Book Review: Dirty-Talking Cowboy (Kinky Spurs) by Stacey Kennedy

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is the first book in the Kinky Spurs series by Stacey Kennedy. Emma Monroe has returned to River Rock, Colorado, after the death of her grandmother. Now she’s inherited a farm full of abused animals and she’s working as a waitress at the local hotspot, Kinky Spurs. The last thing Emma wants in her life is a man, as she’s still recovering from a recent heartbreak. But when a sensual and powerful cowboy, Shep Blackshaw enters her life, Emma begins to want things she shouldn't. Shep knows sex shouldn’t be on his mind. He’s got a world of responsibility on his shoulders. He’s attempting to save his late father’s cattle ranch, Blackshaw Cattle Company, from foreclosure. But Emma’s heated reactions to his touch make ignoring her impossible. She’s the perfect distraction to make him forget that his father’s company is a sinking ship. While their nights only heat up, soon emotions become tangled into the mix. 

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is a hot a steamy romance, with an alpha hero that is a little too perfect. Shep is sexy, a hard worker, and while he is controlling he also takes the time to be sure of the emotional well-being of those he cares about. I love that he can be slow and gentle in his conversations and takes care of those around him, and hat consent is a priority in bedroom- that is not always the case with strong alpha heroes. Emma is sweet and smart, reeling from heartbreak and the loss of her grandmother. Changes and grief are taking up most of her head-space as she tries to heal and move forward. I liked that they are both pretty self aware of their issues, and what they need. I like that they talk through the issues and do not force things. The attraction and chemistry between them is powerful, maybe a bit too much to be real but since I read for escape I was fine with that. My biggest problem with the book is that Shep is too perfect. He is strong, willing to work hard, is patient even when he needs to struggle with it. Emma is fairly perfect too, but at least she is struggling with trust, and allowing herself to feel. I enjoyed the secondary characters as much as the main players, and look forward to the next two books in the series, since the story made the next couples pretty obvious. Now, I really need to read those books because I want to see them find their happy endings. 

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is a steamy contemporary romance. The sex is steamy, the characters a little too perfect, but the ride is highly entertaining and well worth the read. 

Book Review: Hold Tight (For You) by Alexa Riley

Hold Tight is the second installment in the For You series by Alexa Riley. I have not read the first book in this series, but I have read other books by the author and found that each book can be enjoyed on its own, but reading them in order does give a better sense of the main characters and how they interact.

 

A hotshot consultant hired to streamline Osbourne Corp. meets his match in Pandora Justice—the more she plays hard to get, the more he wants her.  Pandora Justice took over as head of security at Osbourne Corp. after her father's retirement. Eighty-hour workweeks are normal; being brushed up against by hot consultants with ridiculous names is not. And she doesn't like it. Not even one bit.  The first time Pandora sees Royce in the ring—all tattoos and sinew, covered in sweat—he looks at her like he's just won more than the fight. Like he won her.  Royce's cocky grin with deep dimples makes Pandora melt. Once she wanted to smack that look off his face—now all she wants to do is kiss it. For the rest of her life.  

Hold Tight is a quick, contemporary romance. I like that I had read a previous book where Pandora's parents meet so I already knew about the family, their personalities, and long standing family dynamics- however newcomers will not suffer for the loss of information. I liked that Pandora is a strong, hard working woman and an alpha in her own right. I like her work effort and transparency as to what she wants from the world. I also like her hidden vulnerabilities, her fear of getting hurt and how she tries to protect herself, even on an unconscious level. I also like that while Royce is a strong, confident man he give her the space that she needs to figure out what she wants. Even though he might want to push the issue, and occasionally veers into the stalker zone, he never pushes her so far that she feels the pressure. I did find the physical attraction and parts of the relationship to be a little over the top, but it was still a fast, fun read that gave me almost exactly what I expected from the author.

Hold Tight is a short, quick read. Fans of Riley will recognize and enjoy the writing style, and get more of what they are looking for. I found Royce to be less of the stalker, domineering male than her other books- which I counted as a good thing- but this is still very much about an alpha male falling for a strong woman. 

Book Review: His Alone (For Her) by Alexa Riley

His Alone is the second book in the For Her series by Alexa Riley. The first book was Everything for Her, which I did not read. While having read the first book will give you a better insight on the characters and their connections, I was able to fully enjoy the read.

Ryan Justice may be her boss, but nothing will stop him from making her his. Paige Turner is trying to outrun her past, but there it is, tossed back in her face anytime she manages to get two steps ahead. Her need for Ryan got in the way of revenge, took her off course. Redirected her focus. Before she knew it, he'd made his way into her life. Into her heart. True love doesn't let secrets as big as these stay buried. And when the truth about Paige's father is finally exposed, Ryan will do anything to fix everything. Paige has always been his and his alone.

His Alone is a contemporary romance, with an over the top alpha male ready to do anything for the woman he cares about, even when she has no idea he feels that way. Yes, a little stalkerish- but somehow Riley makes that work in this series. I liked that Paige is aware that his possessiveness should bother her, but since she has the same reactions to him I would call that even. The book starts with the pair already at a low simmer, and it does not take long for the pair to catch fire. The physical obsession is similar to the paranormal romances where 'mates' find each other and then cannot keep their hands to themselves. I did like that there was some danger and reveal with Paige's history, and that love is the answer to everything. However, the stalker style is not romantic to me, although entertaining for a weekend read. My only other issue several epilogues and a bonus scene. I love getting a little extra, but every time I thought I was done and could go wash dishes or something I discovered another two pages that I could not leave unread.

His Alone is the perfect read for those looking for a hot read, and that enjoy the controlling male leads. If you liked the first book, which is described fairly well in this installment, then I expect that you will enjoy this one as well.