Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Title:  Turn and Burn

Series:  Blacktop Cowboys Book #5

Author:  Lorelei James

Genre:  Romance

Blurb:  Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.
Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy
Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.

Thoughts:  Having just recently discovered Lorelei James with the reading of Redneck Romeo (one of her Rough Riders series of novels of which I also wrote a review), I was quick to jump on the opportunity to read another novel by her.  And I have to say, I was not disappointed!  The book was fun, flirty, and entertaining, but it also had some serious issues to it.  Tanna has been injured while barrel racing, and months later she is still dealing with the fallout from that.  She has some serious fear issues with horses now, unresolved feelings of ‘survivors’ guilt, etc. and that adds a little meat to the story.

I loved the banter between Tanna and Fletch – especially when they first meet in the bar.  The whole scene had a constant smile on my face – one that continued any time these two got caught up in their sexy banter.  I enjoyed Tanna’s attitude – and her ease with talking to men (particulary down and dirty cowboys!).  She is such a fun character!  And Fletch was a perfect foil for her.  For me, there seemed to be a bit of a lull in the middle, but the author is quick to get the book back on track.  The book is one in a series, but that does not affect your ability to get into the story at all – but it does have me wanting to go back and read the rest of the series.

If you are already a fan of Lorelei James – you’ll want to pick this one up!  No doubt about it.  If your new to her, trust me she is an author worth reading.  Can’t wait to read more by this author!

Rate:  B+