Rough, Raw and Ready (Rough Riders Book 5)

Many others have done great jobs in terms of detailing the plot, so I won't rehash all of that information, and I won't include any specific spoilers in this either, although I should warn that there may be some mentions of situations that occur in the book that could be considered to be vaguely spoiler-iffic in nature. I've read M/M/F stories before, and more often than not, the authors seem focused (both sexually and emotionally) on the men to such an extent that the female character appears to be superfluous, in every way, almost as though the authors really wanted to write a M/M novel, but felt pressured to include a woman in the mix to make it somehow more "mainstream" or something. The men just seem more emotionally in tune with each other, seem to derive greater satisfaction from each other, and feel guilt because once they get around each other, they even forget to devote any thought to the woman. I have to confess that, when that happens, I always feel so sorry for the female character - no one (particularly in a romance/erotic novel) should feel second best, or like a consolation prize or an after-thought, especially if the woman begins the novel believing herself to be fully and completely loved by her husband or boyfriend.So, in terms of where all of that comes into play where this particular book is concerned, I have to say that, once Edgard entered the picture, there were definitely times when it felt like 'Rough, Raw and Ready' would fall into the category described above. James pays a lot of attention to the attraction Trevor and Ed have for one another; their past sexual relationship and feelings for one another; their current attraction, love, and even desperation to be with one another again. There is even a point at which Trevor acknowledges to himself that he feels guilt because the first time he and Ed get together again, he forgets all about his wife for awhile. So, there are several times when Chassie feels like a third wheel - and by that, I mean the character feels that way about herself and the reader will likely agree with her - and given all that she's been through, one cannot help but feel very sorry for her, and think that she deserves better.However, and this is a very significant *however,* that doesn't hold true throughout the book, and by the time it concludes, the reader is made to feel pretty certain that all of the love, passion, tenderness, affection, and lust is shared pretty much equally by Trevor, Chassie, and Edgard - all three feel loved and accepted by each other, and that love seems genuine, from the reader's perspective. In short, then, by the end of the book, none of the characters feels left out or in anyway inferior to the other 2 in the relationship, or unnecessary in any way. Now, I won't lie and say that even near the end, there weren't times when I felt like the connection between Trevor and Ed ran a bit deeper than the connection either man had with Chassie, but by and large, I was content that the menage relationship was solid, and made all parties involved feel happy and loved.James deserves quite a bit of praise, because it's evidently not easy for an author to write relationships involving 3 people that feel authentic and organic, and all in all, she does a very good job, in that regard. She takes great pains to delve into the thoughts and emotions of all three characters, in terms of their pasts, what the present situation means for them (and all of the insecurities, fears, doubts, and hopes entailed therein), and what their future will bring. She doesn't gloss over all of the messy emotions and problems (including having to deal with their families and the community), and she doesn't entirely tie everything up in a nice, neat bow, as the characters know that they have a lot of work ahead of them, in order to make the relationship work.The bottom line is that there are a lot of surprisingly raw, genuine emotions explored in this book, and James has created characters that feel like real people, complete with flaws and myriad issues. And, yes, there is *a lot* of sex, in various combinations of characters, and it's all steamy - there's a great deal of passion that just about sets the pages on fire. Beyond that, there is also a lot of sensuality and deep affection, that adds still more unexpected depth to the individual relationships between Trevor and Chassie, Trevor and Edgard, and Chassie and Edgard, and also the collective relationship involving all three. This was a very good read, and one I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a book that includes a lot of physical action that is enhanced by pure, deep emotions.

I bought this author because I saw that L. James had a lot of "top selling on Amazon" titles and thought it would be a good idea to see what the fuss was about. I started with this novel because I was looking for something a little racier than the average romance, and have a fondness for Emma Holly's Menage. It was an excellent choice; I enjoyed this book tremendously.Should you try it? Plot wise, this book revolves around an M-M-F love triangle and ranchers/rodeo cowboys. If you find the MMF concept unacceptable or dislike erotica generally, this might not be the book for you. If you rate that concept anywhere from potentially intriguing to smoking hot fantasy, give yourself a treat and read it. (Plus, the Kindle price is currently under $5 so err or the side of "buy it now".) You don't even have to like cowboys or westerns to like this story. Unless you're a freak about series order, this story can stand alone.The main characters are Chassie, our good, giving, and game heroine, along with macho cowboy Trevor and his old rodeo partner Ed. There was more to Trevor and Ed's rodeo experience than most realized and they broke things off roughly. In the intervening years, Trevor has tried to grow up and settled down with Chassie on her family's ranch. Then Ed shows up and the rekindled fireworks explode their ordered life, despite everyone's best intentions.Rough, Raw, and Ready is about how Chassie, Trevor, and Ed manage their way through their emotional, financial, and sexual minefield to find a solution that can work for them. All bonds in this triangle work things out with each other in pairs, CT, CE, and TE as well as for the triad. I think the author manages their paths skillfully and compassionately. (According to her website FAQ where she admits needing to hustle things along, some readers found the timeline a little quick, but it worked for me without the explanation.) Given the context that this takes place within a family starring in erotica, the acceptance/DADT they do/don't get for their relationships from friends and family seems reasonable. Their solution and their place in the community reads for me as how I would like reality to work, even if it might be a little too optimistic, and I'm ok with that.Secondary characters do play a large role in this book, something I find adds to stories when it's done well and it is here. The good friends give good advice, and are generally supportive. The bad actors are dealt with. The family members who are needed for the plot are explained simply and well, without going through a whole family tree (as happens in Book 4). The backstory with regard to series regulars is sufficient to the task and not intrusive. I didn't have any trouble reading it out of order as a standalone novel.Based on enjoying this book (#5 of the Rough Riders), I started buying the series in order, and have since read nearly everything available through Amazon by LJ. After doing so, I re-read this book, and it held up its 5 star status easily. Lorelei James writes excellent erotic romance. In my experience this makes her one of few who can pull it off well. Usually the story or the characterization suffers to get in all the "good parts". But I don't enjoy "good parts only" erotica; I require good plots and engaging characters who learn and grow. I find the series as a whole quite recommendable, rating most stories at 4 or 5 stars and only a couple less than that. But I have a definite fondness for this one.I was very satisfied with how things wrapped up and how they got there. The emotions were at times wrenching. The sex was extremely hot and somewhat adventurous without getting into overly fetishistic kink - I found it a near perfect balance. The main characters acted like grown ups throughout. To my reading, everyone wins in this story. I'm recommending it to all my romance reading friends, and now to you too.

There are not many authors who can really make me keep turning the pages of a book but Lorelei does with her cowboy romances. I absolutely loved my first dip into her cowboy books, this one. I fell in love with cowboy Trevor. The characters are so well written and believable, so raw with emotion and the passion is so hot. A perfect combination of great storytelling and hot passion between the characters is what got me hooked. I will definitely be reading more of her cowboy romance books. Also a nod to her writing of gay male sexual encounters, so beautifully written, I loved it, the best I have read. I just hope we get some more hot gay cowboys in future novels.

location up to 6603I bought the first three books in this series when they first came out, a very long time ago, they were ok, but didnt make me feel like i wanted to continue with this author. THen last week I read the last book in her series book 12, about Bennett who is a dom, as I've always been drawn to d's books, with a good story and love interest. So this made me start all over again with this author Lorelei James.I'm really really glad I did, I started with book 4, as I remember most of the first three books. I Loved Skylar and Kanes story. Chassie, Edgards and Trevors story was just as good. Im glad Edgard started to have feelings for Chassie too. Its a MMF book, which I really dont mind as long as the triangle all love each other equally.The rough riders series is an auto buy now, off to purchase the next one about Colt and India.Oh and the price is fantastic, really good value for money.

I love Trevor and Edgard from Colby and Channing's book. My heart broke when Trevor wouldn't express his feelings for Edgard and Edgard couldn't compromise. This book jumps into Chassie and Trevor marriage and trying to keep her dead fathers farm going. Chassie alway new Trevor kept something to himself but it isn't till Edgard turns up that the secret doesn't come out when Chassie catches both of them in a comprising position.I love that Chassie is open to the possibility of Edgard permanently included in their marriage but also Edgard brings out the best in both Chassie and Trevor. Stuff they didn't realise they were missing. Quite a few old characters come into this book which is nice and Colt starts to show the real him without booze and drugs. Great HEA.

I thought this was a lovely story which captured perfectly the ongoing struggles of exceptance by same gender relationships. Well thought out and written to perfection. 'Sexy as hell' scenes that were full of deep passion. Having read a few stories by Lorelei James,I have noticed that she doesn't just jump straight into a sex scene, prefering to set the stage and storyline first which allows you to move with the characters and feel like you practically bond with them while giving the story more depth. I loved this book and plan to work my way through the entire series.

Trevor and Chassie have a new marriage and are working so hard to get the ranch running. Sometimes Trevor gets a far away look and it confuses her. When a hot looking guy walks up the drive and a face from the past appears things get complicated. But some complications had a good outcome.