Review: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Title: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James
Blacktop Cowboys Series Book Nine
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Opposites don’t just attract in the West–they sizzle–and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel.

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa “Riss” Thorpe defines the term tomboy–a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy player Ike Palmer. Seeing him in action on the road, Riss can tell that Ike prefers his women soft-spoken and feminine. And since Riss is obviously not his type, it’s unlikely that they’ll mix business and pleasure when they’re in close quarters together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life as a stock contractor when he started working with Riss, a sassy truck driver who gets under his skin at every turn. But Riss is unlike any woman he’s ever met and her candor inflames him in the most unexpected ways.

After circumstances force a truce between them, Riss and Ike will have to choose to maintain the stubbornness that keeps them apart or take a chance on the fiery attraction that could lead to something more..

Review:

Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a sultry yet endearing contemporary romance. Although this newest release is the ninth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series, it can be read as a standalone.

Larissa is outspoken, a little rude and sometimes crude but she is loyal to her friends and family. She is unafraid to go after what she wants and she does not back down from a fight.  Riss is extremely independent but she cannot exactly turn down Ike Palmer’s offer to help her when she needs it.

For the past two years, Ike has been struggling with an unexpected career change. Despite this difficulty, he does not hesitate to invite Riss into his home temporarily. She is not an easy person to get to know and she is not one to rely on someone else so she is initially extremely prickly. Settling into their new routine, Ike is comfortable enough to confide in her about his troubles, but he is quite shocked by Riss’s assessment of him and his current situation.

Despite their very different personalities, Riss and Ike are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Riss has a few rough edges but Ike is completely comfortable with her larger than life personality. Ike is little too complacent and quick to give up instead of working to fix the problems in his life.  Riss does not sugarcoat her opinions and Ike values her input enough to begin making much needed changes but they still hit a few roadblocks as they traverse their new relationship.

Racked and Stacked is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. This fun and flirty love story has a great cast of characters that are charming and easy to like. Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple who are a surprisingly good for each other and their relationship is a joy to watch unfold.  Old and new fans of the series are going to love this sassy addition to Lorelei James’ delightful  Blacktop Cowboys series.