Review: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Title: Turn and Burn by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Five
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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.

The Review:

A sweetly romantic yet scorching hot romance, Turn and Burn is a poignant, naughty and thoroughly captivating read. This fifth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series is just as fresh and appealing as the first, and Lorelei James continues to bring readers realistic storylines that are full of emotions and intensely erotic sex scenes.

Tanna Barker is a three times world champion barrel racer whose world has been turned upside down in recent years. She lost her anchor when her mother died and her father sold the family ranch but it is a devastating barrel racing accident that she haunts her. Broke and with no place to go while she tries to figure out her next move, Tanna takes a temporary job at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort. The last thing Tanna needs is another complication in her life but her smoldering attraction to veterinarian August “Fletch” Fletcher is too powerful to ignore. Their “just friends” agreement takes a pulse-pounding and panty-drenching turn but is there any chance of a future for this passionate couple?

Tanna has mostly recovered from her physical injuries, but her emotional wounds are far from healed. Suffering severe post traumatic stress, Tanna is terrified of horses and unable to resolve her grief over the loss of the horse she was riding when she had her accident. Tanna has dedicated her life to her career and without barrel racing, what does the future hold for her?

Fletch is a workaholic whose dedication to his job has left him with little time for a personal life. A forced vacation gives him provides him the chance to spend time with Tanna and their relationship flourishes as they get to know one another. Fletch’s return to work brings a surprising career opportunity that would give him much needed balance in his personal and professional lives. But a future with Tanna is far from certain when she makes an unexpected career decision of her own.

Tanna and Fletch are richly drawn, three dimensional characters facing real life issues. Tanna has a strong and vibrant personality and Fletch is a fantastic match for her. Fletch is a take charge kind of man but he also has an incredibly soft and nurturing side too. He knows when to push Tanna and even though she does not go down without a fight, Tanna learns to trust his instincts.

Tanna’s and Fletch’s relationship is fiery and passion-filled but there are plenty of tender moments between them as well. Their blistering hot sex scenes are exquisitely detailed and while there are plenty of them, they never overpower the overall story. There is an emotional connection between Tanna and Fletch and some of their best scenes together are simple everyday moments where they are just getting to know one another. For the most part, there is very little conflict between them, but when it does arise they resolve it quickly with very little angst.

Fans of the Blacktop Cowboy series will be delighted by guest appearances by favorite characters from the previous novels. Hands down, the best scenes in Turn and Burn feature the feisty Mud Lilies. They do not let a little thing like age slow them down and they are rowdy and fun loving. Keep the tissues handy because there is a moving and highly emotional story arc with one of these sassy women that will make even the most stalwart reader cry. Not great big boohooing gut-wrenching sobs but plan on shedding a few tears.

Turn and Burn is a beautiful love story with depth and substance and it is a wonderful addition to Blacktop Cowboy series. Lorelei James delivers yet another breathtaking romance that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next novel in this tantalizing and addicting series.