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Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James Western Romance -March 1st, 2011 4 ½ stars This is the second in Lorelei James’s contemporary western series called Blacktop Cowboys. The first was Corralled and some of the characters are featured in Saddled and Spurred. However, Saddled and Spurred can easily be read by itself. In this enjoyable western, Bran Turner is a rancher down on his luck in a depressed area of Wyoming. His only ranch hand suffered an injury during the busiest time of the year and help is no where to be found. That is until his friend’s younger sister plays a trick on him. She offers him a worker to assist him but Bran is startled to find it is the super feminine and sexy beauty queen Harper Masterson. Bran is torn, he needs a hand desperately and Hare is certainly easy on the eyes. But can she actually help? Harper desperately needs help. She and her sister are stranded in this poor town when her mother up and left, leaving behind a scandal and some serious town resentment But Harper wants her younger sister to graduate before they get out of Wyoming for good. However, in this small town, work is difficult to find and her she has just been let go from her latest job. In a fit of self-pity, she bares all to her best friend who tells her she might have work for her. But Harper really has no idea what is in store for her or how much this job will change her life. This book was a pleasure to read. The author really gives the reader a feel a small western town down on its luck. She also delves into Harper and Bran’s personality so they felt like real human beings. I also liked how Harper slowly adjusts to the fascinating world of ranching/farming and begins to really appreciate it. Bran is a hardworking, modest guy who you can’t help liking. Compared to the first book, I think this book goes more into the relationship/dynamics between the two main characters. While it still has some very steamy scenes, I would say it doesn’t quite have as many as the first since the relationship between the main characters starts slower. Saddled and Spurred is an emotionally satisfying western. Readers who love westerns will be sure to appreciate this wonderful romance. Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

2022-09-02 01:05