Long Hard Ride (Rough Riders)

This was my first book by this author and it was very good. I'll continie to buy her books

A very nice introduction to the writing of Lorelei James. After all, how can a book about not one, not two, but three hunky cowboys be bad? The characters were a bit undeveloped for my tastes, as we never really got the full background stories of any of them (I really like to know all the details). But it was enough to make a good story, where you can honestly say you want the main characters to have their happily ever after. I was happy with the ending, and it was enough to put Ms. James' Rough Riders series on my "to buy" list.

First off, I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and it completely grabbed me. I have to compliment the author on this one because it seems like she did a decent amount of research before writing this. Coming from rodeo background I CANT STAND western books that are ridiculously inaccurate portrayals of cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo, or the western way of life. The majority of the real western references were correct and kept me in the story instead of annoying me because of the authors lack of dedication to story line. I couldn't get myself to give her 5 stars for one good reason...the darn cover! If you are going to bother doing your research and being accurate on your small (but important!) rodeo/western details, DON'T FORGET YOUR COVER! I almost didn't buy this book because of the ridiculous cover! No real cowboy on earth wears that outfit to a rodeo. Just a hint, the vest are supposed to be for protections not thin cotton fashion vests! Also, she made the main female character look as unclassy as the rest of the nasty buckle bunnies she puts her so highly above....it just doesn't fit. All in all, don't let the inaccurate cover keep you from buying this book. Her cowboy/rodeo/western references are good and this is a hot book! Just my thoughts!

I purchased this book largely on the overall strength of the current reviews. I wasn't disappointed! I thought Channing perhaps fell into Colby and Co.'s bed a tad too easily (e.g. the initial "test")but didn't feel it strained anything but the very outside edge of believability. Please note there is some m/m action (in addition to m/f/m)but although it's not generally my thing, I thought it was well written and hot. All-in-all, a pleasing and erotic summer-read!

Long Hard Ride was my first western romance read and I loved it. The story between strong Colby McKay and Channing was hot. I could not put this book down. I'm not a big rodeo fan so I wasn't sure when I bought this book but I loved the story centered around the rodeo. Colby's partners Trevor and Edgar also made the story and interesting read. Couldn't wait to read more about the McKay family in the rest of the Rough Riders series.