bmurray91's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James is a sultry yet endearing contemporary romance. Although this newest release is the ninth installment in the Blacktop Cowboys series, it can be read as a standalone.
Larissa is outspoken, a little rude and sometimes crude but she is loyal to her friends and family. She is unafraid to go after what she wants and she does not back down from a fight. Riss is extremely independent but she cannot exactly turn down Ike Palmer’s offer to help her when she needs it.
For the past two years, Ike has been struggling with an unexpected career change. Despite this difficulty, he does not hesitate to invite Riss into his home temporarily. She is not an easy person to get to know and she is not one to rely on someone else so she is initially extremely prickly. Settling into their new routine, Ike is comfortable enough to confide in her about his troubles, but he is quite shocked by Riss’s assessment of him and his current situation.
Despite their very different personalities, Riss and Ike are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Riss has a few rough edges but Ike is completely comfortable with her larger than life personality. Ike is little too complacent and quick to give up instead of working to fix the problems in his life. Riss does not sugarcoat her opinions and Ike values her input enough to begin making much needed changes but they still hit a few roadblocks as they traverse their new relationship.
Racked and Stacked is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. This fun and flirty love story has a great cast of characters that are charming and easy to like. Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple who are a surprisingly good for each other and their relationship is a joy to watch unfold. Old and new fans of the series are going to love this sassy addition to Lorelei James’ delightful Blacktop Cowboys series.
Larissa is outspoken, a little rude and sometimes crude but she is loyal to her friends and family. She is unafraid to go after what she wants and she does not back down from a fight. Riss is extremely independent but she cannot exactly turn down Ike Palmer’s offer to help her when she needs it.
For the past two years, Ike has been struggling with an unexpected career change. Despite this difficulty, he does not hesitate to invite Riss into his home temporarily. She is not an easy person to get to know and she is not one to rely on someone else so she is initially extremely prickly. Settling into their new routine, Ike is comfortable enough to confide in her about his troubles, but he is quite shocked by Riss’s assessment of him and his current situation.
Despite their very different personalities, Riss and Ike are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Riss has a few rough edges but Ike is completely comfortable with her larger than life personality. Ike is little too complacent and quick to give up instead of working to fix the problems in his life. Riss does not sugarcoat her opinions and Ike values her input enough to begin making much needed changes but they still hit a few roadblocks as they traverse their new relationship.
Racked and Stacked is an engaging enemies to lovers romance. This fun and flirty love story has a great cast of characters that are charming and easy to like. Riss and Ike are a fantastic couple who are a surprisingly good for each other and their relationship is a joy to watch unfold. Old and new fans of the series are going to love this sassy addition to Lorelei James’ delightful Blacktop Cowboys series.
kaythebooklover's review against another edition
5.0
Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James
“They don’t call me Palmer the charmer for nothing, sweet cheeks” and charm me, he did! Riss and Ike don’t have it easy. They are use to butting heads and calling names but when they finally see why they really fight...DAMNNNN!! The thoughts and quotes I could pull from this book are endless. I won’t lie, I honestly started this book because of my love for Riss, the fiesty, red head who is tough as nails and drives a semi truck. I loved Riss in Wrapped and Strapped, Harlow and Hugh’s book, but I absolutely adored her backstory in this one. She’s fearless and I love a strong female in my romance novels. Honestly Ike had to grow on me in previous books but boy did he in this book. That sweet older brother in him totally had me melting to the floor in a giant puddle of cowboy loving goo! When we finally learned his backside and why he was so good to Riss… I couldn’t’ help but fall for this sexy cowboy in a black cowboy hat!
I won’t spoil it by telling you my favorite scenes but I will tell you Racked and Stacked is definitely one I’ll be reading again.
“They don’t call me Palmer the charmer for nothing, sweet cheeks” and charm me, he did! Riss and Ike don’t have it easy. They are use to butting heads and calling names but when they finally see why they really fight...DAMNNNN!! The thoughts and quotes I could pull from this book are endless. I won’t lie, I honestly started this book because of my love for Riss, the fiesty, red head who is tough as nails and drives a semi truck. I loved Riss in Wrapped and Strapped, Harlow and Hugh’s book, but I absolutely adored her backstory in this one. She’s fearless and I love a strong female in my romance novels. Honestly Ike had to grow on me in previous books but boy did he in this book. That sweet older brother in him totally had me melting to the floor in a giant puddle of cowboy loving goo! When we finally learned his backside and why he was so good to Riss… I couldn’t’ help but fall for this sexy cowboy in a black cowboy hat!
I won’t spoil it by telling you my favorite scenes but I will tell you Racked and Stacked is definitely one I’ll be reading again.
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
5.0
I forgot how much a I like Lorelei’s cowboys. I wish these series never ended seriously I love the way she makes these men so rugged and yet down to earth.
Ike is no different I love the way he takes care of his family even if they take him for granted. I loved the back and forth he and Riss have. It fun and witty and just keeps you interested.
Riss is a take charge kinda gal whether that is because she grew up with three yes three brothers or what but she doesn’t want to want or need help from anyone. SO when she is hurt and needs help well she isn’t the best patient.
I loved how sassy these two were with each other and how they end up as a couple. I like that they communicated and if things got heated they took a cooling off period.
Fantastic narration as always she can do a male voice like nobody’s business!
Ike is no different I love the way he takes care of his family even if they take him for granted. I loved the back and forth he and Riss have. It fun and witty and just keeps you interested.
Riss is a take charge kinda gal whether that is because she grew up with three yes three brothers or what but she doesn’t want to want or need help from anyone. SO when she is hurt and needs help well she isn’t the best patient.
I loved how sassy these two were with each other and how they end up as a couple. I like that they communicated and if things got heated they took a cooling off period.
Fantastic narration as always she can do a male voice like nobody’s business!
critterbee's review against another edition
1.0
Enemies to lovers in a land of topless bull riding and couples sneaking out of their own wedding reception to have sex on the gift shop floor.
I could not connect to this book. The characters were people who I don't really want to know, or even get to know. They acted crassly and selfishly, and it really was disturbing. I think that there are people who identify with these types of families, and who would want to read about others like them for pleasure, but it is not my cup of soup.
*eARC Netgalley*
I could not connect to this book. The characters were people who I don't really want to know, or even get to know. They acted crassly and selfishly, and it really was disturbing. I think that there are people who identify with these types of families, and who would want to read about others like them for pleasure, but it is not my cup of soup.
*eARC Netgalley*
staceylynn42's review against another edition
5.0
I had a slow week at work & spent it amusing myself by reading reviews of the previous books in this series as it has been awhile since I read any of them. I'm going to give this review by addressing the major complaints of the previous books.
1. Too much sex - We get to about 67% before the first sex scene & I think I only counted 3-5 all told.
2. Too insta love/lust - No, slow burn enemies to lovers trope
3. TSTL heroine - Not really. Riss is perfectly competent, though her independent streak makes it hard for her to ask for help. I'm up in the air about the incident that breaks her arm. It was and wasn't dumb on her part. She should have been able to fix it herself no problem but accidents happen. But she has 3 older brothers who would certainly have helped her and a second person in that situation if possible would have been a good idea.
4. Doormat heroine - No, Riss calls Ike on his shit regularly. She refuses to do something. He does not make her do it "for her own good" and she does not cave in to his demands except when she is first still drugged up and in pain.
5. Unforgiving bitch heroine - No. Riss accepts the genuine apologies Ike gives. She does lose it briefly b/c of his sisters but they sort it fairly quick. Her 'tough love' scene with him was way harsh but he accepted it and it was the kick he needed.
6. Caveman hero - No. Not that Ike doesn't have his moments or wouldn't be that way with someone less strong than Riss, but Riss does not take that shit & he quickly adapts to that. He lost it when she told him she used to deliver to the prisons & went off on her about how dangerous it was and how dare she, etc etc and when Riss got in his face and told him off he apologized for being out of line.
7. Hero with dubious grasp of how consent works - No. Just no.
8. Hero who never apologizes or gives lame 'sorry you are upset' apologies - No. Ike admits errors & apologizes to everyone, including Riss' brothers when they called him on misunderstanding their care of Riss the first week of her broken arm. He doesn't grovel, but he gives short sincere apologies.
9. Hero & heroine have lack of communication - No. Riss and Ike use their words constantly. Both are willing to say they are confused by the situation or their feelings or whatever. No one expects the other to mind read or sits around stewing or refuses to listen to the other. It was a fine example of adults (he's 40 she's 30) building a healthy relationship
Riss is prickly but not a bitch, Ike is protective but not smothering.
The drama is mostly the relationship, plus money concerns. Riss can't work for months and needs to find income to cover that time & her medical bills. Ike's business has been failing for a year, he's depressed (though I think he came out of it rather quick with his tough love epiphany), he's been living of his savings for a year and is about broke.
I love their cheap date ideas. I love Riss' alternative realities. The slow burn build up and their witty insults and banter were great. The sex scenes were hot.
All in all I was delighted with this book.
1. Too much sex - We get to about 67% before the first sex scene & I think I only counted 3-5 all told.
2. Too insta love/lust - No, slow burn enemies to lovers trope
3. TSTL heroine - Not really. Riss is perfectly competent, though her independent streak makes it hard for her to ask for help. I'm up in the air about the incident that breaks her arm. It was and wasn't dumb on her part. She should have been able to fix it herself no problem but accidents happen. But she has 3 older brothers who would certainly have helped her and a second person in that situation if possible would have been a good idea.
4. Doormat heroine - No, Riss calls Ike on his shit regularly. She refuses to do something. He does not make her do it "for her own good" and she does not cave in to his demands except when she is first still drugged up and in pain.
5. Unforgiving bitch heroine - No. Riss accepts the genuine apologies Ike gives. She does lose it briefly b/c of his sisters but they sort it fairly quick. Her 'tough love' scene with him was way harsh but he accepted it and it was the kick he needed.
6. Caveman hero - No. Not that Ike doesn't have his moments or wouldn't be that way with someone less strong than Riss, but Riss does not take that shit & he quickly adapts to that. He lost it when she told him she used to deliver to the prisons & went off on her about how dangerous it was and how dare she, etc etc and when Riss got in his face and told him off he apologized for being out of line.
7. Hero with dubious grasp of how consent works - No. Just no.
8. Hero who never apologizes or gives lame 'sorry you are upset' apologies - No. Ike admits errors & apologizes to everyone, including Riss' brothers when they called him on misunderstanding their care of Riss the first week of her broken arm. He doesn't grovel, but he gives short sincere apologies.
9. Hero & heroine have lack of communication - No. Riss and Ike use their words constantly. Both are willing to say they are confused by the situation or their feelings or whatever. No one expects the other to mind read or sits around stewing or refuses to listen to the other. It was a fine example of adults (he's 40 she's 30) building a healthy relationship
Riss is prickly but not a bitch, Ike is protective but not smothering.
The drama is mostly the relationship, plus money concerns. Riss can't work for months and needs to find income to cover that time & her medical bills. Ike's business has been failing for a year, he's depressed (though I think he came out of it rather quick with his tough love epiphany), he's been living of his savings for a year and is about broke.
I love their cheap date ideas. I love Riss' alternative realities. The slow burn build up and their witty insults and banter were great. The sex scenes were hot.
All in all I was delighted with this book.
lora1898's review against another edition
4.0
3 1/2 stars
Another good book from Lorelei James. I haven't noticed before how real her romances are. I mean, hardly any of her characters are rich, even most have financial problems that are not solved that easily. Most of them posses some annoying characters flaws that we all have, because we are human, but in books we rarely see any, because most heroines and heroes are supposed to be perfect in one way or another. I don't know, somehow her writing is not that fictional, considering that nothing extraordinary happens here. It's a story about a couple that falls in love and meets day to day hardships that every single one of us has. It's nice to read something like that from time to time. It actually gives me a realistic expectations about meeting my imperfect guy :D
Maybe this is not my favorite book, but I still liked it very much.
Another good book from Lorelei James. I haven't noticed before how real her romances are. I mean, hardly any of her characters are rich, even most have financial problems that are not solved that easily. Most of them posses some annoying characters flaws that we all have, because we are human, but in books we rarely see any, because most heroines and heroes are supposed to be perfect in one way or another. I don't know, somehow her writing is not that fictional, considering that nothing extraordinary happens here. It's a story about a couple that falls in love and meets day to day hardships that every single one of us has. It's nice to read something like that from time to time. It actually gives me a realistic expectations about meeting my imperfect guy :D
Maybe this is not my favorite book, but I still liked it very much.
asquared92's review against another edition
4.0
I like this author’s writing style, so when I saw this book on the shelf I figured it was worth a read. The book didn’t disappoint. It started off a little slow, for me, but I found myself falling in love with the characters and their relationship quickly. Riss was feisty, rough around the edges, and bold. I loved her attitude and confidence. Ike had this strong, manly air that was hard to resist. The dialogue was quick, witty, and well written. There were several times I found myself laughing at the dialogue being exchanged. I loved the character development of both Riss and Ike. This book felt so much more than just a brainless romance novel. The ending fit the story well, I just wished for a few more pages.
ssejig's review against another edition
4.0
Larissa "Riss" Thorpe is a strong-ass woman who is going to find her joy where she can and isn't going to be slut shamed by anyone. Though she might get annoyed by... certain people. Ike Palmer being the one who gets under her skin. And now the truce they've called to help them get through their friends' wedding is off. And then Riss breaks her arm and Ike feels a strange compulsion to rescue her from her brothers.
I quite liked this book and believe that regular James readers won't be disappointed.
I quite liked this book and believe that regular James readers won't be disappointed.
_bookdreamer's review against another edition
1.0
I got this book from Berkley Romance and I was so excited because I love Lorelei James but this one just wasn’t for me. I could only read two chapters because it was too “vulgar” and I disliked the fact that just because the main character was a tomboy that she had to be so vulgar.