Thursday, June 14, 2012

Kissin' Tell Kick Off Hop




Hello, My Sweets and welcome to the next stop on the Kissin' Tell Kick Off Hop! How exited are you all for this? I know I am! I love this series something fierce and I can't wait for this book to come out. Today I have a review of Chasin' Eight, an interview and two giveaways.

Gah...I LOVE the cover of Kissin' Tell! 


I want to start off by saying thank you to ladies at Under the Covers and Guilty Pleasures  blog for hosting this blog tour. You ladies rock!

When I first heard about Lorelei's Rough Riders series it was through a friend of mine, Sophie.  She was just smitten with these books and insisted I read them. I said, "Cowboys? No thanks" and went on my way. Well, the next thing I knew she was gifting me the books on my kindle saying, "Please, T, just try them! You will love them! Have I steered you wrong yet?" And so I did...and I fell absolutely head over heels in love with this series. I mean, who knew cowboys could be so damn hot?? Not only are these books smokin' with a realistic storyline, they've got a great focus in all the books- family. It's all about family with these books. A family who accepts each other for who they are and loves them unconditionally. They're there for each other when the going gets tough...and it sure gets tough for some of them. But that's what I love the most about these books- the McKay family dynamics.

There's one book review from the Rough Riders series I want to feature on here today and that's Sophie's review of Chasin' Eight. I loved it when I saw it posted almost a year ago. She poured her love and soul of the book into her review and I feel like it's one that should be shared. Her review shows how much a book can affect someone so deeply. I love when that happen. If it wasn't for Sophie, I would have never found this series, and that would be a cryin' shame.



Sophie's Review of Chasin' Eight

I had three different thoughts that came to me on the morning of 6.28.11 when I woke. 

The first thought was: I LOVE AMAZON KINDLE!

My second thought: I love Lorelei James because she writes such cool books!

My third thought: I can hardly wait the sixty seconds it takes to download a kindle book to start reading Chase McKay’s story!

I started at 6:00 a.m. PDT on June 28, 2011 and finished at 12:32 p.m. PDT on June 29, 2011. Of course, I paused to sleep, eat and shower. But I could have stayed awake all night if I didn't have to work the next day. In the end, I concluded that this was one of the BEST books I read in 2011. If you ever ask me, I will repeat it once, twice and as many times possible: THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE WINNER!

Without turning the whole review into a spoiler, I want to point out some interesting things this book has that I didn't find in her previous ones:
 
As Lorelei James stated in an interview I once read, "This book is different from the rest". It is. Not only because it’s not her average friend-lust-passion book (like others) but because it really gets into the psyche of each character. Chase realizes before he hits his 30 (and a brick wall) that he MUST turn his life around and fix his behavior. This will also help the very determined Ava show the world she’s more than a Hollywood bimbo.

The way you learn about the western cowboy life is beyond incredible. I think I've learned more about cowboys in a day and a half reading this book than I could've by watching a year full of cowboy events on TV. (If I were ever able to find live cowboy events on TV here in L.A).  

The amount of reading you have to complete in order to finally get to a "hot steamy scene" in my opinion is the correct. More than erotica, this is a ROMANCE book. She wanted to show her readers that she can absolutely build up an expectation. Many will say, "OMG HOW COME SHE TOOK SO LONG, IT WAS BORING!" well I have to disagree. She kept me guessing what would happen next. If you are an avid romance reader, you will find this twist in her style very welcoming. It was just the correct amount for the correct time.
 
I just knew some day she would finally venture out of the Wild West to a big city. I just KNEW IT. I simply worshiped her for the turn in the story when they got to the big city. From the moment they land and all the fun they had, until they finally have to part. Each character had a taste from each other lives, and BOTH fitted accordingly. 

The way the drama was involved, how the sad parts were exposed and the way how a great sense of humanity was projected from certain tragic events, was possibly the most realistic part she has written along all her books. I cried, literally. In the morning while reading this on my way to work I could not hold back my tears. I cried because what she described was absolutely true. It could happen to anybody.

And finally, even though  I do appreciate the knowledge, drama, romance and passion, I also appreciated the human part. The real contemporary life she has described. Ava's character is a resemblance of the real deal for many spoiled kids who not necessarily have to be rich and famous but can be as simple and down to earth as any other mortal.

Mrs. James, if you ever read this, (which I highly doubt, but don't lose faith of) please know, that your stories have brought back to me a piece of human basics that I probably had lost long time ago. Each book of yours has had a message for me. Besides the fact that LOVE CAN OVERCOME IMPOSSIBLES, they also point out it doesn't have to come from where you're eagerly looking for it, but from some place you could never expect; which is exactly what happened to Ava and Chase.

Because I was so happy (and curious) to learn about Cowboy culture, I was lucky to assist last year to the 25th Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo, (http://www.industryhillsprorodeo.org/) sponsored by the PRCA (I know what it stands for now!). I took my nephews and they just LOVED all the
events. So yes, Mrs. James's books are not only a treat for all of us her loyal fans and avid readers, but they are also a bridge to learn a little bit more about our all American culture- hot cowboys included.











 


Lorelei was very wonderful in allowing us each to ask her a few questions for the blog tour. Here are the three chosen to ask. I must say, her response to the third answer is my favorite. It gave me goosebumps!
1. I fell in love with the way you described the ranch life. How much of these stories or events are based on your own life?
Very little. I'm a wannabe cowgirl. We have friends who are ranchers and I love spending time with them, on their ranch, and it's always an inspiration. I usually tell people I'm all cowgirl boots and no cattle.

2. I know some of the characters can be challenging and others are fun to write about. With all the characters in the Rough Riders world, which has been your favorite above all?
I honestly can’t pick one, it’s like asking if I’ve got a favorite child. They’re all so different, they all drove me crazy at one time or another in the creation of their story arc and growth. Keely McKay was a surprise—she sort of blew onto the page in all her wild child glory and I had a blast working with the lone McKay girl.

2+ Which was the most challenging? 
Trevor, Edgard and Chassie’s story was the most challenging to write, because I hadn’t planned for Trevor and Edgard to end up together at all. So letting sweet, wonderful Chassie be the bridge that brought them all together was a big task for me and I wasn’t sure I could pull it off and that’s scary.

3. What is something you would want readers to take away from your books?
That there is no right way or wrong way to love. Take control of your sexuality, regardless of your age. And what happens behind closed doors between two consenting adults ain’t no one’s business but yours. 

Ok, my sweets, here are the deets for this stop on the hop.  You must leave your answer in the comment section to be entered in the drawing. Lorelei is giving away a romance trading card sets and "Official McKay Buckle Bunny" buttons on all the stops. There will also be a GRAND PRIZE at the end. So make sure you go back and check out all the other stops....in case you missed them. How cool is that? That Buckle Bunny button sure does sound cute! The prize My Secret Romance has offered to giveaway is an ebook of Chasin' Eight. If you already have that one, then we will give away another Rough Rider book of your choice. 

QUESTION- Which book was the most moving of the Rough Riders series for you?  

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. IT IS THE ONLY WAY I WILL BE ABLE TO CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN. THANKS!

This Rafflecopter must be filled out in order to be entered for the GRAND PRIZE.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a tie as to my fave book. All Jacked Up and Chasin' Eight. CE stayed with me a long long time. By the way-- I want the Kindle

Unknown said...

I love The Rough Riders. Lorelei James was my first author to read when I ventured back into the romance books after a 15 year hiatus to take care of life. I read Long Hard Ride 3 times in 3 days!! It knocked my socks off. Not to mention other pieces of clothing. I would say the 2 that effected me the most is Long Hard Ride (WOW!!) and Rough, Raw, and Ready. Of course I do love them all!

Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

KcLu said...

I love all the Rough Riders, but Cord has that special spot of favorite. I don't know if it is because I've had a habit of dating older men or just the way he woul say "Baby doll" to AJ. *shudder* :)

Lisa said...

I have not read this series yet, but I have heard great things about it. I am a huge fan of cowboys, so I can't wait to begin reading them.

Lisa
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Maria D. said...

Well, I don't really have a favorite yet because even though I have most of the books, I haven't had a chance to read them...however, that said, I do know that Lorelei is a talented storyteller and author because I have read all of her books by her alter ego Lori Armstrong. I'm determined this summer to read the Rough Riders series though.

junegirl63 at gmail dot com

Maria D. said...

I forgot to mention that I would like the Kindle Fire too

Loony Alana said...

Do I have to choose? Really? Anything cowboy rocks my world!
I'm game for anything (if I win, obviously!)

loonyalana (at) yahoo (dot) com

By the way- is there a link to Lorelei's newsletter? Can't see to find it

StacieD said...

I have only read the first few books but I enjoyed Cord and AJ's story the most. He had so many trust issues and she broke through them.

geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

Sharon said...

I love all the Rough Riders series, but one of my favorites is Cowgirls Don't Cry.

Unknown said...

Book most associated with was Colt and India.. But I have loved them all. The one that showed me she could write any type of man was Ben's story.. She knock that one out of park - Love me some Dom's..

Peggy Brown said...

My favorite is "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet" !!! I LOVED IT! Love Cash to pieces. :)

Lisa said...

I love each and every one of Lorelei's books! I think I cried that most during Colt's and Cam's books. Sigh! They are SO good!!!!

sweetpeace_99_99@yahoo.com

sasharenay said...

I love every book in the Rough Riders series, it's so hard to choose just one! Long Hard Ride has a special place in my heart becuase it's the first steamy romance book I had ever read and it was just the beginning to my now huge collection. But I must say that Colt and Cam are my absolute favorites. Colt because I can relate plus he's just a sexy, tattooed bad boy (he's probably my fave). And Cam has a special place in my heart because he's a true war hero, and I do love soldiers, so much so I have one of my very own!! ;)

sasharenay said...

Oops forgot

sasharyave@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Though I love every single book in the Rough Riders series, I would have to say the first in the series is for me. Colby and Channing, with help from Trevor and Edgard, opened my eyes! I feel as though their story helped with my own. By reading this and somewhat relating, I was able to open my views and perceptions on many things. I've become much more honest with myself with the things I want and I feel like this story sort of gave me the courage for that. I want to thank Lorelei James for not just a wonderful series that everyone us able to read but for what I was able to get from her stories personally!!

Ashley
ashleymullins4@yahoo.com

Shadow said...

Which one dont i love? There all so good! I think if i have to pick a favorite it would be Raising Kane. Awesome story! :) Although, all of her books are great, this one wins by a smidgen.
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

Tabatha said...

I agree that it is so hard to pick just one of these books as a favorite! I love each one for a different reason, but if I had to choose just one it would be All Jacked Up. Wild child Keely is just such a great character, and although they seem mismatched Jack is the perfect guy to tame her wild ways.

Tabatha

tbishopp(at)gmail(dot)com

Simone Laurence said...

Rode Hard, Put Up Wet because it was the first of Lorelei's books that I read after I met her at the Lori Foster Get Together. But I love all the Rough Riders!

Anonymous said...

I love all the Rough Riders books, but the most moving/emotional for me was Cowgirls Don't Cry. The scene near the end, with Jessie and Landon in the diner, never fails to bring me to tears no matter how many times I read it. Love love love it!!

Jennifer Zeffer
jlzeffer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sue Sattler said...

I feel like I've been living under a rock somewhere because I've never read any of these books. Time for me to crawl out and get them.

proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

Leagh said...

How in the hell do you expect me to pick?!?! Umm, which one don't I absolutely adore? If I HAD to chose my favorite would be Shoulda been a cowboy. I absolutely love Cam! I am a sucker for the Dominant nature and you throw in there the injured Hero and *swoon* pick me up off the floor. Thanks for the giveaway!

Sue Sattler said...

I would love to win the Kindle Fire.

proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sarah M. said...

They're all favorites in my book! That said, I particularly liked Cam's story in Shoulda Been a Cowboy. I will be so sad when this series ends. :0(

Moore_Sarah2 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Rhonda Griffith said...

I think my favorite RR book would have to be "Cowgirl Up and Ride". I have always loved OLDER men. When i was 5 I was so in LOVE with my older brother's best friend that was 12 1/2 years older than me. later on i married a man that is 9 yrs older than me and I'm also a Stepmom to his daughter. So I guess I related to AJ. I loved the fact that she saved herself for Cord. I loved the things she did to convince him that it was ok to LOVE her. I loved his pet name for her "Baby Doll". I just LOVED the whole book.
That being said, there hasn't been a RR book that i could put down until I finished it. I'm so ready for the 26th. I've already takin a sick day from work so I can just read=)

Kathleen O said...

I am just starting into this series, I am only on book 6, but so far they are wonderful and I would say Chasin Eight would be high on the list because it was the first one I read. But like I said they are all so wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Love the ENTIRE series. I loved Branded for Trouble. Colt and India have not only their addictions to conquer but also the perceptions of other people because of the way they look/act. With the series, the one thing that came across, even better than the HOT stuff, was the importance of family above all. And that true love overcomes all. It may seem a little sappy to some but it doesn't happen often enough. And since I grew up in a rural area, all of the stories make me feel at home-although I've known very few farmers as handsome as the McKay/West boys. Thanks also to LJ for the tour. I've been introduced to some blogs that are now on my favourites list. Should I be chosen, I would like the Nook. Thanks! Annie bbktardis@hotmail.com

CrystalGB said...

My favorite is Cowgirl Up and Ride. I have enjoyed all the books in the series that I have read.
I would love the Kindle Fire.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

Alex said...

I honestly haven't read any of this series. I'm so behind on reading from trying to stay on track with school. I guess I'll have to add this series to the never ending list of books I need to read before class starts back in August. Those covers are hot though!

Anonymous said...

Favorite book, huh? That's a hard one (pun intended!). If I had to pick just one, it would be a tie between Should've Been a Cowboy and Rough, Raw, and Ready.
MrsSpeltz at gmail dot com.

Jennifer said...

I loved All Jacked Up, seeing Keely and Jack interact was great but I also loved Chassie, Trevor and Edgard's story.

Angel said...

I love all the books in the series, but Strong, Silent Type really hit home for me. My husband & I have been together for 18.5 years, since I was 14 and he was 15. Reading this book helped but some things in perspective and gave me some ideas to use with my husband :). I would love to win either the kindle or the nook dont have either one!

Dorothy said...

I love all the books, but Raising Kane and Shoulda Been a Cowboy are my favorites. I love Kane proving he can be more than just a cowboy, and Cam for being who he is.

Dorothy said...

Oops, forgot
Dorothy
dotherring at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I would have to say that Kane and Ginger from Raisin' Kane stayed with me the most.

Although Cord from Cowgirl Up and Ride made quite an impression too!

Samantha

samantha1323@hotmail.com

Susan W. said...

Since I only have the first couple of books (so far!) I've got to say that I can already tell that Cord is going to be a favorite! Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to win the Kindle!
suz2(at)cox(dot)net

Cathy M said...

Hard to just pick one, so a recent favorite was, All Jacked Up.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I would have to say All Jacked Up (Keely's story) and Cowboy Casanova (Ben's story).

jingro@twcny.rr.com

June M. said...

I have not read all of these books yet so I can't really choose a favorite. But for now, I would have to just pick the first one LONG HARD RIDE just because it started the series :)
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Just popping by to say howdy! And to thank all of you for leaving a comment and saying such great things about the series :) - I always love to hear which characters are reader faves.

Also, thanks for the awesome review!

Lorelei~

The Brunette Librarian said...

:) I've read all of this series - and I love 'em. I agree that Keely's book was really good, but I LOVED India's story too. Excellent review by the way, I love the human element too!

Nook color here baby :)

GREAT Celebration of Lorelei's books!!


brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
The Brunette Librarian Blog

Unknown said...

Great post and thanks for participating in the tour!

Francesca

Barbara said...

I've only read a couple of books from this series...but I gotta say I REALLY enjoyed Cowgirls Don't Cry...Brandt was YUMMY!

barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

redjuliet said...

What a tough question! My answer would have to be Shoulda Been a Cowboy, Cam and Domini's story. They are two lost, hurt souls who find what they're missing in each other. Can't tell you how many times I have re-read it! Thanks for hosting the blog hop!

Landry said...

I absolutely agree with everyone who said that they LOVE all of the books in the series & it is hard to choose a favorite. But if I have to it'd be a tie between the "Long Hard Ride", because it was my first venture into erotic romance, & "Rough, Raw & Ready" because I fell in love with Trev & Ed & loved to see their story continue with Chassie. But I think my favorite McKay is Kade. Or Cord. Or Colt. Or...
landrybreaux@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

The most moving and also my fave of the series is definitely Cord and AJs' book-- LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!
mariann297@gmail.com

Charnel said...

strong silent type is my favorite. i love to reread it and i do often.
tweetjohnson@gmail.com

Texas Book Lover said...

I loved Chases story...maybe it was because I wasn't expecting to like him as much as the rest of the guys and then the story was so diffeeent that I loved It!

bas1chs said...

Which one moved me the most... Wow. I really liked Colby and his need to settle down or choose one girl for the long haul. But I love Cord's second chance and that AJ saw what a slightly older man could offer. And Cam's wounded spirit just made me want to reach out and hug him. Quinn's desire to turn his marriage around and prove that he could be a worthy husband was inspirational. I like Kade stepping up to responsibilities and pushing for a second chance. And then Ben. Quiet, middle, feeling-left-out Ben.

I love them all (including Carter, Colt, and Kane as well). I even love Keely :-)

bas1chsemail at gmail dot com

bn100 said...

I haven't read any of the books in the series yet, but would like to.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kaylyn D said...

My favorite is Cowgirl Up and Ride. I love AJ's story.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

Tammy said...

The first book introduced me to erotica so that is very special, but my favorite book is Cowgirl Up and Ride. I love the older man younger girl thing. Good thing I married an older man huh?!

jessiel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jessiel said...

Hmm, I do recall reading one of your books w/Trevor & Edgard in it. I think Edgard left for awhile in this book. It's been awhile since I read it. But I believe it's on one of my 28pgs of books on my Kindle. Think it's time that I pick up the other books in this series that I've missed. Thank you for the interview.
JessieL62@comcast.net

andieleah said...

I hate to admit I haven't started this series yet....it has been on my tbr forever it seems! andieleah78@gmail.com

Jen B. said...

I love the story in Rough, Raw & Ready. Trevor, Chassie and Edgard had to go through quite a journey and although I can't imagine how it would work in real life, Lorelei James drew a really compelling picture. At points in the book, I felt like I was reading someone's true story and not a fictional tale. jepebATverizonDOTnet

bn100 said...

I haven't read this series yet, but it sounds good.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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