Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders, #12)

Dec 09, 2011 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, author-lorelei-james, hot-male-in-my-harem, western-romance, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, cowboys-yee-haw, alert-knicker-wettingly-hawt-cover, kings-of-the-harem, lover-the-cover, pdf-kindle, whips-and-chains-excite-me, why-is-the-us-cover-always-better, kinky-fuckery

This book was perfect, it ticked all my boxes, rung my bells and definitely revved my engine. How could it not when it contained a hot cowboy, a hot nekkid cowboy, a hot nekkid cowboy with a huge man rod, a hot nekkid cowboy with a huge man rod and some rope and the expertise to use it to marvellous affect? It is like Lorelei James walked in to my dreams (the naughty ones!) and then wrote a book about it!

After reading this book I now have a new addition to my harem: Bennett McKay, it was inevita...more This book was perfect, it ticked all my boxes, rung my bells and definitely revved my engine. How could it not when it contained a hot cowboy, a hot nekkid cowboy, a hot nekkid cowboy with a huge man rod, a hot nekkid cowboy with a huge man rod and some rope and the expertise to use it to marvellous affect? It is like Lorelei James walked in to my dreams (the naughty ones!) and then wrote a book about it!

After reading this book I now have a new addition to my harem: Bennett McKay, it was inevitable, he is a BDSM cowboy, it doesn't get much hotter then that! He can now keep company with Kade, Kane and Cord, I can now have a special Rough Riders section worked out for them! Bennett McKay is a dom, a fact he keeps hidden from his family by going to a BDSM club out of his home town so he can practice without fear of being judged. This is where he meets Angel, and has an unforgettable weekend, but he doesn't realize Angel is actually Ainsley the head of the new bank branch opening in his town and he just can't seem to get enough of her...

After the previous book Chasin' Eight, which compared to the previous books was fairly tame, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, was it going to be a more traditional romance and less erotica like Chasin' Eight was, or would it be more like the previous books and come on hot and heavy? It was definitely the latter option. This book was scorching hot from start to finish, Ben McKay is one inventive guy with endurance of an energizer bunny. Loved. It. But, although this does harken back to the early books with the amount of sex in it, it doesn't lose the sense of connection that the main two characters have, although this was an erotica, it wasn't a clinical description of two people fucking, there was passion and emotion as well.

The only reason this book got 4 stars instead of 5 was because I am not a big fan of Ainsley, I know she was meant to be confused about how she felt, but I found her constant second guessing herself and Ben very annoying. I think I just didn't connect to her as well as I have to LJ's other heroines.

A great read, with more drama unfolding in the McKay family dynamics and damn does anyone else find it confusing who is cousin to who, who is brother to who, and whose parents are who?! I need a family tree just so I can remember! (less)

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Dec 11, 2011 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance

3.5 Stars - I still adore the Mckay men, but this one is not going to go down as one of my fav Rough Riders books; and Ben not one of my favorite McKays, especially towards the end of the book. I was a little disappointed in the first part of the book with all the talking about the lifestyle, and the various scenes in the Rawhide Club. It was meant to titillate the reader; but it was just the same old same old that you’ve read in a dozen other BDSM stories, nothing new or different. I was waitin...more 3.5 Stars - I still adore the Mckay men, but this one is not going to go down as one of my fav Rough Riders books; and Ben not one of my favorite McKays, especially towards the end of the book. I was a little disappointed in the first part of the book with all the talking about the lifestyle, and the various scenes in the Rawhide Club. It was meant to titillate the reader; but it was just the same old same old that you’ve read in a dozen other BDSM stories, nothing new or different. I was waiting impatiently for the good stuff to start between Ben and Ainsley. I laughed when Ben was describing how the woman hanging from chains could take on 6 men at once, just thinking about the logistics of it. It was supposed to be sexy, but honestly; what’s sexy about 6 men jockeying for position, squeezing in and tripping over each other all trying to do one woman at the same time? It just ended up sounding silly to me, and I don’t think that was the reaction James was going for.

When they finally got their one-on-one time the story started taking off. The BDSM was left behind; it was just window dressing for the background of the story, and to lend a little extra spice. Ben wasn’t into the pain; he was (supposedly) more into the D/s aspect. There was never more than a little bondage and spanking in the story, tho. The flogger bit came out sounding like he was doing it with a feather duster. The sex was hot, but it was more a control issue in the bedroom than D/s. Ben liked to tie a woman up, use toys and have kinky sex a little on the rough side; and he liked to be in control in the bedroom. That’s not at all uncommon, and he sounded pretty much like all the McKay men. I had a problem with the Ben and Bennet thing, tho. When he kept going from one persona to the other, it made him sound like he had a split personality. The switching back and forth was a little creepy; and I kept wondering if Ben, Bennet, and Ainsley were all going to end up in bed together at some point.

I guess my biggest issue was the ‘tell not show’ writing. The reader was repeatedly told that Ben(net) was a Dom, but never shown that he was anything more than just sexually controlling. All the D/s stuff came through the story by way of conversation or thoughts. Being sexually controlling and playing with a whip does not necessarily make a man a Dom. Being told that he was a Dom every few pages (and talking the subject to death) just kept pulling me out of the story, and it never really rang true to me. What the reader was shown was some spicy, kinky sex. I just never bought that it was a true D/s relationship, just that they were playing at D/s and had a pretty darn good sex life. I felt like it was thrown in the story for titillation and to make it a little different from the other RR relationships. In the end, their relationship/romance felt more real to me when they weren’t talking about D/s and when they were outside the bedroom. I also didn’t like that Ben flat out lied to Ainsley to get a bank loan, and was willing to end their relationship to get the money. He put her job at risk for the loan. He lied to her (twice) and used her. What he gave up for her at the end was the only thing that redeemed him in my eyes.

I loved the sexy banter between Ben and Ainsley, and I liked that Ainsley would speak her mind and wasn’t afraid to say what she wanted sexually. (or any other time, for that matter). It was a refreshing relationship. I enjoyed seeing Ben’s soft side, especially when it came to his family. He was quiet, but he cared. I liked the story for the most part, and how their relationship evolved; even if it didn’t turn out to be one of my favorite stories in the series. The story felt rushed and unfinished; and I’m wondering if it was because it was released so closely behind Wrangled and Tangled. Still, I love James work, and am anxiously awaiting Kissin’ Tell and One Night Rodeo in 2012.
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Dec 11, 2011 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for_review, contemporary

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Ahhhh, Ben. What a sweet, silent, strong hero. He’s often the forgotten McKay, a middle child who even in his early 30s, blends into the background at family gatherings and even just day to day. He works hard, he has woodworking hobbies that he’s proud of but doesn’t talk about and the only place he can truly feel himself is at the Rawhide Club, where he becomes Bennett and can let his Dom side out.

Ainsley comes to the club with her friend Layla, a submi...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: samahinreview

BEN....OMG!!! a DOM McKay style....yeah panty melting!!!

Ben is a Sexy, Naughty, Kinky Man..........IMO this is the kinkiest Rough Rider book yet....there are some secondary cast who are not McKays who I wouldn't mind them putting their boots under my bed anytime and there are some scenes with other McKays that have become some of my favorite of the series......and there is that one McKay that I would like to kick his tight ass.....

p.s. Yes I know I am the QUEEN of run ons and fragments

Here is...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Kim O rated it 5 of 5 stars

FULL REVIEW on www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com

Things I loved about this book were Ben and Ainsley as a couple, the scenes with the family that reminded me why I love them all so much, the laugh out loud moments as well as the teary ones, LJ’s knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle with relation to the D/s relationship, the new characters we met, and always a favorite of mine—the panty blazing dirty-talk dialogue.

Favorite Sexy Quote:
BEN: "You know it’s not that civilized with me. Sex with me is raw,...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Bobs (Reader Unbound) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read-list, not-released-yet

Dear Ms. James,
Since Ben is in my top 3 favorite men you must, must, MUST part him with the most amazing woman in the whole world! Nothing short from the best will do!
With all my love and anticipation,
Me

P.s I am so looking forward to the cover! If it is anywhere need the cover of Chasin' Eight I will be so in love !

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Feb 25, 2013 Wminbc rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cowboys, dangerous-hero-bad-boy-books, football-sports

Interesting take on their relationship...Layla irritated me in every scene she was in...but gotta say, sweetly Dalton has moved up on my list...

So cannot wait for the woman to introduce Dalton the great big world!

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Dec 07, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, brooding-hero, commitment-phobic-hero, contemporary-romance, controlled-hero, dangerous-hero, divorced-heroine, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, exotic-locations, explosive-passion, fabulous-cover, favorite-alpha-heroes, good-for-nothing-ex-husband, haunted-by-the-past-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, hottest-first-kiss, hottest-sex-scenes-ever, independent-heroine, intense-connection-between-hh, lorelei-james, kitchen-smexing, larger-than-life-hero, loner-hero, cowboy-hero, one-night-stand, part-of-a-series, possessive-hero, possessive-heroine, protective-hero, sizzling-sexual-tension, unforgettable-hero, voyeurism, western-romance, younger-hero, older-heroine

No matter how hard you try to stick to a schedule when it comes to reading and reviewing, some books are those that you have to make time for. And for me, books from the Rough Riders series by Lorelei James are books that fall into that category. There is none who writes western contemporaries like Lorelei James does, a mix of out of this world scorching sensuality together with what its like in the West and the day to day grind of being a cowboy and part of a big family.

So, if you are a fan of...more

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Feb 19, 2012 S rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 11, 2012 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: char-cowboy-rancher, content-bdsm-lite, fiction-contemporary, genre-mf, char-guys-with-pets, char-please-be-my-bf, 2011

I enjoyed this book in the Rough Riders series. I must admit that I might have been expecting more, however. I was a huge Ben fan from the previous books. As a BDSM reading fan, the anticipation of finally getting a confirmed dom might have built this up a bit too much for me. I loved Ben and his dominate personality, but I was expecting a bit more in the BDSM scenes. They seemed way too light for me given his personality. However, I appreciated that the author finally went there with a confirme...more

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Apr 10, 2012 ~V~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

This was great addition to the Rough Riders series. I really liked Ben and it was certainly interesting to see BDSM weaved into this storyline..it was NOT dark and hardcore BDSM like Cherise Sinclair's Masters Of Shadowlands series but it was most definitely present in the form of bondage, spankings and the dom/sub relationship.

I don't know how Loralei James does it but there is something in how she tells these stories...she writes really interesting characters that you truly care about, and is...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Katy Beth Mckee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-books, erotic, western-cowboy-ranch-horses, bdsm

I truly love the story of Ben and Ainsley. It's funny on this one when I hit about the 1/2 way point I was thinking I like this book but it just isn't having the same impact on me as some of the previous book did. Then out of left field everything seems to fall apart all over the place. All the emotion and heart that I've come to expect from the Rough Rider series was there and then some.

(view spoiler)...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, cowboys

What a great story! Love the character development and growth of both Ainsley and Ben. I like the fact that we saw all different sides to both of them and that they found a way to be a couple. there were so many good scenes and lines in this story its hard to point out my favorite. I do however love the fact that he confesses he loves to watch Wheel of Fortune. its such an ordinary thing to do but starts to show the many sides to Ben/Bennett.

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Feb 07, 2013 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, romance

Twelfth in the Rough Riders erotic romance series about a family of cowboys in Sundance, Wyoming. The couple focus is on Bennett McKay and Ainsley Hamilton

My Take
Oh, lordy, James took me aback with that first page, and then she threw my interpretation right back at me, leaving me laughing. Too, too funny.

The tagline on this could well be "to thine own self be true". One of the more important axioms anyone can hold to throughout one's life. I gotta hand it to Bennett for knowing himself well enou...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down after I started reading it. They build up was quick and they got to the sexing part pretty soon. Usually I like a longer build up, filled with heated looks and lotsa sexual tension but this was okay!

There were other things that created tension between these two that caused drama and obstacles for them to overcome, both emotional and external obstacles too which I found great.

The pacing was good, sometimes we skip ahead a few days but you’re alw...more

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May 19, 2012 Tam B. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this entry in the Rough Rider series. I haven't read all the books in the series (maybe a third) so I have an idea where the characters fit but don't know for certain (and am not that bothered).

In this book we focus on Ben McKay. I like Ben. He's a stand up guy who thanks to his family and extended family feels like he doesn't really rate. The only place he feels he does is a private BDSM club - he's a Dom. Here we meet our heroine, Ainsley (aka Angel) who is walking on the wild side t...more

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Apr 06, 2012 S.B. Gabriel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ben McKay is a dom. He’s had a hard time coming to terms with the fact and finding a place where he can freely express his sexual identity. That place is the Rawhide Club and it is there that he meets Ainsley Hamilton who, after a failed marriage, is trying to discover her own sexual identity by visiting the Club and seeing what it has to offer.

After spending 2 test-drive nights together, Ben and Ainsley decide to have a trial dominant-submissive relationship outside the Club. The trial relation...more Ben McKay is a dom. He’s had a hard time coming to terms with the fact and finding a place where he can freely express his sexual identity. That place is the Rawhide Club and it is there that he meets Ainsley Hamilton who, after a failed marriage, is trying to discover her own sexual identity by visiting the Club and seeing what it has to offer.

After spending 2 test-drive nights together, Ben and Ainsley decide to have a trial dominant-submissive relationship outside the Club. The trial relationship will give Ainsley time to decide if the dom-sub lifestyle is really for her.

Needless to say both Ben and Ainsley get more than they’d bargained from their trial dom-sub relationship. The expected ups and downs of a romance novel ensue.

What I found interesting about this book in the Rough Riders series is that it attempts to give more insights into the dom-sub lifestyle than most erotic romance novels that broach the subject. It does show a little more than most of those other erotic romance novels, where the repertoire of options is usually limited to being tied and spanking.

Since being a dom is such a big part of Ben McKay’s identity the lifestyle and the dynamics of the dom-sub relationship are discussed by several characters. I must confess that I didn’t find the liberating quality of pain and submission relatable, but it was interesting how the book didn’t make the dom-sub lifestyle into something dark and cruel; it was just a deeply personal and defining choice for those involved.

Lorelei James has been writing the Rough Riders Series for a while and she’s come a long way since a “Long Hard Ride” which is the first book in the series. The writing and structure of the books have gotten better. There was something primal and rough about the characters and situations in “Long Hard Ride” that has been smoothed over and refined in the following novels.

The size of the McKay family and how they continuously pop-up in the books can be a bit overwhelming, even if you’ve been following their coupling and reproduction through the series. The inserted family events can sometimes make a book feel long and make you lose sight of the main couple and their love story, and that’s not good because they’re why you’re reading the book.

In “Cowboy Casanova” these digressions give the reader more angles from which to view Ben McKay and one of them actually has to do with his dom nature, so it added to the general story line of how he and Ainsley can build a life together as a dominant and a submissive respectively.

Since the sex scenes are dom-sub based how much you enjoy them has to do with how much you can relate to what’s happening between Ben and Ainsley; her needing to surrender control and him needing to give pleasure and pain as needed.
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Feb 07, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, contemporary, bdsm, anal-play-sex, m-f, toys

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Cowboy Casanova is number 12 in Lorelei James' Rough Rider series, and another winner in this reader's opinion. Ms. James continues to tantalize her readers with her unique style of writing that is fast paced, emotionally driven and sensually erotic. Readers are given Ms. James’ customary alpha male cowboy who has set out to tame the strong willed heroine and the continuing back story of the McKay family as a whole.

Ben McKay, the mil...more Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Cowboy Casanova is number 12 in Lorelei James' Rough Rider series, and another winner in this reader's opinion. Ms. James continues to tantalize her readers with her unique style of writing that is fast paced, emotionally driven and sensually erotic. Readers are given Ms. James’ customary alpha male cowboy who has set out to tame the strong willed heroine and the continuing back story of the McKay family as a whole.

Ben McKay, the mild-mannered and mysterious rancher by day and Bennett McKay, the sexual dominant on the weekends are two sides of the same coin and the hero of Cowboy Casanova. Ben is a multi-faceted character who has a side he shares with everyone and then there is his Dom side that he only lets free behind the doors of the Rawhide Club. Ben has always known that he was a Dom but felt his family would consider him a deviant. As the story unfolds readers are given insight into Ben’s feelings about his place in his family and how he perceives himself in the BDSM environment. Ben doesn’t think that he will ever find a woman who will meet all his needs as a mate for life and has resigned himself to that fact, that is until his “Angel” with the wig appears in the Rawhide Club.

Ainsley Hamilton is a sexually disappointed divorced woman who is searching for answers to define what she wants in the bedroom. Ainsley is the president of the new bank in town and a conservative woman who is in total control of her life and job, but her sex life is missing something. Ainsley thinks she may be a submissive but she isn’t sure and enlists the help of her friend to get her into the Rawhide Club so she can observe the D/s lifestyle and maybe get some answers. Ainsley doesn’t exactly find answers but she does find trouble in the form of Bennett the Dom cowboy who wants to play with her.

Lorelei James' Rough Rider series always seems to incorporate some hard hitting issues and how the McKay's deal with them. This was not quite as hard hitting as alcoholism, although it is in the background of this story. This story deals more with the stigma that, because Ben enjoys being dominant in the bedroom and that he likes to dole out a little pain with his sexual exploits, he is a deviant. It also deals with the other side of the coin with Ainsley being a deviant because she likes to submit and likes to receive a little pain with her sex. I think the overall message here is that as long as both parties are consenting adults and can give and receive what their heart desires there is no right or wrong. What happens between them and behind closed bedroom doors is nobody else's business and should remain that way.

Ms. James writes this with both characters' points-of-view and does a phenomenal job of portraying her characters' thoughts and feelings. As readers we are given the opportunity to see that Ben isn't as self-confident as he would like everyone to think. Ben is not perfect and he makes mistakes in his relationship with Ainsley but he is also man enough to apologize for them and feels remorse. He has no desire to live the D/s lifestyle 24/7; he just wants a woman who can give him total control in the bedroom. We are also given insight into the confusion Ainsley is experiencing as she wrestles with the desire to be Ben’s sub but also be the conservative banker who doesn’t need her proclivities known all over town. Ms. James is very talented in her ability to engage the reader’s emotions in this story with her realistic dialogue and the thoughts she expresses for her characters.

I am a loyal Rough Riders fan and have followed this series from the beginning. I've enjoyed every single story, some more than others. This one just didn’t have the emotional punch the others had for me. I cannot pinpoint why or what was missing, it just didn’t hit me like the others in this series have. That is my lone complaint and I am not sure that other readers would have this complaint, especially those who don't follow the series.

Ms. James did not disappoint with the heat contained in this story, it was off the charts. The BDSM club scenes were vivid and displayed in exacting detail that left me breathless. The sex between Ainsley and Bennett was intensely erotic with detailed accounts of the characters' emotions and senses described in graphic detail that sent shivers up my spine and goose bumps on my arms. Ms. James can write erotica that will leave even the most seasoned reader blushing.

Ms. James' Rough Rider series, always has the underlying story of the McKay family drama; it is a big family with its own problems and dynamics that are always ongoing. This story is no exception, especially with the introduction of Gavin McKay in Rough Riders 11 and his relationship with Bennett in this story. This family is always growing and evolving--Ms. James is consistent in that she keeps this going throughout her entire series--and readers are given a peek into life in a large ranching family that is neither perfect nor absolutely horrible. The McKays are a family with ups and downs and issues that are real and emotional. Ms. James' fans are given an opportunity to bear witness to the western way of life. Readers get to experience the joys and the heartaches of the McKay family as they grow and evolve. Family members have died, a new generation has been born and another generation is taking over the reins of the family ranching business as well as making changes and additions to the operation.

The Rough Rider Series is not one that has to be read in order and you can pick up this book without reading any of the previous ones and love the story but I don't know why anyone would want to, this series is exceptional in the fact that there is an ongoing arc throughout the entire series that keeps readers like me coming back for more.

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Jan 23, 2012 Kalynn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars- Despite really liking the 2 main characters, this wasn't my favorite book in the Rough Riders series. I like Lorelei James' writing, and I liked it here. I just think her books are better when they are more light hearted and fun with an emotional core. This one had its moments, but there was too much lecturing about BDSM and too much angst without enough humor to lighten it up. At times it was like an essay on the subject.

Things I Didn't Like
-The endless preachy conversations about t...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Searock rated it 3 of 5 stars

2.75 stars

This was not my favorite Lorelei James book. I did love being back in the Rough Rider world, but that wasn't enough to overcome the ugh factor(s).

There were things that kept me from loving both of the leads.
Here's one reason! (view spoiler)

People make mistakes, and Lord knows I enjoy some messed up heroes, but I was turned off when that happened.

I also appreciate another reviewer's comments when descri...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This installment of the McKay family saga is really intentionally BDSM related. Not only is Ben McKay a man who has no intention of adding to the myriad progeny that are overflowing Sundance, Wyoming, he is a Dom--a founding member of the Rawhide Club in a community away from his home and family. The McKays in every one of the Rough Rider stories are all dominant and take control in the bedroom if not also in other aspects of their love relationshps. But Ben is the most intentional and it is wit...more

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Dec 13, 2011 DD rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Musings:

My, my, my. What does one say about Miss Lorelei James that hasn’t already been said? She is a Goddess among us mortal women. But I swear, if she’s actually ever met a man like Bennett McKay (not seen, not spotted from afar, but conversed with) in the real world, I’ll just eat my brassiere right this second. I mean I know she lives in some kind of Dakota Wilderness or something, but I fail to think these men exist.
As has been said many times, James is an author that is so good you put...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh. My. God. Is it hot in here or is it just me?? You’ll know exactly what I mean once you get immersed in this sexy, hot, sweaty, erotic, down ‘n dirty ride, the lastest in Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series. Ben McKay is a man you don’t mess with. Well, unless you want to be dominated. And like his heroine, Ainsley, I wouldn’t mind that one bit.

Ainsley is finally bucking up to find out what it is she needs in the bedroom. Her ex-husband didn’t like the way she wanted to spice up their very van...more Oh. My. God. Is it hot in here or is it just me?? You’ll know exactly what I mean once you get immersed in this sexy, hot, sweaty, erotic, down ‘n dirty ride, the lastest in Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series. Ben McKay is a man you don’t mess with. Well, unless you want to be dominated. And like his heroine, Ainsley, I wouldn’t mind that one bit.

Ainsley is finally bucking up to find out what it is she needs in the bedroom. Her ex-husband didn’t like the way she wanted to spice up their very vanilla sex life, so after a few hurled insults and shitty behavior on his part, she got rid of him. So here she is at the Rawhide Club, an exclusive niche where Doms and subs come for privacy and to quench their thirst for a lifestyle most folks wouldn’t understand. Her jerk of an ex-husband sure didn’t, and she’s at least curious and willing to learn.

Getting out of Sundance to keep his sexual appetites private, Ben McKay is a founding member of the club, where his dominant side can be free without fear of discovery, criticism, or reprisal. When he spies Ainsley, Ben knows without a doubt the woman is not a Domme. She’s a submissive through and through, and he’s determined to prove it to her.

Spending two nights introducing new sexual delights to Ainsley is not enough for Ben, however. He wants more and extracts a promise from her to join him again the next weekend. But imagine his surprise when he runs into her in Sundance. At the local bank. Where she’s the president. There’s not much that gets Ben hotter than the dichotomy of seeing Ainsley in her pinstripe suit and business-like heels and then having her spread before him to give her pleasure in ways she’s never known. Instead of a weekend, they work out an arrangement for Ainsley to be Ben’s sub for the next thirty days.

And what a month it is. They go from deep lust with a bite of pain and passionate pleasure to misunderstandings that push Ben to show Ainsley how wrong she is in her assumptions when it comes to the relationship they’ve carved out for themselves, from laughter and smiles and kisses to lessons of sweet torture, all which frees Ainsley when she gives up control to Ben. It’s been the time of their lives.

Suddenly, however, things being to go wrong for them. Ben needs cash to buy the land next to his property he and his family have wanted for years. Thinking to keep it a secret so the deal doesn’t go south, he goes to Ainsley for a loan instead of his own bank. Ainsley is every inch the businesswoman, though, and puts down new rules for them: she files his loan application, their relationship is over. Ben has yet to acknowledge to himself what Ainsley truly means to him, so he goes through with the deal and watches her walk away, knowing they’re both sunk if anyone finds out about any aspect of their time together, including what she’s done for him at the bank.

So Ben heads back to the Rawhide club to continue his life, but the place doesn’t hold the same appeal without Ainsley. Participating only at the request of other members, his cousin Dalton sees it all and is horrified watching Ben in his element. Now Ben will have to live through his family knowing about this side of him, stand by while they’re embarrassed and disgusted by how he’s chosen to live.

Now, I have to say that there’s been very few Dom/sub books I’ve liked over the years. And because most don’t work for me, I haven’t read that many in a while. Yes, I know it’s predominantly because I don’t “get” the appeal, the need to give up control, to be submissive. But where all those other authors have miserably failed in this genre, Lorelei James thoroughly succeeds. Because she creates characters who are so extremely likeable and vulnerable, sexy, fun-loving, and real, and because she pulls me into their lives before introducing their sex life, because sex in her books is not in any way gratuitous, what they do behind closed doors works for me. I like Ainsley. She’s open and honest and fun, and she pushes Ben’s buttons. Of course, as with most of James’ heroes, I love Ben. He’s a cowboy to die for, a man of few words, and, without a doubt, uber dominant. So when he introduces Ainsley to his toys, when he disciplines her, punishes her, ultimately pleasures her as well as himself, I don’t roll my eyes or blurt out “You’ve got to be kidding!” or any number of other things as I’ve done in the past with other books. I enjoy both of these characters immensely, in and out of the bedroom.

I also like the fact that Ms. James gives a clear understanding to the reader why Ainsley likes giving up control. This has always been a sticking point in those previous books. “Just because” doesn’t cut it. At least not for me. For most authors that’s just a ploy just to write sex, sex, sex, but I want a story to go along with all that sex, and there’s very few authors who can do that and also give you a balanced and enjoyable book. Lorelei James has done just that and then some in Cowboy Casaova.

It doesn’t matter one bit what topic she chooses to write for her characters. Her books are always well-though out; entertaining, even despite that topic; loads of fun; steamy as hell; and full of honest, sexy characters who embody family and love and romance.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandudnread.com (less)

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Dec 12, 2011 Ava rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica, romance, western

I don't really read BDSM. It's not my favorite genre because I just don't understand some of the mental aspects that are inherent in 'the life.' Ben McKay, I get. This was just the right amount of kink to make this an enjoyable read for me. Not so much that I can't relate, not so little it doesn't seem to fit the characters. It's just another shining example of Ms. James ability to develop characters I can't get enough of. Love it. If you haven't read this series, GET TO IT!!!

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Feb 29, 2012 Kellie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cowboys

Lorelei James sure can write about MEN.. hot, sexy, alpha cowboys at that!.. I cannot get enough of the way she writes.. This book was awesome.. Not fav cos Chase still wins, but still who knew quiet Ben/Bennett had it in him!

This book combined my 2 fav things.. Cowboys and an Alpha Male so really what more could you ask for? I've never really quite understood the whole BDSM world but have aways had an open mind about it, personally not for me but lets just say that the one thing this series ha...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Michelle Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read, favourite-series

Different sort of Rough Riders. http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...

Cowboy Casanova can be read as a stand alone book. I know sometimes when people see that it is the twelfth book in a series, that is the first thing they wonder.

There was buzz about Cowboy Casanova on Twitter. I heard Twitter folks squeeing over that Cowboy Casanova was going to be a BDSM themed book. I was a bit puzzled because to me, lots of the McKay men were already well on their way with ropes, bondage and toys. So I wa...more Different sort of Rough Riders. http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...

Cowboy Casanova can be read as a stand alone book. I know sometimes when people see that it is the twelfth book in a series, that is the first thing they wonder.

There was buzz about Cowboy Casanova on Twitter. I heard Twitter folks squeeing over that Cowboy Casanova was going to be a BDSM themed book. I was a bit puzzled because to me, lots of the McKay men were already well on their way with ropes, bondage and toys. So I was quite curious about what made Ben and Cowboy Casanova different.

To me the obvious difference is that Ben is an actual club participant at a BDSM club, The Rawhide Club and very much in sync with his DOM self. He does hide that fact from his family but the man knows how to wield a whip and to be domineering. Just to add, I'm not a fan of the whip or whipping so the cover (as hot as it is) made me quite wary if I'd be into this Dom McKay story.

Overall, I did like the book but I am wondering if I liked it because of the history I have with the McKay family. Would I love this book and rated a 4 star if I didn't know the entire history? Probably. But there were some issues that I had with the story to go along with the long list of things I did like.

One of the main issues I had with Cowboy Casanova was in regards to trust. Trust is a main central core component of a D/s relationship. With Ben being as experienced as he was, I felt he didn't live up to his end of the bargain. He lied numerous times to Ainsley and he hid his growing feelings toward her. Yes I get that it wouldn't make such an interesting read if it was all sunshine and roses but the lies left me uncomfortable if not a bit frustrated. I did appreciate that Ben knew from day 1 what Ainsley's hard rule was and he never did brake that. (Even if he did use it to manipulate her by placing that one tail whip in her sight at a sensitive moment)

I liked Ainsley. A lot. She was a great woman who didn't dwell in the past regarding her ex-husband and held a responsible position as the president of Sundance's newest bank. She knew she wanted more from a relationship and she was willing to give Ben a 30 day trial to see if being a submissive was her thing. I feel she gave it her all. She questioned a few things when she was uncomfortable but was always willing to give it a go. She kept her reserve and her emotions in check and was quite realistic.

Ok now the good stuff. The play scenes and the love scenes were sweltering hot. Each one was excellently choreographed, full of emotions and completely what you'd expect from the amazing writer that Lorelei James is. Her standard is so high that I usually can't read another erotic romance for at awhile afterwards because most other books just don't compare.
The dialogue was spot on, the descriptions and Wyoming scenery made me feel as I was right there and Lorelei James went ahead and planted seeds for further plot bunnies in future books. This is why I keep coming back to the Rough Rider series. As long as she keeps writing them, I will continue to keep buying them.

I also love that the Rough Rider series is based around the McKay family and she does include lots of family issues. They may be one huge family but they don't necessarily all get along as sweetly as most fictional families do. It certainly makes the stories that much more realistic.

Teasers: public club scenes, bathroom mirror show, kitty cat wood carving, bank loan fiasco
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Dec 18, 2011 KaysieLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Another sexy as sin McKay man steaming up the pages. Lorelei knows what her fans have come to love and expect from this series. Every time I finish a book from RR, I think that's my favorite and no way could another one top it. Yet Lorelei always delivers, and I find myself thinking now that was the best one!

I fell hard for Bennett. He's sweet, smart, of course sexy and he's got a dark side that all McKay men have. I liked that he took his darkness to the full extinct. It might not please s...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Beanbag Love rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought this story was better than the last two, but there are definitely some problems. I did ultimately enjoy it and it was engaging in ways other than the erotic elements, but some things could have been better.

This book has some very hot sex scenes, no question. But the BDSM scenario, unfortunately, didn't really break too much new ground for this series. When has a McKay not been dominant? Except for Keely who kind of shared dominance with Jack, but still we've seen variations of a lot of...more I thought this story was better than the last two, but there are definitely some problems. I did ultimately enjoy it and it was engaging in ways other than the erotic elements, but some things could have been better.

This book has some very hot sex scenes, no question. But the BDSM scenario, unfortunately, didn't really break too much new ground for this series. When has a McKay not been dominant? Except for Keely who kind of shared dominance with Jack, but still we've seen variations of a lot of this stuff before. Bondage, spanking, the nekkid rule, sex toys etc. This added the use of spanking instruments and ... hmm ... that was pretty much it. Things did go a bit further and there was the voyeurism of the club, but I still didn't feel like we were treading on forbidden ground here. Which is a problem in that it's the central issue of the book.

I feel like authors think their readers are going to get their feminist panties in a wad when a woman is a submissive. But it's explained that the submissive lets go of control so they can let go of self-consciousness and allow themselves total freedom to feel. So ... do that. We get it. Authors should allow themselves total freedom to write the story without worrying about someone freaking out about an honest BDSM scene. If I believe that this preference allows the sub the freedom to express herself (or himself) in ways that are crucial to their personal empowerment -- I'm going to accept what you give me. Seriously.

Now, having said that, I thought the scenes were hot until a lie was told. James basically gives us a didactic rundown of the BDSM scene on the level of Robyn Carr so we see some themes come up again and again. Trust is the most fundamental part of this lifestyle, of course, so as soon as that lie came out -- even though it had nothing to do with the sex -- the whole thing was tainted. I hated every sex scene after that until the reconciliation. It was a huge turn-off.

Another thing that bothered me was the McKay family. This might sound like the old "I buy Playboy for the articles" thing, but I really do like these stories for the family dynamic as much as for everything else. In the earlier books there were rifts among the Carson McKays but they were resolved or at least addressed and on the way to being resolved by the end of each book. Not so in this one. I understand that the Casper McKays are broken. Not one of them seems to have been in therapy after being raised by two selfish parents, one abusive and one an abuse enabler. But their behavior toward Ben was reprehensible and it was not resolved to my satisfaction by the end. Not at all. The things Tell and Dalton said were awful. They were jerks. And Tell's book is next. I'm really not all that interested in reading about him after this.

And on that same theme, I got ticked off at Colt when he was so defensive of Casper and disdainful/judgmental to Tell and Dalton. Now I'm defending them? I know, I'm all over the place. But it seems Colt doesn't realize that alcoholics aren't the only ones who matter. There's a reason AA has the apology rule. Alcoholics hurt and even destroy the people who love them. Colt was self-righteous and totally wrong to be so unkind when they showed their bitterness. The fact they were even looking for their father shows they care. Sheesh!

Okay, so it would seem I didn't like it. But I did. I kept wanting to get back to it and read more about Ben and Ainesly who had very good chemistry. Ben really appealed to me. I sympathized with his feelings of not fitting in and his low self-esteem. And I want his house.

Ainsely was a good character, although she kept her doubts about subbing for too long. This is another author trick that I think needs to go away. The first couple times the female lead/sub tries the scene we can see an inner monologue of doubt, but after that they need to be all in. None of the tepid junk. Just go for it. But, again, I think authors are too afraid of showing a woman giving it all up like that. Either you believe it's a pathway to freedom that actually empowers the character, or you don't. There were too many times when I felt that James didn't believe that.

And finally, if Gavin gets together with Rielle I will cry. I hate her. One of my favorite parts of this book was when Ainesly told her off. There's a lot of redemption needed in that character before I'll be happy with her as a heroine. It just seemed like there might be some hints in that direction (Gavin + Rielle) so ... I'm just hoping I'm wrong.

Over three stars but under four. Could have been better but I also think it was better than the last two. If only marginally better than Chase's story (which I might have given four stars, but really it's rated about the same).

There was enough good about this book that the bad things really ticked me off. So there ya go.(less)

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Dec 11, 2011 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Based on the description of this book, I thought that this would be the sexiest of the Rough Rider series...not so. Surprisingly, Cowboy Casanova was one of the more emotionally charged books of the series. Ben McKay has been keeping his dating and sexuality away from the prying eyes of the huge McKay family and anyone who has anything to do with them. He's a Dom and knows that he'll be harshly judged for his lifestyle. And he is. Being the quiet middle child, Ben has always felt that he has bee...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Auntee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: BDSM fans; fans of the series

Shelves: 2012_reads, cowboys, erotic-romance, part-of-a-series

Disappointed. But not surprised by the disappoinment, since bdsm isn't my favorite to read about. But I was so hopeful after reading the superior Chasin' Eight (one of my favorites in this excellent series). I don't think Lorelei James has written a book where the hero is a true Dom and the heroine is a sub--of course all the McKay men are a little kinky...but an out-an-out Dom who belongs to a club and lives the lifestyle? I don't think so. I figured I'd give it a shot since her books are alway...more

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Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)

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