I Want You Back took me by surprise with its different take on the typical second chance romance. Unlike so many that rely on misunderstandings, one-sided attractions, or a romance that almost was, this couple had their chance at love and one of them thoroughly blew it. So, yes, cheating was definitely a factor in the breakup, but for those who cheating is a hard limit in their fiction, it's mentioned, but the actual act is not on page. We do, however, get a lot of Jax and Lucy's early years through memories scattered throughout the story. I really liked that we got to see the early attraction for this couple without the story getting bogged down by that part of it. That left plenty of room for their current day relationship as two people co-parenting their child while still dealing with the emotional baggage between them, and it is considerable. I was disappointed when we're finally given the catalyst for Jax's lifestyle change. It just felt unnecessary, and once revealed, I felt like Lucy and Mimi were the consolation prizes for him. Whatever his reason, he does have his redeeming qualities. and I ended the book liking him much more than I thought I would. That aside, I was impressed with the author's ability to give us such an emotional story while still keeping the angst low. There is angst, but it's more subtle rather than big dramatic issues, and the high emotions are tempered with well-timed humor. All in all, this is a solid start to the series, and I'll be interested to see which of these engaging characters finds love next. 

Lucy had an eight year old daughter-Mimi- bu=y Jaxson. Jaxon had just retired from professional hockey and was back home. He had also went through rehab and was sober now. He now worked for the family business-Lund Industries- L I. Lucy worked there also but she was sure he didn’t work “ there” like she did. Jax asked Lucy what she was doing for the weekend when he picked up their daughter and she answered this and that. Lucy got ready for her first date with Damon . Than she thought about the first time she had met Jaxson a decade ago. Lucy had went to a deluxe fancy car wash. Her car wasn’t fancy but still deserved some TLC. She went in the lobby with a sooda and magazine and than a guy came in. They guy was blustery while yakking on his cell phone. Lucy thought how she hated when people acted inconsiderate and self-important. Lucy silently willed him to go away. But the man plopped down on the bench directly across from her. She felt his gaze on her but she continued to ignore him. Than he said”ever had one of those days?” Lucy wasn’t sure what compelled her but she replied with” One of those days where you’re enjoying a rare moment of quiet when some rude guy destroys it with an obnoxiously loud phone conservation ?  Why yes, I am having one of those days now.” Than he laughed and Lucy looked up and the man was gorgeous. He asked her if she was married, engaged, or currently involved with someone and when she said no he asked her out on a date to prove he wasn’t annoying. He said his name was Jaxson. She automatically said she was Lucy. Lucy realized she was a sucker for his tenacious charm. She said okay. Than damon rang her doorbell. She wasn’t nervous about this first date The potential for a second date would create more nerves, since most men never made it past the first with lucy. She’s met damon at a work function and they hit it off, exchanged emails and phone numbers. They met twice after work. When Damon asked her to go to dinner she had said yes. She liked Damon, he was low key but still had a personality. Than Lucy thought of what Jax had said on their first date- by the third date she will know what it was like to have his mouth all over her. So far Jax’s visits with Mimi were on the weekend. Lucy didn’t seem to believe he could get their child to school in time. And Jax tried not to better. Jax had limited access to Mimi for most of her life- with good reason as his past bad boy behavior so he had to probe his intention to be a full time dad. During the years he had played hockey he had only seen Mimi sporadically during the season and the season were long. Jax thought about his first date with Lucy -still the beat date he had ever had. Jax had never been so drawn to a woman. Jax was to meet Lucy back at the pizza restaurant the next evening. Neither believe the other will show but they both show up. Jax still thought how easy being with Lucy was from the start. He’d never had that type of relationship before and it killed jax that he had screwed it up so completely. Part if Lucy was happy that Jax took Lucy places for them to spend time together and did whatever she wanted to do. But part of Lucy resented that she never had the luxury of extra cash until four years ago when Jax stepped up his monetary support. Than Jax’s mom called  for her. Even at her and Jax’s darkest times Edie was never cold or cruel to Lucy or indifferent to Mimi. . Jax cam over to Lucy at the party and his sweet. Focused affectionate side still had the power to affect Lucy. Jax said Lucy was the one person he could always talk to, he never fully understood what he had with her until she was gone. Jax said they needed to deal with their past…. To talk. Lucy agreed they should talk and than they would be able to move on. Lucy knew that having that conversation would be excruciating for both of them. On their fourth date Lucy admitted to trust issues and her firm belief in all men always cheated and she hadn’t been proven wrong yet. Nut she did continue to date Jax and on their fifth date they had sex. Jax wanted Lucy to move to Chicago where the team was based during their long season but she refused. He bought tickets for her to fly out to see him on the weekends. Than Lucy found out she was pregnant but decided to wait until the season was over to tell jax. Jax’s mom was with Lucy when Mimi was born. Lucy learned jax had cheated on her and ended their relationship. Jax eventually went to rehab and got sober and he wanted Lucy back. He knew the chemistry was still there between them, but would Lucy give him that chance.

I loved this book. It was a easy, fun, romantic read. I loved how the author handled the subject of a STD -herpes- that was forever.  This is the first book I have ever read that handled a STD and felt that gave some realism about a celebrity that slept around a lot with unknown partners. I loved how Jax worked so hard to be a good dad and got Lucy to start trusting him again. I also loved how Jax’s family supported him no matter what even when he quit the family business. . I felt Mimi was a typical eight year old only child and she definitely added a lot to this book. I loved the plot and pace to this book. I didn’t want to put this down. It caught my attention from the start and kept it until the last page. I loved the characters and the ins and outs and I highly recommend this book.

Opposites don't just attract in the West--they sizzle--and Wyoming has never been hotter than in the latest sexy Blacktop Cowboys® novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hang Tough.

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...

“Racked and Stacked” the ninth book in the “Blacktop Cowboys” series is an entertaining snarky romance where frienemies become lovers despite the stubbornness that keeps them apart.

Rissa and Ike are two very strong characters that leap from the pages and grab reader’s attention right from the start and the chemistry between them sizzles with a strong electrical current that singes the pages all while these characters do their best to fight their attraction. Readers can’t help but become caught up in their romance as the characters capture hearts, send sparks flying in every direction and spark spontaneous laughter throughout their very fiery and passionate struggle to out stubborn the other and overcome their issues in order to even begin to think about a relationship.

The plot is fast paced and keeps readers on the edge of their seats with anticipation of what Riss and Ike will come up with next and just how will they sabotage themselves again. There is also lots of friends and family to add their opinions to the mix which keeps this couple working hard to overcome the odds and those same friends and families adds to the fun and laughter of the story with their own shenanigans as well. The romance and the characters also has realistic problems that the Riss and Ike will have to overcome which adds depth and makes it easy to connect to these wonderfully lively characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed Racked and Stacked and I couldn’t help but feel as if I really got to know Riss and Ike through Lorelei James creative writing that brings the story, the scenery and the characters to vibrant life.

Racked and Stacked

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36604162-racked-and-stacked

Author - http://loreleijames.com/books/racked-and-stacked/overview

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/books/racked-and-stacked-by-lorelei-james

is the 9th book in the Blacktop Cowboys series

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/series/47701-blacktop-cowboys

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077KCW725?ref=series_rw_dp_labf

which includes:

1 Corralled
2 Saddled and Spurred
3 Wrangled and Tangled
4 One Night Rodeo
5 Turn and Burn
6 Hillbilly Rockstar
6.5 Roped In
6.6 Stripped Down
7 Wrapped and Strapped
7.5 Strung Up
8 Hang Tough
8.5 Tripped Out
9 Racked and Stacked

& also includes a Rough Riders / Blacktop Cowboys® Crossover

Racked and Stacked is available in print or ebook at:

Penguin - http://www.penguin.com/book/racked-and-stacked-by-lorelei-james/9780399584114

Amazon - http://geni.us/tAalzr

B&N - http://geni.us/SI4z

BaM - http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8373827-10876509?SID=PRHEFFDF5A7F1--9780399584114&url=http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780399584114

Kobo - http://geni.us/3ksSvEx

iBooks - http://geni.us/5hF8

GPlay - http://geni.us/HJW4g

BaM – http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Racked-Stacked/Lorelei-James/9780399584114?id=7336553342217

eBooks – https://www.ebooks.com/95910005/racked-and-stacked/james-lorelei/

BookDepository - https://www.bookdepository.com/Racked-and-Stacked/9780399584114

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romances in the Rough Riders series, the Blacktop Cowboys® series, the Mastered series, the Need You series and the Legacy series.

Lorelei also writes dark, gritty mysteries under the name Lori Armstrong. Her books in the Julie Collins and Mercy Gunderson series have won Shamus Awards and the Willa Cather Literary Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota.

Website - http://www.loreleijames.com/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/541293.Lorelei_James

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LoreleiJamesAuthor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/loreleijames

InstaGram - https://www.instagram.com/loreleijamesauthor/

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lorelei-james

Riss doesn't know how to be invisible. She makes herself heard. Her brash personality is her calling card. She's no wilting violet. She can keep up with any man. Unfortunately what is her most appealing quality is also a painful cross for her to bear. She wants to be true to herself, but will it end up costing her a chance to be loved? Lorelei James goes beyond the armor and exposes what makes Ike and Riss a perfect match. Racked and Stacked is not just a romance. It's about staying true to your heart despite the inconvenience. Ike and Riss wear their flaws proudly, however what each fails to realize is that the imperfections are perfectly placed to help the uniqueness shine through. James and her dueling duo headline an important message with laughter and heart. Loved it!!

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