Commitment Ranch by B.A. Tortuga (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Commitment Ranch Cover 347hfnTitle: Commitment Ranch

Series: Leaning N Ranch 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: Novel (230pgs)

ISBN: B081R13FZZ

Publisher: B.A. Tortuga (19th November 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Not everyone gets a second chance at love.

Ford Nixel has two law offices, two fancy condominiums, and all the right connections. He definitely thinks he has everything he wants.

The last thing he needs is his Uncle Ty’s stake in the Leanin’ N, a ranch that’s been in the family for generations. Ford hasn’t even been to the ranch in over a decade, not since he left his boyfriend Stoney behind and headed back to college alone.

Ford arrives at the Leaning N to find Stoney, now a single father, right where he left him. A fist fight, a snowstorm, and a stolen kiss in the barn later, and Ford knows none of the heat between them has dissipated, but can they make their second chance work?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: When Ford’s Uncle Ty asks for his help Ford doesn’t hesitate to rush back to the ranch he hasn’t set foot on in twelve years. Ford returns to the Leaning N not looking forward to seeing his ex-boyfriend Stoney, the man who preferred the ranch and knocked up Ford’s cousin. But even with twelve years and a child putting distance between them Ford’s feelings for Stoney haven’t changed and when Stoney reveals a secret Ford can’t fight how he truly feels for Stoney.

This is a great story that has two men reuniting and finally putting the misunderstandings between them to rest. Ford is a great character who is struggling with his resentment for Stoney, having to work with Stoney proves to be like getting blood from a stone, they clash, bitch at each other and Ford wants nothing more than go punch Stoney. Stoney is a solid character who doesn’t believe he is any good at anything other than being a cowboy, Stoney resents Ford coming home, and he resents Ty asking him to work with Ford but if the Leaning N is going to keep going he needs Fords help.

I really like how this story was written, while Ford and Stoney’s relationship plays out throughout the story we also have them learning to work together, moving forward to improve the ranch, we have Ford trying to find his place as the people who work on the ranch are like family and we also have some great characters who shine like Quartz (Stoney’s son) and Geoff (the vegan cook).

The story is easy to follow and is well paced; there are some hot moments between Ford and Stoney and some tense moments (snowstorm), the relationship doesn’t instantly strike up again when Ford and Stoney meet again in fact it takes quite some time before they are even in the same room without them wanting to punch each other. B.A. Tortuga has again written a story that produces some warm and fuzzy feelings and while it does have tension it isn’t angsty.

I recommend this to those who love second chance love stories, who adore characters who can put the past behind them for a new future, and great characters who are determined to get a happy ending.

Real World by B.A. Tortuga *Dual Review* (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Real World Cover njx74aqTitle: Real World

Series: Love is Blind 02

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (344 Pages)

Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (10th October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 – 4 1/2 Hearts Combined

Blurb: Dan White is trying to acclimate to civilian life after a long career in the military with multiple combat deployments.

Now he’s home in the Austin area, living with his brother Dixon, Dixon’s husband, Audie, and their two nine-year-olds. During the New Year celebration, Dan meets Abraham Weldon, and the connection is instant.

There’s a kiss. There’s a dance. There’s a proposition.

Then Dan finds out Weldon is bisexual. And a dad. With five kids. Five kids, one of whom is a blind fifteen-year-old.

Widower Weldon has been in love twice before in his life—with his high school best friend, Blake, and with his wife, Krista, who he met in a Dairy Queen as she was crying over a positive pregnancy test. Love number three hits Weldon like a hammer when he meets Dan.

But since Dan isn’t interested in a guy with kids, they might only get one night together.

ISBN: B07YYX1ZWC

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewers: Lisa & Pixie

Lisa’s Review: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts 

Now I have to admit that I am not a fan of bisexual characters nor with children or female parts. Also every time I read a story where the wife tragically died leaving her husband and children behind just drives me nuts. Also the fact that she was his best friend in highschool doesn’t really connect with me either. It seems to be used quite a bit which for me is a dull moment. I want something unique and I hate to say it that this was not unique. What was unique was he married his wife, when he found her crying over being pregnant with another man’s child.

Abraham was in love with his best friend and the mother of his children. However that all changed when she passed away and left him alone with their five kids. Although the fact that his oldest is a blind teen who is not biologically his child, and as a normal teenager wants his real daddy. That was the only unique part of the whole story. It does show that Abraham is a nice guy. So his hooking up with Dan was not all that new for me. He hangs out with his friends and meets Dix’s brother Dan and of course something happens. However he just could no resist the temptation.

Dan is a military man who has been in for most of his life and is dealing with his memories. Now as many military personal he has PTSD and has trouble dealing with being a civilian at times. Now what caught my attention was the fact that his brother is blind, and Abraham’s oldest son was blind, see the theme going there. The he meets his brothers friend Abraham, and sparks fly. The problem seems to be those five kids that he has. And according to Dan, he doesn’t like kids. Really were going to go there, just seems a bit to cliche again.

Now over all this story was quite good and I did enjoy reading it. I am surprised by the amount of heat these guys have going on, even when they are fighting with each other. I liked the fact that the kids were so active in this book and even though I don’t much care for that aspect of the story it felt good. Now I will be the first to admit that I didn’t read book one so I was missing parts of the story. Which means I will have to go read the first book to check it out. It was a very catchy story that did intrigued me quite a bit. The flow was even paced and made for an enjoyable read.

Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Dan is recently out of the military, staying with his brother Dix and wondering what he will do with his life now. While celebrating New Year Dan meets Weldon, Dix’s neighbor, and its instant lust, but Weldon has five children and Dan isn’t ready for that type of commitment. Weldon is looking for permanence from any person he has a relationship with, but there’s something about Dan that he just has to have a taste of, they might only have one night together but it’s a night that neither man will forget.

This is a superb story where love sneaks in and knocks both men for six. Dan is still finding his feet after being in the military for years, he’s finding it difficult to find a job and he suffers from the occasional nightmare from his time in combat. A relationship is something he isn’t looking for but he gets knocked off his feet by Weldon and his family. Weldon has a fantastic family; it’s been over three years since his wife died and he’s now looking for someone to share it with, Dan is honest and caring and Weldon wishes he was ready for more than just hook-ups.

Weldon’s children Jakob, Emma, Madison, MacKenzie & Caleb are little stars of this story; they are absolute holy terrors/cherubs and make you grin. While Weldon and Dan are dancing round the relationship dilemma and Dan accepts that he might want more than just a fling with Weldon the kids are all in the background and have an impact on Dan that he never thought would happen… they wormed their way into his heart.

The story is very easy going for the most part, Dan and Weldon fall into a relationship after Dan sorts himself out, but danger lurks when Jakob keeps secrets. This story isn’t just about Dan and Weldon, it’s about building a new family, dealing with settling into a new way of life and helping children deal with growing up.

I loved how this story was written, there is angst but it isn’t really coming from the adults (except parenting angst, there’s plenty of that!), we see how Dan and Weldon deal with their relationship (really easy going), we see the children dealing with a new man in their dad’s life, we see the normal sibling teasing & secrets and how it affects them and we see a strong family being built before our eyes.

I recommend this to those who love fantastic characters, who adore rambunctious children, who love a dash of tension and angst, and love characters who become exceptional when they love the right man.

Ever the Same by B.A. Tortuga (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Ever The Same Cover cdbsh64Title: Ever the Same

Author: B. A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Western/Cowboy

Length: Novel (287 pages)

ISBN: B07YR25T9F

Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (4th October 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Audie Barrack is in it up to his elbows with a sick calf when his son’s school calls. Seems Grainger has gotten into yet another fight. When he walks into the principal’s office, he’s shocked to find his son has been fighting with a little girl named Randi.

A little girl with one blind dad and one dad who recently passed away.

Goddammit.

Dixon has lost his sight, his career, and his husband. Thank God for his brothers, Momma and Daddy, and his little girl, or he would simply give up. The last thing he needs is for Randi to start trouble at school, especially trouble that puts him in contact with another dad who might expect him to be a functional human being.

Dixon is struggling to live as a blind man, Audie is terrified someone might see he has a closet to come out of, and everyone from the school to both men’s families is worried for the men and their children. Unless they get themselves together and commit to change, neither of them stands a chance.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Audie is gay though no one knows except his family and they prefer he keep it secret thinking it will go away. He is surprised in more ways than one when he gets a call from school that his son has been fighting. When he gets there he finds out Randy is Randi and a girl. She just lost one dad and the other dad is gay. Oh yeah and most importantly blind. He never had any idea how much one little phone call could change his life.

Dix feels useless and wishes he had died in the accident t times if only it was t for his daughter Randi. She is also struggling with the loss of one dad all the changes of moving and her other dad not being able to see and do anything.

I loved this story. I loved that neither man is perfect and how much each man loves their child. I also liked how it seems as if fate brings them together through their children. It is a beautiful story of love, tragedy, and need.

I am a big character lover and I loved every single character in this book including the children.  Each one played their parts well giving the story interest.

 The one issue I had was it switches quickly from one view to the other. I was able to follow but at times I had to read back a bit to figure out who was talking or thinking.  It didn’t slow me down or keep me from enjoying the story.

 I applaud B. A. for making Dixon blind and not where he magically gets better or can even be surgically fixed but permanently blind and Dixon having a child as a teen and taking responsibility showing some men do actually do what is necessary and life changing. I have to say that I really enjoyed the cute baby talk on occasion from the kids it lightened up the sadness. (I can’t wait to see if Dan gets a story)

If you live a sweet romance with a touch of angst, some tragedy, cute kids, cowboys, musician’s horses, damaged men, handicapped men and some pretty sensual and hot man-sex this is definitely for you!

Just Like Cats and Dogs by B.A. Tortuga (3rd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Just Like Cats and Dogs Cover bwe439Title: Just Like Cats and Dogs, (3rd Edition)

Series: A Sanctuary Novel 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (213 Pages)

Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (9th October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb:  Can cats and dogs ever get along, let alone fall in love?

Sam knows you can never go home again. As an orphaned feline shifter raised by wolves, being an outcast is nothing new to him. But the pack is still his family, and when one of them passes away, Sam returns to the New Mexico desert to say good-bye.

Gus is a loner who rarely returns to his pack, but as fate would have it, Sam is there when he chooses to visit. The history between Gus and Sam is tumultuous, to say the least, but when Gus gets an eyeful of the grown-up and gorgeous version of his childhood bully, he can’t control his reaction. And he isn’t alone.

The attraction is powerful, but so are their differences. And with trouble brewing in the pack and danger surrounding them, Sam and Gus might not have the opportunity to seek common ground.

First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2011. Second Edition published by Dreamspinner Press 2017.

ISBN: 978-1-951532-25-3

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  When I first saw this book on the list, I thought the title very quirky and fun.  However I wasn’t paying attention to what kind of book it was going to be.  So when I started reading you can imagine my surprise at some of the words they called each other and the scratching.  So I ran to the site to take a look at the blurb, and from there did the happy dance of the century.  

This is a very unique shifter story that was very surprising to say the least.  Where one of the families in the pack loves to take in strays but the pack is a bit full of asshats.  Sam is a cat shifter who is one hell of a dancer and lives in the city because the pack is not really into shifters unlike them during the moon.  He had to be locked into the basement during those times, but now he doesn’t have to be.  He knows that he will never be safe coming home, but when his ma called about pop’s death he came home.  

Gus is a wolf shifter and a bit of a loner.  He loves to dig in dirt for some nice gems.  He never really gave Sam the time of day other than to pick on him.  But in his heart he knew that was because he wanted Sam and he knew it would never be allowed.  Then he sees Sam for the first time in a very long time, and damn if the man isn’t hot.  Danger seems to follow Sam everywhere and he has always felt that he would never belong.  It looks to be like Gus might just be willing to help.  If you want to know more then read the book, you won’t be disappointed.

Now I have to admit that I didn’t much care for the pack dynamics or the other cat shifter’s attitudes.  It wasn’t as fun as the title made it seem to be though. Other than those minor problems, this book rocked.  I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

Best New Artist by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audio Review

B.A. Tortuga - Best New Artist Audio Cover 474jhTitle: Best New Artist

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Brian Hutchinson

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboy

Length: 6 hrs, 3 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (25th August 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Kasey “Tuff” Tuffman just told Nashville to kiss his you know what. After winning Best New Art-ist at an award show, he knows it’s time to head back home to Texas. So after a very public meltdown, Tuff makes his way to Austin, where the Red Dirt music lives large.

Jonah Littlejohn once loved KT more than anything in the world. When KT loses it on national TV, Jonah knows he has to reach out and offer his home studio as a place to heal and make music. A bad relationship has left Jonah broken and wary of romance, but he wants to help his old lover out.
Seeing Jonah again proves to Tuff that he’s made the right decision. Now all he has to do is convince Jonah that they’re the most perfect duet there’s ever been.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Best New Artist is a standalone romance by BA Tortuga, which will appeal to everyone that not only loves a good cowboy romance, some country music and a second chance at love. Well, it’s more country music than actually cowboy, but I hope you get what I mean. As for the author, I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy!

Brian Hutchison performed the narration for this audio book. I’ve only heard his narration twice before, on what has actually become one of my favourite ongoing series. But Best New Artist is so different from the crazy world of PIs and mystery, that hearing Hutchison perform a romance about two country musicians was definitely novel. However, Hutchison perfectly suited the role. He nailed the uncertainty, the longing and the unrequited needs of the characters.

This is a story of two men who weren’t actually torn apart, but they never got over each other despite believing at the time breaking up was the best thing for them both – one didn’t want to live in a closet and the other wanted fame and fortune as a country singer.

Kasey “Tuff” Tuffman is a man that should be at the top of his game. But he is unsatisfied with the Nashville country scene. Like other Texans before him, he expects to be chewed up and spat out. So, when he has a very public meltdown on television, he goes back to Texas to lick his wounds.

Jonah Littlejohn used to be in love with Kasey. In fact, he still was in love with the man but breaking up ten years ago was something that he did for his own sanity. In ten years he’s gone through his own horror with an ex, while watching Kasey’s career from afar. But when he sees Kasey lose it on television, he calls Kasey’s parents to pass on the message that Kasey is welcome to regroup his thoughts at Jonah’s farm/music compound where many local musicians get together and jam and create raw music.

When Kasey makes it to Jonah’s place things are awkward. Jonah’s best friend is suspicious of Kasey, mostly because he saw Jonah’s misery when they first broke up and saw Jonah almost die as well. Even Jonah’s dogs are suspicious. But slowly, it’s clear that there is something very strong between the two guys. However, they have a lot of has happened and there is a lot of uncertainty and fear on both sides, despite the love being there.

This book is the journey of these two men finding their way back to each other. It’s sweet, highly emotive, low on angst and drama, but totally thoughtful.

Catch and Release by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audio Review

B.A. Tortuga - Catch and Release Audio Cover d7wheTitle: Catch and Release

Series: The Release 03

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Lou Lambert

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 16 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th April 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Dakota Landry just got out of prison after 12 years. If anyone can understand how that feels, it’s his new friend, Sage, who is determined to help him get used to life on the outside – and be-lieves Dakota didn’t commit the crime he was in for.

Jayden Wilson is a former prosecutor who agrees to look into the case at the request of Sage’s lover, Adam. He sets out to prove Dakota is just another “innocent” ex-con, but once they meet, Jayden is more and more convinced Dakota just didn’t do what everyone thinks he did.

Trouble follows Dakota, and nothing is easy as he struggles to figure out how to live, now that he has choices. And Jayden isn’t sure how Dakota, or any lover for that matter, fits into his life. Their path from friendship to romance is a slow one, but Dakota begins to believe he deserves a chance at life, and Jayden falls a little more for Dakota every day. Now they just need to tell each other how they feel.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Catch and Release is the third book in BA Tortuga’s The Release series. This book can work as a standalone book, but since the main characters of the two previous books feature so heavily, I would recommend avoiding this.

I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy! Overall, The Release has also been a fantastic series which has the overarching theme of emotional and physical healing and making a family with the friends you find who support you unconditionally.

The narration for this book was done by Lou Lambert. After the unfounded trepidation I felt when I realised that the same narrator was not performing the whole series, I was ok to find that the third and final book had a different narrator again. I figure that these men were chosen because they suit the main characters of each book. After all, this isn’t exactly a cookie cutter group of people who happen to become friends, they are all different in personality and intensity, which is what makes me love the series. I hadn’t heart anything by Lou Lambert before listening to Catch and Release, but as I just said, his voice suited both main characters. He nailed the tone that conveyed their hope and their hopelessness, sometimes all within the same scene.

Catch and Release is the story of Dakota Landry and Jayden Wilson. Dakota has just served 12 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, too bad his own family did nothing to help him, like providing a lawyer. At the time he had been a lonely, gay, chubby college student who was found guilty of raping a girl at a party he had made a brief appearance at after she named him as her rapist. Getting out of jail, Dakota doesn’t have much hope. In many ways he is a lot like Sage from book 1, although Sage was guilty of being a druggie, both men went into jail as boys and went through their twenties in jail, often used by more tougher, violent men in the jail. And it is Sage that took it upon himself to take Dakota under his wing, with a lot of reservations from his husband. Dakota finds it difficult to realise that there is someone in his corner. It is through Sage that he meets lawyer Jayden Wilson.

Jayden used to be a prosecuting attorney, but the stress and danger of dealing with such horrible cases led Jayden to have a go a property law. However, his past caught up with him and he currently has a guy acting as security – Adam (Sage’s husband) who was in the army, was a cop and now a security specialist. Adam explains about his concerns of Sage befriending a convicted rapist who, on the surface had an open and shut case. With the danger over, Jayden feels the itch to have a look into things and quite suddenly things aren’t as clear as it had been assumed.

Dakota is so beaten down, he finds it nearly impossible to believe in the hope that Jayden is offering. However, as the men get to know each other more the connection between them grows into something more.

I’m finding it difficult to find a book in this series that I liked more than the others. It is impossible. Unlike many series that have a lot of similarities between characters and storylines, this series gives readers three very different stories with six very different characters, all of whom have been deeply affecting by an event in their lives before we meet them.

Catch and Release is an excellent story for those that like a little bit of crime, Law and Order style, with their romance.

Ammo and Enchiladas by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Ammo and Enchiladas Cover 39jwmTitle: Ammo and Enchiladas

Series: Border Crossing 02

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (213 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-137-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11th June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: After a night at the movies in Albuquerque, NM, Brantley’s best friend, Matt, is shot right in front him during a robbery. Stunned and devastated, Brant tries to help Matt’s husband, Travis, deal with the funeral details even as he struggles with his own grief and Travis’s blame. When Travis’s best friend arrives, Brant is both annoyed and grateful, because he is so darn tired and can use the help.

Lex Espana is ashamed to admit he hasn’t seen his childhood best friend since Travis’s wedding. He’s even more amazed that he barely remembers Brant from that wedding, because he’s sure interested now. While it’s weird to fall for someone at a funeral, his feelings for Brant are real and make him long for a life he didn’t realize he was missing.

Neither Lex nor Brant knows how to be part of an us, though, and they both have a lot to work through before they can settle in. To become a real couple, Brant and Lex will have to dig deep to get past the roadblocks in their relationship.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Ammo and Enchiladas is the second book in BA Tortuga’s Border Crossing series.

Now, I love BA Tortuga. I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy!

However, even though I knew that this was part of a series, I didn’t realise that it was the second book. I have zero recollection of whether or not I’ve read book 1 before (Bombs and Guacamole), but this totally works as a standalone book. I had to think but I’m pretty sure that the link is tenuous (as in one of the previous MCs, Dusty, pops up occasionally in the role of best friend and work colleague) and not vital to read in order.

The book starts in sorrow. Brantley (or Brant) was out for a night of fun with his best friend, Matt, while Matt’s husband stayed home grading his student’s papers. They went to the movies and on the way home pulled into a gas station/convenience store, where a robbery goes wrong and Matt is killed in front of Brant. He is shattered, naturally, Matt is like a brother to him and he holds both Matt and his husband dear. Yet, his world takes another blow when Matt’s husband, Travis, blames Brant for Matt’s death.

Then in comes Lex Espana. He is Travis’s best friend, although in part because he was living so far away, he hasn’t seen Travis or Matt since their wedding. He doesn’t really remember Brant, although they were both their friends’ best men at the wedding. When Travis calls in tears, telling Lex the news that Matt has been killed, Lex drops everything to go to his friend. Over the days and weeks to follow, Lex supports his best friend in any way he can. He also finds himself supporting Brant when Travis lashes out at Brant over Matt’s death. Tensions are running high with various family members, including Matt’s parents who consider Brant a son, are gathered to mourn Matt.

It’s a complicated situation but slowly Lex and Brant get to know each other properly, after only a passing acquaintance at the wedding and hearing about each other in the intervening time. The circumstances of Matt’s death are a close reminder of how short and fragile life is and so the men embark on a journey together that could lead to great happiness.

This story goes through a roller coaster of emotions, I think there may have been tears. Lex and Brant are perfect for each other, I love their chemistry and despite not being big on relationships both men help each other as they get to know each other. It’s a really pleasing relationship which comes from a time of grief. This is both heart-warming and heart wrenching.

Come Back Around by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Come Back Around Cover 348y2bTitle: Come Back Around

Series: Leaning N Ranch 04, Dreampsun Desires 85

Author: BA Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (214 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-423-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can two divorced dads get a second chance at a redneck wedding?

When Reid Porter agrees to be his best friend’s man of honor, he never considers that his ex, Mateo, will be there too. Which is ridiculous, because Jennifer is marrying Mat’s brother. Reid would never let Jen down, though, so he finds himself at the Leaning N Ranch with his two daughters and a whole lot of baggage about seeing Mat again.

Mat loves his baby brother and would do anything for him, including face the love of his life, whom he’s sure has moved on. When he and Reid come face-to-face after more than two years apart, they realize they’ve never let go. Now they have to do what they never could before—balance work, home, and children, while finding a way to come back around to each other’s love.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Come Back Around, by BA Tortuga, is the fourth instalment of the series Leaning N. I don’t believe that the books need to be read in order, although I would say that people should at least read the first book because that is the introduction to the guys on the Leaning N ranch, which now operates as a destination for LBGT+ weddings and the like.

Now, I love BA Tortuga. I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy! However, although I did enjoy this book overall, I had a couple issues with the main plot which had me unable to really suspend my disbelief.

I’ll explain why after I do a quick overview of the plot.

The plot is quite simple. A wedding at the Leaning N ranch brings together ex-husbands Reid and Mateo. The wedding is for Mateo’s brother and Reid’s best friend, where Mateo is best man and Reid is man of honour. They have two daughters together, who they had through surrogacy, but they haven’t seen each other in two years. In that time Reid panicked and took his daughters away to another state, causing an ever-bigger gulf between the two men. While Reid’s life has changed and he has gone from struggling artist to an artist in high demand, Mateo has gone through his own personal issues. Their time at the Leaning N ranch, even with their families making their opinions known, is a time for them to reconnect and realise what is best for them as a couple and what is best for the children, who have undeniably suffered from the absence of their papa.

So now the reason why I found this book less enjoyable compared to other books by Tortuga. First off, I found the two years apart difficult to swallow, especially with their daughters, but mostly of their frustrating miscommunication. I do not like miscommunication storylines as a general, and unfortunately for me, this is where the book fell short for me. I also felt really frustrated because I kept thinking that Mateo needed Reid’s help, but Reid appears to have a penchant for acting before he thinks.

Despite this, I did like the characters a lot. Mateo is really likable, although at the time of their separation he was a over-stressed business man who needed to talk more to his husband. Reid is equally as likable, but he is too quick to jump to conclusions and is very hot-headed, forgetting that something as simple as talking could help them a long way. But in the end, the guys have learnt a valuable lesson. The love has never gone, but they needed this second chance to get to know each other again.

The Articles of Release by B.A. Tortuga by Audio Review

B.A. Tortuga - The Articles of Release Audio Cover 473hagTitle: The Articles of Release

Series: The Release 02

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Robert Nieman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 16 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (11th December 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Just released from the military, wounded warrior Eric Tremaine is trying to put his life back to-gether like the doctors reassembled his shattered leg. He’s a man with no home, since his Loui-siana family rejected him, so Eric winds up in Texas with his old Army buddy, Adam Winchester, and his lover, Sage.

When Eric decides to stop sitting on his ass feeling sorry for himself, he is introduced to trainer Troy Daniels, who lost both his legs in a teenage accident. Troy knows what it’s like to feel as if your body is your enemy. While Eric and Troy have a bumpy start, they soon find enough com-mon ground to make a friendship, if not more. But taking it to the next level means finding out what they have to offer each other, and the world, before they can trust that the love they find together won’t cause more pain than pleasure.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Articles of Release is the second book in BA Tortuga’s The Release series. I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy!

The Articles of Release picks up with the same themes of healing and moving on, like The Terms of Release (book 1), and even if there is a little cowboy influence this is a book with completely different emotions and struggles. It would work as a standalone book, but I feel that some readers that love details would be intrigued by Sage and Adam if they hadn’t read their story already because these guys are really well developed by now.

Robert Nieman was the narrator of this book. I was a little bit concerned because I had loved the narration by Slate Anders. Yet, I am familiar with Nieman’s work and have enjoyed many of the audios he has narrated for Dreamspinner authors, so I didn’t really think about it too much. The choice in narrator was perfect. Nieman’s performance and voice suited the two main characters, as he conveyed their thoughts, words and emotions. The narration ensured that I was fully and emotionally invested in the story and wanting the MCs to get their HEA.

As for the actual story, the characters are two men who have been through their own different versions of hell, at different times in their lives. Eric Tremaine is an army veteran who has been discharged from service after sustaining horrific and painful injuries to his legs. His parents and the rest of his family don’t talk to him because he is gay, so life is lonely until he joins up with his old army buddy, Adam and Adam’s husband Sage (from book 1). This is how Eric ends up meeting Troy.

Troy works at gym as a physical therapist and has been helping Sage, who has needed surgery on both his knees. He then started working out with Adam and the three are now friends. So much so that Sage wanted Troy to meet Adam’s friend, Eric, who was also in need of intense physical therapy so that he could get learn to live with the pain that his injuries left him in. Troy is different though because he has been through the agony before. He was a teenager when an accident on the family ranch meant that he lost both his legs. Troy is now a daredevil, ready for the next adrenaline rush and won’t let anything to stop him, not even his prosthetic limbs. The only problem he seems to have is that his parents are worry wards, but his family are wonderful and supportive, the complete opposite to Eric.

However, the road is very bumpy for these guys. Eric is only at the start of his journey and so he is ready to fight everyone around him. Which just shows how great the people he has chosen to be around are. Troy also has a few lessons to learn when it comes to love and making something permanent in his life, particularly when he needs to support the man he is falling for as he heals. Troy also needs to learn that it’s not just about him and his life when it comes to love as well and that his potentially dangerous antics are difficult for someone to sit back and watch.

I adored this story. There is physical and mental healing, there are great friends and some great family too. These guys don’t fall into love or into bed quickly, they take their time trying to get their complicated lives to slowly fit together.

The Terms of Release by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audio Review

B.A. Tortuga - Terms of Release Audio Cover 32837tgTitle: The Terms of Release

Series: The Release 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Slate Anders

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 8 hrs, 1 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (2nd September 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: They say a man can always come home. So after doing hard time, Sage Redding heads to his family’s northeast Texas ranch to help his ailing daddy with the cutting horses.

Adam (Win) Winchester is a county deputy and the cousin of one of the men killed in the inci-dent that sent Sage to prison for almost a decade. While Win’s uncles, Jim and Teddy, are de-termined to make Sage and the entire Redding family pay for their loss, Win just figures Sage has paid his dues and maybe needs a friend. Maybe he needs more than a friend. In fact, Win’s counting on it.

No one’s denying Sage is an ex-con who went to prison for manslaughter. Regardless of the love he has for his father, he’s returned knowing things will likely go badly for him. Maybe a man can always come home, but he may not be able to stay.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Terms of Release is the first book in BA Tortuga’s series, The Release. I’ve really come to enjoy Tortuga’s writing, I always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy!

The Terms of Release is a real gritty cowboy romance, about healing, home and family. The narration was performed by Slate Anders. I’ve never heard Anders narrate before, but his voice was absolutely perfect for the book. He uses an intense, earthy tone for the narration, complimenting both MCs well. To be perfectly honest, this was a pretty flawless performance, Anders was able to get the tone and emotion of the book, which always just bubbling at the surface.

The book is about Sage Redding and Adam Winchester (Win). Sage cannot catch a break. He’s returned to Texas from California, after spending the past twelve years in prison for manslaughter, when his only crime was taking drugs and being near a meth lab when it blew up – killing his ex-boyfriend, a dealer, a woman and a little kid. However, he has done his time and he wants to move on, he will do anything to be a better man. In fact, he needs to learn to be a man. He went into jail at the age of nineteen and doesn’t really understand the outside world real world (these parts of the books gave me big Shawshank Redemption vibes, lol). It’s just that when he goes back to Texas to help his parents, his ex’s family (who placed the man on a pedestal he did not deserve) treat Sage like a pariah, calling him a murderer.

Adam Winchester hears the whispers. He was in the army at the time this had all happened, serving overseas, and is now a police deputy. It also happens that Sage’s ex was Adam’s cousin. Although Adam doesn’t see the man as angelic as the rest of his family, and he firmly believes that Sage has served his time and deserves a chance to move on.

Adam finds himself looking out for the Sage, making sure that he isn’t bothered too much. Then he finds himself befriending the man before more comes of their attraction. There is an instant attraction between the men, but it is left for a bit so that their characters develop and they get to know each other. Both men are complicated with a lot of baggage which includes their families, although Sage has a pretty awesome family it is because the ranch was in trouble that he had to return. Overall, I felt the story does them justice and I adored both Adam and Sage by the end of it.

There are some really cool secondary characters as well. Not everyone is against Sage, his mother, father and sister are quite wonderful, as are the people at the biker owned diner.

I recommend this one for anyone that loves a small-town cowboy, a bit of angst and a touch of dark and gritty drama.

Two of A Kind by B.A. Tortuga Audio Review

B.A. Tortuga - Two of A Kind Audio Cover 93874ghbTitle: Two of A Kind

Series: Dreamspun Desires 65

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21st February 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Working on a full house.

Once upon a time, Trey Williamson and Ap McIntosh had quite the whirlwind romance – but that was before family tragedy left them the guardians of five kids. Their lives have changed quite a bit over the last six years, but Ap is still on the rodeo circuit, doing what he does best in an at-tempt to feed all those extra mouths.

That leaves Trey back on the ranch, isolated and overworked as the kids’ sole caregiver. Some-thing has to give, and when Ap comes home, they’re reminded how hot they burned once upon a time. But is it a love that can withstand wrangling over time, money, and the future? They have to decide what kind of family they want to be…and whether what they share can stand the test of time.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Two of A Kind is a wonderfully, sexy cowboy romance with a cast of crazy kids by BA Tortuga, for Dreamspun Desires. I love BA Tortuga’s stories, especially the cowboy ones. Because seriously, a story about a hot but flawed cowboy is just wonderful. Tortuga, for the most part, does justice to a story with at least one cute kid in addition to the cowboys. I love it!

I read the book of this when it came out and absolutely adored it from start to finish. So I was looking forward to killing some time during my commute listening to it all over again. On top of that, I was looking forward to the narration of John Solo, who did not disappoint. It feels like its been ages since I’ve heard Solo’s work. His voice lent added so much depth to the story, I loved it.

Trey Williamson and Ap MacIntosh met years ago when Trey’s sister and Ap’s brother got married and then proceeded to have five kids. They are both quite young – in their late twenties – and so six years ago when tragedy struck and Trey and Ap became the guardians to their nephews and nieces they were just at the start of their own adult lives. Trey had been saving to go to college and Ap had been on the road competing rodeos since he was approximately sixteen. While their siblings had been alive the two men had shared a couple of special moments but could never explore a serious relationship once they became the guardians to the kids. Trey stayed behind on the small ranch looking after the kids day in and day out, while Ap stayed on the rodeo circuit making money to raise the kids. In fact, Ap leaves very little money for himself, leaving it all for the kids.

However, after six years Trey is burning out. Six kids between the ages of six and sixteen takes a lot of energy and he has basically been a single parent the entire time. So Ap has to come back and be more than the uncle who rings up while on the circuit and go back to visit for special occasions. Ap learns some important home truths as he finds out just what Trey sacrificed to raise the kids and work his exhausting schedule. And so years after they had started to explore an intimate relationship, they are finally together under the same roof and no longer just passing ships in the night.

There was a lot of emotion and while I felt a bit of resentment at Ap for never trying to be more than the bread winner and the cool uncle who drops in every now and again, I really did like Ap and liked how his character matured.

Everyone who loves a good cowboy romance will be entertained by this one!

Stetsons and Stakeouts by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Stetsons and Stakeouts Cover 837gy3tTitle: Stetsons and Stakeouts

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys, Western, Action, Thriller

Length: Novel (292 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-915-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11 Dec 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Gianni Cesare is a DEA agent and rancher—who also happens to be a millionaire heir to an Italian count. Running a multiagency sting out of his East Texas ranch means he needs a new foreman… preferably someone a little wet behind the ears who won’t ask too many questions.

Gianni’s Aunt Jerilyn hires Bonner Fannin, a roughstock rider with zero ranch experience and a sister who’s pregnant with a violent biker’s twins. If that’s not bad enough, Bonner is pretending he and his sister are married to protect her and to help get him the job.

Gianni didn’t think Bonner was the marrying type during their torrid beach affair years ago, but he’s not sure if he has time to explore that thought now, as overrun as his ranch is with drug cartels, macho government agents, and local cops. Looks like Bonner and Gianni are both in over their heads, and they may have to band together during this adventure to swim rather than sink.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Stetsons and Stakeout is a standalone novel by BA Tortuga. Stetsons and Stakeouts is a little different to what I’ve read by the author in the past, though has the same basic elements that are familiar with their writing. It’s a real fun cop adventure, action type of story, with a good dash of danger and a real sweet (and sexy romance). All around it’s a totally enjoyable read. It is also everything that I would expect from BA Tortuga, whose books I now absolutely adore and class them as a must read. I find that I really connect with Tortuga’s writing style (I don’t think I did at first, but I definitely do now), and I love the chemistry created between the characters and their depth.

Stetsons and Stakeouts is the story of Gianni Cesare and Bonner Fannin. The two men are complete opposites of each other, but at the same time they are completely perfect together, their chemistry on the page was fantastic. Gianni has a bit of an interesting CV: DEA agent, rancher, millionaire as well as son and heir to an Italian count. He uses his background as an Italian to his advantage when it comes to his work, although he is quite firmly an American who just happened to grow up in Italy. He also owns his mother’s share in the family’s ranch, where his aunt who owns the other half, lives. Gianni loves his zia and the ranch, however, work has kept him away. Until now, a big case involving drugs from Mexico, biker gangs and the like (it’s always drugs and weapons in books) takes him back to the land. On the land we also get to meet two of Gianni’s childhood friends, the town sheriff and an ex-military man who was injured in the service, who quickly come to help Gianni in the big case.

Gianni also meets Bonner. Bonner is essentially in hiding with his little sister, a nineteen year old young woman who is pregnant with twins and needs to get away from the baby daddy. Bonner is hired by Gianni’s aunt and when the two men meet, the sparks begin to fly instantly. However, as their worlds collide danger comes to both men and their families, as Gianni and his people try to unravel and solve the case.

I really enjoyed this story, the MCs are wonderful and work well together, but I also really enjoyed the minor characters that all had their role to play in Gianni’s mission. I really do hope that we get to hear from Gianni’s two best friends, or even one or two of his co-workers, because the glimpse I got of these characters was wonderful and has me curious, wanting to know more about these guys.

Eye of the Dragon by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Eye of the Dragon Cover 4375h5Title: Eye of the Dragon

Series: Wildcatters 02

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (142 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-813-3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10 May 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Graduate student Cameron is on the trail of an ancient Chinese artifact, a ruby with a history. When he meets adventurer Poe in Mexico, he spills the beans on his quest, and Poe sees dollar signs as well as the hottest professor he’s ever met.

They head off to the salt flats and mountains of Utah, searching for a lost wagon train from the eighteen hundreds. What they find is danger beyond normal comprehension and a stone that drives men to insanity.

Soon Poe’s only concern is saving Cam, but to do that, he’ll need help from some old friends and a few new ones. When it becomes too late to turn away from their quest, Poe and Cam put themselves and their friends in deadly peril. It will take every bit of their talents and courage to make it through and survive the Dragon’s Eye.

Second Edition
First Edition published by Torquere Press, June 2008.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I kind of knew what I was in for when I started Eye of the Dragon, although I wasn’t entirely happy about it, but I had already read book one in BA Tortuga’s Wildcatters series and silly me cannot handle not finishing a series. In saying that, I certainly had no surprises, so I found it easier to read. Eye of the Dragon is the sequel to Oil and Water, first publish in 2008 by Torquere press and second edition published by Dreamspinner in 2019.

However, the only disappointing thing is that this is in complete contrast to how much I’ve come to love BA Tortuga’s writing over the past year. I had already had the sneaking suspicion that I had tried reading Tortuga’s work about 10 years ago through Torquere Press, but I never got the spark of love which I get now from the author. I have now come to the conclusion that, quite simply, I don’t connect with Tortuga’s earlier work, and so I will leave it at that.

The story is a wild ride with tons of sex. I’m going to put in on front street, if you like a tonne of sex in your romances, this will probably appeal to you more than it does to me. For this reason I don’t feel comfortable going too deep into the plot because there feels like there is more sex than substance. I feel that there was never really any real context to the random sex scenes and it broke up the book too much for me. But the plot is fun, reading the blurb it made me think of a modern day, gay Indiana Jones type of thing. Cameron is a grad student who is out to get some life experience, and he finds it when he meets Poe (we met him briefly in book 1) in Mexico. The adventure is Poe and Cameron trying to find the relic known as the Eye of the Dragon. The guys together make a great couple and there really is a great spark between them, I just felt that it was lost along the way.

This review really pains me because of my recent love for Tortuga’s contemporary cowboy romances, but that’s just how it is.

Oil and Water by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Oil & Water Cover 8347hrenTitle: Oil and Water

Series: Wildcatters 01

Author: BA Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (144 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-812-6

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11 Jan 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Oilman Max inherits a passel of trouble when his boss passes away and leaves him a house in England, a family full of squabbles, and a heck of a lot of money. He’s thinking London is the worst place on earth… until he meets Morgan.

Colorful, carefree, and a little crazy, Morgan is just what Max needs, and the two set out on the adventure of a lifetime, chasing pleasure wherever it takes them, learning that together they can make anything fun… and sexy.

Too bad reality has to set in, and Morgan’s multimillionaire father has a lot to say about what reality looks like. Will their different worlds conspire to separate them like oil and water?

Second Edition
First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2006.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This was an interesting experience for me.

Oil and Water is the first book in BA Tortuga’s Wildcatters series, originally published in 2006 by Torquere Press and second edition published by Dreamspinner in 2019. Over the past year I have found a great appreciation for Tortuga’s writing, although there was part of me that was sure I had read stuff from the author by Torquere Press in the past (before finding Dreamspinner Press authors, I read a lot of Torquere Press). It was something that niggled at me although I had found that I loved pretty much everything I’ve read by Tortuga released by Dreamspinner. Which made it interesting. I have now had the epiphany that while I love Tortuga’s recent stuff, I struggled with her earlier stuff (i.e. the books published by Torquere press).

The story is about Max and Morgan, who are both obscenely rich which is what makes the stories and its numerous settings possible. Max is the Oilman of the story; he’s inherited land in England and has had to travel over the pond to deal with the issues surround his new inheritance. He’s a fish out of water and doesn’t belong in England. But things look up when he meets Morgan. Morgan is laid back and his carefree lifestyle is funded by his millionaire father. He is all about where the next adventure takes him and is a breath of fresh air into Max’s more structured life. As soon as they meet each other the crazy whirlwind of adventure takes off. The guys travel together, having sex in just about every location, until Morgan’s father brings reality crashing down. Apparently, you can’t live a carefree, adventurous life forever. Now Max and Morgan have to figure out where their next adventure together takes them.

After reading Oil and Water I’m now sure that the massive change in my interest in Tortuga’s writing was the style itself back over ten years ago. While I enjoyed the story and despite being well written, I found it difficult to connect to and get really stuck into the story and the pace was too slow. In the end it boiled down to that I feel that this was a story of a couple of spoiled men just bumming around, travelling and having sex.

Soft Place to Fall by B.A. Tortuga

B.A. Tortuga - Soft Place To Fall Cover 732jvaTitle: Soft Place to Fall

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (237 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-767-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9 April 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Stetson Major and Curtis Traynor are about as opposite as two cowboys can get. Stetson is a rancher, tied to the land he loves in Taos, New Mexico, while Curtis is a rodeo cowboy whose wanderlust never could be tamed.

But now Stetson’s momma is dying of Alzheimer’s, and she can’t remember that Curtis hasn’t been Stetson’s boyfriend for a long time. Curtis’s absence makes her cry, so Stetson swallows his pride and calls his ex-lover.

To Curtis, Stetson is the one who got away, the love of his life. And Momma is his friend, so he’s happy to help out. Yet returning to the ranch stirs up all sorts of feelings that, while buried, never really went away. Still, the rodeo nationals are coming up, and Curtis can’t stay… even if he’s starting to want to, especially to support Stetson when he needs it most.

Stetson and Curtis want to find a place where they both fit, to be there to catch each other when they fall. But family, money problems, and the call of the rodeo circuit might end their second-chance romance before it even gets started.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Soft Place to Fall is a contemporary western romance by BA Tortuga, which means its just about everything that I expect from a Tortuga novel. BA Tortuga has very recently gone close to the top of my must read author list and I really, at the absolute minimum like, each and every one of them, especially the cowboy romances, because those are so freaking hot!

Soft Place to Fall is a story about second chance love, which I know will appeal to a lot of people, on top of the whole contemporary cowboy romance.

Stetson and Curtis were in love years ago and they were in a very serious relationship. However, their lives were not compatible and I suppose that they were too young to really compromise to fight for what they have together. And so for eight years they have been apart. All that changes when Stetson’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s and is in her last weeks of life, keeps asking to see Curtis. She loved Curtis and Stetson sometimes felt that his mother loved his boyfriend more than she did him. After all, Curtis is a free spirit and fierce rodeo rider like Stetson’s much beloved father had been, which is probably part of why she had approved of her son’s boyfriend back in the day. On the other hand, Stetson is a home body and prefers to pour his time and energy into the ranch, which is taking some hard hits as Stetson tries to pay for his mother’s medical treatment.

When Stetson calls and tells Curtis what has happened, he drops everything and runs to his ex and his mama. This is the first sign that these guys, although parting after a fight, had never lost their love for each other. Unfortunately, when they were younger, love wasn’t enough when their lives were taking them into two different directions.

I feel this is a story that shows that love and people mature and perhaps these guys had to wait before being at the right place, at the right time before they could be together with their HEA. I think that is the aspect of the book that I enjoyed the most, aside from the wonderful chemistry between Stetson and Curtis.

Cowboy in the Crosshairs by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audio Review

Title: Cowboy in the Crosshairs

Series: Dreamspun Desires 53 / Turquoise, New Mexico 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Dorian Bane

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: 6 hrs, 23 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th August 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Once upon a time, a prince lived in a magical kingdom called Turquoise, New Mexico.

Well, really, TJ is a small-town police chief. Every Friday, he holds court in the diner with the local holy roller, the art colonists, and the horsey people. But the Benes, who own the rodeo company, keep to themselves. TJ knows because he was once hot and heavy with the oldest Bene son.

When Wacey Bene gets trampled by a remuda and comes home to heal, he’s none too happy to run into TJ or his two little boys and their momma. The story might end there – if it wasn’t for some pesky bastard trying to kill Wacey.

The law steps in, and the townsfolk are cross about somebody messing with one of their own.

But once the bad guy is put away, can TJ and Wacey make their place in this wild and eccentric town a permanent one?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Cowboy in the Crosshairs is the first book a new series called Turquoise, New Mexico by BA Tortuga. I’m a fan of Tortuga’s writing, especially their books with cowboys because cowboys are hot and awesome. But I wouldn’t have thought that without enjoying Tortuga’s writing style, which feel simple and accessible, but at the same time the plotlines are interesting.

The story is about cowboy Wacey Bene. He’s been away from his family’s ranch on the rodeo circuit for ten years after having his heart broken when he was barely out of high school. The boy that broke his heart was TJ. He is now the police chief, but ten years before he was a confused young man who was scared of coming out of the closet and somewhere along the way in the past ten years also decided that he needed to marry a woman so he could have a family. TJ now has two cute little boys and an ex-wife he is good friends with, despite divorcing because he finally was able to come out of the closet to her. These guys need to get over past hurts, as well as TJ needing to help Wacey avoid being injured or killed by some mystery person.

The narration for this audio is by Dorian Bane. I have to admit, I absolutely adore Bane’s voice. He has one of those rich and husky voices that are often spoken of in romances as the type that would make a lady (or anyone) swoon. His voice is well suited to books with rough, tough and ready men – i.e. cowboys and cops and whatnot. Luckily for us, in this book we get both a cowboy and a cop. Interestingly, probably because of the tone and emotion that Bane was able to inject into the story I find that I by far preferred the audio to reading this book and I was less inclined to be bothered by the points that had annoyed me in the original reading. Mostly at the time I had been annoyed with how Wacey and TJ treated each other at the start and I didn’t feel that I got enough plot development as to how they were able to go to a loving relationship. I suppose that is still true, but as I said I was merely less annoyed by this hole in the plot.

Overall, an enjoyable story to pass some time, particularly for those that have a weakness for cowboys and cops.

Just Like Cats and Dogs by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audio Review

Title: Just Like Cats and Dogs

Series: Sanctuary 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Narrator: Joe Formichella

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifters

Length: 6 hrs, 41 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th January 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can cats and dogs ever get along, let alone fall in love?

Sam knows you can never go home again. As an orphaned feline shifter raised by wolves, being an outcast is nothing new to him. But the pack is still his family, and when one of them passes away, Sam returns to the New Mexico desert to say good-bye.

Gus is a loner who rarely returns to his pack, but as fate would have it, Sam is there when he chooses to visit. The history between Gus and Sam is tumultuous, to say the least, but when Gus gets an eyeful of the grown-up and gorgeous version of his childhood bully, he can’t con-trol his reaction. And he isn’t alone.

The attraction is powerful, but so are their differences. And with trouble brewing in the pack and danger surrounding them, Sam and Gus might not have the opportunity to seek common ground.

This action-packed shifter novel is the ultimate opposites attract and enemies-to-lovers ro-mance, and it includes a bonus novella, In the Dog House.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Just Like Cats and Dogs is the first book in BA Tortuga’s Sanctury series, paranormal/shape shifter romance. Since finding myself a fan of Tortuga’s writing (I’ve discovered that I find it so easy to connect to the story and the characters) I was looking forward to reading the author’s take on the shape shifter genre, because before this I think I’ve only read or listened to contemporary novels in the past. This was a pleasant departure which, for the most part I enjoyed. I found that I had an interesting mix of feelings for the story as well as the narration. Anyone who is into shifter romances will definitely enjoy this story.

So, into the narration. Joe Formichella is a new narrator to me and I was left with mixed feelings. I thought that he lent a good voice and tone to the characters, however, I thought that there was some inflection lacking in the overall presentation of his voice. At times the narration seemed flat. I’m a person who listens to every book at 1.35x speed, so I imagine it would have been a lot more difficult to listen to at normal speed.

The story itself was quite interesting. The MCs are Sam and Gus.

Sam is a feline shifter who was orphaned and then adopted by a mated wolf couple who adopted a number of shifter children to create their eclectic family. The problem with being the only feline in a pack of wolves is that Sam has never been allowed to shifter and run with his brothers and sisters and parents because the alpha does not want the wolves to get out of control and attacked Sam. I understand the sentiment, but it does feel clear from the start that alpha was quite OTT with some of his protections. Gus is a wolf who was born into the pack but he is a loner. His little brother is Sam’s best friend and at most has always thought of Sam as a pest. Gus is the strong and silent type from the start but will do anything to help his family and his pack.

Tragedy brings Sam back to his home pack, knowing that he will only be able to stay for a short period of time because it has been clear to him since he was a child that besides his parents and siblings, he did not belong in the pack. His father has died suddenly and despite being shifters there had been not enough time to help him. When he arrives home, he runs into Gus. The two have always had an uneasy relationship but now that they are both older something has changed between them. Between the emotions and having trouble dealing with the pack he grew up in, he finds he also must deal with the mutual attraction between him and Gus. Their relationship is complicated, pack structure made sure of this and their personality differences merely cemented it.

These guys have a rocky journey and it takes time, which is rather a change of pace from many shifter based stories. They guys need time for their relationship, and their characters to develop, which is totally pleasing. At the end of this audio there is also the bonus novella which is about Sam and Gus in the life they made for themselves, it is also vital set up for the next book. The only thing I need to say, once again associated with the narration, is that it was a little confusing because there didn’t seem to be any pause between the end of the novel and the start of the novella, which had me confused for a few moments. Although this is probably because I didn’t read the blurb properly and see that there was a bonus story at the end.

All in all, this is an enjoyable audio and very enjoyable world we’ve been set in. I can’t wait for the next book.

Whiskey to Wine by B.A. Tortuga

Title: Whiskey to Wine

Series: Leaning N 03 / Dreamspun Desires 78

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: Novel (221 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-771-6

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19 March 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Love is hitting the slopes, and the competition is fierce.

It’s Gay Ski Week in Aspen, and blind sculptor Bleu Bridey and his ex-fiancé, Dan, are at the Leaning N Ranch to unveil Bleu’s latest commission.

Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Shields is there too… and he’s Bleu’s true love who got away. Seeing Bleu again, Ryan remembers how they couldn’t get enough of each other in college.

Too bad it looks like Bleu is with Dan now, because Ryan would love to remind Bleu how good they were together, in and out of the sheets.

Between Ski Week parties, a bunch of exes, a private ski lesson, and one terrible accident that leaves Bleu stranded and Ryan in rescue mode, it’ll be a wonder if these two manage to survive, much less find a few seconds alone to remember how much love they have to keep them warm even in the worst of storms.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: BA Tortuga is an author I’ve only recently (maybe about the past year) to come to fully appreciate, and now look forward to new books. Before that I either wasn’t really attracted to the blurbs or covers of Tortuga’s book. Now, maybe because I finally gave the author a chance, I really enjoy her books, particularly the cowboy/ranch setting books.

Whiskey to Wine is the third book in Tortuga’s Leaning N ranch. I really loved the two previous books in this series and so looked forward to seeing Bleu and Ryan’s story unfold. I was particularly interested because I do like a book where an MC has a physical challenge/disability because he can show the world (and his prospective lover) that despite being hard work, he is his own very capable man. In the case of this book Bleu has an autoimmune disease (I’m kinda of guessing Sjogren’s because I have a friend who has that and some of Bleu’s challenges are similar although my friend is not blind).

Even though this is a series, I do believe that it can be read and fully appreciated as a standalone book. However, the couples from the two previous books do feature prominently. So if you’re like me you’ll probably want to go back to their stories to find out about these guys either before or after you finish the present book.

Bleu Bridely and Ryan Shields are the MCs of this novel and back in college they were lovers. But Ryan got scared and broke Bleu’s heart. In fact, Ryan is a bit of dick although I could see that he had a lot of potential for change, I did dislike him for a time. Fortunately, his character did develop and grow along the way, to a lesser extent this was also true of Bleu as he got to know his former lover again.

Bleu is energy and creativity and totally unstoppable. I mean the guy is a blind sculptor. He has a passion and thirst for life which is stifled by well meaning exes who think that he should take it easy, especially with his health problems impacting on his life. Bleu is accompanied by his ex (and business associate) to the Leaning N Ranch in Aspen to help Bleu for the unveiling of his most recent commission.

It is here that Bleu runs into his college ex, Ryan, who is at Leaning N as a volunteer ski instructor for Gay Ski Week. Bleu is at first reticent when it comes to seeing Ryan again, can’t blame him really because Ryan left him because the thought of being with some who is disabled scared the crap out of him. Ryan had thought that being with Bleu would hold back his dreams, which he achieved since, as described in the blurb, he is a former Olympic snowboarder. The guys get to know each other and Ryan seems to realise how superficial he had been along the way, which leads into what is an extremely sweet and well developed romance.

Against the odds in the face of a man character I really could have disliked, I loved this book. This is a wonderful story about the one that got away and second chances where we see the MCs grow.

I’m hoping that Bleu’s ex, Dan, gets a story because there seems to be hidden depths there and it would be a shame not to develop the character further beyond the superficial, bossy businessman we got to see. In fact, there are a number of minor characters who I hope will get their HEA. I can’t wait for July when the next book in this series is released, although I know it’s different characters to the ones I just said I hope could get their own story.

As a side note, I’m also really enjoying the new cover designs for the Dreamspun Desires line, which switched over to this current style a few months ago. It certainly added to the appeal of the book and blurb. I like that this cover doesn’t have an image of a seeing eye dog or a guy wearing glasses, nothing that makes me say “oh, blind guy”. I find it refreshing and it suits Bleu’s determination to not let anything get in his way.

Whiskey to Wine by B.A. Tortuga Guest Post & Excerpt!

B.A. Tortuga - Whiskey to Wine Banner 1

Hi guys! We have B.A. Tortuga stopping by today with her upcoming release Whiskey to Wine, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Whiskey to Wine

(Dreamspun Desire 78 / Leaning N Ranch 03)
by

B.A. Tortuga

Love is hitting the slopes, and the competition is fierce.

It’s Gay Ski Week in Aspen, and blind sculptor Bleu Bridey and his ex-fiancé, Dan, are at the Leaning N Ranch to unveil Bleu’s latest commission.

Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Shields is there too… and he’s Bleu’s true love who got away. Seeing Bleu again, Ryan remembers how they couldn’t get enough of each other in college.

Too bad it looks like Bleu is with Dan now, because Ryan would love to remind Bleu how good they were together, in and out of the sheets.

Between Ski Week parties, a bunch of exes, a private ski lesson, and one terrible accident that leaves Bleu stranded and Ryan in rescue mode, it’ll be a wonder if these two manage to survive, much less find a few seconds alone to remember how much love they have to keep them warm even in the worst of storms.

Release date: 19th March 2019
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Whiskey to Wine by B.A. Tortuga Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Stetsons and Stakeouts by B.A. Tortuga Guest Post & Exclusive Excerpt!

B.A. Tortuga - Stetsons and Stakeouts Banner

Hi guys! We have B.A. Tortuga stopping by today with her upcoming release Stetsons and Stakeouts, we have a brilliant guest post and a great exclusive excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Stetsons and Stakeouts

by

B.A. Tortuga

Gianni Cesare is a DEA agent and rancher—who also happens to be a millionaire heir to an Italian count. Running a multiagency sting out of his East Texas ranch means he needs a new foreman… preferably someone a little wet behind the ears who won’t ask too many questions.

Gianni’s Aunt Jerilyn hires Bonner Fannin, a roughstock rider with zero ranch experience and a sister who’s pregnant with a violent biker’s twins. If that’s not bad enough, Bonner is pretending he and his sister are married to protect her and to help get him the job.

Gianni didn’t think Bonner was the marrying type during their torrid beach affair years ago, but he’s not sure if he has time to explore that thought now, as overrun as his ranch is with drug cartels, macho government agents, and local cops. Looks like Bonner and Gianni are both in over their heads, and they may have to band together during this adventure to swim rather than sink.

Release date: 11th December 2018
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Stetsons and Stakeouts by B.A. Tortuga Guest Post & Exclusive Excerpt!”