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Rough Riders #0.5
Silver-Tongued Devil
Their love story sparked a brushfire that grew into the legacy of Lorelei James's Rough Riders series. This standalone historical romance is a prequel to the McKay family saga.
The West doesn’t get much wilder than Silas McKay. He’s earned his cowboy reputation not just as a rancher, but as a brawling card sharp who’s short on cash but long on charm. And just as soon as he claps eyes on the pretty new schoolteacher? Well, Dinah Thompson is about to discover what courtin’s like McKay-style—sweet, hot and passionate.
Luckily, Dinah’s got the sass and sense to stand up to Silas’s shenanigans. She relocated to rural Wyoming to teach and become a self-reliant woman, not to spend her nights dreaming about that blue-eyed rogue and his ranchwork honed-body. But Silas McKay’s powerful appeal and tempting promises convince Dinah to recklessly go all in with him.
When Silas’s long-standing rivalry with Zeke West puts Dinah, Silas and his twin brother Jonas in danger, each one is forced to make difficult decisions about taking a chance to build their legacy . . . and a love that transcends time.
The West doesn’t get much wilder than Silas McKay. He’s earned his cowboy reputation not just as a rancher, but as a brawling card sharp who’s short on cash but long on charm. And just as soon as he claps eyes on the pretty new schoolteacher? Well, Dinah Thompson is about to discover what courtin’s like McKay-style—sweet, hot and passionate.
Luckily, Dinah’s got the sass and sense to stand up to Silas’s shenanigans. She relocated to rural Wyoming to teach and become a self-reliant woman, not to spend her nights dreaming about that blue-eyed rogue and his ranchwork honed-body. But Silas McKay’s powerful appeal and tempting promises convince Dinah to recklessly go all in with him.
When Silas’s long-standing rivalry with Zeke West puts Dinah, Silas and his twin brother Jonas in danger, each one is forced to make difficult decisions about taking a chance to build their legacy . . . and a love that transcends time.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2020
319 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,329 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 201 reviews
June 12, 2020
5 'The start of the McKay legacy' Stars!
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
GAH! As the massive fan of Lorelei James and her much loved Rough Riders series that I am, I can only say this prequel was such an unexpected and delicious treat! LL made me fall in love with western romance and the RR series and the McKay family have a huge piece of my heart. When all of a sudden she announced this story, I literally squealed with delight. This is her first take into historical, and I have to say, she has done a wonderful job with this unputdownable story!
Silver-Tongued Devil belongs in LL’s Rough Riders series and it’s considered the first since it’s the story that started the McKay legacy. Still, I have read all the other novels before and it’s no problem since it works to read it that way. Set in 1897, we meet Silas and Jonas McKay, twin brothers with different futures in mind. Silas is all about the cattle and focused on his land and courting the sassy and sweet teacher Dinah Thompson. Jonas is the county’s deputy and maintains a secret relationship with Ruby, the Madame of the town’s whorehouse. This novel develops both love stories and explains how the rivalry started between the McKays and the Wests.
“I see your dance with the devil last night didn’t dull your silver tongue.”
“It weren’t a dance. The devil merely twirled me a bit to make sure I didn’t waste any more time before courtin’ my very own angel.”
This is the story we didn’t even know we needed! I am sure any Rough Riders fan like myself would agree. As soon as Lorelei shared the news about Silver-Tongued Devil, I thought: “Heck yes, I wanna know how everything started. I want to read the romance that started the McKay legacy”. And let me tell you, it was worth the short wait. This series is one of those I wasn’t prepared to ever say goodbye to, I loved the RR books and I was extremely excited to read this one. Also being a huge fan of historical romance, I knew Lorelei would not fail with her first! I fell in love with Silas, Jonas, Dinah and Ruby and their journeys to happiness!
“Ruby at the center of my heart. That’s you. That’ll always be you.”
And that happiness surely was a roller coaster to get to! Silas and Dinah are the main focus of the book, their love story was sweet, burning hot and emotional. But I fell for Jonas and Ruby’s relationship just as hard. Being kind of forbidden, secret and off the charts hot, it made the whole reading experience even better than what I already expected. And it was not an easy ride, that’s for sure! The rivalry with the West family, especially with Zeke, makes things unstable and vulnerable around these two couples and they go through twists and turns to get their happily ever after. That ending had me at the edge of my seat but it was so worth it!
“Thank you, Silas, for loving me like you do.”
“It’s my life’s joy, darlin’.”
Therefore, I am rating Silver-Tongued Devil with 5 STARS because I loved every single second of reading this amazing historical romance, being the prequel to my beloved Rough Riders series. Lorelei James did a brilliant job with this one, I fell in love with these two couples, their journeys and their chemistry. I am so excited we are getting the Jonas Brothers series and I cannot wait to read whatever LL is bringing next! If you are a fan of this author, her RR series and historicals, I highly recommend reading this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
GAH! As the massive fan of Lorelei James and her much loved Rough Riders series that I am, I can only say this prequel was such an unexpected and delicious treat! LL made me fall in love with western romance and the RR series and the McKay family have a huge piece of my heart. When all of a sudden she announced this story, I literally squealed with delight. This is her first take into historical, and I have to say, she has done a wonderful job with this unputdownable story!
Silver-Tongued Devil belongs in LL’s Rough Riders series and it’s considered the first since it’s the story that started the McKay legacy. Still, I have read all the other novels before and it’s no problem since it works to read it that way. Set in 1897, we meet Silas and Jonas McKay, twin brothers with different futures in mind. Silas is all about the cattle and focused on his land and courting the sassy and sweet teacher Dinah Thompson. Jonas is the county’s deputy and maintains a secret relationship with Ruby, the Madame of the town’s whorehouse. This novel develops both love stories and explains how the rivalry started between the McKays and the Wests.
“I see your dance with the devil last night didn’t dull your silver tongue.”
“It weren’t a dance. The devil merely twirled me a bit to make sure I didn’t waste any more time before courtin’ my very own angel.”
This is the story we didn’t even know we needed! I am sure any Rough Riders fan like myself would agree. As soon as Lorelei shared the news about Silver-Tongued Devil, I thought: “Heck yes, I wanna know how everything started. I want to read the romance that started the McKay legacy”. And let me tell you, it was worth the short wait. This series is one of those I wasn’t prepared to ever say goodbye to, I loved the RR books and I was extremely excited to read this one. Also being a huge fan of historical romance, I knew Lorelei would not fail with her first! I fell in love with Silas, Jonas, Dinah and Ruby and their journeys to happiness!
“Ruby at the center of my heart. That’s you. That’ll always be you.”
And that happiness surely was a roller coaster to get to! Silas and Dinah are the main focus of the book, their love story was sweet, burning hot and emotional. But I fell for Jonas and Ruby’s relationship just as hard. Being kind of forbidden, secret and off the charts hot, it made the whole reading experience even better than what I already expected. And it was not an easy ride, that’s for sure! The rivalry with the West family, especially with Zeke, makes things unstable and vulnerable around these two couples and they go through twists and turns to get their happily ever after. That ending had me at the edge of my seat but it was so worth it!
“Thank you, Silas, for loving me like you do.”
“It’s my life’s joy, darlin’.”
Therefore, I am rating Silver-Tongued Devil with 5 STARS because I loved every single second of reading this amazing historical romance, being the prequel to my beloved Rough Riders series. Lorelei James did a brilliant job with this one, I fell in love with these two couples, their journeys and their chemistry. I am so excited we are getting the Jonas Brothers series and I cannot wait to read whatever LL is bringing next! If you are a fan of this author, her RR series and historicals, I highly recommend reading this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
June 17, 2020
Lorelei James is one of my favorite authors! I’m currently on Gone Country in the Rough Riders series, but when I found out that she was writing an origin story—a historical romance book for this series, I had to pause that one. I had major FOMO because I knew all my friends would be reading, plus I was just too excited!
I love the way LJ writes her heroines! Strong, sexy, smart, and with a side of sass, and her heroes are just umph. Smokin hot. The Rough Riders is one of my fave series of all time. LJ has put such hard work into this series, and it shows. Plus, can anyone write steam the way she does? True magic, and this book is no exception.
I love the way LJ writes her heroines! Strong, sexy, smart, and with a side of sass, and her heroes are just umph. Smokin hot. The Rough Riders is one of my fave series of all time. LJ has put such hard work into this series, and it shows. Plus, can anyone write steam the way she does? True magic, and this book is no exception.
June 9, 2020
I never thought much about the ancestry of the McKay family despite knowing the McKay ranch had been in the family for generations. Until Sierra McKay did a school report in Gone Country and gave a bit of the background on the McKay/West feud I never really thought about it much. In Silver-Tongued Devil, author Lorelei James gives up the goods on the McKay ancestry to a point, BUT…since the “feud” was still happening especially during the time Carson and Carolyn and Calvin and Kimi were dating and first married, I can only assume a spiteful cow named Mary West had a hand in that. Anyway, I loved this double romance because friends that’s what this was despite both being a bit unconventional there was no doubt there were two couples who were very much in love and worked really hard to be together.
Silas McKay was a rancher, gambler, and a bit of a lady’s man until he met schoolteacher Dinah Thompson and he knew that she was the one for him. Dinah wasn’t a pushover, not by a long shot and she often called Silas on his sh*t. I loved that she spoke her mind and was determined to be able to take care of herself without a man’s help. I loved that she was a teacher who adapted her work to her student’s needs without thought. Most of all I loved that she wasn’t afraid of learning everything there was to know about being a ranch and had no problems getting dirty doing it. Silas was a loner to a certain extent and with the exception of his constant battle with Zeke West, he was happy to blend in and work his ranch. Zeke on the other hand had it out for Silas and aimed to take everything from him including Dinah.
Their relationship wasn’t easy, they were separated by miles and had very little time to spend with one another but when they did they made it count. It made me smile that Silas was a romantic and that he loved when Dinah would read to him in the evenings.
Jonas McKay was the deputy of Labelle Township and occasionally helped Silas with the ranch. He wasn’t interested in ranching, he had enough of that type of life before he came to Labelle and he wasn’t really thrilled with his job as deputy but he was content because his twin was there as was Ruby Redmond, the madam of Miss Ruby Red’s “Boardinghouse.” Ruby just happened to be the love of Jonas’ life even though he knew it would do no good to admit it because Ruby would never risk his job or the scandal it caused.
I’m not going to lie; I LOVED this part of the story the most. The lawman and the whore…seriously and their chemistry was off the charts. The fact that he was so in love with her regardless of her profession and that while she loved him she was never going to let them be together was heartbreaking. The torment, the anguish, my heart hurt for them.
I loved the twists and turns in the story despite suspecting the biggest one early on in the book. Perhaps one of my favorite twists was the unlikely friendship that developed between Dinah and Ruby. I loved their sisterhood and the fact that Dinah never judged Ruby and that Ruby wanted nothing more than to help Dinah in any way possible. Lorelei did what she does best in that she wrung every emotion out of me as I read this story, I laughed, I sighed, I cried, and I hurt for these two couples and the predicament that tore them apart.
For over a decade I’ve been reading Lorelei James and it all started with the Rough Rider series and I feel like this book has brought us full circle. Beautifully written with sassy but strong heroines and devilish but sweet heroes, I am in awe. I have no doubt you will fall in love with the McKay family all over again and the magic of this story told by a gifted writer.
PS…While I’m still snickering at the name, I can’t wait for the freaking Jonas Brothers series!!!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Silas McKay was a rancher, gambler, and a bit of a lady’s man until he met schoolteacher Dinah Thompson and he knew that she was the one for him. Dinah wasn’t a pushover, not by a long shot and she often called Silas on his sh*t. I loved that she spoke her mind and was determined to be able to take care of herself without a man’s help. I loved that she was a teacher who adapted her work to her student’s needs without thought. Most of all I loved that she wasn’t afraid of learning everything there was to know about being a ranch and had no problems getting dirty doing it. Silas was a loner to a certain extent and with the exception of his constant battle with Zeke West, he was happy to blend in and work his ranch. Zeke on the other hand had it out for Silas and aimed to take everything from him including Dinah.
Their relationship wasn’t easy, they were separated by miles and had very little time to spend with one another but when they did they made it count. It made me smile that Silas was a romantic and that he loved when Dinah would read to him in the evenings.
Jonas McKay was the deputy of Labelle Township and occasionally helped Silas with the ranch. He wasn’t interested in ranching, he had enough of that type of life before he came to Labelle and he wasn’t really thrilled with his job as deputy but he was content because his twin was there as was Ruby Redmond, the madam of Miss Ruby Red’s “Boardinghouse.” Ruby just happened to be the love of Jonas’ life even though he knew it would do no good to admit it because Ruby would never risk his job or the scandal it caused.
I’m not going to lie; I LOVED this part of the story the most. The lawman and the whore…seriously and their chemistry was off the charts. The fact that he was so in love with her regardless of her profession and that while she loved him she was never going to let them be together was heartbreaking. The torment, the anguish, my heart hurt for them.
I loved the twists and turns in the story despite suspecting the biggest one early on in the book. Perhaps one of my favorite twists was the unlikely friendship that developed between Dinah and Ruby. I loved their sisterhood and the fact that Dinah never judged Ruby and that Ruby wanted nothing more than to help Dinah in any way possible. Lorelei did what she does best in that she wrung every emotion out of me as I read this story, I laughed, I sighed, I cried, and I hurt for these two couples and the predicament that tore them apart.
For over a decade I’ve been reading Lorelei James and it all started with the Rough Rider series and I feel like this book has brought us full circle. Beautifully written with sassy but strong heroines and devilish but sweet heroes, I am in awe. I have no doubt you will fall in love with the McKay family all over again and the magic of this story told by a gifted writer.
PS…While I’m still snickering at the name, I can’t wait for the freaking Jonas Brothers series!!!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 16, 2020
Wow, it's been a while since I've read a Lorelei James Rough Riders story, and I've forgotten how much I enjoyed this series. What a storyteller LJ is! I could not put this origin story (late 1890's) of the Wyoming ranching McKay dynasty down! A true page turner! And who knew that a 'historical' could be as erotic as the other books in this series? Whew! Silas did have quite the silver tongue, and I loved how the heroine (Dinah) kept up with him. I loved twins Silas (rancher) and Jonas (deputy) McKay and schoolteacher Dinah Thompson, (and the other heroine, town madam Ruby) and man, I didn't see that twist at the end coming---although I should have.
We also see the beginnings of the long-running McKay/West feud...And another surprise with how LJ resolved the dispute between Silas McKay and Zeke West.😲
Beautiful epilogues for both brothers made this reader more than pleased.
LJ has conquered contemporary and erotic romance, and I dare say that historicals are in her wheel-house too! I hope she follows up with more McKay stories from the early 1900's.
I now have the urge to re-read the entire Rough Riders series...
5 stars
We also see the beginnings of the long-running McKay/West feud...And another surprise with how LJ resolved the dispute between Silas McKay and Zeke West.😲
Beautiful epilogues for both brothers made this reader more than pleased.
LJ has conquered contemporary and erotic romance, and I dare say that historicals are in her wheel-house too! I hope she follows up with more McKay stories from the early 1900's.
I now have the urge to re-read the entire Rough Riders series...
5 stars
March 31, 2023
5 Stars Silver-Tongued Devil: A Rough Riders Prequel by Lorelei James read by Samantha Leatherwood and Oliver Clarke.
It was interesting to see how the McKay and West family feud got started. And how the McKay brothers courted their wives before they started their families.
It was interesting to see how the McKay and West family feud got started. And how the McKay brothers courted their wives before they started their families.
June 18, 2020
It’s been a hot minute since I thought about the Rough Riders and now that I’ve finished reading this book all I want to do is binge all of them!
#FunFact: I never really thought about the beginning or the origin of the bad blood between the McKays and the Wests until this book was announced. I mean there have been mentions in previous books but not an in-depth story like we have with Silver-Tongued Devil and now I am super glad the author decided to bring this story to us because we only thought we knew what was what (that is if you’ve read Cowboy Take Me Away….).
One of the first things I thought of when I finished this book was … ”man, this chic is brilliant!” Lorelei James can write anything and it will be a well thought out plot with great character growth. I’ve been a fan of this author for a lot of years and I have read all kinds of stories written by her but this is her first historical and she nailed it ! Silas was delicious and Dinah is my hero! There are twists and turns all up in this story as well. You guys, seriously, this is a series everyone should be reading.
#FunFact: I never really thought about the beginning or the origin of the bad blood between the McKays and the Wests until this book was announced. I mean there have been mentions in previous books but not an in-depth story like we have with Silver-Tongued Devil and now I am super glad the author decided to bring this story to us because we only thought we knew what was what (that is if you’ve read Cowboy Take Me Away….).
One of the first things I thought of when I finished this book was … ”man, this chic is brilliant!” Lorelei James can write anything and it will be a well thought out plot with great character growth. I’ve been a fan of this author for a lot of years and I have read all kinds of stories written by her but this is her first historical and she nailed it ! Silas was delicious and Dinah is my hero! There are twists and turns all up in this story as well. You guys, seriously, this is a series everyone should be reading.
June 9, 2020
Lorelei James has done it again! She makes her characters so real-to-life that I feel as if I know them, or at least want to meet them. In this case, I could never meet them IRL since SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is set in 1897.
Silas and Jonas McKay are the ancestors of my favorite ranching family that Ms. James wrote about in her ROUGH RIDERS series. Before Silas and Jonas became adults, they went through a lot of life changes that only made them stronger and closer. Although they’re twins, they definitely have their own identities.
Everyone knows about the romance between Silas and Dinah Thompson, a local school teacher. Only Jonas and Ruby Redmond are aware of their relationship, since Ruby is the madam in charge of Ruby Red’s Boardinghouse.
As told in the ROUGH RIDERS series, no one remembers how the long-standing feud between the McKay and the West families started. In SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL, we discover the origins of the bad blood. You’ll have to read this book to find out exactly what happened.
As she always does, Ms. James leaves us hungry for more. By the end of the book, I was already hoping to find out what happens to Jonas and Silas’ children. Maybe, if we ask real nicely, we can persuade Ms. James to tell us.
Silas and Jonas McKay are the ancestors of my favorite ranching family that Ms. James wrote about in her ROUGH RIDERS series. Before Silas and Jonas became adults, they went through a lot of life changes that only made them stronger and closer. Although they’re twins, they definitely have their own identities.
Everyone knows about the romance between Silas and Dinah Thompson, a local school teacher. Only Jonas and Ruby Redmond are aware of their relationship, since Ruby is the madam in charge of Ruby Red’s Boardinghouse.
As told in the ROUGH RIDERS series, no one remembers how the long-standing feud between the McKay and the West families started. In SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL, we discover the origins of the bad blood. You’ll have to read this book to find out exactly what happened.
As she always does, Ms. James leaves us hungry for more. By the end of the book, I was already hoping to find out what happens to Jonas and Silas’ children. Maybe, if we ask real nicely, we can persuade Ms. James to tell us.
June 11, 2020
***5 Stars***
Fangirl down…Fangirl down…
And in the best of ways.
Diving back into the world of the McKay clan, even one set in the wild west, was like coming home. You see, the Rough Riders series was one of a handful of series, that many, many moons ago reminded me why I loved reading so much and it brought some amazing people into my life and set me on a path that I never could have expected, so it holds a special place in my reading loving heart to this day. Which, of course, makes it difficult for this review to be unbiased, so I’m going to be clear right now that it’s not and will be pretty vague to keep things non-spoilery because even I wasn’t prepared for ALL that went on in the book.
What I will say is that I ADORED Silas, Dinah and Jonas. ADORED. Silas and Jonas are simply good men who are loyal, hard working and protective of those they call their own...and the title of the book definitely applies to both of them. Dinah was all kinds of feisty. She knew what she wanted and had no problem speaking her mind and doing what needed to be done. The interactions between these characters had me grinning because I could see where their progeny got their charm, heart and fire from.
And the smexy was HAWT! (Not surprising, but needs to be stated)
As this is an origin story/prequel we get to witness what started the feud between the West’s & McKay’s, and boy, I got it. I had no issue siding with the McKay’s at all.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. It had me grinning like a fool and swooning throughout the majority of it and the twists that were tossed in were all very well done and that ending was awesome and it has me wanting to re-read the series all over again.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Fangirl down…Fangirl down…
And in the best of ways.
Diving back into the world of the McKay clan, even one set in the wild west, was like coming home. You see, the Rough Riders series was one of a handful of series, that many, many moons ago reminded me why I loved reading so much and it brought some amazing people into my life and set me on a path that I never could have expected, so it holds a special place in my reading loving heart to this day. Which, of course, makes it difficult for this review to be unbiased, so I’m going to be clear right now that it’s not and will be pretty vague to keep things non-spoilery because even I wasn’t prepared for ALL that went on in the book.
What I will say is that I ADORED Silas, Dinah and Jonas. ADORED. Silas and Jonas are simply good men who are loyal, hard working and protective of those they call their own...and the title of the book definitely applies to both of them. Dinah was all kinds of feisty. She knew what she wanted and had no problem speaking her mind and doing what needed to be done. The interactions between these characters had me grinning because I could see where their progeny got their charm, heart and fire from.
And the smexy was HAWT! (Not surprising, but needs to be stated)
As this is an origin story/prequel we get to witness what started the feud between the West’s & McKay’s, and boy, I got it. I had no issue siding with the McKay’s at all.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. It had me grinning like a fool and swooning throughout the majority of it and the twists that were tossed in were all very well done and that ending was awesome and it has me wanting to re-read the series all over again.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 2, 2020
Really, really great origin story for the infamous McKay Cowboys Rough Riders series and the start of a new historical branch of the family. Nobody does hot cowboys historical or contemporary like Lorelei James!
Z - Major characters - Zeke and Zachariah West
Z - Major characters - Zeke and Zachariah West
June 14, 2020
Whether you are a Lorelei James fan, a historical romance fan, a fan of just a well written story, or looking for a new series because this is the where it all begins. Silver-Tongued Devil is the origins of the McKay Rough Riders series and although it may be the last book written it is the beginning of where the families McKay and West began.
I began reading Lorelei James years ago and was instantly hooked. The Rough Rider series became one of my instant buy everything Lorelei ever wrote and also forever has been a one-click author, so of course to have the origins of where this family came from is a feeling of pure giddiness that is basically indescribable.
It does not matter what time Lorelei writes the McKay family in; the 1800's, the 1900's, or even the 3000's (yes, I'd love to see one of my favorite families living in the future) the point is the McKay's are timeless, Lorelei's writing is flawless, and I can truly never get enough.
Silver-Tongued Devil takes us back to the wild west. Back to a time when towns were just forming, there was such a thing as courting, and you worked hard for every little thing you had. Silas and Jonas McKay are twin boys who lost their parents young, but moved from the east towards the west and learned different skills along the way. This helped them survive once they finally settled on the spot that would become the McKay homestead. For Silas his dream of owning a ranch and the land needed to maintain the cattle actually coming to fruition. While Jonas was a deputy, which wasn't necessarily his dream or his long term goal, but for now he was happy looking after his trouble making brother.
Dinah Thompson came out west looking to start over once she lost her parents. As a school teacher and nurse helping out the local doc she was content with her arrangement until Silas began courting her. Dreams of marriage and what could be made her wish time would move faster and also slow down all at once. She loved getting to know Silas's land, setting up his home and especially getting to know him. If only he'd stay away from trouble everything would be perfect.
While Jonas is also in love with a particular woman, his love is a bit tricker to profess in polite society. I'll leave as a statement for you to ponder and discover for yourself when you pick up the book.
The McKay's and the West's have been feuding it feels like forever. You hear about it in multiple Rough Rider novels and you get to the bottom of where the animosity stems from here. A lot of questions are answered and just like Lorelei is known for, she doesn't leave anything unturned. This is a gorgeous book that is not only rich and full of a time long gone, but also full of feisty McKay history. I could read her books forever and I know you will love this one!
I began reading Lorelei James years ago and was instantly hooked. The Rough Rider series became one of my instant buy everything Lorelei ever wrote and also forever has been a one-click author, so of course to have the origins of where this family came from is a feeling of pure giddiness that is basically indescribable.
It does not matter what time Lorelei writes the McKay family in; the 1800's, the 1900's, or even the 3000's (yes, I'd love to see one of my favorite families living in the future) the point is the McKay's are timeless, Lorelei's writing is flawless, and I can truly never get enough.
Silver-Tongued Devil takes us back to the wild west. Back to a time when towns were just forming, there was such a thing as courting, and you worked hard for every little thing you had. Silas and Jonas McKay are twin boys who lost their parents young, but moved from the east towards the west and learned different skills along the way. This helped them survive once they finally settled on the spot that would become the McKay homestead. For Silas his dream of owning a ranch and the land needed to maintain the cattle actually coming to fruition. While Jonas was a deputy, which wasn't necessarily his dream or his long term goal, but for now he was happy looking after his trouble making brother.
Dinah Thompson came out west looking to start over once she lost her parents. As a school teacher and nurse helping out the local doc she was content with her arrangement until Silas began courting her. Dreams of marriage and what could be made her wish time would move faster and also slow down all at once. She loved getting to know Silas's land, setting up his home and especially getting to know him. If only he'd stay away from trouble everything would be perfect.
While Jonas is also in love with a particular woman, his love is a bit tricker to profess in polite society. I'll leave as a statement for you to ponder and discover for yourself when you pick up the book.
The McKay's and the West's have been feuding it feels like forever. You hear about it in multiple Rough Rider novels and you get to the bottom of where the animosity stems from here. A lot of questions are answered and just like Lorelei is known for, she doesn't leave anything unturned. This is a gorgeous book that is not only rich and full of a time long gone, but also full of feisty McKay history. I could read her books forever and I know you will love this one!
June 9, 2020
I'll never get enough of the McKays
This book is amazing. I can't really describe how enjoyable it was to read. I've read every book Lorelei James / Lori Armstrong has written, I'm a true fan and I've loved them all... but this one... this one was different. This is where it all began and I'm so happy the story has finally been told. Whether you read one book or the whole series ... start here. Honesty, won't regret it.
This book is amazing. I can't really describe how enjoyable it was to read. I've read every book Lorelei James / Lori Armstrong has written, I'm a true fan and I've loved them all... but this one... this one was different. This is where it all began and I'm so happy the story has finally been told. Whether you read one book or the whole series ... start here. Honesty, won't regret it.
June 10, 2020
I love the Rough Riders series and when I found Lorelei Was writing a historical romance for the McKay family I was beyond excited!
I knew when I read the part of Silas and Jonas in Gone Country that it would be an exciting read to find out what happen with them in the past.
The story came together with all the turns and twists that I wasn’t expecting! And of course with any book LJ writes there were some very steamy moments too!
I knew when I read the part of Silas and Jonas in Gone Country that it would be an exciting read to find out what happen with them in the past.
The story came together with all the turns and twists that I wasn’t expecting! And of course with any book LJ writes there were some very steamy moments too!
June 10, 2020
Silver-Tongue Devil
Silas McKay was living the single cowboy life to the fullest. He’s a charmer with the ladies, knows his way around the ranch with his eyes closed and the luck of the draw seems to always be on his side. Silas is a smart man and is trying to build something lasting. Being on his ranch was his favorite place to be until he sets his eye on the new teacher, Ms. Dinah Thompson. I loved how this big strong rancher became putty anytime he was near her.
Dinah Thompson it’s a woman ahead of her time. Moving to rural Wyoming was a step for her to become independent and self-reliant. She didn’t need anyone to take care of her, she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. As a teacher and a nurse, her doors are opened and the possibilities endless. That is until a silver tongued cowboy makes his intentions known.
Oh how I loved Dinah and Silas together. Their relationship was hard but that didn’t stop them. The distance that separated them made the time they spent together treasured and special. Silas is a true romantic and I loved how he asked Dinah to read to him. Dinah has this sassy streak that allows her to put Silas right in his place. I also love that she wasn’t afraid to get down and dirty and do what needed to be done whether it be on the ranch, with a patient or for one of her students.
And wait, we are not done yet.
Jonas McKay is the town Deputy and twin brother to Silas. A man whom everyone believes is married to his job. The reality is the job keeps him close to his brother and the one his heart wants most. Ruby Redmond is the madam of the Miss Ruby Red’s Boarding House. Knowing what people think of her, and loving Jonas as she does, Rudy stands the higher ground to avoid any harm her reputation could do to Jonas.
So so loved the pairing of the law and the harlot. Jonas and Rudy were intense and their chemistry was explosive. Maybe not a conventional pairing but one that will stand the test of time.
Ms. James has given readers something truly special in the pages Silver-Tongued Devil. We get not just one but two beautiful and intense love stories. We see a family legacy at its infancy stage. We get unlikely friendships and what it truly means to be family. To see what the truth of brotherhood means. I laughed and cried. Felt the happiness and loss right along with our couples. Silver-Tongued Devil is a beautiful written historical romance that will make you feel like you have been transported to another time. Well done Ms. James, well done.
Reviewer’s note:
A few years back a dear friend introduce me to Ms. James’ Rough Rider series. I was not a fan of cowboy romance. I was told I would not be disappointed. I would also like to note that I’m not a fan of historical romance at all. So with that being said, Ms. James not only got me to like her brand of Cowboy romance, she got me to love a historical as well.
August 24, 2020
“It was such a fun glimpse into the time that started my favorite fictional family.”
~ Under the Covers
Long time fans of the Rough Riders series, here’s an unexpected treat for all of us! The origin story of the McKays! Lorelei James has given us a historical romance that details what happened between the twins Jonas and Silas in SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL. I lapped it up so greedy.
The thing about this story is that’s it’s been a while since I’ve been back in this world and we did get to hear some of the story about the original twins starting from the book GONE COUNTRY and then more in COWBOY TAKE ME AWAY. But… years…. and my memory sucks. So when I started reading this, even though I technically should’ve known some of the details, it was as if everything was new to me. As the story got farther along, little pieces of my memory started coming back to me. It was such a fun glimpse into the time that started my favorite fictional family.
We have the romance of two sexy twins. I mean, the McKays’ are always sexy, aren’t they? And the start of the feud with the West’s. Silas is the wild one and also the one interested in owning land and cattle. While Jonas is the straight laced one and Deputy Sheriff. The women they fall for, though, are their polar opposites and so perfect for each other. I think this book strikes a good balance between the two but I certainly wanted to know more about Jonas in the end. Maybe because that’s the part of the story that has always been a little less known.
That being said, when I finished reading this I saw something exciting. There’s going to be more books and this time about the Jonas’ side of the family…. wait for it… the Jonas Brothers. I can’t say that with a straight face however I’m dying to get my hands on the start of that.
This book is a great prequel to the series and a great place to start if you’re new to this series. I highly recommend you binge all the books! They’re my favorite cowboy romances and this one was a solid addition to the stack.
Reviewed by Francesca ❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 15, 2020
The McKay family rides again and Lorelei James has done it again offering up the origin of the Rough Riders series in this outstanding historical novel!
Lorelei James delivers a masterfully written prequel to her popular Rough Riders series. In this stand alone romance, readers see the origin of the McKay family and insight into the famous McKay-West feud. I loved this double romance. Twins Jonas and Silas McKay are living in an unincorporated area of the Wyoming territory. Jonas is a deputy for Labelle Township and Silas is working the land he claimed in the McKay name as well as buying more land with his gambling winnings.
Silas has an ongoing feud with Zeke West stemming from an incident when Silas was working under Zeke on the railroad. Silas is sweet on Dinah the township’s schoolmarm and the doctor’s assistant, trouble is Zeke wants what Silas has and things get might interesting.
Meanwhile Jonas has had a long time secret affair with Ruby the Madam at Miss Ruby Red’s “Boarding House.”
I loved the twists and turns of this story. I enjoyed watching Silas and Dinah’s courtship and the wild and raunchy times between Jonas and Ruby. While their stories were very different, both women were incredibly strong and had lived hard lives. The men’s lives hadn’t been a bed of roses either and it shaped them into the people they are in this story.
I have never been a fan of historical romance, but I devoured this book from cover to cover in about 5 hours time. I could not put it down.
This book was perfection, just so many layers. One thing I've always loved about Lorelei's writing is the depth to her stories. You don't get that with so many authors these days. Engaging, entertaining, and sexy as all get out, Silver-Tongued Devil is one of my top reads of 2020.
For over a decade I've been reading Lorelei James and it all started with the Rough Rider series and I feel like Silver-Tongued Devil has brought us full circle. Beautifully written with sassy but strong heroines and devilish but sweet heroes, I am in awe. I have no doubt you will fall in love with the McKay family all over again and the magic of this story told by a gifted writer.
Lorelei James delivers a masterfully written prequel to her popular Rough Riders series. In this stand alone romance, readers see the origin of the McKay family and insight into the famous McKay-West feud. I loved this double romance. Twins Jonas and Silas McKay are living in an unincorporated area of the Wyoming territory. Jonas is a deputy for Labelle Township and Silas is working the land he claimed in the McKay name as well as buying more land with his gambling winnings.
Silas has an ongoing feud with Zeke West stemming from an incident when Silas was working under Zeke on the railroad. Silas is sweet on Dinah the township’s schoolmarm and the doctor’s assistant, trouble is Zeke wants what Silas has and things get might interesting.
Meanwhile Jonas has had a long time secret affair with Ruby the Madam at Miss Ruby Red’s “Boarding House.”
I loved the twists and turns of this story. I enjoyed watching Silas and Dinah’s courtship and the wild and raunchy times between Jonas and Ruby. While their stories were very different, both women were incredibly strong and had lived hard lives. The men’s lives hadn’t been a bed of roses either and it shaped them into the people they are in this story.
I have never been a fan of historical romance, but I devoured this book from cover to cover in about 5 hours time. I could not put it down.
This book was perfection, just so many layers. One thing I've always loved about Lorelei's writing is the depth to her stories. You don't get that with so many authors these days. Engaging, entertaining, and sexy as all get out, Silver-Tongued Devil is one of my top reads of 2020.
For over a decade I've been reading Lorelei James and it all started with the Rough Rider series and I feel like Silver-Tongued Devil has brought us full circle. Beautifully written with sassy but strong heroines and devilish but sweet heroes, I am in awe. I have no doubt you will fall in love with the McKay family all over again and the magic of this story told by a gifted writer.
June 25, 2020
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is the prequel story line in Lorelei James’ adult ROUGH RIDERS erotic, romance series. SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL follows two relationships: rancher Silas McKay and school teacher Dinah Thompson, as well as Sheriff Jonas McKay, and madam Ruby Redmond. SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL can be read as a stand alone as it reveals the background and history of the McKay-West ongoing feud.
Told from several third person perspectives (Silas, Dinah, Jonas and Ruby) SILVER –TONGUED DEVIL follows the relationship between : rancher Silas McKay and school teacher Dinah Thompson, as well as Sheriff Jonas McKay, and madam Ruby Redmond. The year is 1897, and Silas McKay, cattle rancher, has fallen in love with the town’s schoolteacher/ doctor’s assistant Dinah Thompson. Numerous fights with Zeke West have landed Silas in the doctor’s office where our heroine is front and center in an effort to help with Silas’ many injuries but threats by Zeke West, directed at Dinah, find Silas upping his game, claiming Dinah as his own.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Jonas McKay has fallen in love with madam Ruby Redmond but as the local law enforcement Jonas has had to keep his relationship with Ruby on the down low. Another fight will ensue wherein Dinah is once again threatened by Zeke West, and in this, the McKay brothers will have to face a different future when the law is forced to take action against our leading hero.
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of jealousy and envy, of power and control. Lorelei James pulls the reader into an historical romance that focuses on twin brothers Silas and Jonas McKay, as their encounters and battles with the West brothers set the tone and a lifelong animosity between two families who hated one another for something that happened over a century earlier. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the romances are passionate and intense; the characters are stubborn, colorful and energetic but I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word I do not like in my romance storylines.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from several third person perspectives (Silas, Dinah, Jonas and Ruby) SILVER –TONGUED DEVIL follows the relationship between : rancher Silas McKay and school teacher Dinah Thompson, as well as Sheriff Jonas McKay, and madam Ruby Redmond. The year is 1897, and Silas McKay, cattle rancher, has fallen in love with the town’s schoolteacher/ doctor’s assistant Dinah Thompson. Numerous fights with Zeke West have landed Silas in the doctor’s office where our heroine is front and center in an effort to help with Silas’ many injuries but threats by Zeke West, directed at Dinah, find Silas upping his game, claiming Dinah as his own.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Jonas McKay has fallen in love with madam Ruby Redmond but as the local law enforcement Jonas has had to keep his relationship with Ruby on the down low. Another fight will ensue wherein Dinah is once again threatened by Zeke West, and in this, the McKay brothers will have to face a different future when the law is forced to take action against our leading hero.
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of jealousy and envy, of power and control. Lorelei James pulls the reader into an historical romance that focuses on twin brothers Silas and Jonas McKay, as their encounters and battles with the West brothers set the tone and a lifelong animosity between two families who hated one another for something that happened over a century earlier. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the romances are passionate and intense; the characters are stubborn, colorful and energetic but I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word I do not like in my romance storylines.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 14, 2020
4.5 beautifully historical stars
If you like Lorelei James ' Rough Riders series and the stories of the McKay family, you are going to flip out over Silver Tongued Devil.
I thought all my McKay dreams had come true when Cowboy Take Me Away gave us the 'start' of it all...
Oh how wrong I was!
In Silver Tongued Devil we meet Silas and Jonas, orphaned twins replanted in the state of Wyoming where the McKay dynasty's roots were firmly planted.
As a card carrying McKay lover, there is nothing not to love about the telling of this historical romance, McKay style, even for this 'doesn't do historicals' reader!
Fact is, Lorelei James does such a fantastic job in the telling of this tale, it's almost as if it was copied straight from a personal journal.
With some twists and turns and the root of some family feuds along the way, you will be kept completely enthralled from start to finish.
If you like Lorelei James ' Rough Riders series and the stories of the McKay family, you are going to flip out over Silver Tongued Devil.
I thought all my McKay dreams had come true when Cowboy Take Me Away gave us the 'start' of it all...
Oh how wrong I was!
In Silver Tongued Devil we meet Silas and Jonas, orphaned twins replanted in the state of Wyoming where the McKay dynasty's roots were firmly planted.
As a card carrying McKay lover, there is nothing not to love about the telling of this historical romance, McKay style, even for this 'doesn't do historicals' reader!
Fact is, Lorelei James does such a fantastic job in the telling of this tale, it's almost as if it was copied straight from a personal journal.
With some twists and turns and the root of some family feuds along the way, you will be kept completely enthralled from start to finish.
February 7, 2024
La primera (en cronología interna, que no por fecha de publicación) de la serie Rough Riders, es una novela histórica ambientada en el Wyoming de finales del XIX. Te cuenta cómo los mellizos McKay, Silas (ganadero) y Jonas (asistente del sheriff) lograron sus finales felices con Dinah (maestra de escuela) y Ruby (proxeneta), respectivamente. La ambientación recuerda un poco a las de LaVyrle Spencer, un Oeste esforzado de gente corriente, con algún emigrante europeo y estadounidenses trasplantados desde la costa Este. Una vida de frontera donde uno puede probar sus sueños y reinventarse...
Una de esas novelas que yo llamo «perfecta ⭐⭐⭐»: atractiva y agradable de leer, no te arrepientes si las lees, pero no te pierdes el novelón de tu vida si prescindes de ella.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Una de esas novelas que yo llamo «perfecta ⭐⭐⭐»: atractiva y agradable de leer, no te arrepientes si las lees, pero no te pierdes el novelón de tu vida si prescindes de ella.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
July 2, 2020
Back at the beginning of time (the 1880s), the McKay's had their first run-in with the Wests. 100+ years later, LJ started to recount the stories of their modern family. Here we get the true origin story.
In many ways this is a classic Rough Riders story, but the families are small, only two brothers on each side. Amazing how much hatred can be generated by 4 people in the wide-open western plains.
One good thing is that more time is spent on these few characters, and they are very well developed. There are sex scenes of course, and they are enjoyable given the constraints of the time period. The HEA is both clever and satisfying.
This is not the best story in the RR series, but it's a good one. And the seed is planted for a whole new series!
In many ways this is a classic Rough Riders story, but the families are small, only two brothers on each side. Amazing how much hatred can be generated by 4 people in the wide-open western plains.
One good thing is that more time is spent on these few characters, and they are very well developed. There are sex scenes of course, and they are enjoyable given the constraints of the time period. The HEA is both clever and satisfying.
This is not the best story in the RR series, but it's a good one. And the seed is planted for a whole new series!
June 17, 2020
I don't read westerns and I especially don't read historical westerns... But as you all can see Lorelei James can make me read anything. If you're a Rough Riders fan you've have wanted to read this book for ages, now you can!
October 9, 2020
This was quite enjoyable, though not completely historically accurate. It was a fun journey into the history of the McKays - but now I just want to know what happened afterwards!
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narrations. Samantha Leatherwood and Oliver Clarke did a good job with the performance.
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narrations. Samantha Leatherwood and Oliver Clarke did a good job with the performance.
June 11, 2020
O M G!!!!!
Oh My GOSH! Lorelei just keeps writing books that are AWESOME!!!! I LOVED IT! This is another cannot miss book! No, you do not have to read the whole series as this one goes back in time to see where the McKay’s started, and what caused the big feud with the West’s. However, I will say that if this is the first book of the Rough Riders series that you read you will not stop with just this one.
Silas and Jonas McKay were sent west on the orphan trains. They ended up in Denver and were taken on has hands for Cow train runs. With this they learned about cows and raising them. When they were older, they went their separate ways for a bit. Silas moved to WY and Jonas became a bounty hunter.
In 1897 Silas owned land in Crook County and Jonas was a Deputy. During this time Silas met a new schoolteacher named Dinah Thompson. Dinah also helped the Doc out as an assistant. Silas started courting Dinah and asked her to marry him, but he did not have a ring for her yet. She is ok with that but the people around her are not so sure about the engagement.
Enter Zeke West. From the first time Silas meets Zeke there is a hatred aimed at Silas. Silas is not sure why this is. Zeke starts fights all the time with Silas. The big question is will it go to far or ever stop? (You will have to read this book to find out).
As for Jonas he is a strong moral man that loves his brother so much he will do anything for him (did I tell you they are twins?) That being said. Trouble comes, and Jonas has a plan. What is that plan? Again, you need to read the book.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
* ARC provided by author for an honest review.
Oh My GOSH! Lorelei just keeps writing books that are AWESOME!!!! I LOVED IT! This is another cannot miss book! No, you do not have to read the whole series as this one goes back in time to see where the McKay’s started, and what caused the big feud with the West’s. However, I will say that if this is the first book of the Rough Riders series that you read you will not stop with just this one.
Silas and Jonas McKay were sent west on the orphan trains. They ended up in Denver and were taken on has hands for Cow train runs. With this they learned about cows and raising them. When they were older, they went their separate ways for a bit. Silas moved to WY and Jonas became a bounty hunter.
In 1897 Silas owned land in Crook County and Jonas was a Deputy. During this time Silas met a new schoolteacher named Dinah Thompson. Dinah also helped the Doc out as an assistant. Silas started courting Dinah and asked her to marry him, but he did not have a ring for her yet. She is ok with that but the people around her are not so sure about the engagement.
Enter Zeke West. From the first time Silas meets Zeke there is a hatred aimed at Silas. Silas is not sure why this is. Zeke starts fights all the time with Silas. The big question is will it go to far or ever stop? (You will have to read this book to find out).
As for Jonas he is a strong moral man that loves his brother so much he will do anything for him (did I tell you they are twins?) That being said. Trouble comes, and Jonas has a plan. What is that plan? Again, you need to read the book.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
* ARC provided by author for an honest review.
June 13, 2020
Lorelei James does not disappoint in taking us back in time to the Wild West with the McKay brothers. A long time fan I was excited to get another book from this series.
Silas McKay has always wanted to be a rancher. So, when he buys land in Wyoming to start that dream, he is “lucky”
He falls for Miss Dinah Thompson, who moved to Labelle, Wyoming to be the doctors assistant and a school teacher. She soon learns that she is a school teacher to three outcast children and is mocked by her peers in the other towns.
She met Silas while assisting doc when he is brought in for treatment with his multiple run ins with Zeke West. Their courtship is fast and soon she is betrothed. But disaster is right around the corner as well.
Jonas McKay came to Wyoming to be with his twin brother. But he’s still restless about settling down. However, he takes a job as the deputy in Labelle, Wyoming.
And the one and only woman he loves, he can’t have.
His secret love affair with the madam Miss Ruby can only ever be that. She is looked at with disdain and she will never let that reputation become Jonas’.
But secrets and lies are twisted fully in the exciting flashback into the history of the McKay family.
Loved this book, this series, and knowing all the characters in the McKay family.
Silas McKay has always wanted to be a rancher. So, when he buys land in Wyoming to start that dream, he is “lucky”
He falls for Miss Dinah Thompson, who moved to Labelle, Wyoming to be the doctors assistant and a school teacher. She soon learns that she is a school teacher to three outcast children and is mocked by her peers in the other towns.
She met Silas while assisting doc when he is brought in for treatment with his multiple run ins with Zeke West. Their courtship is fast and soon she is betrothed. But disaster is right around the corner as well.
Jonas McKay came to Wyoming to be with his twin brother. But he’s still restless about settling down. However, he takes a job as the deputy in Labelle, Wyoming.
And the one and only woman he loves, he can’t have.
His secret love affair with the madam Miss Ruby can only ever be that. She is looked at with disdain and she will never let that reputation become Jonas’.
But secrets and lies are twisted fully in the exciting flashback into the history of the McKay family.
Loved this book, this series, and knowing all the characters in the McKay family.
June 10, 2020
Lorelei James has created a world in the series Rough Riders which we all want to live in. They are strong, thoughtful, protective and what every woman (and some men!) want. This story shows us how the family came to be and the history behind them.
Set in 1897, Silas and Jonas McKay, identical twins, go through more in life before they are 25 then most people do in a lifetime. Silas is buying up as much land as he can so that he has stability and a livelihood. Jonas decides that he has had enough of ranch life and becomes an officer of the law (much like Cam in Shoulda Been a Cowboy!).
Of course, like every other Rough Rider story, a significant other is involved. Silas courts school teacher Dinah Thompson while Jonas secretly courts Ruby Redmond - secretly because Ruby is the madam of Ruby Red's Boarding House which is known for being a bordello.
No one in the current McKay family knows how the feud started with their West cousins, but we discover in Silver Tongue Devil the how and why. We got a sneak of what it might be in Gone Country but it's NOT what I thought it would be!
Ms. Jame has written the final Rough Rider story and I'm thrilled that so many of my questions were answered. I'm hoping for a legacy series just because I don't want to let the characters go. While this may be the last book in the series, it is the first book in the story. If you read this first, the rest of the books in the series will make more sense.
Set in 1897, Silas and Jonas McKay, identical twins, go through more in life before they are 25 then most people do in a lifetime. Silas is buying up as much land as he can so that he has stability and a livelihood. Jonas decides that he has had enough of ranch life and becomes an officer of the law (much like Cam in Shoulda Been a Cowboy!).
Of course, like every other Rough Rider story, a significant other is involved. Silas courts school teacher Dinah Thompson while Jonas secretly courts Ruby Redmond - secretly because Ruby is the madam of Ruby Red's Boarding House which is known for being a bordello.
No one in the current McKay family knows how the feud started with their West cousins, but we discover in Silver Tongue Devil the how and why. We got a sneak of what it might be in Gone Country but it's NOT what I thought it would be!
Ms. Jame has written the final Rough Rider story and I'm thrilled that so many of my questions were answered. I'm hoping for a legacy series just because I don't want to let the characters go. While this may be the last book in the series, it is the first book in the story. If you read this first, the rest of the books in the series will make more sense.
July 2, 2020
My first from this author, and it didn’t disappoint.
This was a good story with unpredictable plot. I got somewhat lost on the western stuff, which almost got me bored. So I had to postponed for several hours. But once I hit the good parts, no stopping anymore.
This is a story of the twin brothers, Silas and Jonas McKay. While Jonas is the good ol’ deputy, Silas is the cattleman, poker genius, and the town headache. Author laid out both their love story to two women opposite of reputation - a well-repsected lady and a whore madam.
And the ending was nice. Made me decide to jump next to book 1. I want to know which is which, who is who, how’s the rivalry between the Mckays and Wests.
On to the next...
This was a good story with unpredictable plot. I got somewhat lost on the western stuff, which almost got me bored. So I had to postponed for several hours. But once I hit the good parts, no stopping anymore.
This is a story of the twin brothers, Silas and Jonas McKay. While Jonas is the good ol’ deputy, Silas is the cattleman, poker genius, and the town headache. Author laid out both their love story to two women opposite of reputation - a well-repsected lady and a whore madam.
And the ending was nice. Made me decide to jump next to book 1. I want to know which is which, who is who, how’s the rivalry between the Mckays and Wests.
On to the next...
June 10, 2020
Rough Riders. McKay. What more needs to be said?
Oh I know - Jonas Brothers series coming which means more McKays and not to mention will be infinitely better than the Disney series I was forced to watch when my children were little!
This series is the only one I continually reread over and over. This book is the origin story and a western historical romance - not my usual jam, but again...McKays! Seriously, if it says Lorelei James and McKay, I’m reading it because I know it will be that darn good. And yes, this book is darn good - I may have even shed a tear or two.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
Oh I know - Jonas Brothers series coming which means more McKays and not to mention will be infinitely better than the Disney series I was forced to watch when my children were little!
This series is the only one I continually reread over and over. This book is the origin story and a western historical romance - not my usual jam, but again...McKays! Seriously, if it says Lorelei James and McKay, I’m reading it because I know it will be that darn good. And yes, this book is darn good - I may have even shed a tear or two.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
Read
July 29, 2025DNF 20%
January 8, 2021
So what’s a girl to do when given an advance copy of a book from her favorite author mere hours before said book is about to release, you start reading it of course. And because it’s another fabulous read by The fabulous Lorelei James you finish that book even though you gotta go to work in the morning. When I tell you I could not put this book down I mean it. I might be hating life at work in the next two hours when my alarm clock is supposed to go off but it was worth every freaking moment of lost sleep. I truly love this story. The writing is beyond impeccable, and the characters just suck you in from the get go. This book gives you a little bit of everything, love, romance, lust, intrigue, it’ll make you cry and it’ll make you laugh. Put down whatever book you’re reading now and pick this one up you will thank me for it.
P.S. If you’ve never read a book from the Rough Riders series no worries this is a complete standalone. However with that said you should definitely read the Rough Riders series if you haven’t yet
P.S. If you’ve never read a book from the Rough Riders series no worries this is a complete standalone. However with that said you should definitely read the Rough Riders series if you haven’t yet
December 26, 2020
The Rough Riders series is one of my Top 5 series of all time, but it's been years since I finished this series. I was excited to see Lorelei James write a prequel to the series to show the origin of the McKay family. I honestly thought I read this back when it came out but then realized this week I hadn't. So as I was scrolling through my Kindle trying to find something that piqued my interest, I decided to go ahead and dive right into the McKay family again.
I'll note though, I HATE historical romance. Like if I start reading one and realize it's not contemporary, I immediately stop and move on. BUT, you can't exactly do that with the McKay family if you love them, so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. All of the descriptions of the attire were lost on me, but at least it made me look stuff up to learn something new when I came across a clothing piece I wasn't familiar with.
Around the 60% mark, things really pick up and get interesting. I was a classic "I'll read just one more chapter then go to sleep" reader last night and ended up spending 2 hours finishing the book lol.
I loved Silas McKay. He was exactly what you'd expect of a McKay man...charming. Jonas, his twin, was also an interesting character. He wasn't the main focus of the book, but I did enjoy his part in the story.
Dinah was a strong and fierce heroine. She seemed all quiet and shy, but if you made her mad, well you better watch out. At least that's how she was around Silas. She did become a bit of a timid mouse around Zeke and the mean girls.
My biggest complaint is the ending. I mean it's certainly a HEA, but it wasn't what I expected. I wanted a big reunion but we don't get that. I won't into details, you'll have to read what happens, so I'll just note it didn't end the way I thought it would and although I'm happy everyone seemed happy, to me it just didn't seem like a true happy, but a 'if things can't change then I guess I'm happy.' But that's just my personal opinion.
Now, had I remembered how the family tree turns out, then maybe the ending wouldn't have been surprising. But it's been years since I finished the series, so maybe that's just on me. I had to go find the family tree on the Facebook group page to see that Jonas (or really Silas) and Dinah are the grandparents of Carson & Calvin McKay.
This book also lacked that heat factor we've come to expect from Ms. James. There's a couple scenes, but it was definitely more PG-13 than what we usually get from her.
I'll note though, I HATE historical romance. Like if I start reading one and realize it's not contemporary, I immediately stop and move on. BUT, you can't exactly do that with the McKay family if you love them, so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. All of the descriptions of the attire were lost on me, but at least it made me look stuff up to learn something new when I came across a clothing piece I wasn't familiar with.
Around the 60% mark, things really pick up and get interesting. I was a classic "I'll read just one more chapter then go to sleep" reader last night and ended up spending 2 hours finishing the book lol.
I loved Silas McKay. He was exactly what you'd expect of a McKay man...charming. Jonas, his twin, was also an interesting character. He wasn't the main focus of the book, but I did enjoy his part in the story.
Dinah was a strong and fierce heroine. She seemed all quiet and shy, but if you made her mad, well you better watch out. At least that's how she was around Silas. She did become a bit of a timid mouse around Zeke and the mean girls.
My biggest complaint is the ending. I mean it's certainly a HEA, but it wasn't what I expected. I wanted a big reunion but we don't get that. I won't into details, you'll have to read what happens, so I'll just note it didn't end the way I thought it would and although I'm happy everyone seemed happy, to me it just didn't seem like a true happy, but a 'if things can't change then I guess I'm happy.' But that's just my personal opinion.
Now, had I remembered how the family tree turns out, then maybe the ending wouldn't have been surprising. But it's been years since I finished the series, so maybe that's just on me. I had to go find the family tree on the Facebook group page to see that Jonas (or really Silas) and Dinah are the grandparents of Carson & Calvin McKay.
This book also lacked that heat factor we've come to expect from Ms. James. There's a couple scenes, but it was definitely more PG-13 than what we usually get from her.
June 28, 2020
I really enjoyed the Rough Rider series when I read them. So when I heard there was going to be a prequel, I was excited and leery. Excited because who doesn't want a new book in a series they really liked, but leery because it's been years...can it capture what the first books did? I also feel like I need to say that I'm not a big historical romance fan, so that made me lean more towards the leery side.
After having read the book I'm glad to say that I didn't need to be leery. There were a couple of things going on here, you had the brothers, Silas and Jonas. These two had a great relationship, despite being different in personalities and identical twins. You could tell that they loved each other and wanted what was best for the other. That really showed through by the choice that they made together at the end, a choice that altered both of their lives, both of them paying a big price. Yet I think it was the right one, both ended getting everything they ever wanted and were able to live happy lives.
Silas was a bit of a goof ball, a bit of a loner. I liked how he was with Dinah. Dinah never really had to worry where she stood with Silas, he told her and was willing to wait for her to be ready for everything that came with him. I loved that Dinah didn't put up with crap from Silas, she called him out when he was stupid and did it in a way that let everyone know she was unhappy with him. I hated how one pissy guy threatened everything they were building between them, but both Dinah and Silas did what needed to be done.
Jonas was a bit of a dark horse. While he was the more public facing twin, he kept a lot close to his vest. You often got the feeling he was playing a role with his duties within the town. I loved what he was building with Ruby, even as I hated that the town would never accept the two of them together. I think that is why I didn't mind the plan he came up with and proposed to Silas. I loved that things didn't end how I thought they would, how smart Ruby was and how she managed to track him down, letting them live their lives happy. I especially loved the presents Ruby brought with her.
My one regret from this book was that there was only one letter. I wish that we would find out there had been lots of letters between the two friends over the years, updating each other on their lives, that it would even be a secret within chosen people in the family, to carry on to present day.
After having read the book I'm glad to say that I didn't need to be leery. There were a couple of things going on here, you had the brothers, Silas and Jonas. These two had a great relationship, despite being different in personalities and identical twins. You could tell that they loved each other and wanted what was best for the other. That really showed through by the choice that they made together at the end, a choice that altered both of their lives, both of them paying a big price. Yet I think it was the right one, both ended getting everything they ever wanted and were able to live happy lives.
Silas was a bit of a goof ball, a bit of a loner. I liked how he was with Dinah. Dinah never really had to worry where she stood with Silas, he told her and was willing to wait for her to be ready for everything that came with him. I loved that Dinah didn't put up with crap from Silas, she called him out when he was stupid and did it in a way that let everyone know she was unhappy with him. I hated how one pissy guy threatened everything they were building between them, but both Dinah and Silas did what needed to be done.
Jonas was a bit of a dark horse. While he was the more public facing twin, he kept a lot close to his vest. You often got the feeling he was playing a role with his duties within the town. I loved what he was building with Ruby, even as I hated that the town would never accept the two of them together. I think that is why I didn't mind the plan he came up with and proposed to Silas. I loved that things didn't end how I thought they would, how smart Ruby was and how she managed to track him down, letting them live their lives happy. I especially loved the presents Ruby brought with her.
My one regret from this book was that there was only one letter. I wish that we would find out there had been lots of letters between the two friends over the years, updating each other on their lives, that it would even be a secret within chosen people in the family, to carry on to present day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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