Turn and Burn

This was a best story of the series. My personal story is close to this, and it was wonderful to read the down fall and the up lifting ending.

TURN AND BURN, Book 5 of Lorelei James' Blacktop Cowboys is a wonderful addition to the series. If you haven't started reading this series, you need to! But, I strongly suggest you start from the beginning and read them in order. Fletch didn't leave much of an impression on me from the earlier books. Maybe because the hardworking veterinarian's appearances were so brief. Now that I know him better, however, I love him! He's the perfect combination of smart, sweet, funny and commanding. Oh yeah, and super hot. Tanna is dealing with the many losses in her life over the last couple of years. Her mom, her home, her horse, and possibly her barrel racing career. She's not quite the feisty cowgirl we've come to know and love. Her sexy flirting covers up her fear, guilt and loss of confidence. She's stubborn and proud and has a hard time asking for help. Fortunately for Tanna, Fletch is used to dealing with skittish animals and he is the perfect person to help get her back in the saddle. He's gentle, yet firm. He is exactly what Tanna needs. I think that Lorelei James is a master at writing great relationships. Not just romantic relationships, but friendships, families and communities. The relationships in this series are one of my favorite things about it. The life-long friendships between most of the men, the strong friendships between the women, mostly forged on the rodeo circuit, and the relationships they all have with a great group of older women, The Mud Lilies. The Mud Lilies are a little...make that a lot..wild! They're mother figures, mentors, drinking buddies. There is genuine love, support and affection between the younger characters and the Mud Lilies, as well as within the group, itself. I don't often cry when reading, but I admit I did tear up while reading this book. I definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.

The book is everything a reader wants for Tanna and more. Following the career of this world champion barrel racer over the last 5 books, I think most of us thought she would end up the wife of a country crooner...boy were we wrong. Fletch is everything you want in a man for strong willed Tanna. He is handsome and committed to his job and the kicker, he's a vet. Thus, his commitment to animals is extra appealing. What I love about the BTC series is how real all the characters seem. People are flawed and hurt and struggling. All the while they are trying to love and be loved. This is the perfect story for those who may have found themselves on different life paths than they expected. You also catch up with your other favorite characters from this series and see how everyone is doing in Muddy Gap. Its a must read for any romance, rodeo or LJ fan.