Short And Sweet Review: Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James

Cowgirls Don’t Cry
by Lorelei James
Paperback: e-Book
Publisher: Samhain
Available: November 9, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance – Western
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her boot heels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

First Impressions:
I was not sure I was going to like the direction this book appeared to be going after reading the prologue.  I was a disappointed and really didn’t want to see Jessie going down a destructive road.  I should have known better, Lorelei James never lets me down in heroine department.  Things turned around quickly and I knew Jessie was going to be ok.

The Hero:
My heart always goes out to a hero who’s been in love with his heroine from afar.  Brandt is a bit different from some of the cowboys in this series.  He’s a little more understated, mature and gentlemanly.  Not that the cowboys in this series are any less loveable, but Brandt is far more obvious and outward with his feelings and is a stand up guy all around.  He’s just as sexy and intense as all the rest of the McKay men though.

The Heroine:
Jessie has been through hell and back after a less than perfect marriage, then becoming a widow, losing her home and being forced to pick herself up and start over.  When she is faced with the undeniable evidence of her dead husband’s infidelity she is shaken but steps up and handles the situation with grace.  I liked that she stood up faced her problems when walking away would have been so much easier.

What worked:
There is so much that worked for me in this book and this is supposed to be a short and sweet review so, I’ll try to narrow it down.  I loved that Jessie didn’t put up a huge fight over her feelings for Brandt throughout the entire story.  Yes, there was some reluctance but she didn’t put up ridiculous obstacles.  I also liked the we got a little dose McKay family antics throughout the book.  Good to know they have been getting’ busy, procreating and raising the next generation of wild McKays.  Of course the romance was intense and sexy and I loved both Jessie and Brandt.  Finally, if you read my blog you know I’ve developed a strange fascination with the llama.  I love’em.  Now I’m convinced that Lorelei James loves ME and specifically wrote llamas into the this story.  That’s right folks, there are llamas in Cowgirls Don’t Cry. So full of win I can’t stand it.  lol

What didn’t work:
I wouldn’t necessarily say this didn’t work for me but I will say I was uncomfortable at first with the situation with Luke McKay’s baby being at the center of this romance.   But I do think Lorelei James handled this well despite the very sad circumstances and the eventual outcome was appropriate.  Also, more llama time would have been nice. *g*

Final conclusion:
Lorelei James just can’t disappoint me with this series.  At ten books in and a huge cast of characters she still manages to bring a hero and heroine that are unique and stand out among the cowboys and cowgirls that have paved the way before them.

Favorite Quote:

He whispered fiercely, “Give it to me.”

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