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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.
“Her sexy cowboys are to die for!”—New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks
“Lorelei James knows how to write one hot, sexy cowboy.”—New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton
IvyD
Posted Mon Aug 05 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Tanna Barker, wild child and world champion barrel racer, is about as down as a person can get. Life has dealt Tanna some rough blows lately. The death of her mother, betrayal of her father, the loss of the ranch she called home and always thought would be there, and an accident in the ring resulting in considerable injury to herself and death to her horse, Jezebel. Essentially homeless and broke Tanna’s accepted a friends offer of temporary summer employment at The Split Rock in Muddy Gap, Wyoming.
Augustus Fletcher aka Doc or Fletch is a large animal vet. Alone in his practice his life is revolves around work. Firm in his belief that no woman or relationship can handle the demands of his profession his personal life is a series of one night stands or very short term quasi relationships. However; his friends’ married happiness and his most recent interlude with an unnamed Texas cowgirl have him questioning that belief.
TURN AND BURN is without question my favorite in Ms. James’ Blacktop Cowboy series. Tanna has lost a lot in the past couple years yet she’s grown enough to realize how spoiled and selfish she was. There’s still a deep down pain and her inability to deal with it gives her nightmares and holds her back. There’s quite a bit more truth and growth in Tanna’s future. The combination of ways Ms. James resolves Tanna’s conflicts are realistic and individually suited to her. It’s not one aha! flash of insight moment when everything becomes clear nor is it easy but that’s as it should be. It’s perfect given her character and circumstances.
Fletch has a few issues of his own but not near as many as Tanna. He also does a better job of facing and dealing with them. Fletch is a gentle giant but not someone you’d want to cross.
This is not erotica where you “open to any random page” and discover explicit scenes. Tanna and Fletch sizzle but even from the beginning there’s more focus on their emotional connection and depth.
Ms. James distinguishes her books from many others in the genre in several ways.
First is the complexity and depth of her characters including the secondary players. I adore the Mud Lilies and love that the older characters aren’t marginalized or treated dismissively. They’re respected, valued, and very much a part of the action. One of my favorite scenes is when the Mud Lilies initiate Tanna. The scene that actually brought tears to my eyes also involved one of the Mud Lilies.
It’s never just about sex. Sure, there’s plenty of spice and heat but there’s always that underlying emotional and mental connection that transcends mere sex. Tanna and Fletch really plumb those depths on their journey. Very satisfying.
Ms. James’ personal knowledge of cowboys, ranch’s, and rodeo life give outsiders an intimate insider’s look at the reality rather than the Hollywood version. Not for everyone but I love experiencing it vicariously.
There’s a strong sense of continuity, community, and family. Within that framework we catch up on the lives of previously introduced characters in a completely natural way thanks to that connectivity. Almost like visiting home.
Fletch and Tanna definitely spoke to me and I really liked who Tanna grew to be. In my humble opinion TURN AND BURN delivered on every level and set the standard for subsequent books to measure up to.
Reviewed by IvyD for Manic Readers
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Sep 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I love cowboy romances... This book could have been good... Had the possibility of a good story line... Had good characters... But there was 10% story and 90% very graphic sex... I read a lot of books and I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination but I read things in this book I have never seen in any other book... In my opinion such descriptions added nothing to the story and in fact detracted from any enjoyment I might have had... If this is an example of Ms. James writing I will just look elsewhere.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Aug 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Omg, I loved this story and love love love this series! !!!!!! Tanna and Doc were fantastic together, so much love it was UNBELIEVABLE! ! Still love the mud lillies.....lol, lol. The scene with the dog, ugh, cried, and how Fletcher handled it made me love him more!!! Nothing hotter or sexier then a man who loves animals....woohoo, I cant wait for more
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Aug 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013
This series/author is an auto buy for me. Lorelei James never disappoints! The story and characters feel like family and I could relate to them. The emotions jump off the page and into your heart. As always I'll be waiting for the next addition.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Aug 06 00:00:00 EDT 2013
One review and its a plot spoiler. Learn to write a review!!!
1 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2014
I really liked this book. It was a good addition to the series. The only thing that bothered me was Fletch's nickname for Tanna (sugar twang). It sounded stupid to me and I found myself skipping over it. As far as the sex being too graphic...maybe you should read the description of the book before you buy it or visit the author's web site...you have to be 18 to enter. The descriptions have warnings. Also....your reading a certain genre. What did you expect?
jeanniezelos
Posted Sat Dec 07 00:00:00 EST 2013
Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys). Lorelei James.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews.
I love romance with a sensual spicy edge and Lorelei does that so well. Of course as a horse lover/rider I enjoy ones set in an equine scene too so this book is a double whammy for me.
Tanna is a great lead, having been injured while riding also I understand her fear of getting back on – or even getting close to a horse. I was never in her league being a happy hacker rather than competition orientated, but the clammy, choking, paralysing fear is the same whatever and Lorelei writes that so well – I felt the fear with Tanna. I like books that tell the story through dialogue, have characters that feel real and allow me to feel “in” the scene, and here I could envisage so clearly what was happening. Hot ans sexy Vet Fletch was a fabulous character too – that man certainly has a way with words – and actions!
I really enjoyed this story, loved meeting all the characters and they were a great mix esp the “older” ladies. That scene where Fletch has to PTS the elderly dog of one of them had me really choked. For many of us pets are family and we grieve for them just the same. I loved the people, enjoyed the world setting created – as a UK resident the rodeo/barrel racing world is one I can only imagine but Lorelei brings it alive. The book was a great read, kept me glued until the end, and the sex scenes were scorching and sensual. I've only one tiny criticism – and being a real drama lover in my romance it is a personal one that most readers won't worry about – and that's the highs were terrific, and the lows where Tanna is struggling with her career and current phobia were perfect, but when it came to a relationship low between her and Fletch I didn't really feel it – I like to have a sad part where I can wallow, and although I felt there were things they needed to overcome they weren't really deep enough to make me feel moved to tears. Sucker that I am I enjoy the downs as they make the highs so much sweeter.
Anyway – a great read, at £5.17 for 342 pages.
Stars: four and a half, just that bit more :( and I’d have gone five.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Anonymous
Posted Sat Nov 23 00:00:00 EST 2013
Follows
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.mnkygirl
Posted Mon Nov 11 00:00:00 EST 2013
Could not wait for this story to come out and had the entire thing read in a matter of hours. Love all things written by Lorelei James. Gets you out of whatever reality you are facing and lets you be in someone else's world if only for a short time.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Nov 08 00:00:00 EST 2013
He purrs
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Brunette_Librarian
Posted Mon Oct 21 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I Also Recommend:
Lorelei James has done it again! What Jaci Burton did to racecar drivers and J.R. Ward did to Vampires, James has done to cowboys. She has taken an excellent cast of characters, plunked them in the middle of Wyoming, and created amazing romances each and every time. Turn and Burn, her newest release, may be my favorite so far, featuring daredevil horserider Tanna and sweet Veterinarian, August “Fletch” Fletcher
Tanna is heading to Wyoming from her home state of Texas following the death of her Mother and a pretty horrific injury that severely hurt her and caused the death of her horse. As she arrives, penniless, alone, and starved for attention, she meets Fletch, the town’s Vet.
Fletch is different than James’ other heroes. While there is plenty of hot sex, for which James’ cowboy books are known for, this novel seemed much more charged mentally and emotionally. Fletch understands Tanna has been emotionally scarred and I enjoyed their journey together in helping to realize her fears and overcome them. Tanna is scarred and her journey to being the rider she once was is not smooth sailing. James tackles these topics head on in a realistic manner and everything isn’t all right in an instant.
While I loved the naughty parts, Turn and Burn had just the right mixture of emotional connection to create an amazing story that made me wish it didn't end. The only disappointment I had, was the ending, because I would have liked a bit of a update on what had happened with the other characters from previous books. The sense of community is wonderful and there is truly a world built within these books.
Turn and Burn is a fantastic addition to the world James has created. I loved the mixture of fast talking Texas girl Tanna and laid back Fletch. Each is so different from what the other is used to and find missing piece in one another. Great characters, a fun story, and even better sex scenes equal another hit from Lorelei James.
Anonymous
Posted Sat Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Love the whole series so far!!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Oct 06 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Very slow, I do not this story. Its really dragged out. I even skimmed a few pages just to get it done.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 EDT 2013
This story had such potential but the female lead wasn't at all likeable. I can understand a woman on the rodeo circuit wanting to have a good time, but this woman was basically a slut and a bad tempered one at that. I loved the "hero", he was way too good for her and she was too stupid to realize what a prize she had in him until it was almost too late. And, please don't get me started on the references to riding and care of horses. No horsewoman in her right mind would train a barrel horse (or any competition horse for that matter) for hours on end and then give them a "snack" or let them graze in the middle of the training, not unless they had lots of money to spend on a vet for the colic that would certainly happen by feeding a hot horse. I love Ms. James books, but this one didn't make the mark.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BooksnKisses
Posted Fri Sep 27 00:00:00 EDT 2013
NUMBER OF STARS:3
REVIEW:
This was just an okay book for me. Maybe I should have read the books before this one. I am not sure. I just never really connected with the characters, the world and the whole story in general. It was not a bad story and I like the cast of characters. It just didn’t grab me and suck me in.
I am sure that Lorelei fans will really enjoy this book and I hope that they do.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Anonymous
Posted Mon Sep 23 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Love this series ! You got to love a cowboy that's all cowboy ! Can not wait for next book !
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.pilsilver30
Posted Mon Sep 16 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I liked the characters, how the author went from their lack of feeling for each other to the deep affection and, eventually, love, that neither of them were prepared to face. Lorelei James is one of my favorite authors, she writes very well and the plot is usually worth reading, especially when the characters are hot, having personal issues and smoking sex. Cant' wait for another of her books...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Chaos-has-fun
Posted Sat Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I love how each story builds upon the others, the friendships, the problems, resolutions, and the relationships come together. It's not all easy and fancy but struggles and reality of life. Sexy as sin men, woman that are strong to complement the men they end up with. I'd burn it up with the guy in the photo on the book anytime. Can't wait to see who's the next hook up and a glimpse of what happens next with each couple as the books continue. Great book, plots and sexy fun...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Ok its a good book, not my favorite. I liked Corralled a lot more. But I do recommend this book.
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This is a must read boob from the amazing Lorelei James. If you have never read any of her books, I recommend you start at the beginning so you can be drawn into the world of Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys.
Overview
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. ...