ARC Review: Wrapped and Strapped by Lorelei James

“WRAPPED AND STRAPPED was an enjoyable addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series but I didn’t get the same level of connection to the characters as with previous books in the series.”
~ Under the Covers

I love being back in Wyoming and with my favorite western romance author!  This is the story of Tierney’s sister, Harlow, and her second chance at love with the grumpy cowboy Hugh.  Their romance is hot and explosive, almost from the get go since these two have history together.  We get some flashbacks that tell the story of what happened to them three years prior, and we slowly find out what’s happened to them since they’ve been apart.  This is very much an opposites attract kind of story for me.

There is something to be said about a hard working cowboy who is a bit rough around the edges, and may not always say the right thing.  I really liked that about Hugh.  Harlow, on the other hand, is a bit of a free spirit.  She has a wandering soul and her life’s passion is to humanitarian work.  No roots or settling down for her.  I liked that she wasn’t an extremist in her beliefs or her independence as it’s often the case with this type of heroine in romance stories.  She was very down to earth.  Flawed and hurt but still willing to open herself up to love.

Hugh and Harlow have great chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. They are both willing to compromise for the other and that was key being as they are so different and have such different passions to follow.  I feel like their years apart were key in having their relationship work without childish behavior getting in the way of their happiness. And in the bedroom?  These two are pretty hot!  Although, I do think the heat level in this one is not as high as with previous books in the series.

Another thing I enjoyed about this story was the “after” side of marriage and kids we get of Renner and Tierney.  They just had baby #2, Renner is dealing with some changes for his work career.  They are dealing with managing two kids and their oldest being jealous of baby Rhett.  Longtime fans of the series will be happy for the insight into their lives.

I am hoping the next book will be about Ike and Riss, whom we get to meet in this book and there’s some major sparks flying there.  And I’m also left wondering if we will see Tobin get an HEA.

I always get extremely excited when I get a Lorelei James book.  Her stories are always filled with a lot of heart, with complex characters and storylines that draw you in from the start.  Characters that I usually come to care for quickly.  WRAPPED AND STRAPPED was an enjoyable addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series but I didn’t get the same level of connection to the characters as with previous books in the series.  I enjoyed the story, but didn’t care enough about the outcome.  I can’t quite put my finger on what was missing for me.

Favorite quote:

“Harlow,” he breathed into her ear.  “Put. Your. Fucking. Hands. Above. Your. Fucking. Head. Now.”

[about-author author=”Lorelei James”]

What did you think of our review?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

 ♡ Don’t want to miss any of our posts? ♡ 
Follow Under the Covers: Facebook | Twitter | Tsu | GoodReads | Email