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Freebirds #5
Texas Tornado
HimJames had plans for his life. Those plans were derailed by the surprise arrival of his daughter. His life revolved around her. Then she arrived with her beautiful brown hair that was made to wrap around his wrist, and a butt that was to die for in a tight pair of jeans. Nevertheless, he didn't need any more drama in his life. His ex-girlfriend was stirring enough of that up for ten women. Yet, there was something about her that soothed his soul. HerShiloh’s made it her life’s mission to protect the innocent children she can from the big, bad, scary things that lurk in the darkness. She has an inane curiosity for life and craves knowledge. Which is why when she starts poking around in her father’s business, she inadvertently starts something in to motion that threatens her very existence. Her father, the one man that was always supposed to be there for her, drops her off with a brother she never knew she had and leaves. Making her question the father she obviously never really knew at all. Then she meets him, and she doesn't think her life’s so bad after all. The sexy biker turned SWAT officer sets her nerve cells to igniting, and she relishes in every single second of it.HimHe knew life could change in an instant. One soul crushing instant. When he’s presented with the aspect of losing Shiloh before he’s ever even had her, he decides it’s time to grab life by the handlebars and ride it like he stole it. Then that threat not only touches his woman, but his daughter. And there’s no power on God’s green earth that can protect them from a father’s wrath.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2014
252 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
163 books7,270 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
June 10, 2021
I have to tell you... I was really excited for this book and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it! James won a place in my heart several books ago and I was excited for him to finally get his own happy ending.
Shiloh was Sam's sister (Boomtown) and from the moment she entered the scene, her life wasn't easy. Not that she had it great to begin with. Her father dumped her on Sam because she poked her nose where it didn't belong. So she's without her dad, the brother she grew up with is unreachable, and the brother she's just met wants nothing to do with her. Good times.
James steps in and like the hero he is, he gives Shiloh her person. He became the one person she could always count on. The one person who would always give her just what she needed. Aside from his daughter, Janie, he put her first.
He had a ton of baby mama drama (it was pretty extreme), she had some evil chasing her, and a ton of her father's secrets were finally revealed. I'm thrilled about it and I'm looking forward to how it affects the stories to come.
If you know anything about this author's books, you know that they can be devastating, heartwarming, hilarious, sexy and necessary. If you don't know... now you know.
May 4, 2024
REREAD May 2024
August 17, 2014
Wow. I think I'm speechless.
I've never read a Lani Lynn Vale book before. And shame on me for that! I fully intended to start with book 1 and work my way up to this one....but, I didn't. And I regret that. Not because I felt lost or like this wasn't a standalone, because it was fine reading this on it's own, but I regret not starting at the beginning because of how much I enjoyed this.
I really wasn't sure what to expect. A friend recommended this to me and aside from her saying the book was great and the word bikers being in there somewhere, I had no expectations. I was nervous when I started this because I've read some pretty bad biker books. So when I start a new to me author of a biker book I'm always biting my nails.
But I was hooked from page one. I found the characters to be engaging and funny and just downright entertaining!
This book was drama filled and action packed from page one. There was never a dull moment! And the author did a great job of tying up all the threads that were woven throughout this story. There were many times that I wondered how everything was connected and everything was wrapped up.
As I've been working on this review, I've been sitting here trying to figure out how to talk about the characters and story but...I can't. If I did, I'd be giving things away and honestly, it doesn't need to be spoiled. I will say that I loved James. He was alpha and everything you'd love in a biker but above all that, he wanted Shiloh and was only into Shiloh. There was never a time when he cheated or even thought of it. He was committed to her. He was also a great guy. He was tough when he needed to be (which was pretty much always) and did what needed to be done. But he was also a guy that would go out of his way for someone in need. And I really liked Shiloh. She was strong and protective of her loved ones and she knew how to take care of her self.
I would definitely say that Lani Lynn Vale is a must read author and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series as well as future books from the author!
I've never read a Lani Lynn Vale book before. And shame on me for that! I fully intended to start with book 1 and work my way up to this one....but, I didn't. And I regret that. Not because I felt lost or like this wasn't a standalone, because it was fine reading this on it's own, but I regret not starting at the beginning because of how much I enjoyed this.
I really wasn't sure what to expect. A friend recommended this to me and aside from her saying the book was great and the word bikers being in there somewhere, I had no expectations. I was nervous when I started this because I've read some pretty bad biker books. So when I start a new to me author of a biker book I'm always biting my nails.
But I was hooked from page one. I found the characters to be engaging and funny and just downright entertaining!
This book was drama filled and action packed from page one. There was never a dull moment! And the author did a great job of tying up all the threads that were woven throughout this story. There were many times that I wondered how everything was connected and everything was wrapped up.
As I've been working on this review, I've been sitting here trying to figure out how to talk about the characters and story but...I can't. If I did, I'd be giving things away and honestly, it doesn't need to be spoiled. I will say that I loved James. He was alpha and everything you'd love in a biker but above all that, he wanted Shiloh and was only into Shiloh. There was never a time when he cheated or even thought of it. He was committed to her. He was also a great guy. He was tough when he needed to be (which was pretty much always) and did what needed to be done. But he was also a guy that would go out of his way for someone in need. And I really liked Shiloh. She was strong and protective of her loved ones and she knew how to take care of her self.
I would definitely say that Lani Lynn Vale is a must read author and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series as well as future books from the author!
December 17, 2017
James won custody over his daughter after his ex signed over the rights, he never regretted being a single dad. When Shiloh enters James life, he knows to keep his distance but seeing her not fitting in with their close knit group he feels something is off. Shiloh is the newly found sister to his best friend, but after months of being with them she is still alone. Realizing no one has stepped up to the plate to make Shiloh welcome, James steps in.
Shiloh is used to being alone, it doesn't mean it isn't hard though. Shiloh had a tough life and having James as a friend makes her feel safe. James knows that Shiloh is going to be his, but when his custody for his daughter is questioned everything is a bit more difficult as meddlers are causing problems, not to mention James ex is filling for custody and he can't figure out what her motives are.
Another excellent read from Lani Lynn Vale. This one was a bit of a tearjerker, but with every sad moment there is a few chuckles especially when James's daughter Janie is in it. She was an absolute hoot. Can't wait for more and would be curious if the next generation gets books.
Shiloh is used to being alone, it doesn't mean it isn't hard though. Shiloh had a tough life and having James as a friend makes her feel safe. James knows that Shiloh is going to be his, but when his custody for his daughter is questioned everything is a bit more difficult as meddlers are causing problems, not to mention James ex is filling for custody and he can't figure out what her motives are.
Another excellent read from Lani Lynn Vale. This one was a bit of a tearjerker, but with every sad moment there is a few chuckles especially when James's daughter Janie is in it. She was an absolute hoot. Can't wait for more and would be curious if the next generation gets books.
August 17, 2021
I loved this book, I loved the whole series.....this series is one that I am happy to read over and over again...The only warning I can give with regards to this series, is make sure that you have plenty of tissues on hand, you will need them. Brilliant story line. I look forward to reading about Sebastian, and Luke, and the other characters.
skipped-to-the-end
April 29, 2017Review and Rate this book? pfft!!
July 20, 2023
TRIGGERS are listed below.
So..... Freebirds is the worst series from LLV that I've read so far. Then, this might be my worst book of the series. It's sad because I was so hopeful when it started. Anyway....
Shiloh (daughter of Silas, sister of Sam, social worker) meets James (single dad, works at Freebirds, eventually SWAT) after her dad dumps her off at Sam's door. It's this big, long thing where you have to read all the other books before to understand what's going on. Even knowing that, there are still way too many characters to keep up with and the story is messy. It got so confusing. Since it's been a while since we had book 1, I can't remember all of the links. Anyway - Sam treats Shiloh like utter garbage. He ignores her while she lives in squalor, she can't go to the doc for her cancer check-up, can't eat, works in a sleezy diner. Sam knows all this and he does NOTHING. He's not such a good guy now, huh!! Then, in the first few chapters, James is really sweet to her and wants to help her. At the same time, James is fighting his baby mama trying to retain custody of his daughter, Janie. That woman is evil. We're also dealing with the bad guys that are after Shiloh's dad and after her.
After the first 1/4 of the book, when James decides to dump Shiloh, it all turns to utter sh*t. More about him dumping her below. Then, not only do we get to hear about a kid dying, but we also get to hear about child trafficking in a way that gives too many details. Exactly the things that ruin a romance book. Although, the fact these men suck so much, I can't really say they're romance books at all.
Also, this book is virtually no sex. At 42% and they still hadn't had sex. They had only watched each other masturbate. When they finally start having sex, it's like James is a different person than he was at the beginning of the book. He's just so crude and there's not one single time where they "make love". It's just all rough and detached.
This is one of the major reasons I hated this book - I don't consider it a spoiler, but you might.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW
So, after James spends time with Shiloh and they're growing to really care about each other, possible love, he dumps her after Sam tries to warn him off. Sam shows up at James's house and says, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with you dating my sister." and James literally says OK and shuts the door. Then he disappears. He quits his job at Freebirds and gets a job on the SWAT team. He moves into his mom's house. He just abandons Shiloh. It's a coward move, and especially because he knows how hurt she's been because her family has rejected her and left her alone. YOU ARE A COMPLETE PRICK!!! That's how I know James doesn't love Shiloh. If he really loved her, nothing Sam, her dad, or anyone else on this earth could have said that would make him leave. You fight for the person you love. He left her in the most cowardly way possible. That's not love.
Anyway - this whole time Shiloh is calling James, going to his empty house, going to Freebirds, and NOBODY tells her where he is. Sam & Cheyenne (those b*stards) both keep the info from her. PLUS!!! James knows that she's trying to get in touch with him and he just ignores her.
So, James is gone for a month... A WHOLE F*CKING MONTH. James gets shot while on the job and Shiloh hears about it on the news and that's how she finds out where he is. What happens?? She runs into his arms and is hugging and crying. Um....... NO!!!!!! I get that she loves him and wants to make sure he's ok, but as soon as I found out he was ok and found out the truth, I would have been gone. When she's asking him where he's been, and she asks why he's not at Freebirds anymore, she says, "I didn't know you quit." and he says, "Because I didn't want you to know." YOU SUCKY STUPID C*CK SUCKING MOTHERF*CKER. Steam was literally coming out of my ears.
Then we find out that the douche patrol of Sam & Cheyenne also contributed to keeping the truth from Shiloh, and it was Cheyenne that convinced James to leave. This on top of how they had already treated her?? F*ck you motherf*cker. They would be dead to me. I'm NOT a forgive and forget kind of person.
Shiloh basically turns into James's maid and live in babysitter, who he occasionally f*cks.
There are several other things I hated in this book, but that part had me so angry that I didn't feel I needed to add anything else.
In conclusion, I HATED THIS F*CKING BOOK. The Bear Bottom Guardians series is much better if you're determined to read LLV's books.
So..... Freebirds is the worst series from LLV that I've read so far. Then, this might be my worst book of the series. It's sad because I was so hopeful when it started. Anyway....
Shiloh (daughter of Silas, sister of Sam, social worker) meets James (single dad, works at Freebirds, eventually SWAT) after her dad dumps her off at Sam's door. It's this big, long thing where you have to read all the other books before to understand what's going on. Even knowing that, there are still way too many characters to keep up with and the story is messy. It got so confusing. Since it's been a while since we had book 1, I can't remember all of the links. Anyway - Sam treats Shiloh like utter garbage. He ignores her while she lives in squalor, she can't go to the doc for her cancer check-up, can't eat, works in a sleezy diner. Sam knows all this and he does NOTHING. He's not such a good guy now, huh!! Then, in the first few chapters, James is really sweet to her and wants to help her. At the same time, James is fighting his baby mama trying to retain custody of his daughter, Janie. That woman is evil. We're also dealing with the bad guys that are after Shiloh's dad and after her.
After the first 1/4 of the book, when James decides to dump Shiloh, it all turns to utter sh*t. More about him dumping her below. Then, not only do we get to hear about a kid dying, but we also get to hear about child trafficking in a way that gives too many details. Exactly the things that ruin a romance book. Although, the fact these men suck so much, I can't really say they're romance books at all.
Also, this book is virtually no sex. At 42% and they still hadn't had sex. They had only watched each other masturbate. When they finally start having sex, it's like James is a different person than he was at the beginning of the book. He's just so crude and there's not one single time where they "make love". It's just all rough and detached.
This is one of the major reasons I hated this book - I don't consider it a spoiler, but you might.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW
So, after James spends time with Shiloh and they're growing to really care about each other, possible love, he dumps her after Sam tries to warn him off. Sam shows up at James's house and says, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with you dating my sister." and James literally says OK and shuts the door. Then he disappears. He quits his job at Freebirds and gets a job on the SWAT team. He moves into his mom's house. He just abandons Shiloh. It's a coward move, and especially because he knows how hurt she's been because her family has rejected her and left her alone. YOU ARE A COMPLETE PRICK!!! That's how I know James doesn't love Shiloh. If he really loved her, nothing Sam, her dad, or anyone else on this earth could have said that would make him leave. You fight for the person you love. He left her in the most cowardly way possible. That's not love.
Anyway - this whole time Shiloh is calling James, going to his empty house, going to Freebirds, and NOBODY tells her where he is. Sam & Cheyenne (those b*stards) both keep the info from her. PLUS!!! James knows that she's trying to get in touch with him and he just ignores her.
So, James is gone for a month... A WHOLE F*CKING MONTH. James gets shot while on the job and Shiloh hears about it on the news and that's how she finds out where he is. What happens?? She runs into his arms and is hugging and crying. Um....... NO!!!!!! I get that she loves him and wants to make sure he's ok, but as soon as I found out he was ok and found out the truth, I would have been gone. When she's asking him where he's been, and she asks why he's not at Freebirds anymore, she says, "I didn't know you quit." and he says, "Because I didn't want you to know." YOU SUCKY STUPID C*CK SUCKING MOTHERF*CKER. Steam was literally coming out of my ears.
Then we find out that the douche patrol of Sam & Cheyenne also contributed to keeping the truth from Shiloh, and it was Cheyenne that convinced James to leave. This on top of how they had already treated her?? F*ck you motherf*cker. They would be dead to me. I'm NOT a forgive and forget kind of person.
Shiloh basically turns into James's maid and live in babysitter, who he occasionally f*cks.
There are several other things I hated in this book, but that part had me so angry that I didn't feel I needed to add anything else.
In conclusion, I HATED THIS F*CKING BOOK. The Bear Bottom Guardians series is much better if you're determined to read LLV's books.
June 20, 2022
Okay, I'm super busy today and don't have time to write a full review right now, but THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!!!
Love the MCs, loved the story line, loved the pacing, and especially loved Janie. It took a few books, but now that I know what to expect with this author I'm here for it.
This book had me pulled from the start and up way way too late considering all the work I have to do today.
So for now, love this book so much. I'll hopefully write a full review soon.
If you read this, Enjoy My Friends….
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Love the MCs, loved the story line, loved the pacing, and especially loved Janie. It took a few books, but now that I know what to expect with this author I'm here for it.
This book had me pulled from the start and up way way too late considering all the work I have to do today.
So for now, love this book so much. I'll hopefully write a full review soon.
If you read this, Enjoy My Friends….
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
April 6, 2016
==> Re-read in April, 2016 06
==> Read in August, 2014 09
It was really good to reread the book and remember the events.
I enjoyed the story and the author reveals the reasons of Silas abandon his children. I was always curious and now had the answer.
We also have a crazy ex-girlfriend and an abusive ex-boyfriend. Have funny scenes where the hero loses a bet.
The daughter of the hero is a cute and a mini badass!
Heroin is very interesting and full of charm.
And the chemistry between the heroes is explosive.
I highly recommend!
==> Read in August, 2014 09
It was really good to reread the book and remember the events.
I enjoyed the story and the author reveals the reasons of Silas abandon his children. I was always curious and now had the answer.
We also have a crazy ex-girlfriend and an abusive ex-boyfriend. Have funny scenes where the hero loses a bet.
The daughter of the hero is a cute and a mini badass!
Heroin is very interesting and full of charm.
And the chemistry between the heroes is explosive.
I highly recommend!
June 25, 2015
Wow...this is definitely my favorite book of the Free series. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED James and Shiloh. Their story was funny, romantic, sweet, heartbreaking and smokin' HOT!! Everything that I love about reading. James *sigh* And that epilogue had to be the best one yet!! So good!! Janie was hysterical with the things that she said. She had me laughing out loud. Sad that this is the last book in the series with only Blaine and Elliot's novella left but I will definitely be rereading.
July 23, 2014
Wow I just had to go hide my crying face in the bathroom because the end of this book kicked my ass so hard. And I mean that in a good very happy emotional way. Like many other MC books that I love this one caught me right from the beginning. Although it wasn’t all about the MC, only some parts. I loved how it mixed a lot of things together with all the different characters: a social worker, bad boy bikers, mechanics, SWAT team members, and more.
James was the hot biker but also a SWAT team member. Which added even more sex appeal, more than I thought possible. AND he was a doting single father that had his life in order. He was certainly one of those guys that looks scary and mean on the outside but was a sap underneath it all, but only for the right women, that being his daughter and the new girl in town Shiloh.
The first time they met there was massive chemistry, but life was throwing way to much drama in their world for them to act on much. I found it very blissful how slow they actually took things rather than fucking like bunnies their first night together. I must say all the drama got a bit confusing in the beginning of this book. Between the bad guys going after Shiloh and all the family members mixed in between it was a bit difficult to keep all the characters in order. But through all the shootings, kidnappings, SWAT involvement, and new babies being born, James and Shiloh were together.
This book ended so happy and so well I’m sad it’s over. It gave us a peak into James and Shiloh’s married life ten years from now and they have just the same spark. I loved to find out how they became an even bigger family than what we knew and kept their love growing, and the sex amazing.
James was the hot biker but also a SWAT team member. Which added even more sex appeal, more than I thought possible. AND he was a doting single father that had his life in order. He was certainly one of those guys that looks scary and mean on the outside but was a sap underneath it all, but only for the right women, that being his daughter and the new girl in town Shiloh.
The first time they met there was massive chemistry, but life was throwing way to much drama in their world for them to act on much. I found it very blissful how slow they actually took things rather than fucking like bunnies their first night together. I must say all the drama got a bit confusing in the beginning of this book. Between the bad guys going after Shiloh and all the family members mixed in between it was a bit difficult to keep all the characters in order. But through all the shootings, kidnappings, SWAT involvement, and new babies being born, James and Shiloh were together.
This book ended so happy and so well I’m sad it’s over. It gave us a peak into James and Shiloh’s married life ten years from now and they have just the same spark. I loved to find out how they became an even bigger family than what we knew and kept their love growing, and the sex amazing.
August 18, 2015
Loved it!! Love this series!!
November 10, 2015
Loves the characters & the storyline.
November 7, 2017
Amazing book!!
So I finished this book early hours of this morning but left my review for later as I was trying to gather my thoughts....
So many emotions going through me now that I've finished it but not sure where to start,
So it starts 8 months after last day of my life and it was really kind of perfect set up for the whole book, my heart bled for Shiloh in the beginning as she has not had it easy what's so ever and I thought maybe she wouldn't be as strong a heroine as I originally thought... Boy was I wrong!!! She was an amazing character and took me on a journey, she was strong witty and soft&sweet all they right times... By no means a push over but she also new when to rein it in and keep to herself.
Her relationship with sam in the beginning in non existent and as much as I love sam he needed to be junk punched for the way her treated her,I was so disappointed in him it hurt but thank god he managed like always to turn it around(: Cheyenne disappointed me in some of this book to but I under stand her reasons and obviously I love her so I got over it...
I really wasn't sure how to feel about Silas and Sebastian and due to the fact the Silas was not in a good light with sam and the way he handled Shiloh in the beginning of this book I wasn't sure he was redeemable.... Again I was totally wrong and I love him more for it now...
Although Sebastian was in here and you can tell when reading this book he loves his sister I'm still not sure on his story... But that's looking to change because we apparently haven't seen the last of the freebirds although a finished series the secondary characters are getting books(whoop!)
James!!!what a sweetheart he is but with the whole alpha bad boy control tendencies too(yummy) he was amazing through this book, the fighting was new for me and showed a more uncontrolled james but I can't say I didn't like it as it lead to a certain hot steamy scene which will be imprinted in me for a while!(hothothot!)
It will never get old to hear what a fantastic father he is too Jaine(what a little character she is) and how close there father/daughter relationship is. Bless him he really did have a hard time through this book with Anna Jaines mother and god bless him he got through it even though it was god awful the things she said and done&more importantly was going to do.. Well she's a vile creature and prison it far to good for her!!
Shiloh and James together...(sigh) I loved there relationship and the fact it took longer to grow than the other books, i felt so many emotions through this book at parts I had to stop just to gather myself to continue..
The epilogue (swoon) what an amazing end to this series! I also loved how you find out what happened to kayla it could not have been anymore perfect especially when her and james go to see dougie, I was at this point crying uncontrollably(wasn't pretty) it just made my heart melt!(:
The mention of a novella(Blaine&Elliot) and spin of series with the MC including shilohs father&brother and the Kilgore SWAT it's safe to say I'm excited to see what the future brings with them in mind.
All in all I fully recommend this series to read its fantastic and I'm sad it's finished..
So I finished this book early hours of this morning but left my review for later as I was trying to gather my thoughts....
So many emotions going through me now that I've finished it but not sure where to start,
So it starts 8 months after last day of my life and it was really kind of perfect set up for the whole book, my heart bled for Shiloh in the beginning as she has not had it easy what's so ever and I thought maybe she wouldn't be as strong a heroine as I originally thought... Boy was I wrong!!! She was an amazing character and took me on a journey, she was strong witty and soft&sweet all they right times... By no means a push over but she also new when to rein it in and keep to herself.
Her relationship with sam in the beginning in non existent and as much as I love sam he needed to be junk punched for the way her treated her,I was so disappointed in him it hurt but thank god he managed like always to turn it around(: Cheyenne disappointed me in some of this book to but I under stand her reasons and obviously I love her so I got over it...
I really wasn't sure how to feel about Silas and Sebastian and due to the fact the Silas was not in a good light with sam and the way he handled Shiloh in the beginning of this book I wasn't sure he was redeemable.... Again I was totally wrong and I love him more for it now...
Although Sebastian was in here and you can tell when reading this book he loves his sister I'm still not sure on his story... But that's looking to change because we apparently haven't seen the last of the freebirds although a finished series the secondary characters are getting books(whoop!)
James!!!what a sweetheart he is but with the whole alpha bad boy control tendencies too(yummy) he was amazing through this book, the fighting was new for me and showed a more uncontrolled james but I can't say I didn't like it as it lead to a certain hot steamy scene which will be imprinted in me for a while!(hothothot!)
It will never get old to hear what a fantastic father he is too Jaine(what a little character she is) and how close there father/daughter relationship is. Bless him he really did have a hard time through this book with Anna Jaines mother and god bless him he got through it even though it was god awful the things she said and done&more importantly was going to do.. Well she's a vile creature and prison it far to good for her!!
Shiloh and James together...(sigh) I loved there relationship and the fact it took longer to grow than the other books, i felt so many emotions through this book at parts I had to stop just to gather myself to continue..
The epilogue (swoon) what an amazing end to this series! I also loved how you find out what happened to kayla it could not have been anymore perfect especially when her and james go to see dougie, I was at this point crying uncontrollably(wasn't pretty) it just made my heart melt!(:
The mention of a novella(Blaine&Elliot) and spin of series with the MC including shilohs father&brother and the Kilgore SWAT it's safe to say I'm excited to see what the future brings with them in mind.
All in all I fully recommend this series to read its fantastic and I'm sad it's finished..
August 7, 2014
Gosh. This is a difficult review for me to write. I mean, overall, I enjoyed it. However, there were lots of hit's and miss's for me.
Here's some things I liked and didn't like:
1 - I felt that Sam and Cheyenne were totally different people in the beginning. And I guess, that's part of the story (not that they're different, just their "uncaring-ness") But man! I felt like they didn't care about anybody but themselves - even though it was always stressed how much they cared about everyone. They were just annoying. And I hated that because at one time they were my favorite people!
2 - James was a great hero - and a great Alpha. His story was so big and I was glad the author made the book long, but I felt it took forever to tell it - and even then I felt parts were missing and didn't quite get him.
3 - I hated how the author would lead us to what seemed like important moments in the story - and then next just skip hours/weeks into the future and just skim over what happened. Like putting the cart before the horse kind of thing. Where's the fun in that?
4 - The relationship between them was so drawn out - and not sexual at all - and then they spend some weeks apart and BAMN! They had been in love and missed each other like crazy. However, them being apart was really their own faults - seeing as how they each had a phone to pick up or would run into each other and just ignore each other.
5 - SO MUCH HAPPENED! This is both good and bad. There were SO MANY characters - I couldn't keep up. I don't think the author could either because in several places the wrong name was used in referencing a character, and I had to go back, reread - remember who she was talking about and then try to zone back in. Also, the amount of shit that happened made my head spin. I mean, it was entertaining at several points - even well into the story, but overall it was just too much.
6 - I LOVED the heroine. She was so hilarious and fun.
7 - The H was OTT possessive (once they really got together) and it was fun to read.
8 - The sex was just okay. I kinda expected more, so I felt a little let down in that department.
9 - I still didn't get what the big deal was with Sam/Sebastian/Shilo's dad. Why they hated him, why they just believe some guy they always hated....it was just too much of a pretty package at the end for people that had such a "hard" up bringing.
10 - The weird - and only - encounter with the ex that used to beat the h. I didn't get it's purpose. It was funny....but wtf was the point?
11 - Did I mention how overwhelming the all the story lines were? They all started to blur together.
12 - Jack and Winter were my favorite - even in this book, LOL!
Here's some things I liked and didn't like:
1 - I felt that Sam and Cheyenne were totally different people in the beginning. And I guess, that's part of the story (not that they're different, just their "uncaring-ness") But man! I felt like they didn't care about anybody but themselves - even though it was always stressed how much they cared about everyone. They were just annoying. And I hated that because at one time they were my favorite people!
2 - James was a great hero - and a great Alpha. His story was so big and I was glad the author made the book long, but I felt it took forever to tell it - and even then I felt parts were missing and didn't quite get him.
3 - I hated how the author would lead us to what seemed like important moments in the story - and then next just skip hours/weeks into the future and just skim over what happened. Like putting the cart before the horse kind of thing. Where's the fun in that?
4 - The relationship between them was so drawn out - and not sexual at all - and then they spend some weeks apart and BAMN! They had been in love and missed each other like crazy. However, them being apart was really their own faults - seeing as how they each had a phone to pick up or would run into each other and just ignore each other.
5 - SO MUCH HAPPENED! This is both good and bad. There were SO MANY characters - I couldn't keep up. I don't think the author could either because in several places the wrong name was used in referencing a character, and I had to go back, reread - remember who she was talking about and then try to zone back in. Also, the amount of shit that happened made my head spin. I mean, it was entertaining at several points - even well into the story, but overall it was just too much.
6 - I LOVED the heroine. She was so hilarious and fun.
7 - The H was OTT possessive (once they really got together) and it was fun to read.
8 - The sex was just okay. I kinda expected more, so I felt a little let down in that department.
9 - I still didn't get what the big deal was with Sam/Sebastian/Shilo's dad. Why they hated him, why they just believe some guy they always hated....it was just too much of a pretty package at the end for people that had such a "hard" up bringing.
10 - The weird - and only - encounter with the ex that used to beat the h. I didn't get it's purpose. It was funny....but wtf was the point?
11 - Did I mention how overwhelming the all the story lines were? They all started to blur together.
12 - Jack and Winter were my favorite - even in this book, LOL!
July 29, 2014
If you are looking for a summer page turner with sexiness, entirely likable characters as well as a fully developed story look no further, Texas Tornado is your book. James is a sexy, loving father with a streak of toughness that every alpha hero needs. While Shiloh is a great lead female character with a loving heart and a desire for family, she also has a sense of determination and grit that keeps her from being a lackluster doormat of a character. Texas Tornado takes place in Texas, but around the Ark-La-Tex area which is my family's stomping ground. Haven't heard of that area? No worries, it the hot as Hell wonderland that is the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas Tri-State area. And there's your bit of geography for the day! I won't lie, having a sense of cultural connection to the area and being able to picture what it looks like did make me happy, but the entertaining writing is what made me truly enjoy the book.
There's lots of subtle and not so subtle humor throughout Texas Tornado. One of my favorite parts of the book are the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I highlighted almost every chapter quote, but I'll only share two of my favorites, and it was hard to pick. The book starts off with a bang with the quote for Chapter 1: "You can tell a woman's mood by watching her hands. For instance, if she's holding a gun, she's probably angry." -Earl Dibbles, Jr. Then there's the quote for Chapter 7: "Teach your girl to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper. -Life Lesson. Quote number two is one that my husband personally lives by which is why it tickled the heck out of me! I wish that I could just list them all, but that would spoil the fun of you reading them for yourself so I will restrain myself, but it's hard to do!
Lani Lynn Vale has added to my ongoing book reading dilemma. I enjoyed Texas Tornado so much that I now want to go back and read the first three books in this series. I should have known after reading Last Day of My Life (Book 4) and enjoying it so much that I needed to go back and start at the beginning of this series! These can all be read as stand alone stories, so you can start with any one of these books. They are complete stories with no cliffhangers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
There's lots of subtle and not so subtle humor throughout Texas Tornado. One of my favorite parts of the book are the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I highlighted almost every chapter quote, but I'll only share two of my favorites, and it was hard to pick. The book starts off with a bang with the quote for Chapter 1: "You can tell a woman's mood by watching her hands. For instance, if she's holding a gun, she's probably angry." -Earl Dibbles, Jr. Then there's the quote for Chapter 7: "Teach your girl to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper. -Life Lesson. Quote number two is one that my husband personally lives by which is why it tickled the heck out of me! I wish that I could just list them all, but that would spoil the fun of you reading them for yourself so I will restrain myself, but it's hard to do!
Lani Lynn Vale has added to my ongoing book reading dilemma. I enjoyed Texas Tornado so much that I now want to go back and read the first three books in this series. I should have known after reading Last Day of My Life (Book 4) and enjoying it so much that I needed to go back and start at the beginning of this series! These can all be read as stand alone stories, so you can start with any one of these books. They are complete stories with no cliffhangers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
July 23, 2015
I will miss all these characters, they feel like family now!
James & Shiloh's story-he's Cheyenne's older brother, a sniper for the Army and eventually the fledgling Kilgore SWAT unit; Shiloh is Sam's half-sister, whom he only just found out he had! She ends up in Sam's care when his estranged father calls in a favor from Sam. We find out in this book the real story of Sam's father and why he pushed his kids away. James is taken with Shiloh from her first day around the group but she isn't fitting in and Sam is being a jerk toward her. This part of the story really irritated me because Sam has been such a loving, compassionate man until now and this was hard to read or accept. It fir there's the narrative so it was just drama thrown in for the sake of making trouble. The bigger picture involves Shiloh and Sam's father, her other brother, Sebastian, and some nasty vicious killers. On James' side, his ex-wife, Anna, is suing for custody of their 6 year old daughter, Janie, whom she has never known or shown interest in. There are regular anonymous charges called into child services against James, and it's escalating.
This is the final book of this series, except for a novella for Elliot & Blaine. It wraps up everything neatly and even builds the lead into the author's series, the Dixie Warden MC. The first book "Light To My Fire" was the first book by this author I read. Having read this previous semi-connected series, I plan to go back and re-read the current 2 books of DWMC. I have made Lani Lynn Vale a must buy author for me.
James & Shiloh's story-he's Cheyenne's older brother, a sniper for the Army and eventually the fledgling Kilgore SWAT unit; Shiloh is Sam's half-sister, whom he only just found out he had! She ends up in Sam's care when his estranged father calls in a favor from Sam. We find out in this book the real story of Sam's father and why he pushed his kids away. James is taken with Shiloh from her first day around the group but she isn't fitting in and Sam is being a jerk toward her. This part of the story really irritated me because Sam has been such a loving, compassionate man until now and this was hard to read or accept. It fir there's the narrative so it was just drama thrown in for the sake of making trouble. The bigger picture involves Shiloh and Sam's father, her other brother, Sebastian, and some nasty vicious killers. On James' side, his ex-wife, Anna, is suing for custody of their 6 year old daughter, Janie, whom she has never known or shown interest in. There are regular anonymous charges called into child services against James, and it's escalating.
This is the final book of this series, except for a novella for Elliot & Blaine. It wraps up everything neatly and even builds the lead into the author's series, the Dixie Warden MC. The first book "Light To My Fire" was the first book by this author I read. Having read this previous semi-connected series, I plan to go back and re-read the current 2 books of DWMC. I have made Lani Lynn Vale a must buy author for me.
October 19, 2014
I ve read Sebastian's story before the Free serie so I knew a bit about the characters and this final book finally gave me all the answers to my questions.
I loved reading about James and Shiloh!! They were really good together and let's not forget about Janie who nearly made me cry of laughter!!! She was unbelievable. One thing I really LOVED was James proposal. This was the best EVER!!! My God I was laughing so much!!!!
As for the storyline, let's say that you will not be bored for one minute!!! It goes in every directions, pulling a lot of people together, reuniting a broken family, punishing the bad guys and offering a great couple the chance to finally have their happy ending!
The Free serie has been absolutely amazing, from book 1 to 5 and I know that the following serie about the Silas's MC is just as good! Thank you so much Ms Vale!!!!
I loved reading about James and Shiloh!! They were really good together and let's not forget about Janie who nearly made me cry of laughter!!! She was unbelievable. One thing I really LOVED was James proposal. This was the best EVER!!! My God I was laughing so much!!!!
As for the storyline, let's say that you will not be bored for one minute!!! It goes in every directions, pulling a lot of people together, reuniting a broken family, punishing the bad guys and offering a great couple the chance to finally have their happy ending!
The Free serie has been absolutely amazing, from book 1 to 5 and I know that the following serie about the Silas's MC is just as good! Thank you so much Ms Vale!!!!
January 8, 2015
Absolutely amazing! James was just incredible. What an amazing man, father, friend. Shiloh was great too! She was such a strong woman with such a big heart. As with the rest of this series thus book had a good amount of danger going on and it also filled in so many blanks on Sam, Shiloh & Sebastian's dad. This was definitely one of the best books I've read this year!
Read
August 26, 2014Just plain sexy!!!! Second best in the series! The heroine reminded me of Lilly in 'Shades Fall' by Jamie Begley.
April 22, 2020
Loved Shiloh, James was just ugh. This book just about ruined Sam and Cheyenne for me too. Wish I’d skipped this one.
May 30, 2023
"Jolie, Jolie, Jolie, Jolie. I'm begging of you please don't take my man." (sic) -Dolly Parton (well, sort of) & Shiloh Mackenzie (probably)
Yeah, I took liberties with the name, but doesn't it fit so nicely?
Kilgore: a growing 'burb in East Texas. It's got a college, a hospital, a beautiful historic district, a shady motel and diner, and (you can't forget) a McAlister's Deli. Don't you just want to move there? Plus, it's home to Free--a custom auto and bike repair shop which is run by a bunch of hunky bikers. They work on motorcycles by day and rescue abused women at night. They are ex-Army Rangers who all served together, and they love the small of napalm in the morning.
Book 5 of the Freebird Series keeps the fire going after the great read that was Last Day of My Life. It's definitely one of the best of the series. It wraps up all of the mystery that has shrouded the series. Plus, it has heart wrenching relationship, sibling, and child custody drama. The suspense is amazing as well. It is HIGHLY suggested that you read the first three books in order: Boomtown, Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, and Last Day of My Life. I do want to stress that you can definitely read this book as a standalone. However, it just isn't the same without the first four books, especially since this is the last book and wraps everything up so neatly.
Shiloh Mackenzie just wanted to be a social worker, protecting kids and doing an amazing job. She didn't mean to stumble into big trouble when she attempted to find her long, lost brother, Sam. So when her father dumps her off with Free, her life is turned upside down. It doesn't get easier from there. Sam seems to hate her, and the Free bunch haven't warmed up to her. The only one who helps her a little bit is James, and even then, she's wary of him. She wants him, but her last boyfriend was one of the biggest mistakes of her life. Besides, they don't realize that getting involved with each other will send them on a collision course with danger.
James and Shiloh are an interesting couple. They definitely had a push and pull the whole book because of their circumstances, and it made for a fantastic read. The chemistry was off the charts, and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance, instead of a jump into bed kind of thing (I've never been fond of those types of romances, being honest). The hubba hubba parts were...woo...amazing. James' character is an interesting one. He's actually really sweet, but he was kind of an a$& quite a lot in this book. Like, a moody butthead. I can't blame him with what he went through with Janie and Anna, but he took it out on Shiloh...A LOT. So, if I use my d-bag meter, 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, I'm going to have to put James at about a 5 for his moody self. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, Shiloh is at a 1. She's amazing and one of the least annoying female characters in LLV's world. So much happened to her, and she just keeps chugging through without being obnoxious.
I'd like to make a special character note for Sam and Cheyenne who are on the s%!t list for this book. They just were...awful. I mean, I'm glad they got themselves together, but wow. Just...wow. They dialed it up to level 11 right there.
Texas Tornado is is one of the best of this series. The relationship dynamic between James and Janie really made the story, and Shiloh's plight really drew me in. The main bad guy was extremely underdeveloped, but the minor role bad guys like Anna really added a lot. LLV tends to not write quotations in dialogue correctly which is annoying. There are also factual errors like saying: "Diablo, one of the members of the MC." *scratches head* When did Nico join an MC? He got this double life I don't know about? Hahaha. There are other naming issues like James' mom is listed as "Daina" in this book but was "Dana" in Boomtown. Sigh. I shouldn't be able to keep track of this stuff better than the author can. One word: SPEADSHEETS. Spreadsheets make everything better. But yeah, it is what it is. I'm too obsessed with these plotlines to care too much.
Also, you know you Googled "Reverse Prince Albert?" Didn't you? Or was it just me? Okay. I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW.
Yeah, I took liberties with the name, but doesn't it fit so nicely?
Kilgore: a growing 'burb in East Texas. It's got a college, a hospital, a beautiful historic district, a shady motel and diner, and (you can't forget) a McAlister's Deli. Don't you just want to move there? Plus, it's home to Free--a custom auto and bike repair shop which is run by a bunch of hunky bikers. They work on motorcycles by day and rescue abused women at night. They are ex-Army Rangers who all served together, and they love the small of napalm in the morning.
Book 5 of the Freebird Series keeps the fire going after the great read that was Last Day of My Life. It's definitely one of the best of the series. It wraps up all of the mystery that has shrouded the series. Plus, it has heart wrenching relationship, sibling, and child custody drama. The suspense is amazing as well. It is HIGHLY suggested that you read the first three books in order: Boomtown, Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, and Last Day of My Life. I do want to stress that you can definitely read this book as a standalone. However, it just isn't the same without the first four books, especially since this is the last book and wraps everything up so neatly.
Things To Know:
(See "Things to Know" (Spoiler Edition) for more tidbits like this to this book/other books.)
General
-Do You Need to Read Other Books? Technically no. You will be able to follow along just fine as it is a new couple, and everything is explained. However, it is highly recommended that you read as there are reoccurring issues that will come to light.
-Romance type: Brother’s best friend
Male Lead - James Jonathan "Scope" Allen
-OW: Jolie (see Spoilers)
-Besties: Elliott, Gabe, Jack, Max, Sam, Dougie (deceased)
-From: Kilgore, Texas
-Jobs: Bob's Auto; Free Ranger (sniper Iraq; left on medical disability); Free; Free Mechanic; Kilgore PD SWAT sniper
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Highway Don't Care, Another One Bites the Dust, Last Day of My Life, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance, Lights To My Siren, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Daina Allen, introduced in Boomtown
-Father: Dad deceased (See spoilers for more)
-Siblings: Cheyenne Allen
-Children: Caroline Jeanine "Janie" Allen; Oops baby with Anna Stevens while on deployment in Army; Has sole parental rights
Female Lead - Shiloh June MacKenzie
-OM: N/A
-Besties: Cheyenne, Ember, Payton, Winter
-From: Galveston, Texas; then Kilgore, Texas
-Jobs: Waitress at diner; Social worker
-First Appearance: Last Day of My Life (She was dumped off by Silas for her protection. Sam got ticked that Silas was hiding another sibling.
-Other Appearances: Lights To My Siren, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Lettie, Silas' former ol' lady
-Father: Silas Mackenzie (See spoilers)
-Siblings: Samuel Cash "Sam" Mackenzie (half brother) & Sebastian Sue "Shiva" Mackenzie (full brother)
-Pet: Boris, the cat
Free...the Maybe MC
-Free is not technically an official "club." However, they do participate in different events throughout the LLVerse and have even been called an "unofficial club." Whatever they are, they are awesome.
-Members: Sam Mackenzie, Gabe Maldonado, Max Tremaine, Jack Stoker, James Allen, Elliott Masters
-Free helps women escape abusive situations on the down-low. It's super secret, though, and uses the men's military skills to help.
-All of the women the Freebirds help have their names changed to bird names (i.e. Lark, Robin).
Important Minor Characters
-This is Jolie's second book. She rolled up to town in Highway Don't Care, but this book is her largest part. She was the daughter of the guy who killed James' best friend, Briggs. However, she was incredibly sorry about the whole thing and was picked on relentlessly for it, which made James get close to her in high school. She acts as a foil between James and Shiloh.
-This is Todd Masterson's debut book. He is the go-to lawyer for a lot of LLV's books and is described as this great lawyer. He's not. Trust me on this one. But we love Todd anyhow. He tries. He really does.
-Dixie Warden, Torren, makes his debut in a...precarious situation. This is also Kettle's first appearance.
Code 11-KPD SWAT Beginnings
-This is the first book where KPD SWAT is established. Before that, Kilgore had to call into Longview (a nearby, larger city) if they needed SWAT help.
-Luke Roberts continues to have small roles in this series.
-This is Downy's largest role to date. However, they don't have a real negotiator on the team yet. They have to depend on Longview at this time. Downy becomes their negotiator later on.
-John Atoms, the KPD SWAT information specialist, shows up for the first time. He never has a book of his own, but he is pretty awesome.
-Oh, and it's KPD SWAT team members Michael and Nico's first appearances too!
Shiloh Mackenzie just wanted to be a social worker, protecting kids and doing an amazing job. She didn't mean to stumble into big trouble when she attempted to find her long, lost brother, Sam. So when her father dumps her off with Free, her life is turned upside down. It doesn't get easier from there. Sam seems to hate her, and the Free bunch haven't warmed up to her. The only one who helps her a little bit is James, and even then, she's wary of him. She wants him, but her last boyfriend was one of the biggest mistakes of her life. Besides, they don't realize that getting involved with each other will send them on a collision course with danger.
James and Shiloh are an interesting couple. They definitely had a push and pull the whole book because of their circumstances, and it made for a fantastic read. The chemistry was off the charts, and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance, instead of a jump into bed kind of thing (I've never been fond of those types of romances, being honest). The hubba hubba parts were...woo...amazing. James' character is an interesting one. He's actually really sweet, but he was kind of an a$& quite a lot in this book. Like, a moody butthead. I can't blame him with what he went through with Janie and Anna, but he took it out on Shiloh...A LOT. So, if I use my d-bag meter, 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, I'm going to have to put James at about a 5 for his moody self. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, Shiloh is at a 1. She's amazing and one of the least annoying female characters in LLV's world. So much happened to her, and she just keeps chugging through without being obnoxious.
I'd like to make a special character note for Sam and Cheyenne who are on the s%!t list for this book. They just were...awful. I mean, I'm glad they got themselves together, but wow. Just...wow. They dialed it up to level 11 right there.
Texas Tornado is is one of the best of this series. The relationship dynamic between James and Janie really made the story, and Shiloh's plight really drew me in. The main bad guy was extremely underdeveloped, but the minor role bad guys like Anna really added a lot. LLV tends to not write quotations in dialogue correctly which is annoying. There are also factual errors like saying: "Diablo, one of the members of the MC." *scratches head* When did Nico join an MC? He got this double life I don't know about? Hahaha. There are other naming issues like James' mom is listed as "Daina" in this book but was "Dana" in Boomtown. Sigh. I shouldn't be able to keep track of this stuff better than the author can. One word: SPEADSHEETS. Spreadsheets make everything better. But yeah, it is what it is. I'm too obsessed with these plotlines to care too much.
Also, you know you Googled "Reverse Prince Albert?" Didn't you? Or was it just me? Okay. I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW.
Audiobook Note:
-This book is read by Mason Lloyd and Stephanie Rose, both of whom are amazing.
-Mason has a bit of a southern twang going on and has read many of LLV's audiobooks, including this series, most in the Heroes of the Dixie Wardens, The Dixie Warden Rejects, the Uncertain Saints MC Series, most of the Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, the Hail Raisers Series, the the I Like Big Dragons Series (one of the completely standalone series I was talking about), and the There's No Crying in Baseball Series.
-Stephanie has read this series and then has been here and there in many books, including ones like Put Out, Kitty Kitty, Joke's on You, Ain't Doin' It, and Center Mass...Plus, many, many others that are so all over the place in LLV's series that I'm not going to list them.
-The production, as always, was wonderfully done, and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Things To Know: (Spoiler Edition)
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
January 1, 2020
I loved this book so much - by far the best in this series. I really liked both James & Shiloh, so kudos to the author for writing two great main characters.
James was the protective and loving father that we've met in previous books. He had sole custody of his daughter, Janie, her mother having given up custody when she was born. Only now, she's making trouble and trying to get custody of her girl all of a sudden and it's super shady. There's a lot of drama involving her and it's really sad (and sick) that someone would even think of doing the things she did. But James is tough and doesn't back down from protecting what's his (both Janie & Shiloh). He ends up joining SWAT during this book and I loved seeing how that team became his third family, despite all the ludicrous allegations his ex alleged.
Shiloh was a breath of fresh air. I thought she'd be a little bratty based on the last book, but turns out, she's just had a rough life and just wanted to be loved. And that life before the Freebirds was one of abuse and neglect, even as a kid. Sam, her new-found brother, was a complete jerk to her for the first 7 months she spent with the Freebirds and I was so disappointed in him. He'll eventually get his head on straight, but it broke my heart to see how everyone else treated her without really getting to know her first - they just completely abandoned her based on assumptions. Shiloh was incredibly smart and tough though. She graduated with a social work degree in 3 years, became a social worker and really was a great person who fought for the children she was assigned to. She was a bit clumsy and had it not been incredibly sad to see her hurt, I'd find it comical. She was tough as can be though. She could seriously put a beating on someone if she put her mind to it, although there are a couple times where she can't fight back and like the other books, she'll end up getting hurt. That scene at the strip club was hilarious and bada** at the same time.
Janie was wonderful! I loved that little girl so much. I couldn't wait to see what would come out of her mouth next.
The ending to this one flashes forwards about 12 years. It made me tear up a bit with Dougie's daughter giving her speech at graduation. I loved how we get to see how Shiloh and James' life was now in the future and how he loved her just as much then as he did when they met.
I'll continue on with the next series so that I can see what's up with some of the Dixie Wardens MC guys we met in this book.
James was the protective and loving father that we've met in previous books. He had sole custody of his daughter, Janie, her mother having given up custody when she was born. Only now, she's making trouble and trying to get custody of her girl all of a sudden and it's super shady. There's a lot of drama involving her and it's really sad (and sick) that someone would even think of doing the things she did. But James is tough and doesn't back down from protecting what's his (both Janie & Shiloh). He ends up joining SWAT during this book and I loved seeing how that team became his third family, despite all the ludicrous allegations his ex alleged.
Shiloh was a breath of fresh air. I thought she'd be a little bratty based on the last book, but turns out, she's just had a rough life and just wanted to be loved. And that life before the Freebirds was one of abuse and neglect, even as a kid. Sam, her new-found brother, was a complete jerk to her for the first 7 months she spent with the Freebirds and I was so disappointed in him. He'll eventually get his head on straight, but it broke my heart to see how everyone else treated her without really getting to know her first - they just completely abandoned her based on assumptions. Shiloh was incredibly smart and tough though. She graduated with a social work degree in 3 years, became a social worker and really was a great person who fought for the children she was assigned to. She was a bit clumsy and had it not been incredibly sad to see her hurt, I'd find it comical. She was tough as can be though. She could seriously put a beating on someone if she put her mind to it, although there are a couple times where she can't fight back and like the other books, she'll end up getting hurt. That scene at the strip club was hilarious and bada** at the same time.
Janie was wonderful! I loved that little girl so much. I couldn't wait to see what would come out of her mouth next.
The ending to this one flashes forwards about 12 years. It made me tear up a bit with Dougie's daughter giving her speech at graduation. I loved how we get to see how Shiloh and James' life was now in the future and how he loved her just as much then as he did when they met.
I'll continue on with the next series so that I can see what's up with some of the Dixie Wardens MC guys we met in this book.
December 3, 2019
Well...*blink-blink* The crazy continues. This is the story of James and Shiloh. I've mentioned the "cross-pollination," right? Well, James is Cheyenne's brother. Cheyenne is the heroine of BOOMTOWN, the first book in this series. James is in all the Freebird books. He has full custody of his toddler daughter and a crazy ex-girlfriend baby mama who signed over her rights. This is not a spoiler per se because that's been the case since BT. Anyway. Shiloh is the sister of Sam, the hero in the first book. There's also Shiloh's other brother and father (who have books in Heroes of Dixie Wardens series). She's been "banished" from that side of the family and dumped on Sam to look after (which is where his douchyness comes in), which occurred in a previous book. Anyway, this is some time after that. There are tangled threads, crossed plots with another series (which I think comes next?) and just general mayhem. There are bad guys that do bad things and good guys who do aforementioned douchey things and there is just so much....stuff! to take in, process, get over, and move on.LLV's books don't pull punches so they are not for the faint of heart. Sex and violence--both graphic. They are so full of....OMGWTFBBQsauce that I can't even articulate it all. But I don't stop. Can't stop. And while I should probably go into a period of deep self-reflection on why I not only read/listen but relisten to these books, I just keep checking them out of the library. This one is another wild ride and James is one of the good guys and Shiloh has a big heart even if she occasionally turns TSTL. On to the next one.
September 4, 2020
Characters
H- James 5 stars
h- Shiloh 5 stars
Things I think about when reading…
•I’m so excited to finally be reading about James. I have wanted his POV since the first book.
•WTH I never thought I would be so mad at Sam but here I am. Which sucks cause he used to be my fav.
•I have been waiting this whole series, to find out what the hell is going on with Sam and his family!!!
. Janie was my favorite character in this book.
•I loved H OTT protectiveness
•That ending did me in
Sexy time
3 star
Cliffhanger
No
HEA
Yes
H- James 5 stars
h- Shiloh 5 stars
Things I think about when reading…
•I’m so excited to finally be reading about James. I have wanted his POV since the first book.
•WTH I never thought I would be so mad at Sam but here I am. Which sucks cause he used to be my fav.
•I have been waiting this whole series, to find out what the hell is going on with Sam and his family!!!
. Janie was my favorite character in this book.
•I loved H OTT protectiveness
•That ending did me in
Sexy time
3 star
Cliffhanger
No
HEA
Yes
January 22, 2021
Texas Tornado
Freebirds, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: PP Library
Dates Read: 1/19/21 - 1/21/21
Stars: 4
The Characters:
James Allen:
Shiloh Mackenzie:
The Story:
Review to come… maybe
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - G5 - A book longer than 400 pages
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with a place in the title
Freebirds, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: PP Library
Dates Read: 1/19/21 - 1/21/21
Stars: 4
The Characters:
James Allen:
Shiloh Mackenzie:
The Story:
Review to come… maybe
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - G5 - A book longer than 400 pages
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with a place in the title
August 16, 2017
I really tried but I couldn't connect with the main characters. The plot was so convoluted as there were so many arcs intersecting. Honestly, I felt like the heroine could do better and I felt sad that she only had 1 bio kid for all the trouble that she had in her life.
Heroine got kidnapped and got her life threatened so many freaking times it was just so exhausting to read.
Heroine got kidnapped and got her life threatened so many freaking times it was just so exhausting to read.
January 4, 2023
This one is my favorite. We got to see more of James and his adorable daughter Jani! I love her. we also got to see more of Sam's family dynamic with his dad and siblings came out. I loved the epilogue especially since it was 12 years in the future.
October 30, 2014
Texas Tornado (Freebirds #5)
By: Lani Lynn Vale
5/5 stars
Shiloh Mackenzie learned of an older half-brother (Sam) who shares the same father as her and her older full brother, Sebastian. While digging into this matter, she set some dangerous wheels turning and now not only is her life in jeopardy, but her dad’s too and possibly her brothers. She has to be taken to Free and put under her brother’s protection. And that is the favor that Sam has to pay for when he needed his dad’s help in book 1, Boomtown.
James’ life was turned upside down when he learned that he was to be a father. And then leaving his daughter home to be raised by his sister and mother. But since returning home, he is a full-time, single father, but wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. The things that Janie says in this book are just hilarious. Straight from the mouths of babe.
But James is attracted to Shiloh. But she has never been put first in someone’s life, including her mom, dad & brother. Therefore she always thinks the worst of people and is more willing to disappear in order to salvage her pride and lick her wounds. Because of her crappy childhood, Shiloh has become a social worker so that she can help children.
James’ ex is back in the picture and even though she gave up all rights to Janie shortly after she was born, she is now back fighting for her rights. Due to a man-hating, liberal feminist judge, who always sides with the woman, the ex gets supervised visitation and James can pick the social worker. He knows that he can trust Shiloh, so he chooses her. But this could all be to the detriment of Janie, since her birth mom is completely unfit to parent a child.
This book had drama, action & sexy times. It was an excellent wrap up to this series and the epilogue was awesome. And showed the aging of James & Shiloh’s kids.
We got to see a lot more of Sebastian in this book and I really started to fall for him. We learned Silas’ secrets and that his life was different than what Sam always believed it to be and how things were from and adult’s perspective instead of a child’s.
Though this is the end of the Freebirds Series, we’ll still see these characters in some of the author’s upcoming books, a spin-off series about the Dixie Wardens MC, which starts with Sebastian’s book and then the books for the Kilgore SWAT team including Luke & Downy.
Reading Order:
1. Boomtown
2. Highway Don’t Care
3. Another One Bites the Dust
4. Last Day of My Life
5. Texas Tornado
6. Elliott and Blaine’s story
By: Lani Lynn Vale
5/5 stars
Shiloh Mackenzie learned of an older half-brother (Sam) who shares the same father as her and her older full brother, Sebastian. While digging into this matter, she set some dangerous wheels turning and now not only is her life in jeopardy, but her dad’s too and possibly her brothers. She has to be taken to Free and put under her brother’s protection. And that is the favor that Sam has to pay for when he needed his dad’s help in book 1, Boomtown.
James’ life was turned upside down when he learned that he was to be a father. And then leaving his daughter home to be raised by his sister and mother. But since returning home, he is a full-time, single father, but wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. The things that Janie says in this book are just hilarious. Straight from the mouths of babe.
But James is attracted to Shiloh. But she has never been put first in someone’s life, including her mom, dad & brother. Therefore she always thinks the worst of people and is more willing to disappear in order to salvage her pride and lick her wounds. Because of her crappy childhood, Shiloh has become a social worker so that she can help children.
James’ ex is back in the picture and even though she gave up all rights to Janie shortly after she was born, she is now back fighting for her rights. Due to a man-hating, liberal feminist judge, who always sides with the woman, the ex gets supervised visitation and James can pick the social worker. He knows that he can trust Shiloh, so he chooses her. But this could all be to the detriment of Janie, since her birth mom is completely unfit to parent a child.
This book had drama, action & sexy times. It was an excellent wrap up to this series and the epilogue was awesome. And showed the aging of James & Shiloh’s kids.
We got to see a lot more of Sebastian in this book and I really started to fall for him. We learned Silas’ secrets and that his life was different than what Sam always believed it to be and how things were from and adult’s perspective instead of a child’s.
Though this is the end of the Freebirds Series, we’ll still see these characters in some of the author’s upcoming books, a spin-off series about the Dixie Wardens MC, which starts with Sebastian’s book and then the books for the Kilgore SWAT team including Luke & Downy.
Reading Order:
1. Boomtown
2. Highway Don’t Care
3. Another One Bites the Dust
4. Last Day of My Life
5. Texas Tornado
6. Elliott and Blaine’s story
August 15, 2014
I totally need to read books 1-3 now that I have devoured 4 & 5. I will warn you though , there is a TON of things going on in this book , tons of characters but if you enjoy the story line and soak it all in it flows nice !!
We have known James for a few books now and I was excited to get a better glimpse into his life , especially with all the horrible things that kept happening to him and his daughter. He is such a great dad , fighting to have full custody of her and keep her safe from all the evils out there , the biggest one ending up being her own mother. Shiloh is new to us and she seems to have brought some tension and craziness to their worlds. Sam is not really thrilled to have a sister and brother , their father is a mess. Sam spends most of his time ignoring Shiloh and because of that she has had a real crappy time since she moved here. James finds out this news and is doing all he can to help Shiloh , because thats the type of man he is and plus shes hot and he wants her !! The feelings are mutual and I love their inner monologue !!
This review cannot really be detailed without giving info away but here are the few major issues that come up....
Sam and Shiloh's relationship really needs work , they need healing , actually Sebastian and Sillas need to join in on that healing.
James has some major issues with Janie's mom , this is heartbreaking to read about , and the things that they find out are in the works are horrible and thank goodness it is put to an end.
James and Shiloh have their ups and downs , once they find their groove and admit feelings and come together they are super hot !! Their journey is crazy but the epilogue was fabulous !!
Of course the whole gang has issues and happiness during this book , new revelations , new family members , secrets all come into play. Again there is a ton going on and if you know who everyone is it definitely is much easier to follow along.
The way everyones pasts and present clash in this book is crazy , all these issues are almost rolled up into 1 ball. Connections to certain people prove to be more than dangerous for James and Shiloh. It is definitely an edge of your seat read.
We have known James for a few books now and I was excited to get a better glimpse into his life , especially with all the horrible things that kept happening to him and his daughter. He is such a great dad , fighting to have full custody of her and keep her safe from all the evils out there , the biggest one ending up being her own mother. Shiloh is new to us and she seems to have brought some tension and craziness to their worlds. Sam is not really thrilled to have a sister and brother , their father is a mess. Sam spends most of his time ignoring Shiloh and because of that she has had a real crappy time since she moved here. James finds out this news and is doing all he can to help Shiloh , because thats the type of man he is and plus shes hot and he wants her !! The feelings are mutual and I love their inner monologue !!
This review cannot really be detailed without giving info away but here are the few major issues that come up....
Sam and Shiloh's relationship really needs work , they need healing , actually Sebastian and Sillas need to join in on that healing.
James has some major issues with Janie's mom , this is heartbreaking to read about , and the things that they find out are in the works are horrible and thank goodness it is put to an end.
James and Shiloh have their ups and downs , once they find their groove and admit feelings and come together they are super hot !! Their journey is crazy but the epilogue was fabulous !!
Of course the whole gang has issues and happiness during this book , new revelations , new family members , secrets all come into play. Again there is a ton going on and if you know who everyone is it definitely is much easier to follow along.
The way everyones pasts and present clash in this book is crazy , all these issues are almost rolled up into 1 ball. Connections to certain people prove to be more than dangerous for James and Shiloh. It is definitely an edge of your seat read.
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