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Wild West Boys #2
Miss Firecracker
She's the match, he's the fuse...an explosive combination
One year ago Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and ended up with the crown. As a working carpenter, she's not exactly the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow she's ready to cut loose. Waking up in a sexy stranger's bed with no memory of the havoc she wreaked the night before wasn't quite what she had in mind. Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he could possibly be the only man alive who could say no to a drunken, horny, naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
Every grinding kiss, every stolen touch leads to another...until a harmless little white lie becomes the detonator that could explode their chances at a happily ever after.
One year ago Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and ended up with the crown. As a working carpenter, she's not exactly the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow she's ready to cut loose. Waking up in a sexy stranger's bed with no memory of the havoc she wreaked the night before wasn't quite what she had in mind. Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he could possibly be the only man alive who could say no to a drunken, horny, naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
Every grinding kiss, every stolen touch leads to another...until a harmless little white lie becomes the detonator that could explode their chances at a happily ever after.
95 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2009
83 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,339 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 132 reviews
December 22, 2009
*** 4 1/2 stars ***
Willow Gregory wakes up hungover in a strange man's bed wearing only her "Miss Firecracker" sash. Apparently she got a little rowdy the night before and damaged the bar after drinking too many cherry bombs to celebrate the end of her unwanted reign as Miss Firecraker. Blake West is filling in as the bartender at his buddy's bar while he is on vacation. He is the ultimate Mr. Nice Guy so he put the drunk Willow to bed alone despite her propositions. He informs her when she wakes up that the sheriff ordered her to work at the bar until she works off the damage she caused when she threw a stool at a man who groped a waitress.
Willow is a carpenter and foreman for her father's construction company. She only entered the Miss Firecraker contest after someone put her name in as a joke and she didn't want to disappoint her excited mother. She is tired of all the men she knows seeing her as a friend or buddy and not as a hot woman. So when she sees the very hot, sexy Blake West eyeing her up like he wants to eat her up, she jumps at the chance to have a hot love affair. Blake is extremely attracted to the hot firecracker who ended up working in the bar with him. He is at loose ends in his life right now after his dad sold their sheep ranch. He has spent some time bartending and working construction but doesn't really know what he wants to do next - until the sassy Willow started working for him.
Blake and Willow start a very hot affair with lots of nekkid mattress dancing. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Blake is a total sweetheart, always cooking her dinner and saying the sweetest things - Willow would have been crazy to let go of a guy like that! He is hot, has a great body, is great in bed and treats her like a queen.
The relationship between Willow and Blake is very physical but they also start to fall for each other quickly. The story had a wonderful hero, a nice romance, very hot love scenes and a lot of funny parts. Plus I just love Blake's endearments - "sunshine" (because she lights up his life) and of course "darlin'". I really enjoyed this story! Slight points were lost because I could have used an epilogue at the end - but knowing Ms. James she will write another story that tells us more about Blake and Willow's life when she writes about another West/McKay cousin or Blake's friend Dave.
Love Scene Info: The love scenes contain only M/F. No anal, toys (well some marashino cherries were utilized) or anything other than hot lovin' between Blake and Willow.
Willow Gregory wakes up hungover in a strange man's bed wearing only her "Miss Firecracker" sash. Apparently she got a little rowdy the night before and damaged the bar after drinking too many cherry bombs to celebrate the end of her unwanted reign as Miss Firecraker. Blake West is filling in as the bartender at his buddy's bar while he is on vacation. He is the ultimate Mr. Nice Guy so he put the drunk Willow to bed alone despite her propositions. He informs her when she wakes up that the sheriff ordered her to work at the bar until she works off the damage she caused when she threw a stool at a man who groped a waitress.
Willow is a carpenter and foreman for her father's construction company. She only entered the Miss Firecraker contest after someone put her name in as a joke and she didn't want to disappoint her excited mother. She is tired of all the men she knows seeing her as a friend or buddy and not as a hot woman. So when she sees the very hot, sexy Blake West eyeing her up like he wants to eat her up, she jumps at the chance to have a hot love affair. Blake is extremely attracted to the hot firecracker who ended up working in the bar with him. He is at loose ends in his life right now after his dad sold their sheep ranch. He has spent some time bartending and working construction but doesn't really know what he wants to do next - until the sassy Willow started working for him.
Blake and Willow start a very hot affair with lots of nekkid mattress dancing. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Blake is a total sweetheart, always cooking her dinner and saying the sweetest things - Willow would have been crazy to let go of a guy like that! He is hot, has a great body, is great in bed and treats her like a queen.
The relationship between Willow and Blake is very physical but they also start to fall for each other quickly. The story had a wonderful hero, a nice romance, very hot love scenes and a lot of funny parts. Plus I just love Blake's endearments - "sunshine" (because she lights up his life) and of course "darlin'". I really enjoyed this story! Slight points were lost because I could have used an epilogue at the end - but knowing Ms. James she will write another story that tells us more about Blake and Willow's life when she writes about another West/McKay cousin or Blake's friend Dave.
Love Scene Info: The love scenes contain only M/F. No anal, toys (well some marashino cherries were utilized) or anything other than hot lovin' between Blake and Willow.
February 21, 2010
Cute, hot, 95 page novella from Lorelei James about former sheep rancher Blake West (and one of the Rough Riders McKay cousins) and carpenter/construction company foreman, beauty pageant winner (Miss Firecracker) Willow Gregory. Dimpled, 6'3", blond haired, muscular Blake's between jobs deciding what he wants to do with his life since his dad sold their sheep ranch for oodles of money. He's got time on his hands and money in the bank for the first time in his life so he decides to help his Nebraskan buddy Dave out and manage his bar for him while he's out of town. There he meets sexy, petite, tomboy carpenter Willow Gregory, who after a wild night celebrating the end of her reign as "Miss Firecracker", manages to do some serious damage to the bar. The sheriff orders her to make restitution by working in the bar until she pays for the damage she's done. Responsible, good-guy Blake has always had a fantasy of having a no-strings affair, and wouldn't the lovely Willow fill the bill? As soon as they start working together the sparks fly, and since both Blake and Willow are wildly attracted to each other they eventually end up as lovers. Things are going great between the two, and besides having some awesome sex, they really like and enjoy each other's company. But when Willow finds out that Blake hasn't revealed some important details about his past, will her new feelings of love turn to distrust?
This was one smokin' little read, done in typical LJ style. Some nice character development, mixed with some racy dialogue, a touch of humor, decent plot, and plenty of hot sex between the very likable H/h. Blake is a combination of too-good-to-be-true sweet beta on the outside and alpha in the bedroom; Willow is feisty, confident, but a bit vulnerable. When they are together the pages just smolder. Lots of erotic (and some very romantic) times between the two of them, including an interesting little interlude involving some maraschino cherries....
This little story packs a satisfying punch, especially if you're a fan of LJ's Rough Riders series about Blake's more rowdy McKay cousins. I loved the sweet yet sexy Blake, and thought he was a perfect match for the strong, yet vulnerable Willow. Lots of sparks in this one, and a perfectly believable ending. Don't miss it. 4 1/2 stars.
This was one smokin' little read, done in typical LJ style. Some nice character development, mixed with some racy dialogue, a touch of humor, decent plot, and plenty of hot sex between the very likable H/h. Blake is a combination of too-good-to-be-true sweet beta on the outside and alpha in the bedroom; Willow is feisty, confident, but a bit vulnerable. When they are together the pages just smolder. Lots of erotic (and some very romantic) times between the two of them, including an interesting little interlude involving some maraschino cherries....
This little story packs a satisfying punch, especially if you're a fan of LJ's Rough Riders series about Blake's more rowdy McKay cousins. I loved the sweet yet sexy Blake, and thought he was a perfect match for the strong, yet vulnerable Willow. Lots of sparks in this one, and a perfectly believable ending. Don't miss it. 4 1/2 stars.
November 6, 2014
I gave this 4.3 Explosive Stars!
Read this a couple years ago so I don't remember too many details.
I do remember that I enjoyed it though. The Sex was scorching & I liked the short story.
Didn't enjoy the first book in the series as well but you might.
Read this on Independence Day and make your 4th Hotter & more Colorful!! (★^ー^★)
Read this a couple years ago so I don't remember too many details.
I do remember that I enjoyed it though. The Sex was scorching & I liked the short story.
Didn't enjoy the first book in the series as well but you might.
Read this on Independence Day and make your 4th Hotter & more Colorful!! (★^ー^★)
January 2, 2014
3.5 stars.
Quick hot sexy read.
Quick hot sexy read.
June 9, 2013
Willow wakes up in a sexy stranger's bed with no memory of the havoc she wreaked the night before nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail. Blake, who is "in-between" jobs at the moment while trying to figure out what to do with his life now that his father sold the ranch, is filling in at a friends bar when Willow walks through the door.
Willow is a tomboy and not a "girly girl", part of the Miss Firecracker rules is that she cannot date while she has the title...which was not a big deal cause she did not have much of a social life anyway...but she is ready to cut loose with Blake.
It was fun to watch these two together, Willow because she is kinda clueless on the whole dating/relationship thing and Blake because his feelings are easily hurt and because he has withheld information about himself from Willow that will come back and bite him in the ass.
It was a short but fun and hot read with a good dose of humor.
Willow is a tomboy and not a "girly girl", part of the Miss Firecracker rules is that she cannot date while she has the title...which was not a big deal cause she did not have much of a social life anyway...but she is ready to cut loose with Blake.
It was fun to watch these two together, Willow because she is kinda clueless on the whole dating/relationship thing and Blake because his feelings are easily hurt and because he has withheld information about himself from Willow that will come back and bite him in the ass.
It was a short but fun and hot read with a good dose of humor.
September 1, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! An excellent addition to the Rough Riders world. We've spent so much time with the KcKay's and have heard of the West cousins outside Wyoming so it was nice to actually get their stories. This is a standalone title but I would highly recommend reading Mistress Christmas featuring Nick West, Blake's brother.
It's not a long story so there wasn't a huge amount of time for the relationship to build, then to have a huge falling out, and then patch things up so I was very pleased to see that Ms James spent a majority of the story on building the relationship between Blake and Willow and giving us readers a chance to get to know them and feel the passion between them. Oh and is there passion! Hot doesn't event touch it. I won't tell you what the fallout is but I will tell you that what happens after it is epic. Probably my favorite scene in the book.
The characters, as always with Ms James' books, were well developed, unique, and easy to love and the story flowed easily and grabbed from the first page. Great job Ms James!
It's not a long story so there wasn't a huge amount of time for the relationship to build, then to have a huge falling out, and then patch things up so I was very pleased to see that Ms James spent a majority of the story on building the relationship between Blake and Willow and giving us readers a chance to get to know them and feel the passion between them. Oh and is there passion! Hot doesn't event touch it. I won't tell you what the fallout is but I will tell you that what happens after it is epic. Probably my favorite scene in the book.
The characters, as always with Ms James' books, were well developed, unique, and easy to love and the story flowed easily and grabbed from the first page. Great job Ms James!
August 31, 2016
This was an awesome glimpse into the previous worlds that Lorelei James has created and it was just as good as the rest!
Miss Firecracker brings us back to the West cousins, where Blake West is currently helping out at a friends bar. Miss Firecracker AKA Willow heads to the bar to celebrate finally being able to shed her "good girl" ways and ends up celebrating a bit to much. After causing damage to the bar, she is told to either work off her debt or go to jail. She chooses not to go to jail :). Once she starts working with Blake she soon realizes that she got the much better end of this deal.
All to soon, the sparks start flying and you soon realize this is the chemistry that people search their whole lives for. For fans of the Rough Rider series, this is a great book to "bring you back" and for everyone else, you just have to buy this book as it is completely worth it!
Miss Firecracker brings us back to the West cousins, where Blake West is currently helping out at a friends bar. Miss Firecracker AKA Willow heads to the bar to celebrate finally being able to shed her "good girl" ways and ends up celebrating a bit to much. After causing damage to the bar, she is told to either work off her debt or go to jail. She chooses not to go to jail :). Once she starts working with Blake she soon realizes that she got the much better end of this deal.
All to soon, the sparks start flying and you soon realize this is the chemistry that people search their whole lives for. For fans of the Rough Rider series, this is a great book to "bring you back" and for everyone else, you just have to buy this book as it is completely worth it!
February 29, 2012
Just short and sweet and will add more when i have more time.
I've been dying to know Blake's story when he kept popping up in Rough Riders.
At the start if the book I wasn't feeling into it... But by the middle I LOVED IT! He is just something else!
and Willow! Who doesn't love a hot chick who can do manly things?
I thought they were adorable together!
and will never ever look at marichino cherry's the same way again! lol
I've been dying to know Blake's story when he kept popping up in Rough Riders.
At the start if the book I wasn't feeling into it... But by the middle I LOVED IT! He is just something else!
and Willow! Who doesn't love a hot chick who can do manly things?
I thought they were adorable together!
and will never ever look at marichino cherry's the same way again! lol
September 18, 2016
Brilliant book
I forgot how great this book is. Lorelei just knows how to draw you into the world your reading.
I loved Blake's character in Rough Riders series and I'm glad he has found a partner in crime in Willow.
Lorelei seems to make her female characters strong but not lose the femininity at all.
Great read and its a stand alone so no prior knowledge is needed but to warn you once you have read this you will be hooked.
I forgot how great this book is. Lorelei just knows how to draw you into the world your reading.
I loved Blake's character in Rough Riders series and I'm glad he has found a partner in crime in Willow.
Lorelei seems to make her female characters strong but not lose the femininity at all.
Great read and its a stand alone so no prior knowledge is needed but to warn you once you have read this you will be hooked.
November 6, 2010
I Freaking LOVED This book!!
Blake West is Smoken!!!!
I loved this from the start to finish!!!
I cant wait for more!!
Blake West is Smoken!!!!
I loved this from the start to finish!!!
I cant wait for more!!
September 15, 2016
Funny and sexy characters with a sweet story that'll melt your kindle is reason enough to read this one over and over.
August 28, 2016
Sexy and fun. I enjoyed this story. I'll never look at maraschino cherries that same way again.
March 11, 2017
Willow Gregory wakes up hungover in a strange man's bed wearing only her "Miss Firecracker" sash. Apparently she got a little rowdy the night before and damaged the bar after drinking too many cherry bombs to celebrate the end of her unwanted reign as Miss Firecraker. Blake West is filling in as the bartender at his buddy's bar while he is on vacation. He is the ultimate Mr. Nice Guy so he put the drunk Willow to bed alone despite her propositions. Cute, hot, 95 page novella from Lorelei James about former sheep rancher Blake West (and one of the Rough Riders McKay cousins) and carpenter/construction company foreman, beauty pageant winner (Miss Firecracker) Willow Gregory. Dimpled, 6'3", blond haired, muscular Blake's between jobs deciding what he wants to do with his life since his dad sold their sheep ranch for oodles of money. He's got time on his hands and money in the bank for the first time in his life so he decides to help his Nebraskan buddy Dave out and manage his bar for him while he's out of town. There he meets sexy, petite, tomboy carpenter Willow Gregory, who after a wild night celebrating the end of her reign as "Miss Firecracker", manages to do some serious damage to the bar. The couple focus is on Blake West and Willow Gregory. I forgot how much I liked Blake West. This book had all the emotional feels that I came to love in the Rough Rider books. Blake West stayed in Wyoming unlike his brother Nick who left for Denver as soon as he was 18. Blake's father needed someone to help run the sheep ranch and Blake did that for years until his father had a stroke. I've been dying to know Blake's story when he kept popping up in Rough Riders. I thought the chemistry was instant between Blake and Willow. They were really sweet and were perfect for each other. The misunderstanding was handled well with little fuss. I really really really fell for Blake West! He was such a nice change from his manwhoring MacKay cousins...not that there's anything wrong with them but I really really really fell for Blake. It's Lorelei James, it's a Fourth of July Story, it's got sexy Blake West, and it's got a female carpenter turned reluctant beauty queen. You just can't go wrong with this as a short novella. Rough Rider fans know Blake as a cousin to the sexy McKays--Blake shows up in Colt's book Branded by Trouble to provide a little competition for India. And since Blake was attracted to the non-traditional India, we know he goes for a spunky unconventional woman. Willow is a tomboy and not a "girly girl", part of the Miss Firecracker rules is that she cannot date while she has the title...which was not a big deal cause she did not have much of a social life anyway...but she is ready to cut loose with Blake. Yummy, Blake West, all that blonde West-man out there, you can understand why Willow didn't stand a chance when she laid eyes on him!!!! Of course, gentlemen Blake didn't take advantage, but most definitely lets her know he is interested. 24 hours later, sparks are flying, problem is, she thinks he is a passing through bartender and while he thought he wanted a hot, quick affair, he really likes Willow. I loved how history repeated itself only instead of Willow it was Blake later on so drunk and hung over the next morning…that was pretty priceless. I did like how Blake stood up to Big Kenny…he had no choice but to respect him for it and that made me happy that he was able to win him over by being himself.
Sexy and fun. I enjoyed this story. I'll never look at maraschino cherries that same way again. Second in the Wild West Boys romance spinoff series from the Rough Riders with this story based in Broward, Nebraska. This is strictly romance for those of you expecting the erotica from a James story. And it’s sweet, cute, and very, I dunno, metrosexual?? At the start if the book I wasn't feeling into it... But by the middle I LOVED IT! This is how a quick romance is done right. Only thing I didn’t like in this is how much the characters talked to themselves…it was distracting but I understand why they had the thoughts they had. This like the other was a great short story, and a great tie in to the Rough Riders series. Sizzling story, loved every minute of it.
"I call you sunshine because you light up my world."
Sexy and fun. I enjoyed this story. I'll never look at maraschino cherries that same way again. Second in the Wild West Boys romance spinoff series from the Rough Riders with this story based in Broward, Nebraska. This is strictly romance for those of you expecting the erotica from a James story. And it’s sweet, cute, and very, I dunno, metrosexual?? At the start if the book I wasn't feeling into it... But by the middle I LOVED IT! This is how a quick romance is done right. Only thing I didn’t like in this is how much the characters talked to themselves…it was distracting but I understand why they had the thoughts they had. This like the other was a great short story, and a great tie in to the Rough Riders series. Sizzling story, loved every minute of it.
"I call you sunshine because you light up my world."
October 18, 2023
Fun book. I enjoyed the quick read.
March 7, 2024
I quit around 70%. I was utterly bored. The sex was ok at times.
December 28, 2013
Second in the Wild West Boys romance spinoff series from the Rough Riders with this story based in Broward, Nebraska. The couple focus is on Blake West and Willow Gregory.
My Take
This is strictly romance for those of you expecting the erotica from a James story. And it’s sweet, cute, and very, I dunno, metrosexual?? Is that a word I can use for a guy who is sensitive, sweet, concerned with his health without being obsessive, trying to find himself---and very considerate of the woman he’s with...oh, yeah.
He also takes on the negative characteristics attributed to women: he’s pissed that he might just be a one-night-stand. Even though that’s all he had been looking for.
It’s rare to find a romance in which the guy is the softer, gentler half, and this one is it. Blake is amazing in his understanding, in being such a gentleman (when a woman needs him to be), and such a lover when she needs that.
I loved the twist James put on this right from the start with a naughty Willow waking up in a strange guy’s bed. Combine it with Blake’s reaction, and I’m all over readin’ it. James also stretched Blake’s reasons for being in Nebraska out nicely. All those hints and reflections had me wondering what he’d done wrong.
There were a few places where Blake took umbrage, and I didn’t understand why. Seemed out of character for him. The fact that Dreyfuss was the only person to talk about how attracted all the men in town are to Willow was annoying. Why weren’t there at least other indications for the readers to be aware of that an obtuse Willow could have not seen?
Okay, for all my moaning and whining, I liked the honest communication between Willow and Blake. I did not appreciate Dave’s entry into the scene. That was clumsy and seemed more mean than anything.
LOL, I did like Mandy’s ploy! And I liked that Willow caught on, to the learning part, and then eventually the truth. Then there was the scene between Blake and Willow’s dad...ROFLMAO funny.
Yeah, who knew? Who knew that a McKay cousin could be so comfortable and attuned to a woman’s needs out of bed, LOL.
The Story
Too caught up in proving herself, Willow Gregory finally realizes there’s more to life than work...thanks to so-called friends standing her up.
It’s that humiliation that sets this story crackin’ as Willow lashes out, and the sheriff lashes back. It’s a week of payback with the ultimate in payoff when Willow meets Blake West, an all-around nice guy who seems to have picked up some ideas from those rowdy, rough McKay cousins.
The Characters
Willow Gregory is so not a girl’s girl and heads up a construction team for Gregory Construction and constantly feels the need to prove herself. Jackson is her younger brother who’s away at college. Big Kenny is her dad...and they ain’t kiddin’...he’s BIG. Cerise was her best friend, but she’s married to a soldier and living in Germany.
Blake West is at loose ends, trying to find himself, and when his friend, Dave LeRoy, asks for help with his bar, LeRoy’s Tavern, Blake jumps. Darren West is his dad, and he’s in rehab for a stroke.
Mandy is a hardworking waitress at the bar with a four-year-old daughter, Anya, and a fifteen-year-old sister, Roxy, to take care of; Ginny is not. A hardworking waitress that is.
Norbert Fossum is a dirty old man who finally got his comeuppance. Sheriff Mayhew has an unusual approach to mayhem. Destiny is the not-friend who put Willow’s name up for the pageant. Paul Shulman is a Gregory electrician and the company’s biggest gossip. Don Dreyfuss owns the International Harvester dealership in town, and knows Willow’s daddy. Gloria is Dave’s significant other, if the break-up isn’t permanent.
Catching up...
This takes place about a year after Nick and Holly marry and they're expecting a child (see Mistress Christmas , 1).
Chronologically, it fits in the Rough Riders series about two weeks after Indy has baby Hudson.
The Cover
The cover is cute with its subtle patriotic colors in Willow's sexy, white short shorts along with the blue drill and the red bra top. I do love the tool belt that almost obliterates those shorts! All up against a backdrop of red and white fireworks bursting from a deep blue background.
The title is an inciting incident in this story, for it’s the end of Miss Firecracker’s reign, and she’s lettin’ loose!
My Take
This is strictly romance for those of you expecting the erotica from a James story. And it’s sweet, cute, and very, I dunno, metrosexual?? Is that a word I can use for a guy who is sensitive, sweet, concerned with his health without being obsessive, trying to find himself---and very considerate of the woman he’s with...oh, yeah.
He also takes on the negative characteristics attributed to women: he’s pissed that he might just be a one-night-stand. Even though that’s all he had been looking for.
It’s rare to find a romance in which the guy is the softer, gentler half, and this one is it. Blake is amazing in his understanding, in being such a gentleman (when a woman needs him to be), and such a lover when she needs that.
I loved the twist James put on this right from the start with a naughty Willow waking up in a strange guy’s bed. Combine it with Blake’s reaction, and I’m all over readin’ it. James also stretched Blake’s reasons for being in Nebraska out nicely. All those hints and reflections had me wondering what he’d done wrong.
There were a few places where Blake took umbrage, and I didn’t understand why. Seemed out of character for him. The fact that Dreyfuss was the only person to talk about how attracted all the men in town are to Willow was annoying. Why weren’t there at least other indications for the readers to be aware of that an obtuse Willow could have not seen?
Okay, for all my moaning and whining, I liked the honest communication between Willow and Blake. I did not appreciate Dave’s entry into the scene. That was clumsy and seemed more mean than anything.
LOL, I did like Mandy’s ploy! And I liked that Willow caught on, to the learning part, and then eventually the truth. Then there was the scene between Blake and Willow’s dad...ROFLMAO funny.
Yeah, who knew? Who knew that a McKay cousin could be so comfortable and attuned to a woman’s needs out of bed, LOL.
"I call you sunshine because you light up my world."
The Story
Too caught up in proving herself, Willow Gregory finally realizes there’s more to life than work...thanks to so-called friends standing her up.
It’s that humiliation that sets this story crackin’ as Willow lashes out, and the sheriff lashes back. It’s a week of payback with the ultimate in payoff when Willow meets Blake West, an all-around nice guy who seems to have picked up some ideas from those rowdy, rough McKay cousins.
The Characters
Willow Gregory is so not a girl’s girl and heads up a construction team for Gregory Construction and constantly feels the need to prove herself. Jackson is her younger brother who’s away at college. Big Kenny is her dad...and they ain’t kiddin’...he’s BIG. Cerise was her best friend, but she’s married to a soldier and living in Germany.
Blake West is at loose ends, trying to find himself, and when his friend, Dave LeRoy, asks for help with his bar, LeRoy’s Tavern, Blake jumps. Darren West is his dad, and he’s in rehab for a stroke.
Mandy is a hardworking waitress at the bar with a four-year-old daughter, Anya, and a fifteen-year-old sister, Roxy, to take care of; Ginny is not. A hardworking waitress that is.
Norbert Fossum is a dirty old man who finally got his comeuppance. Sheriff Mayhew has an unusual approach to mayhem. Destiny is the not-friend who put Willow’s name up for the pageant. Paul Shulman is a Gregory electrician and the company’s biggest gossip. Don Dreyfuss owns the International Harvester dealership in town, and knows Willow’s daddy. Gloria is Dave’s significant other, if the break-up isn’t permanent.
Catching up...
This takes place about a year after Nick and Holly marry and they're expecting a child (see Mistress Christmas , 1).
Chronologically, it fits in the Rough Riders series about two weeks after Indy has baby Hudson.
The Cover
The cover is cute with its subtle patriotic colors in Willow's sexy, white short shorts along with the blue drill and the red bra top. I do love the tool belt that almost obliterates those shorts! All up against a backdrop of red and white fireworks bursting from a deep blue background.
The title is an inciting incident in this story, for it’s the end of Miss Firecracker’s reign, and she’s lettin’ loose!
January 20, 2011
I’m enjoying these novellas of Ms. James’ that are offshoots of her McKay family series. These Wild West boys are cousins to their infamous counterparts. The stories are shorter, of course, and that leaves no time for for those misunderstandings that are always so prevalent in romance books. In this series, a reader gets to the meat of things quickly, gets some good lovin’ while learning about the relationship along with the characters, and a happily ever after is that much more straightforward and sweeter.
That’s not to say there aren’t doubts and vulnerabilities along the way. Even though Blake and Willow are strong, confident people, they still have those moments in life when they’re just not sure and question certain things. But then they attack that problem head on, talk it out, get it out in the open and get on with their lives. And the lovin’. Did I mention the lovin’?
I really like the way this book starts out. Willow, the night before, was whooping it up because her Miss Firecracker run had ended. Getting stood up by the new Miss Firecracker and her cronies didn’t help matters, so she had a drink. And half a dozen more drinks that were waiting for the jerks who thought they had a sense of humor. What she doesn’t remember after that is the ensuing fight, so to speak, when she tossed some furniture at the guy who tried to feel her up. He learned to keep his hands to himself and Willow wakes up in Blake West’s bed with no memory of what went on later in the bar, nor what happened with Blake.
As much as I enjoy Blake’s McKay cousins and their rowdy, bad-boy ways, I also love a good guy. And Blake is definitely one of those. He took care of Willow during her momentary lapse in judgment and nothing did happen between them during that night, as much as he wanted something to happen. He’s going to get a second chance, however, because instead of going to jail, he made a deal with local law enforcment for Willow to work off the damages her table-throwing activities caused in the bar. She’ll be around a while so he can have a little fun and he can make sure she enjoys herself too.
And do these two have fun. Their chemistry is great. And though they keep a couple of things hidden in the beginning from each other, when all is revealed they work it out by talking instead of quaking internally and getting all worked up. And that aforementioned lovin’? Lots of it and it leaves you hot and sated and ready for more. Just like Blake and Willow.
That’s not to say there aren’t doubts and vulnerabilities along the way. Even though Blake and Willow are strong, confident people, they still have those moments in life when they’re just not sure and question certain things. But then they attack that problem head on, talk it out, get it out in the open and get on with their lives. And the lovin’. Did I mention the lovin’?
I really like the way this book starts out. Willow, the night before, was whooping it up because her Miss Firecracker run had ended. Getting stood up by the new Miss Firecracker and her cronies didn’t help matters, so she had a drink. And half a dozen more drinks that were waiting for the jerks who thought they had a sense of humor. What she doesn’t remember after that is the ensuing fight, so to speak, when she tossed some furniture at the guy who tried to feel her up. He learned to keep his hands to himself and Willow wakes up in Blake West’s bed with no memory of what went on later in the bar, nor what happened with Blake.
As much as I enjoy Blake’s McKay cousins and their rowdy, bad-boy ways, I also love a good guy. And Blake is definitely one of those. He took care of Willow during her momentary lapse in judgment and nothing did happen between them during that night, as much as he wanted something to happen. He’s going to get a second chance, however, because instead of going to jail, he made a deal with local law enforcment for Willow to work off the damages her table-throwing activities caused in the bar. She’ll be around a while so he can have a little fun and he can make sure she enjoys herself too.
And do these two have fun. Their chemistry is great. And though they keep a couple of things hidden in the beginning from each other, when all is revealed they work it out by talking instead of quaking internally and getting all worked up. And that aforementioned lovin’? Lots of it and it leaves you hot and sated and ready for more. Just like Blake and Willow.
April 25, 2012
Another Ravenous, Zealous, Tale from the Astounding Lorelei James!
Willow Gregory woke up in Blake West's bed with absolutely no recollection of what transpired the night before. Especially the part of the night where she miraculously threw off her clothes, since they're hanging from the ceiling fan. She's harboring a nasty hangover, & completely nekkid to boot!
Blake West being a complete gentleman, never took advantage of the nekkid ex-beauty queen lounging in his bed.
Even though the he swears next time she appears there, she won't be so lucky. Blake will undoubtedly unleash his carnal desires upon her, and won't be able to stop! For those luscious curves, able breast, & squeezable bottom have been beckoning him in.
It's going to be ultimately impossible to be within the proximity of her for the duration of the penalty that has been bestowed upon her, for wrecking his best friend's bar. Because there's no doubt in his mind that Willow won't be his. He just needs to strategize his next move.
Well it's unfathomable to Willow that she would lose complete and utter control of her anger & drinking ability to destroy something that didn't belong to her. This behavior was uncanny to her. What could have possibly occurred last night, since she must pay her debt to society?
Ms. James is the Ultimate "Spinderella," who can spin words into top 10 songs, beautiful & breathtaking memories, and without-a-doubt into GOLDEN story-lines!
No one can write Erotic Western Romances better than LJ, I just can't get enough!
Just when I think I've enjoyed this novel more than the one I previously read by her, I'm dying for more! This woman is on FIRE w/her writing! She ALWAYS deserves nothing short of a 10 stars rating!
Willow Gregory woke up in Blake West's bed with absolutely no recollection of what transpired the night before. Especially the part of the night where she miraculously threw off her clothes, since they're hanging from the ceiling fan. She's harboring a nasty hangover, & completely nekkid to boot!
Blake West being a complete gentleman, never took advantage of the nekkid ex-beauty queen lounging in his bed.
Even though the he swears next time she appears there, she won't be so lucky. Blake will undoubtedly unleash his carnal desires upon her, and won't be able to stop! For those luscious curves, able breast, & squeezable bottom have been beckoning him in.
It's going to be ultimately impossible to be within the proximity of her for the duration of the penalty that has been bestowed upon her, for wrecking his best friend's bar. Because there's no doubt in his mind that Willow won't be his. He just needs to strategize his next move.
Well it's unfathomable to Willow that she would lose complete and utter control of her anger & drinking ability to destroy something that didn't belong to her. This behavior was uncanny to her. What could have possibly occurred last night, since she must pay her debt to society?
Ms. James is the Ultimate "Spinderella," who can spin words into top 10 songs, beautiful & breathtaking memories, and without-a-doubt into GOLDEN story-lines!
No one can write Erotic Western Romances better than LJ, I just can't get enough!
Just when I think I've enjoyed this novel more than the one I previously read by her, I'm dying for more! This woman is on FIRE w/her writing! She ALWAYS deserves nothing short of a 10 stars rating!
August 24, 2016
I forgot how much I liked Blake West. This book had all the emotional feels that I came to love in the Rough Rider books.
Blake West stayed in Wyoming unlike his brother Nick who left for Denver as soon as he was 18. Blake's father needed someone to help run the sheep ranch and Blake did that for years until his father had a stroke. After recovering his father chose to sell the ranch which left Blake at a crossroads for what he wanted to do. After working for a time with his cousins construction business he ended up in Nebraska running his friends bar while he's off on vacation. Story starts the morning after the former Miss Firecracker caused some damage to the bar after one to many cherry bombs. The Sheriff gave her the ultimatum of working off her debt behind bars or tending the bar.
From beginning to end I loved this story. Right from the start you just melt for Blake. Willow was a hoot being the ex reigning Miss Firecracker who never wanted to job to begin with. The real Willow is a tough woman who runs her own construction crew. These two had a believable spark right from the start. Re-reading this book reminded me while I fell in love with this author so many years ago.
Blake West stayed in Wyoming unlike his brother Nick who left for Denver as soon as he was 18. Blake's father needed someone to help run the sheep ranch and Blake did that for years until his father had a stroke. After recovering his father chose to sell the ranch which left Blake at a crossroads for what he wanted to do. After working for a time with his cousins construction business he ended up in Nebraska running his friends bar while he's off on vacation. Story starts the morning after the former Miss Firecracker caused some damage to the bar after one to many cherry bombs. The Sheriff gave her the ultimatum of working off her debt behind bars or tending the bar.
From beginning to end I loved this story. Right from the start you just melt for Blake. Willow was a hoot being the ex reigning Miss Firecracker who never wanted to job to begin with. The real Willow is a tough woman who runs her own construction crew. These two had a believable spark right from the start. Re-reading this book reminded me while I fell in love with this author so many years ago.
August 27, 2016
I love this short novel about Blake West and Willow Gregory. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer! The story is complete, but I enjoyed getting to know these characters so much that I didn't want it to end.
I loved Blake in his earlier appearances in Lorelei James' Rough Riders series. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy and this book reinforces that. Blake is sweet, charming and seriously HOT!! He's at loose ends and helping out a buddy by looking after his bar while he takes some time off. He isn't sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life. He meets Willow, the former Miss Firecracker, when she gets "cherry-bombed" and does some damage to his bar. She works in the family construction business and thinks of herself more as one of the guys than as an attractive, sexy woman. The two click instantly and...you'll just have to read it yourself to find out what happens next!
I loved Blake in his earlier appearances in Lorelei James' Rough Riders series. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy and this book reinforces that. Blake is sweet, charming and seriously HOT!! He's at loose ends and helping out a buddy by looking after his bar while he takes some time off. He isn't sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life. He meets Willow, the former Miss Firecracker, when she gets "cherry-bombed" and does some damage to his bar. She works in the family construction business and thinks of herself more as one of the guys than as an attractive, sexy woman. The two click instantly and...you'll just have to read it yourself to find out what happens next!
August 25, 2016
Miss Firecracker is the second book in The Wild West Boys # Series.
Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and won!
As a carpenter is she not the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow is she ready to cut loose. Waking up in a stranger's bed with no memory was on her mind . Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he is the only man who could say no to a naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
That´s the blurb.
Miss Firecracker is another cute novella by Lorelei James and I liked this book very much.
Thank you Lorelei James. 5 Stars.
Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and won!
As a carpenter is she not the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow is she ready to cut loose. Waking up in a stranger's bed with no memory was on her mind . Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he is the only man who could say no to a naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
That´s the blurb.
Miss Firecracker is another cute novella by Lorelei James and I liked this book very much.
Thank you Lorelei James. 5 Stars.
August 31, 2016
Miss Firecracker is the second book in The Wild West Boys # Series.
Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and won!
As a carpenter is she not the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow is she ready to cut loose. Waking up in a stranger's bed with no memory was on her mind . Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he is the only man who could say no to a naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
That´s the blurb.
Miss Firecracker is another cute novella by Lorelei James and I liked this book very much.
Thank you Lorelei James. 5 Stars.
Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare-and won!
As a carpenter is she not the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow is she ready to cut loose. Waking up in a stranger's bed with no memory was on her mind . Nor was agreeing to his mandate-work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he is the only man who could say no to a naked beauty queen. There's something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell. It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake's temporary gig managing his friend's bar.
That´s the blurb.
Miss Firecracker is another cute novella by Lorelei James and I liked this book very much.
Thank you Lorelei James. 5 Stars.
July 3, 2013
Blake West is in Nebraska managing his friends bar for him, and trying to figure what to do with his life. He has the money and the freedom to what he wants, and as soon as Miss Firecracker walks in he wants to her.
Willow Gregory is a carpenter and for the past year she was Miss Firecracker until she passed it on to the next woman up. After passing on the Miss Firecracker she saunters in the bar and gets unbelievable drunk and trashes it.
Now Will has to help out at the bar and pay for the damages.
Blake and Willow get together and they are explosive. They can't get enough of each other.
This was a good read. I love reading about the West family. I can't wait for more.
Willow Gregory is a carpenter and for the past year she was Miss Firecracker until she passed it on to the next woman up. After passing on the Miss Firecracker she saunters in the bar and gets unbelievable drunk and trashes it.
Now Will has to help out at the bar and pay for the damages.
Blake and Willow get together and they are explosive. They can't get enough of each other.
This was a good read. I love reading about the West family. I can't wait for more.
October 6, 2010
This is how a quick romance is done right. I thought the chemistry was instant between Blake and Willow. They were really sweet and were perfect for each other. The misunderstanding was handled well with little fuss. Very cute story.
July 19, 2011
I really really really fell for Blake West! He is such a sweetie pie and love the chemistry between him and Willow. He was such a nice change from his manwhoring MacKay cousins...not that there's anything wrong with them but I really really really fell for Blake.
January 12, 2017
Sweet and sexy
Loved this second installment in the Wild West Boys series. It's short, sexy, and sweet, with a likeable hero and heroine, some insta love and a happily-ever-after.
Loved this second installment in the Wild West Boys series. It's short, sexy, and sweet, with a likeable hero and heroine, some insta love and a happily-ever-after.
July 5, 2021
I think I read this story around every 4th of July. A short, stand alone, fine example of this author's work.
Reread - listened this time. Excellent narrators.
Reread - listened this time. Excellent narrators.
April 10, 2018
My goodness, what a sweet story. Don’t worry, this is a spin-off the Rough Riders series so it’s also super sexy. I’ll admit it was hard to like Blake in Branded as Trouble, but that’s just because I wanted Colt and India to be together. Well, Blake admits he dated India to light a fire under his cousin. And that’s the only reason I wasn’t a huge fan. Other than that, I have really liked Blake.
The way Willow got on Blake’s radar is fun and funny. There’s was definitely a whirlwind romance, but it still made sense. The reasons they’re both single although they’re both sexy and kind, the reasons they are attracted to each other, all the reason just make sense so it makes this story seem less insta-romance than it really is.
The next book in this series has not yet been written. Considering it’s been so long I don’t know that it will be. But I love these shorter hot and heavy romances in this series and would love to read more about the McKay cousins that we don’t get to see as often. Although, since I still have about 12 more books to go in the Rough Riders series I may see some of the “lesser” cousins get stories there instead.
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The way Willow got on Blake’s radar is fun and funny. There’s was definitely a whirlwind romance, but it still made sense. The reasons they’re both single although they’re both sexy and kind, the reasons they are attracted to each other, all the reason just make sense so it makes this story seem less insta-romance than it really is.
The next book in this series has not yet been written. Considering it’s been so long I don’t know that it will be. But I love these shorter hot and heavy romances in this series and would love to read more about the McKay cousins that we don’t get to see as often. Although, since I still have about 12 more books to go in the Rough Riders series I may see some of the “lesser” cousins get stories there instead.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
January 24, 2019
Miss Firecracker is one Hawt read! But then again I would expect nothing less from author Lorelei James. This is the second book in the Wild West series and while you can certainly read it as a stand alone book just fine, let me share that if you want a really great experience try reading Mistress Christmas first. Let's just say the West boys are indeed wild and hot.
This is Blake & Willow story and it is so hot but also has a funny side as well. Willow is the past Miss Firecracker and Blake is taking care of his friends bar while he is out healing his heart. This book is a quick read for me it was like an hour and half (I read fast) and so good.
This is Blake & Willow story and it is so hot but also has a funny side as well. Willow is the past Miss Firecracker and Blake is taking care of his friends bar while he is out healing his heart. This book is a quick read for me it was like an hour and half (I read fast) and so good.
July 4, 2024
Leave it to Lorelei James to write a smexy, insta-love novella. I enjoyed reading this one for many reasons, one being having very interesting, out-of-the-ordinary MCs (a carpenter heroine and a hero who is a very good cook, anyone?). The banter is spot on, the sexy times sexy despite reading it multiple times, and the snark and comedy of the novella is *chef's kiss.* I would have loved for this to be longer, but for now, I guess what I can wish for is to see them in the spin-off series, if we may call it that? After all, our hero here is a cousin to the Wests and McKays of this author's world. That would definitely be fun.
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