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!

33 Degrees of Separation by Rain Carrington Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Rain Carrington - 33 Degrees of Separation RTBANNER-110

Hi guys! We have Rain Carrington popping in today with the tour for her new release 33 Degrees of Separation, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $35 Amazon GC so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Rain Carrington - 33 Degrees of Separation Cover nrh474

33 Degrees of Separation

(Legacy 03)
by

Rain Carrington

I’m Ian, and this is my story. Like the others, I have a legacy. I was raised with the best of everything, one of the riches kids I knew. That isn’t the legacy, however. That is to be a part of something I didn’t want, and never asked for it’s tearing me apart, but I can fight it. With some help, I can fight it.

Meeting Pat Castaldo, the hot, muscled FBI agent was the beginning of a life I thought was ending. I am terrified I’ll get him killed, and others, if I can’t stand up to my father and the other men that make up the terrible secret society. My family has been members for hundreds of years, and it was supposed to be passed to me. I don’t want it, but I took it, and I took it to end them once and for all.

In the middle of all this, I am falling in love. That was a surprise, and one that possibly terrifies me more than the Gilded Grail. This could hurt, and I could get this beautiful man killed, along with a lot of others if I fail. My money may be able to solve some of my troubles, but there is much more that it can’t.

I’ve never had to be brave or fight for anything. This is my fight, though, and I will win. I’ll win it for my friends, for humanity and, maybe most of all, I’ll win it for Pat.

***

Raised in wealth most could only dream of, Ian Andrews III didn’t know another way of life existed until he went to college and learned about the world. There he met friends and came down from his palace to try to be like everyone else, but he had too much money to achieve that.

When he was set to finish graduate school, his father took him on a trip to learn the destiny that had been chosen for him. He would become a member of the Gilded Grail, a secret society that had members whose families had been a part of it for hundreds of years.

He was a legacy, and there was no choice for him. He would become a member, or he’d die.

Learning about this secret society, hearing their ways and goals, then going through the initiation, he was terrified and ran off to hide away from them and everyone.

His best friend worried when he’d been gone for days, his phone left in his room, not a word from him. Calling in help, it came in the form of an FBI agent in town on business. He was doing a favor, checking up on the missing college student, and right away smelled trouble. When he saw Ian’s computer history and the name Gilded Grail, he knew he had to find Ian.

Once he did, he learned the secrets that no one outside the order knew. Together, they decided to try to stop them from a horrible goal they’d set, one that threatened every man, woman and child in the world.

Falling in love with one another was easy but keeping that attraction at bay to try to save everyone a horrible fate, Ian and Pat struggled. Pat called for more help, and Javier Duran came, an old lover of Pat’s, and one of the world best mercenaries.

Sparks fly and jealousies ignite. Saving the world and falling in love at the same time wasn’t easy on any man. It could tear them apart or make them more determined to have the other in their lives forever. That was considering if they could stop the Grail and there was a forever…

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “33 Degrees of Separation by Rain Carrington Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

33 Degrees of Separation by Rain Carrington Release Blast & Giveaway!

Rain Carrington - 33 Degrees of Separation RBBANNER-114

Hi guys! We have Rain Carrington popping in today with her new release 33 Degrees of Separation, we have a fantastic $35 Amazon GC so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Rain Carrington - 33 Degrees of Separation Cover nrh474

33 Degrees of Separation

(Legacy 03)
by

Rain Carrington

I’m Ian, and this is my story. Like the others, I have a legacy. I was raised with the best of everything, one of the riches kids I knew. That isn’t the legacy, however. That is to be a part of something I didn’t want, and never asked for it’s tearing me apart, but I can fight it. With some help, I can fight it.

Meeting Pat Castaldo, the hot, muscled FBI agent was the beginning of a life I thought was ending. I am terrified I’ll get him killed, and others, if I can’t stand up to my father and the other men that make up the terrible secret society. My family has been members for hundreds of years, and it was supposed to be passed to me. I don’t want it, but I took it, and I took it to end them once and for all.

In the middle of all this, I am falling in love. That was a surprise, and one that possibly terrifies me more than the Gilded Grail. This could hurt, and I could get this beautiful man killed, along with a lot of others if I fail. My money may be able to solve some of my troubles, but there is much more that it can’t.

I’ve never had to be brave or fight for anything. This is my fight, though, and I will win. I’ll win it for my friends, for humanity and, maybe most of all, I’ll win it for Pat.

***

Raised in wealth most could only dream of, Ian Andrews III didn’t know another way of life existed until he went to college and learned about the world. There he met friends and came down from his palace to try to be like everyone else, but he had too much money to achieve that.

When he was set to finish graduate school, his father took him on a trip to learn the destiny that had been chosen for him. He would become a member of the Gilded Grail, a secret society that had members whose families had been a part of it for hundreds of years.

He was a legacy, and there was no choice for him. He would become a member, or he’d die.

Learning about this secret society, hearing their ways and goals, then going through the initiation, he was terrified and ran off to hide away from them and everyone.

His best friend worried when he’d been gone for days, his phone left in his room, not a word from him. Calling in help, it came in the form of an FBI agent in town on business. He was doing a favor, checking up on the missing college student, and right away smelled trouble. When he saw Ian’s computer history and the name Gilded Grail, he knew he had to find Ian.

Once he did, he learned the secrets that no one outside the order knew. Together, they decided to try to stop them from a horrible goal they’d set, one that threatened every man, woman and child in the world.

Falling in love with one another was easy but keeping that attraction at bay to try to save everyone a horrible fate, Ian and Pat struggled. Pat called for more help, and Javier Duran came, an old lover of Pat’s, and one of the world best mercenaries.

Sparks fly and jealousies ignite. Saving the world and falling in love at the same time wasn’t easy on any man. It could tear them apart or make them more determined to have the other in their lives forever. That was considering if they could stop the Grail and there was a forever…

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “33 Degrees of Separation by Rain Carrington Release Blast & Giveaway!”

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.

Aces Up by C.J. Baty Release Blast & Giveaway!

C.J. Baty - Aces Up RBBANNER-59

Hi guys! We have C.J. Baty popping in today with her new release Aces Up, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway!  ❤️ ~Pixie~

C.J. Baty - Aces Up Cover djr837

Aces Up

(The Pinkerton Man 03)
by

C.J. Baty

Stiles Long emphatically did not want his lover, Michael O’Leary to go on the assignment he had been given. He didn’t care that Michael was an amazing poker player or that his commander thought Michael was the perfect man for the job. He almost lost Michael once. He couldn’t go through that again.

Michael needed this. He needed to prove that he was able to take care of himself. He didn’t need Stiles to take care of him. He needed to be Stiles’ equal. The poker game in Durango, Colorado was his chance to prove that. The fact that Stiles didn’t want him to go didn’t matter. Michael had to do this.

Lizzie Ferguson was Stiles partner in the Pinkerton Agency. She was a good agent. That didn’t mean, she had to like being dressed in satin and lace, showing way too much of her body to total strangers. Lizzie knew there was more going on at Maverick’s Saloon, and it might just cost her life.

None of them suspected that a simple poker game would turn into a deadly nightmare. If the three of them weren’t careful, one of them might just end up the next victim.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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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!

Rocking the Cowboy by Skylar M. Cates ~ Audio Review

Skylar M. Cates - Rocking the Cowboy Audio Cover 934kswTitle: Rocking the Cowboy

Series: Dreamspun Desires 64

Author: Skylar M. Cates

Narrator: Colin Darcy

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 38 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3rd January 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Opposites who go together like country and rock ’n’ roll.

Long before he was a superstar, Remy Sean had a secret crush on Jed Riley. But Jed sees Remy as a spoiled pop rocker and an extension of his father’s control. Still, Jed is willing to let Remy hide from the press on his ranch—but only as a way to get his father out of his life and business for good.

Used to being admired and fawned over, Remy keenly feels the sting of Jed’s dismissal. Can he make Jed see him as more than a pain in the ass? Or is Jed too tangled up in his ranch to see past his old hurt?

Jed doesn’t believe someone desired by so many fans could want him, a simple cowboy. But Remy is determined to change Jed’s mind and steal his heart….

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

Review: Rocking the Cowboy is a Dreamspun Desires line book by Skylar M Cates. I’ve read the book in ebook format and while it enjoyed it well enough, I had thought that perhaps hearing the audio would add another layer of interesting to the story.

I’ve read a handful Skylar M Cates books before – some I enjoyed and one I couldn’t finish. Ultimately, while this wasn’t the greatest book I’ve ever read, I really did enjoy this one. The romance was wonderful, the characters were relatable, the story was a lot of fun and most importantly the MCs had great chemistry.

In addition to that, the narration was good. Colin Darcy is a relatively new narrator to me. However, I feel that he did justice to this story, which is great because of its simplicity. His performance was great, despite the fact it didn’t really change my mind in calling this an excellent story, to a totally awesome story.

Rockstar Remy Sean has gone through a horrifying experience on stage where he almost got trapped by stampeding fans who broke through barriers to get onto stage. His agent, who personally is not a good man but ruthless in business, decides that Remy should go spend time at the family ranch which is ran by his son, Jed Riley. The problem is, Jed does not get along with his father at all.

Remy looks forward to this opportunity to heal from his mostly psychological scars. Years ago, when he had been sixteen, he had spent the summer at the ranch. Back when things were a lot better for the Riley family. This had been when Remy first met Jed, but he was certain that over the years he had a bad case of hero worship for Jed.

Jed makes a deal with his father for Remy to stay at the ranch in exchange for his father’s compliance. Jed will do anything to make his mother and sister happy and he has zero time for his a-hole father. What Jed didn’t expect, despite a bumpy start, was that he would have a true connection to Remy.

Fans of cowboy stories will not be disappointed, and if you like yourself a bit of a celebrity falling for an ordinary guy type of story then you’re in luck here too. Overall, a fun and enjoyable audio book.

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.

Unbreak My Heart by K-Lee Klein by Audio Review

K-Lee Klein - Unbreak My Heart Audio Cover 4575h4yTitle: Unbreak My Heart

Author: K-Lee Klein

Narrator: Nick J Russo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 10 hrs, 27 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th June 2017)

Heat Level: Low

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Brett Taylor’s world collapsed three years ago when he lost the love of his life. Almost as bad as the grief is the advice he’s starting to get from everyone and their brother, telling him it’s time to move on. They’re flat-out wrong. He left his career as a musician and escaped to his ranch be-cause he needs the peace and quiet, and he’s doing just fine. He doesn’t want anyone invading his memory-filled, booze-fueled solitude.

JT Campbell’s world has been defined by his parents’ money, status, and his own empty rela-tionships, until he’s desperately sick of it. A quest to find something meaningful leads him to Brett’s failing ranch. It’s supposed to be a brief stay. JT never wanted to be anyone’s savior or compete with the ghosts of lovers past. Still, he can’t help wanting this gruff and grieving man.

JT’s mind knows it’s a bad idea, but his heart keeps pushing him to find out what lies beneath Brett’s rough and broken exterior. Brett’s not going to make it easy. JT can only be patient, keep his sense of humor, and hope for the day he may be allowed far enough into Brett’s world to unbreak his heart.

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

Review: Unbreak My Heart is a beautifully sweet romance by K-Lee Klein. The author was completely unknown to me, so I didn’t know what to expect. What I found is a wonderfully written slow burn romance about losing a great love, being forced to face reality and ultimately learning how to allow love back in. It is also a sad story, with probably a touch of angst. In many ways this reminded me a little of Andrew Grey with that all-important theme of finding love after loss, with the ranch setting and cowboys thrown in.

The narration by Nick J Russo was excellent. I can’t think of a performance of Russo’s that I haven’t enjoyed. His soft-spoken voice created the perfect tone for this heart felt story.

When we meet Brett Taylor, he is a broken man. He has lost the love of his life, and that is part of the grief that keeps him firmly stuck in his whiskey bottle. However, as we get to learn more about Brett, he also has to work through his own guilt and regret from the past. Retreating to alcohol, he has firmly shut out the past, quitting his life as a popular musician and closing everyone off, holding on tightly to his misery. He resents that his family insists that it is time to move on. Brett is a stubborn sod and he decides to dig his heels in.

All that changes when JT Campbell is forced into his life. JT is a bit of a mystery to Brett. JT came from money and privilege and so many empty relationships that he decides to leave it all behind to find himself. JT knows what a disaster it could be to fall for a man who was hanging onto the ghost and memories of his dead lover, but JT is attracted and he wants to do anything to help Brett.

If you’re into slow burn romances and cowboys this is for you. Of course, there is the typical explosion of drama required at the end of any book, but I love how it all played out.

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.

Colina de Lavanda by August Li

Title: Colina de Lavanda

Series: Dreamspinner’s Warmest Wishes Advent Calendar 2018.

Author: August Li

Genre: Historical Americas, Western, Mythology, Other Paranormal

Length: Short Story (57 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2018)

Heat level: Low

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

Blurb: Lord protector of whores, thieves, sorcerers, and deviants.

Owning a parcel of land the railroad needs to cross means Edward gets to run the border town around the station as he sees fit. What starts as a place to indulge his varied appetites becomes a haven to society’s castoffs, and if Edward encourages legends about its founder to flourish, well, he’s not so much a liar as a man who wants to protect all the cultures living in peace. Being mayor means folks might ignore his vices, but they also expect him to fix what goes wrong.

When a crushing heat wave and drought threaten not only the town’s diverse holiday celebrations but its very existence, Edward must turn to the one man he’d rather french kiss a timber rattler than face—the icily elegant Cantonese mage Edward walked out on but never stopped loving.

ISBN: 978-1-64405-056-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Edward is in need of some big help and he turns to the one man who would be willing to do it, his ex. A heatwave is on them and it is natural. A beautiful town created for those that most would not except and they need to fix it.

Magical and mysterious this story gives you that. It was just a taste though and I do hope that this author turns it into a pretty cool story. The story flowed just like one would like and the characters were quite a hit with me.

I enjoyed it quite a bit. Lets just say that it was not what I expected.

A Courageous Ride by Andrew Grey ~ Audio Review

Andrew Grey - A Courageous Ride Audio CoverTitle: A Courageous Ride

Series: The Bullriders 03

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: 8 hrs, 26 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th July 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Blurb: Aspiring orchestra conductor Marshall is exhausted after months of auditions without a single job offer. Marshall’s friend Terry recommends a change of scenery and points Marshall in the direction of a dude ranch run by former bull rider Indigo Santana. Marshall is understandably skeptical, but his friend is convincing, and Marshall needs a break, so he agrees to go.

Indigo captures Marshall’s attention but leaves him confused. Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and he’s not the most accommodating host. After all, the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.

Marshall’s attraction doesn’t go unanswered, which leaves him with a huge dilemma. He’s torn between the possibility of love, something he’s searched for all his life, and the career he’s worked toward for as long as he can remember, which is miles away. From his side of the fence, Indigo doesn’t see how the ranch could ever be enough.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: A Courageous Ride is the third book in Andrew Grey’s cowboy/western series, The Bullriders. Any fans of cowboy romances will love this book. I recommend reading books 1 and 2 if you haven’t already because there are a few well developed characters that pop up from the previous books. I love this series for the simplicity of the story, leaving plenty of room for the characters to develop and fall in love in a way that seems to be more organic than quickly falling into bed and bam, they’re in love. Although, in saying that, the men in these stories also have enough baggage that there isn’t a dull moment.

I think, though, that this book is my favorite in the series, I think because there seems to be a lot more at stake in this one than the previous books. Although the over arching theme of the series continues to be moving on and learning how to let love in. it’s really a beautiful thing.

This story takes place on a different ranch than books 1 and 2, a dude ranch that also happens to be a working ranch that is run by Indigo Santana. The Princess Bride and Santana went through my head, especially at the point where Indigo himself talks about the character Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride.

Indigo is an ex rodeo rider who has was forced to retire after he was severely injured. Now he works his guts out trying to keep his family ranch above water, which is why he has set up the dude ranch part of his business. He is your typical gruff cowboy with a heart of gold, but unlike the previous books, he is a cowboy who isn’t exactly in the closet, but he certainly doesn’t advertise himself either. However, he hides his goodness because his confidence took a real blow when he got the career ending injury, so he likes to act like a grumpy bear and he hasn’t even been near a bull since the accident. In fact, if he wants his guests to meet a bull riding champion, he invites his friend and neighbor, Dante Rivers, over (yep, that’s the guy from book one).

Marshall is a mentally and physically exhausted when we first meet him at the start of the book. He has been going to countless auditions to become an orchestral conductor. However, he is not having much luck. So of course he isn’t at his best, and it is his friend Terry that convinces Marshall to go to a new dude ranch he knows about instead of going back to his difficult parents in New York. Marshall goes to the ranch and quickly finds himself feeling better and within a short time he is starts to be able to access his career options carefully. Even though his controlling mother finds a way to disrupt him. In between all that, he finds a deep connection with Indigo, which brings in a whole lot more complications.

These guys have a long and winding road ahead of them but I particularly found it very easy to relate to Marshall. Although Indigo is a pretty damn awesome character who I only just wanted to give a warm hug!

As usual John Solo has done a fantastic narration, giving each character their own individual voice, which conveys the emotions and assaulting the ear with all the feels you could possibly want. I love to hear Solo’s narration on any book I get on audio and I am rarely disappointed.

A Daring Ride by Andrew Grey ~ Audio Review

Andrew Grey - A Daring Ride Audio CoverTitle: A Daring Ride

Series: The Bullriders 02

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd March 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

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

Blurb: Simon “Frizz” Frizzell sneaks away to the rodeo on weekends, and it’s not until after he wins a buckle that he tells his parents about his bull-riding. He knows they won’t approve of his choice of sport, but his parents own a Christian bookstore, and he couldn’t possibly tell them the whole truth: He’s gay. And so are some of his rodeo friends, like Dante and Ryan, and Jacky – a young man he wishes could have been more than a one-night stand. When Simon sets his sights on his dreams, he finds work with Dante and Ryan, and bumps into Jacky on the job.

Jacky Douglas is a rodeo fanatic, plain and simple. He loves the ride, and he loves the cowboys. He fell hard for Frizz when they met, and theirs was a one-night stand made in heaven. When they meet again, Jacky thinks it’s a stroke of luck. Frizz takes some convincing, but once he’s on board, they begin a relationship. The fledgling romance faces a challenge when news of it travels all the way to the one place Frizz doesn’t want it to go: his parents’ bookstore.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: A Daring Ride is the second book in Andrew Grey’s cowboy/western series, The Bullriders. Any fans of cowboy romances will love this book. I recommend reading book 1 first if you haven’t already because the couple from the first book, Dante and Ryan, do feature quite heavily in this instalment. I love this series for the simplicity of the story, leaving plenty of room for the characters to develop and fall in love in a way that seems to be more organic than quickly falling into bed and bam, they’re in love. Although, in saying that, the men in these stories also have enough baggage that there isn’t a dull moment.

This second book is the story of Jacky Douglas and Simon Frizell, aka Frizz. Jacky is a rodeo fanatic and best friend to Ryan from book 1, which is mostly the reason why Ryan and Dante pop up so often. He loves the everything about the rodeo, including the hot men. Jacky is out and proud and when he meets bull rider, Frizz, he definitely likes what he sees. Jacky isn’t exactly what I would call a free spirit, but he knows what he wants and he isn’t afraid of what people think.

Frizz on the other hand, constantly worries about what people thinks. He has two major secrets in his life. One, that he is a bull rider and competes in rodeos on the weekends. Two, that he’s gay. He is terrified he will lose his family and friends if they ever find out. Yet when he meets Jacky properly, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery. He feels he can’t have Jacky, then he feels he can on do a one-night stand, then this loops around to Jacky deserving a lot better than that. The main plot of this book is Frizz coming to terms with himself, allowing himself to fall in love and basically taking life by the horns and holding on (pun fully intended).

As usual John Solo has done a fantastic narration, giving each character their own individual voice, which conveys the emotions and assaulting the ear with all the feels you could possibly want. I love to hear Solo’s narration on any book I get on audio and I am rarely disappointed.

A Wild Ride by Andrew Grey ~ Audio Review

Andrew Grey - A Wild Ride Audio CoverTitle: A Wild Ride

Series: The Bullriders 01

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: 6 hrs, 55 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27th February 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Blurb: Dante Rivers just lost the rodeo by two 100ths of a point; he’s frustrated as hell, needs to get laid, and he knows just where to go. That night, he meets Ryan Abbott and catches his eye – Ryan watched the rodeo and is still riding high on the rush. The chemistry between them ignites, but Dante, unable to deal with complications, leaves while Ryan’s asleep.

Ryan figures he’ll never see Dante again, but they’re fatefully reunited when Dante’s grandfather, Hy, hires Ryan to help straighten out some old investments. The attraction between Ryan and Dante still sizzles. Sex slowly turns to more, but obstacles abound: Hy’s failing health, Dante’s homophobic sponsor, an attack on Ryan, and Dante’s own struggle with his identity. Any one thing would be enough to separate them permanently…unless they both decide to hang on for the wild ride.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I love a good cowboy book and throw in the fact that it’s written by Andrew Grey and I’m sold. I love the rugged sexiness of a strong cowboy with a heart of gold as much as the next person. For those into that type of thing then you’ll probably enjoy this book.

The book begins with the high adrenaline scene of cowboy Dante Rivers doing his final ride on the back of a bucking bull in the rodeo finals. He heartbreakingly loses first place by the narrowest of margins (to someone who is a bit of dick, if you ask me, and I guess you have in a way). So to vent his pent up frustration he meets a guy in a bar for a hot and heavy one night stand.

Dante never thought that he would meet Ryan Abbott again. In fact, Ryan, who thought about Dante long after their one-night stand, never expects to get a phone call that would bring him back into Ryan’s orbit again. Ryan is an investment guru who is hired by Dante’s grandfather, Hy to help fix up some old investments. The attraction is sizzling hot but being a cowboy story, the guys have to deal with coming out of the closet and homophobia – because, you know, no cowboy can be gay, right? Dante’s grandfather is also ill, which is another stress in his life. Hy is an old rascal and such a lovable character, his character is wonderfully reflected in Dante, showing the strong link between the two after Hy had raised his grandson from a young age.

The plot line is fairly simple, but it is all heart and emotion. I don’t want to go too much into it because I feel there would be too much spoiler.

For me the narration by John Solo was the icing on the cake. I’ve always enjoyed Solo’s work. He has a fantastic grittiness to his voice that especially suits the voice of a rough and ready cowboy. I especially enjoyed the voice that he gave Dante, although Ryan’s voice was also pretty damn good.

Saddle Up by A.M. Arthur

A.M. Arthur - Saddle Up CoverTitle: Saddle Up

Series: Clean Slate Ranch 03

Author: A.M. Arthur

Genre: Western, Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (224 pgs)

Publisher: Carina Press (September 17, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Blurb: Reyes Caldero keeps his past buried deep and his emotions buried deeper. But what he doesn’t say he always makes up for with his actions. When the hot chef he once saved from an abusive ex turns up at Clean Slate Ranch, the quiet cowboy is happy to act on their sizzling chemistry, even if he’s not ready to share his secrets—or his heart.

Miles Arlington needs to get the hell out of San Francisco, and heading north for a job near Clean Slate Ranch seems like just the thing. It doesn’t hurt that his secret crush slash onetime rescuer happens to work at the ranch. Miles has never been one for the outdoors, but the superhot Reyes has him ready to saddle up.

Reyes is happy to keep things casual, even though his heart has other ideas. And when Miles is forced to confront his past again, Reyes and Miles will have to put all their trust in each other if they want any chance at building a future together.

ISBN: 9781488097157

Product Link: Carina Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: A sweet romance about Reyes and Miles. These two men have tragic pasts they are both trying to deal with. Reyes is an ex firefighter that had something bad happen on the job. While Miles is trying to get away from his crazy ex.

Despite the way they met, Reyes saves Miles they both have a mutual attraction to each other. What I liked most was these two took things slow. They got to know one another and were there for the other when they needed it most.

Sweet, tender and romantic are words that come to mind with these two. For all the drama they have been put through they eventually are ready to saddle up for a new relationship with each other.

Great read.

Delectable Series by E.M. Lynley

E.M. Lynley - Delectable Series Cover 1Title: Delectable Series

Series: Dreamspinner Press Bundle 01

Author: E.M. Lynley

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (671 Pages) (2 Novels, 3 Novellas)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 3, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts (Overall)

Blurb: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and no one knows it better than the men in EM Lynley’s Delectable Series.

In Brand New Flavor, Artisan ice cream maker Jay Brown and food critic Cameron Clay have one delicious encounter that could lead to much more, if they can find each other again. Simon Ford resents the easy life of those like Austin Kelvin, owner of Kelvin Cellars in Napa Valley, in An Intoxicating Crush. But Austin’s business is going under, and when Simon’s true reasons for being at the winery come to light, Simon will have to risk everything to prove his sincerity.

When Alex Bancroft’s bakery burns down a week before Christmas and he’s pulled from the flames by Kevin Flint in Gingerbread Palace, the gingerbread house he donates to charity seems like it’s not going to happen, until Fire Station 7 comes to the rescue yet again. But can Kevin come out of the closet long enough to see what he might be missing?

In Spaghetti Western, professional chef Riley Emerson’s dreams are in tatters when he takes a job at the Rocking Z guest ranch. Colby Zane is ecstatic when the new cook turns out to be his hot one-night stand, but financial problems at the ranch may drive them apart. In 12 Courses, chef Thom Kennedy has finally regained his confidence after the theft of his recipes when ex-boyfriend Blake Warner shows up at his restaurant several days in a row. But can he trust Blake again when he seems to know more that he’s saying about the theft?

ISBN: 978-1-63477-439-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Brand New Flavor 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Jay has had a hard time trusting others after a disaster of a relationship. It wasn’t even the relationship itself that cause the problems, but the damn man stole his recipes. He created the most erotic ice cream ever. The taste was just that good. So when a man wanted to taste his ice cream, lets say things heated up. But trouble always gets in the way, when Cameron’s ex tried to mess with Jay’s head.

The ice cream that was mentioned in this story, made me want to go out and get some. Jay definitely has self esteem issues and I wasn’t to sure about him. He is a sweetie and cute as can be. Cameron is a little better then him, but he comes off as a bit of a player at first. I don’t like cheating or close to it, and this one pushed it. However the story is cute and I did enjoy it quite a bit. Now normally I would have given it a harder rating but I truly had fun reading it.

The characters are charming and for such a short story it gives you a good taste. I do wish it had been a bit longer, but it is perfect to heat your day.

Intoxicating Crush 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Austin loves owning and running the winery. His father had given it to him and his brother, but it was Austin that truly loved it. However he is a bit stubborn when he is in need of help, he won’t tell anyone about it. When Simon came to the to taste the blends, Austin was a bit tongue tied. Things were going good, then Austin’s world just drops out. Simon is in big trouble now.

I am not much of a wine or beer person so some of the story went over my head, but the guys were a different subject. They were definitely tasty and damn sexy. This story was a cute addition to my library and I was glad that I had taken the time to read it. It is an even paced story that didn’t really draw it out, which was nice.

I really like the characters but I think Austin would win out here. Simon seemed a bit to weak in my eyes when it came to his boss and what he truly wanted. Other than that I did have fun reading this book and can’t wait to start in on the next one.

Gingerbread Palace 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Every year Alex and his screw always makes nice size gingerbread houses and men to sell. The money they raise goes to a charity for foster kids and to place them in the best homes. He had not been so luck and he over came all that had happened to him, but he wanted to give other children a chance at having a better life. When a fire looked to stop them from doing it, the firehouse stepped in to help. To bad the one fire fighter he had the hots for, acted like a homophobic asshat. However not everything is as it seems.

Lets just say Kevin is an asshat and I didn’t really care for him. Even getting to know him there was just not really a chance to like him till the very end. I loved Alex and understod where he had been standing at. I enjoyed reading the story and the charcters were quite a hit with me.

This is a sweet story with a bit of heartache added in. The guys were sexy and always did love a man in uniform. I enjoyed this book quite a bit.

Spaghetti Western 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Riley has done something that many would wish they did, he followed his dreams. He became a professional chef and is one hell of a cook. He can make food that is orgasmic to say the least. When he heads to Colorado to be with his boyfriend, he hadn’t expected that boyfriend in bed with another. Now he not only had to mend a broken heart but find a new job. Searching around ends him up at a ranch that catered to guest. He had not expected the one man he had slept with after what had happned to be one of the owners of that ranch. Things are looking good, until a potential investor wants more from Colby.

This story gave me mixed feelings. I actually thought about giving it a lower rating because of the near screwup with the Colby and that investor. However thanks to intervention it turned out pretty good. I just don’t condone what was going to happen and felt that it would have caused big trouble between our sexy characters, but was glad the author took it in another direction. However it did make the story drop for me in the end.

I hate to admit that this story was really good but I have certain pet peeves and this one was knocking on the door for me. It could have gone either way for me and I didn’t much care for it. I liked Riley quite a bit and in the end Colby went down the drain. So this particular story just about made me want to say no to the rest of the book.

12 Courses 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Thom was an inspiring chef till someone stole his ideas, and he was the one blamed for it. Now a few years have past and the one man he had loved back then shows up. Blake had taken off when all of the damage had been done to Thom, but it wasn’t what Thom took it for.

This one was a bit dry to me. Betrayal and anger given to one for something that had been an accident, even though the end was horrible. Now starting over and Thom was terrified by the results. They both come off a bit weak to me and the connection that should be there wasn’t. The story just

They don’t truly have trust and trust is definitely needed in a relationship, but then again with a small story I can see how it was worked. It is a cute story and the characters were enjoyable but they were missing something big to me.

Overall

I liked the recipes that were in the stories but it made them drag out and that wasn’t good for me. The story did make me hungry though. I liked most of the characters but there was so much drama that wasn’t needed to keep my attention. I had a few likes and dislikes, but overall each story was pretty unique and fresh for me. I liked the guys and their happy endings. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.

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!”

Two of a Kind by BA Tortuga

Title: Two of a Kind

Series: Dreamspun Desires 65

Author: BA Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Western

Length: Novel (224 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

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 attempt to feed all those extra mouths.

That leaves Trey back on the ranch, isolated and overworked as the kids’ sole caregiver. Something 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.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-725-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’m fast becoming a fan of BA Tortuga, particularly her cowboy/western novels. 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 think my favorite is still Two Cowboys and A Baby).

I have to admit, when I first read the blurb to this book I was left in two minds about how much I wanted to read it. I’m not sure if I was too sick and didn’t concentrate when I read it, or if the blurb to the book is genuinely too busy packing too much information in. Nonetheless, in the end, I really enjoyed this story. It is sweet, charming and has a heck of a lot of heart. Both MCs are relatable guys and for me it was impossible not to feel bad for Trey and get a bit annoyed at Ap for missing too much.

So that means I better actually tell you a bit about the story.

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 (I think) 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.

As I said, I really adored this story. 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.

Cowboy in the Crosshairs by B.A. Tortuga

Title: Cowboy in the Crosshairs

Series: Turquoise, New Mexico 01 / Dreamspun Desires 53

Author: BA Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Western

Length: Novel (232 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

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?

ISBN: 978-1-64080-036-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’m fast becoming a fan of BA Tortuga, particularly her cowboy/western novels. Because seriously, if it’s not a firefighter, cop, military man, then a story about a hot but flawed cowboy is just wonderful. Tortuga also usually does justice to a story with at least one cute kid as well (I think my favorite is still Two Cowboys and A Baby). So basically, if you like any of these things, you’ll at least enjoy the book, because despite my opinions I did enjoy the story overall.

Cowboy in the Crosshairs is the first book a new series called Turquoise, New Mexico. 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.

I’ve got some really mixed feelings about this book. I liked the main plot points and as already stated, I enjoy Tortuga’s writing. The characters are good and for the most the story is well-paced.

My issue with this book comes down to the fact that I feel that the story was too glossy – as in it didn’t feel like there was a lot of detail in the main plot points. Furthermore, I also had an issue with how these guys treated each other with disdain at first, and to some extent some miscommunication. It was like they were still a couple of children. They were foolish young men ten years before and had a lot of growing up to do before they could truly be together. Also, it felt like the mystery of who was out to get Wacey was kind shoved in for a bit more drama. I suppose in this sense at least we know the guys do grow up in the end and get their HEA.

Regardless of my feelings of the plot, I do look forward to more stories in the series.

Rocking the Cowboy by Skylar M. Cates

Title: Rocking the Cowboy

Series: Dreamspun Desires 64

Author: Skylar M. Cates

Genre: Contemporary, Western

Length: Novel (228 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21st August 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Opposites who go together like country and rock ’n’ roll.

Long before he was a superstar, Remy Sean had a secret crush on Jed Riley. But Jed sees Remy as a spoiled pop rocker and an extension of his father’s control. Still, Jed is willing to let Remy hide from the press on his ranch—but only as a way to get his father out of his life and business for good.

Used to being admired and fawned over, Remy keenly feels the sting of Jed’s dismissal. Can he make Jed see him as more than a pain in the ass? Or is Jed too tangled up in his ranch to see past his old hurt?

Jed doesn’t believe someone desired by so many fans could want him, a simple cowboy. But Remy is determined to change Jed’s mind and steal his heart….

ISBN: 978-1-64080-444-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Reading the blurb of Rocking the Cowboy I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve read a handful Skylar M Cates books before – some I enjoyed and one I couldn’t finish, so that isn’t much help. I love a good cowboy story, so I was definitely keen to give it a go. While this wasn’t the greatest book I’ve ever read, I really did enjoy this one. The romance was wonderful, the characters were relatable, the story was a lot of fun and most importantly the MCs had great chemistry.

The plot of the story is quite simple and for the most part the blurb has more than enough detail before we enter spoiler territory. I don’t want to give too many spoilers, so I’ll keep my summary to a minimum.

Rockstar Remy Sean has gone through a horrifying experience on stage where he almost got trapped by stampeding fans who broke through barriers to get onto stage. His agent, who personally is not the best man and is ruthless in business, decides that Remy should go spend time at the family ranch which is ran by his son, Jed Riley. The problem is, Jed does not get along with his father at all.

Although a little hesitant, Remy does look forward to this opportunity to heal from his mostly psychological scars. Years ago, when he had been sixteen, he had spent the summer at the ranch. Back when things were a lot better for the Riley family. This had been when Remy first met Jed, but he was certain that over the years he had a bad case of hero worship for Jed.

Jed makes a deal with his father for Remy to stay at the ranch in exchange for his father’s compliance. Jed will do anything to make his mother and sister happy and he has zero time for his a-hole father. What Jed didn’t expect, despite a bumpy start, was that he would have a true connection to Remy.

Fans of cowboy stories will not be disappointed, and if you like yourself a bit of a celebrity falling for an ordinary guy type of story then you’re in luck here too. Overall, really fun and enjoyable, a great way to unwind and pass a few hours.