both of them had secrets. Their attraction was palpable and they scorched the pages.

There were a few plot holes, but nothing that really detracted from the story itself. The big issue I had was the other woman drama. There was just a lot of it and at times it was too much and distracted me from the story. Other than that, I think this was a pretty great debut novel and I look forward to more to come from Rya Stone.

[Sahara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros
*Dark suspense.
*Humorous
*Amazing mature writing, alot of showing not telling.
*Unique plot
*Third Person Omniscient POV which I again love
*Really steamy with dirty talk (but not the dreaded "Call me daddy" or clumsy deadpanned phrases)
*Slow burn: characters didn't jump into the sack right away

Cons
*Jason (the hero) did not grovel or apologize enough for pushing Cassie away
*Hero allowed his ex TO HIT CASSIE (HEROINE) OVER THE HEAD WITH A BRICK WITHOUT INTERVENING!!
*Too much focus on town gossip and ex drama which Jason does feeds into

Overview
All in all, this was a great book. I love authors like Sophie Jordan, Linda Howard, etc and find Rya Stone is well on her way to join their ranks but I do hope her other books match the intensity of her debut novel. Good job Rya! Hopefully you will take my constructive criticism into consideration :)

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Star Review......

CAUGHT UP is Rya Stone’s debut novel and ensures that readers are prepared for stories with never a dull moment!

This is a many faceted book packed with intrigue, twists and turns, angst and ultimately romance. I’m not a fan of the third party POV, but the story still had an even flow. It is somewhat darker than a lot of readers will be used to, but I liked the concept anyway.

Jase and Cassie were likeable characters, and the author insinuates Clint and Karyn nicely, so that we’re left wanting their story right away. I’m sure this author will only get better with each new instalment to this brand new Roughneck series.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I would try this new author with something that I do like to read in the formula. Suspense and romance is a great one that captures my attention. This one centers around Cassie and Jason who have their own dance going on. The needs and wants in this one will do the tug of war that have you going back and forth. The slow roll heat and the suspense will take you through this with at times though too much drama in one direction. Over all though you start and want to see it through to the end.

[Katrina Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught Up is Book 1 of the Roughneck Series by Rya Stone. Dark, gritty, and plenty of twists and turns in this contemporary romance to keep a reader hooked! This is a riveting debut by a clearly talented author who I can’t wait to see more from...*does a happy dance* got myself a new author to add to my go-to list!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long and drawn out. That is what this story is. Way too long. While the premise is good, it became a bore. The “why” needed more presence. We needed to see more of the danger. Versus it being alluded to.

This story is definitely different from other books out there and with some tweaks I think it could be a real winner.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book from Rya and while I enjoyed it I did not love it. I don't mind that it was a pretty dark read but it did take a while to get into and I have to admit I nearly gave up but I am glad I didn't. It has a lot going on in it and once I was into it I did not want to stop Cassie and Jase had lots of chemistry but they also have lots of issues. I will be checking out more from Rya in the future.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of Caught Up from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

Caught Up is the debut book and author as well and for a brand new story it was better than I expected. I'm going to wait to see what the second book and hope that it's Clint and Karyn's story because they sure has sparks flying between them. I give all 4 stars to the book and author as it's well worth it. But you should know that it's very dark in places.

Jason Lucas and Cassie Mitchum meet when she's out trying to get oil and gas leases from ranch owners in Marian County, Texas . He helps her with her flat tire and while she hopes that he'll sign the lease paperwork Cassie finds that she'll have to really work for it. But there's secrets that can bring both Jase and Cassie very bad luck that goes back generations plus Jase isn't a really telling the truth of who he is. When a coyote from his past shows up both Cassie, Jase, his brother, Clint and her co worker Kyle will need to decide if they are willing to cross the line to save each other from the coyote who haunts them.

Cassie Mitchum really needs to have the Lucas brothers sign the gas leases because it will mean that her mother will be able to live in a better retirement home. Her boss has promised she a bonus if she can sign the brothers up. But even though she may have to bring out her figure hugging tight jeans to do this Jason has conditions. But when she finds the halfway house used as a smugglers stop for human trafficking it will take everything Jason has to rescue her from the coyote's clutches.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley) I could deal with Cassie and I liked Jase, but come on the drama was just too much drama. At some point I was hoping that it stopped and it dragged, and dragged some more, if it had not been for the ridiculous amount of ex-woman issues I would have enjoyed it more, but again it actually worth mention or shall I say warning it was just too much.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced read with loads of drama. Cassie and Jase both have issues of their own but the chemistry between them is steamy. This was a good read for me, some of the drama could have been cleared up a bit quicker. Overall, I liked the characters, and the story held my interest throughout. A good read.

[Melinda Blache · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. It was well written and had lots of drama. The story line kept me engaged through out the book. I would recommend this book. I hope to read the next installment in this series.

[Tracie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Twists, turns, angst and romance Caught up by Rya Stone has a bit of it all. I enjoyed this story Jase and Cassie were likeable characters and I hope this debut author take this to a series and brings us more of the sparks and firework with Clint and Karyn's story.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caught Up by Rya Stone is a romantic suspense that took me to places I’d not been to before. I liked learning about oil country and the roughnecks that work there. I liked Jase and Cassie. I had a bit of a problem with the pacing but all in all an interesting read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written debut novel by Rya Stone. I enjoyed it.

[Karla Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the suspense of the book. The not no knowing what was happening on the Lucas ranch. Seriously, wow!! Jase and Cassie! Just wow! Explosion of fireworks.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. I have a lot of feelings about this book. Not all of them are good. I was impressed with the story from the perspective that this is a debut novel from this author. But, it was a little darker, and more angsty than I typically prefer. And there was SO. MUCH. Other woman drama. Too much for my taste.

Cassie Mitchum is a landman. She makes lease deals with landowners for her company to build oil and gas wells on their property. Her boss has promised her a huge royalty bonus if she lands the Lucas account, and she needs that money. Her mother has Parkinson's and Cassie is determined to move her to a much nicer care facility as soon as possible. So, she is determined to get the Lucas brothers to each sign on the dotted line. But, she's not ready for the push-back she receives from both of them, nor the red hot chemistry she has with one the brothers, Jason.

Jase Lucas is a roughneck. He works on oil rigs, and he likes his life the way it is. He and his brother don't get along, and so it suits him to not live on the family property anymore, though he still owns half of it. His brother Clint still lives there. Jase had a horrible breakup with a ton of baggage and he's not looking to get involved with anyone anytime soon. But when Cassie blows into town trying to convince him to lease his land for the well, he's concerned for her safety. Because there is a lot going on under the surface in his little county, and on his land, and she needs to stay far, far away from it. Meanwhile, he's more attracted to her than anyone in a long time, maybe ever. Which makes keeping her safe even more important to him.

Jase and Cassie's chemistry was fire hot, and it consumed every page they were on together. But, it was quite a slow burn before they actually get together. I really enjoyed their banter, and Cassie gave as good as she got. She is shocked by the strength of her attraction to him, as he's the opposite of the type she usually goes for. She's not sure how long she can fight it off. But, they have many, MANY obstacles in the way of them being together. Many of them are involved in the suspense plot of this story, so I won't go into them here.

Another big obstacle for them is the ex drama. Between the people in the town that are "friends" with his ex, and go out of their way to make Cassie's life difficult, and the ex herself, there was WAY too much other woman drama here for me. I'll give credit where it's due: Jase had absolutely NO interest in getting back with his ex, for many extremely valid reasons, but that didn't stop the drama from constantly occurring. It was more than I could stand at certain points, and I just wanted it to be over. Not to mention it was also involved in the suspense plot in roundabout way, and it was just overkill for me. That was by far my biggest issue with this story in general. There were a few other reasons why that ex subplot was almost a book killer for me, but I don't want to give too many spoilers.

I enjoyed the majority of the suspense plot, and I enjoyed many of the side characters, including Jase's brother Clint, his best friend Heath, Cassie's best friend Kyle, and her new/only friend in town, Karyn. I'm assuming that at least one of these characters will be in the next book, and I'm definitely interested in reading more about them.

Bottom line, this would have easily been 4 stars for me, if not for the crazy ex subplot. Though it was dark and a little twistier than I prefer, I was still invested in the world, and I'm interested in reading the next book in this series, for sure. The author's writing was really well done, and especially for a debut novel, I was quite impressed. I'll be curious who's story she decides to tell next.

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club

[Resting Book Face · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I think this is a well-written book. The author created a realistic, though dark, story that will undoubtedly appeal to many readers. However, this was not for me. The romance was nothing like I thought it would be, and I just didn't like the characters as people. Readers who enjoy a lot of drama and angst will likely find this one appealing and should give it a try.