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Stetsons and Stakeouts
Gianni Cesare is a DEA agent and rancher—who also happens to be a millionaire heir to an Italian count. Running a multiagency sting out of his East Texas ranch means he needs a new foreman… preferably someone a little wet behind the ears who won’t ask too many questions.
Gianni’s Aunt Jerilyn hires Bonner Fannin, a roughstock rider with zero ranch experience and a sister who’s pregnant with a violent biker’s twins. If that’s not bad enough, Bonner is pretending he and his sister are married to protect her and to help get him the job.
Gianni didn’t think Bonner was the marrying type during their torrid beach affair years ago, but he’s not sure if he has time to explore that thought now, as overrun as his ranch is with drug cartels, macho government agents, and local cops. Looks like Bonner and Gianni are both in over their heads, and they may have to band together during this adventure to swim rather than sink.
Gianni’s Aunt Jerilyn hires Bonner Fannin, a roughstock rider with zero ranch experience and a sister who’s pregnant with a violent biker’s twins. If that’s not bad enough, Bonner is pretending he and his sister are married to protect her and to help get him the job.
Gianni didn’t think Bonner was the marrying type during their torrid beach affair years ago, but he’s not sure if he has time to explore that thought now, as overrun as his ranch is with drug cartels, macho government agents, and local cops. Looks like Bonner and Gianni are both in over their heads, and they may have to band together during this adventure to swim rather than sink.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2018
69 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
385 books638 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 16, 2018
2.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
To say "I'm struggling with this one." is a bit of an understatement...
I'm such a fan of B.A. Tortuga and while not every books a 5 stars read, that's true of most authors. What's 5 star for some isn't for others and that's just the way of it. But I have to admit I was surprised when this ended up just never quite working for me. It came close a couple of times but nope, in the end I can only say...I came, I tried, I read it all and it just wasn't my cuppa'.
I think most would agree with me that B.A. writes books that have humor and characters that are interesting and often a bit over the top...none of that's changed here but for some reason for me the characters more often than not weren't OTP in what I tend to think of as a bigger than life life way that I've come to expect but more often than not they had me rolling my eyes in an 'are you kidding me' way. So it just didn't work, but none of this negates for me all of the other wonderful stories that this author has written that I've absolutely loved....
Stories like her 'Stormy Weather' series, her 'Road Trip' series not to mention more than a few stand alone stories that I've absolutely adored. So at the end of it all...while, I'm not a fan of this particular story...I am still a fan of B.A. Tortuga.
**************************
An ARC of 'Stetsons and Stakeouts' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
To say "I'm struggling with this one." is a bit of an understatement...
I'm such a fan of B.A. Tortuga and while not every books a 5 stars read, that's true of most authors. What's 5 star for some isn't for others and that's just the way of it. But I have to admit I was surprised when this ended up just never quite working for me. It came close a couple of times but nope, in the end I can only say...I came, I tried, I read it all and it just wasn't my cuppa'.
I think most would agree with me that B.A. writes books that have humor and characters that are interesting and often a bit over the top...none of that's changed here but for some reason for me the characters more often than not weren't OTP in what I tend to think of as a bigger than life life way that I've come to expect but more often than not they had me rolling my eyes in an 'are you kidding me' way. So it just didn't work, but none of this negates for me all of the other wonderful stories that this author has written that I've absolutely loved....
Stories like her 'Stormy Weather' series, her 'Road Trip' series not to mention more than a few stand alone stories that I've absolutely adored. So at the end of it all...while, I'm not a fan of this particular story...I am still a fan of B.A. Tortuga.
**************************
An ARC of 'Stetsons and Stakeouts' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2022
Texas. Our guys had a fiery past, but now it's different. Gianni is a Federal agent trying to bust drug trafficking, while Bonner is a rodeo man who has a pregnant sister he's helping take care of. This story has hot sex, stakeouts and sneak attacks. We get lots of characters, cops, Feds, DEA, FBI, etc., as they make their plans to close the drug corridor.
Gianni owns the ranch, is half Italian, confident,
sexy, dominant, and well respected. His associates have his back, no matter what.
Bonner is a Texas rodeo bronco-buster,
a real cowboy, who helps his sister hide from her ex, a biker, as he accepts a Foreman job at the ranch.
Gianni and Bonner had a weekend of hotness when Bonner was young, and neither has ever forgotten.
Now, they get back to scorching the sheets again, with very light D/s sexy times had both of them satisfied and wanting more.
Bonner doesn't know about the stakeout operation until later. The case is getting started when a stash is found on the property, then a body part, and the attack was a huge surprise, with brutal violence.
Re-grouping at the hospital, the information leads to new decisions and more questions, plus alternative planning.
It was time to recover from the horrible injuries, but then we get a worse surprise attack.
This is exciting, mysterious, suspenseful, and violent, but in addition we see our two men get deep emotions, devotion and intense passion.
Loved it.
ENJOY !
=====
Gianni owns the ranch, is half Italian, confident,
sexy, dominant, and well respected. His associates have his back, no matter what.
Bonner is a Texas rodeo bronco-buster,
a real cowboy, who helps his sister hide from her ex, a biker, as he accepts a Foreman job at the ranch.
Gianni and Bonner had a weekend of hotness when Bonner was young, and neither has ever forgotten.
Now, they get back to scorching the sheets again, with very light D/s sexy times had both of them satisfied and wanting more.
Bonner doesn't know about the stakeout operation until later. The case is getting started when a stash is found on the property, then a body part, and the attack was a huge surprise, with brutal violence.
Re-grouping at the hospital, the information leads to new decisions and more questions, plus alternative planning.
It was time to recover from the horrible injuries, but then we get a worse surprise attack.
This is exciting, mysterious, suspenseful, and violent, but in addition we see our two men get deep emotions, devotion and intense passion.
Loved it.
ENJOY !
=====
December 4, 2018
Stetsons and Stakeouts by B.A. Tortuga
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Kidnapping, Murder, Drugs
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Gianni is a DEA agent who learns that there are drugs running right through his ranch. Because he knows this land and wants to protect his aunt and the town, he offers to have his ranch be their sting operation where he plays the part of not knowing how to ranch.
The other members of his team are from all of the different acronyms. They all are the best and want to take down this ring of drug runners.
Gianni's aunt is a character and she's in charge of hiring a new ranch manager. Her objective is to hire someone who isn't going to ask questions. She wants to find someone to just do their job and stay out of the way. She ends up hiring Bonner. He and his pregnant companion are running and trying to hide.
Bonner and Gianni have a past. The attraction is still present and while Gianni is supposed to be finding the drugs and drug runners, he can't seem to keep his mind off Bonner. As for Bonner, he doesn't want his cover to be blown, but he can't seem to stay away from Gianni, despite what's at stake.
What follows is a fast paced mystery of bad guys versus good guys. I loved the secondary characters and thought that the relationship between Gianni and Bonner was well developed. I do wish that we knew more about the ins and out of the mystery...there was so much going on that I found myself having to go back to make sure that I was understanding everything. But, this was a great story with a lot going on.
I do hope that more books will come, as Gianni's crew could all use their own story.
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Kidnapping, Murder, Drugs
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Gianni is a DEA agent who learns that there are drugs running right through his ranch. Because he knows this land and wants to protect his aunt and the town, he offers to have his ranch be their sting operation where he plays the part of not knowing how to ranch.
The other members of his team are from all of the different acronyms. They all are the best and want to take down this ring of drug runners.
Gianni's aunt is a character and she's in charge of hiring a new ranch manager. Her objective is to hire someone who isn't going to ask questions. She wants to find someone to just do their job and stay out of the way. She ends up hiring Bonner. He and his pregnant companion are running and trying to hide.
Bonner and Gianni have a past. The attraction is still present and while Gianni is supposed to be finding the drugs and drug runners, he can't seem to keep his mind off Bonner. As for Bonner, he doesn't want his cover to be blown, but he can't seem to stay away from Gianni, despite what's at stake.
What follows is a fast paced mystery of bad guys versus good guys. I loved the secondary characters and thought that the relationship between Gianni and Bonner was well developed. I do wish that we knew more about the ins and out of the mystery...there was so much going on that I found myself having to go back to make sure that I was understanding everything. But, this was a great story with a lot going on.
I do hope that more books will come, as Gianni's crew could all use their own story.
February 19, 2019
There are a few genres I keep reading, just waiting for something spectacular, and cowboy romance happens to be one of them. I see them, they call my name, and I’m unable to resist. Unfortunately this one, and most of them sadly, wasn’t the diamond in the rough I’ve been looking for.
I’m going to try my best to review Stetsons and Stakeouts, but I’m already having a hard time remembering the finer details. I think that pretty much sums up my feelings on the story. It’s forgettable.
Gianni and Bonner as individual’s had potential to be interesting. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and I think it’s part of why I couldn’t get invested in either character. The other reason was that neither character felt fully fleshed out. They were far too into each other, and for it being a romance and attraction is important, you know it had to be bad if I’m saying it was too much. It was almost gross.
I also wasn’t impressed with the case. Everything was so cliche, and not exciting at all. In fact, there was only one character I liked and SPOILER ALERT > he dies!!
I hate to be a complainer, but Stetsons and Stakeouts wasn’t at all what I’ve been looking for.
So, here’s what I need from you: To all the romance fans out there, please send me recommendations! Maybe if I can find that one special read my search can end. I need your help!
Thank you to Dreamspinner Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Birdie Bookworm.
I’m going to try my best to review Stetsons and Stakeouts, but I’m already having a hard time remembering the finer details. I think that pretty much sums up my feelings on the story. It’s forgettable.
Gianni and Bonner as individual’s had potential to be interesting. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and I think it’s part of why I couldn’t get invested in either character. The other reason was that neither character felt fully fleshed out. They were far too into each other, and for it being a romance and attraction is important, you know it had to be bad if I’m saying it was too much. It was almost gross.
I also wasn’t impressed with the case. Everything was so cliche, and not exciting at all. In fact, there was only one character I liked and SPOILER ALERT > he dies!!
I hate to be a complainer, but Stetsons and Stakeouts wasn’t at all what I’ve been looking for.
So, here’s what I need from you: To all the romance fans out there, please send me recommendations! Maybe if I can find that one special read my search can end. I need your help!
Thank you to Dreamspinner Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Birdie Bookworm.
February 1, 2020
Hilarity mixes with fast-paced action, suspense is piled on top of tough law-enforcement planning, and cowboy-isms abound in this exciting novel about two very eccentric men who would never have gotten their second chance were it not for crooked bikers, violent drug gangs, and assorted criminals up to no good at all. A multiagency sting is at the center of events and since the location is a ranch in East Texas, I was expecting for things to go rather wild. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed! The characters alone, with all their quirks and various issues, would have been enough to hold my attention. But add the exciting plot, lots of subterfuge, and a good dose of posturing by all the various agency-types and criminals alike, and I was entertained as heck on top of trying to figure out what was happening!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 1, 2023
A little kinky, a lot of action
This is an opposites attract romance, and a story about stopping drug runners, where everything does not go according to plan. It's cops and robbers, not a mystery.
I liked the characters. BA does a great job of bringing most of the secondary characters to life. There is so much injury, though, that I didn't feel like I got to know the main characters as well as I like.
The romance is a little kinky, and very much out of balance. One guy owns a ranch from his mom, and his dad was independently wealthy. He has a nice job in the DEA. On top of that, he's dominant in bed. The other guy is a near broke rodeo competitor whose sister is about to become a single mother. I prefer more balanced relationships, where both partners bring something special to the relationship.
The law enforcement activity causes problems for the characters more than solving them. I'm kind of confused about what happened, even at the end. That's not necessarily a problem in a romance novel, but the characters didn't come off as competent professionals at the end.
I'm probably not making this story sound as good as it was. There is some very hot sex, and the action scenes get pretty intense. If you like a little kink and don't mind an off balance relationship, you'll probably like it.
This is an opposites attract romance, and a story about stopping drug runners, where everything does not go according to plan. It's cops and robbers, not a mystery.
I liked the characters. BA does a great job of bringing most of the secondary characters to life. There is so much injury, though, that I didn't feel like I got to know the main characters as well as I like.
The romance is a little kinky, and very much out of balance. One guy owns a ranch from his mom, and his dad was independently wealthy. He has a nice job in the DEA. On top of that, he's dominant in bed. The other guy is a near broke rodeo competitor whose sister is about to become a single mother. I prefer more balanced relationships, where both partners bring something special to the relationship.
The law enforcement activity causes problems for the characters more than solving them. I'm kind of confused about what happened, even at the end. That's not necessarily a problem in a romance novel, but the characters didn't come off as competent professionals at the end.
I'm probably not making this story sound as good as it was. There is some very hot sex, and the action scenes get pretty intense. If you like a little kink and don't mind an off balance relationship, you'll probably like it.
February 1, 2020
Hilarity mixes with fast-paced action, suspense is piled on top of tough law-enforcement planning, and cowboy-isms abound in this exciting novel about two very eccentric men who would never have gotten their second chance were it not for crooked bikers, violent drug gangs, and assorted criminals up to no good at all. A multiagency sting is at the center of events and since the location is a ranch in East Texas, I was expecting for things to go rather wild. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed! The characters alone, with all their quirks and various issues, would have been enough to hold my attention. But add the exciting plot, lots of subterfuge, and a good dose of posturing by all the various agency-types and criminals alike, and I was entertained as heck on top of trying to figure out what was happening!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 28, 2022
I mean it was nice enough. Different, definitely - not truly a cowboy but not a detective/agent story either, not a boss/employee, not exactly a second chance romance... and don't even let me start on the sheer incompetency. Sure, sometimes, the good guys get made, sometimes, someone gets kidnapped or shot or just slapped but this was... are you agents or just a bunch of rookies? I was super embarrassed for them.
Honestly, my standards are now in a weird place where I can read almost anything I pick up, which, right now, are all the books I started reading but were too bad to continue reading beyond a few percent, except now I am like... so what and it was and still is just s trying of.... average or kind of nice or just not that terrible books.
Honestly, my standards are now in a weird place where I can read almost anything I pick up, which, right now, are all the books I started reading but were too bad to continue reading beyond a few percent, except now I am like... so what and it was and still is just s trying of.... average or kind of nice or just not that terrible books.
June 15, 2020
What a fun and sexy Texas law enforcement romp
This title is a contemporary MM romance with a HEA. There's rangers and cops from different agencies and Italians hot as hottest barbecue sauce and cowboys and Texas ranch and heirs and heiresses and Bad Biker Boyz and dead bodies and interesting, mysterious doctors and a set of twins.
HAHAHA! 😄 Enjoyed! Laughed! So much fun. Personal writing style! First for a good while there was so much studly variety, I giggled, how is there ever going to be any action but bedroom action. Allright, then it exploded into action. I enjoyed them all and awww how adorable the main couple was. 😘 Entertaining!
This title is a contemporary MM romance with a HEA. There's rangers and cops from different agencies and Italians hot as hottest barbecue sauce and cowboys and Texas ranch and heirs and heiresses and Bad Biker Boyz and dead bodies and interesting, mysterious doctors and a set of twins.
HAHAHA! 😄 Enjoyed! Laughed! So much fun. Personal writing style! First for a good while there was so much studly variety, I giggled, how is there ever going to be any action but bedroom action. Allright, then it exploded into action. I enjoyed them all and awww how adorable the main couple was. 😘 Entertaining!
March 27, 2022
Looking for a story that will keep you turning pages, this is it! Action packed
Agent Gianni has case after case and no time for relationships. Bonner is a Broncos rider and drops his quest for championship - everything for family. He turns to all down in order to be there for his younger sister 19 and pregnant with a "bad biker/drug daddy". Yes things turn tough when you try to do the right thing. A new job, old flame and survival is the name of game survival. MM Romance
Agent Gianni has case after case and no time for relationships. Bonner is a Broncos rider and drops his quest for championship - everything for family. He turns to all down in order to be there for his younger sister 19 and pregnant with a "bad biker/drug daddy". Yes things turn tough when you try to do the right thing. A new job, old flame and survival is the name of game survival. MM Romance
September 5, 2021
WOW!
Saddle up and get ready for one heck of a ride! This story is so fast paced with lots of action , emotions and heat you just don't want to stop reading. Gianni and Bonner have met before and had an epic weekend. When they find one another many years later they wonder if the sizzle is still there and can they stay alive to find out!
Saddle up and get ready for one heck of a ride! This story is so fast paced with lots of action , emotions and heat you just don't want to stop reading. Gianni and Bonner have met before and had an epic weekend. When they find one another many years later they wonder if the sizzle is still there and can they stay alive to find out!
September 19, 2023
Gianni had no idea what danger using his ranch as a headquarters could cause his friends and family. Also, he had no idea a former lover, Bonner Fannin, has just been hired as his foreman.
With a biker gang hooked up with the Cartel, the danger and violence does abound. How many attacks will they have to survive?
With a biker gang hooked up with the Cartel, the danger and violence does abound. How many attacks will they have to survive?
June 11, 2019
3.5 stars. I wanted to love this but something about the way the dialogue and internal monologue was written (maybe the very short sentences which were like staccato in my head) kept me from being fully
immersed.
immersed.
February 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this and while it took a few chapters to get going with the relationship between the two MC's it was worth the wait. Gianni and Bonner may have been an unlikely coupling but they were hot together. A good one.
July 6, 2022
Excellent!!!
This story had everything in it. Intrigue, hate, and love. Gianni and Bonner were two forces that were a match for each other. This story also had me breakout the roll of Bounty paper towels. BA has done it again. Can't get enough of her stories.
This story had everything in it. Intrigue, hate, and love. Gianni and Bonner were two forces that were a match for each other. This story also had me breakout the roll of Bounty paper towels. BA has done it again. Can't get enough of her stories.
November 18, 2023
Another Great Book From BA Tortuga!
Gosh, this one had gunfights, internal angst, and steaminess. The plot is solid, so the story flowed well. Stellar world-building and descriptive character development. I really think you will enjoy reading this.
Gosh, this one had gunfights, internal angst, and steaminess. The plot is solid, so the story flowed well. Stellar world-building and descriptive character development. I really think you will enjoy reading this.
February 16, 2025
STETSONS AND STAKEOUTS by BA Tortuga is a low angst action romance between DEA agent Gianni Cesare and cowboy Bonner Fannin. With a drug cartel, agents, and local authorities plus twins on the way, they are doing their best to make time for each other and stay alive…
December 22, 2018
So, Stetsons and Stakeouts is as a fast riding. A little bit chaotic. I liked Bonner a lot...Gianni not so much if no to the end, when the playboy/rich/enthusiastic DEA agent drop his mask to feel in love and trust in to live one different life. And while every characters was well descrived , the mystery was a bit fast paced, we see little of investigations and all was risolved in two raid.
December 25, 2018
3.5 stars
November 13, 2019
Amei a história
April 17, 2023
As always, a Tortuga book is just what I wanted to read. If you've liked the others, you'll like this one.
November 23, 2018
When I read the blurb for this book , it definitely got my attention. When you read this story you are getting a rich Italian playboy DEA agent rancher and a rodeo cowboy in need of a job. What a combination the BA is giving us. I can say it was original premise.
Gianni and Bonner are totally different. Their lives are so far apart that it was great to see how they come together
I started reading the story and immediately found myself laughing at the antics of these men from the beginning. Gianni is a DEA agent and finds out there are drug traffickers on his ranch so the DEA sets up a sting operation on Gianni's ranch.
Gianni needs a new foremen who won't ask too many questions and his aunt hires Bonner.
Bonner is a down on luck rodeo cowboy who needs a job to help take care of his pregnant sister. He get the job at the ranch and realizes the owner is no other than a man he spend a night with a long time ago.
Gianni and Bonner both remember their time together and how great it was. They both want more but as they try to start a relationship but life gets in the way.
It is a fast paced story which I enjoyed and a lot of action. When Bonner steps up to help save Gianni you can tell that their feelings are real.
The other agents as well as Gianni's aunt in this story really made it for me. But I have to say that Colt stuck out and he seems to be in so much pain. I hope BA will continue with this storyline and give us his next.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews