Rugged Texas Cowboy is a good fit for readers who enjoy stories about strong-willed women finding love and fulfilling their desires in the wild frontier, while also seeking to right family wrongs.

This was a standard Lora Leigh book. It's fine but I've just decided I want more in my books. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #RuggedTexasCowboy

Lora Leigh is one of the authors who introduced me to romance, so I am a lot biased towards her books and I will always be willing to read anything she writes. I know some of her books tend to flirt heavily with the line between regular romance and dark romance, and that's okay with me. And while usually I am okay with reading dark romance, the way the first novella was set up didn't sit well with me. Luc and Melina are trapped in the lies of Melina's family, no matter how they are framed: either one brother trying to protect his younger sister from her twin sister, or the parents trying to defend their favorite daughter, while setting the other one for a life of misery. Either way, I found Luc's actions right after he kidnapped Melina to be too much for me to continue reading the story, and I honestly had no desire to find if they would ever overcome that initial moment. Unfortunately I had to put mark this book as DNF.

I loved the characters and the storyline development of this book. It was absolutely one of my favorites so far and I can't wait to delve in to the next one that this author writes. The storyline was simple, enjoyable, and entertaining.

Lora Leigh really knows how to write a story and how to combine two wonderful stories into one book. Rugged Texas Cowboy was a joy to read. Like usual, she kept my attention with suspense and two hot cowboys.

In Cowboy and The Captive, Jardin held me captive. He was rough, rugged, sexy as hell and one of the kindest kidnappers I have ever read. Maria was a hoot! She kept trying to tell him that she wasn’t the evil Melina and he just wouldn’t listen. Ugh … to think her wildest dreams were of this exasperating man! Jardin knew that Melina would be wild in bed and it was his sole intent to get her there … the only problem? She kept insisting she wasn’t Melina. It took one wicked night in bed for him to realize that she just may be telling the truth. A couple of phone calls later and he has his questions answered. He’s also feeling a little better about falling in love with the woman who is not the bane of his existence. In the end, he knows that his life would be nothing without Maria and will do whatever it takes to protect her from the one woman who can’t stand her … Melina.

In Cowboy and Thief, Jack really made me smile. He was truly a heart-breaker and really enjoyed women. There was something about the uptight Angel that caught his eye and he would do whatever it takes to get under her skin, get her to show some kind of emotion other than disdain. Buying the torque did just that … now he know just how mad she can get! She’ll get the family heirloom back, even if she has to steal it! Jack knew it was only a matter of time before she came for it and he was ready for her. Now, holding her captive, his heart has other ideas. Now, he doesn’t know if he could let her go and Angel has realized that he may just be the man that she has always been waiting for.

Each of these stories were different yet similar. Jardin and Jack are partners in a business and both of them had to either kidnap or hold captive the woman that they both fall in love with. Both Maria and Angel were strong, independent woman and neither needed a man to fulfill their lives. But, the circumstances they were put in makes them dependent on them. Sometimes it infuriated them, sometimes they were happy that they were there.
Lora Leigh just has a way with words. She knows how to write a story with just enough intrigue to keep you invested in the story, just enough humor to keep you smiling and a whole lot of sexy to keep you were the one on the receiving end of all that hotness.

Decent read. Nothing super special. I'm a huge fan of cowboys and this one hits that spot just right.

Love this two story combo!
Cowboy and the Captive
When Luc and Jack take on a job to fly a woman Maria just out of the country with her boxes it seemed like a great deal until the were both shot at. They barely survived but Luc threatened he would have revenge on Maria and he did she served time in jail. It turns out they had taken her identical twin sister Melina into custody. Well finally Melina is out but her sister is in trouble again and her parents want her to take the fall for it. Melina refuses but she is kidnapped by Luc of all people and he thinks she’s Maria and he is not believing her so he is holding her captive till she admits who she is. Could Luc possibly be wrong?
Cowboy and the Thief
When Angel sets eyes on the American man named Jack she feels something but she refuses to fall for the likes of a playboy. When he kisses her in the garden they are just getting cozy when her father interrupts telling Jack he found the bar maid he was looking for. Angel leaves without an explanation and curses the playboy for making her think he was interested. Angel is very cool towards Jack until she finds out her father sold her precious torque to him and no matter how she pleads it is gone. Angel decides she will just go and steal it back until Jack catches her and punished her. Angel knows she most leave before she opens her heart to a playboy but Jack is starting to feel something he has never felt could the torque rumors be true?

RUGGED TEXAS COWBOY - 2.5 stars

#1 - The Cowboy and the Captive

Plot - 4 stars - I loved the plot. Although kidnapping is obviously something to be frowned upon in real life, this trope is one of my favorites. Luc feels that taking "Maria" will help her by teaching her a lesson and getting her off the drugs, although that's not exactly how things turn out.

Writing - 4 stars - I was caught up in this story from the very first page. It was exciting, with lots of sexual tension building throughout. And the camaraderie between Luc and Melina was enjoyable when they were just hanging out together. Melina's talking to herself made a lot of sense, and I think it was realistic since she'd definitely want to keep reminding herself why she shouldn't be attracted to Luc.

Characters - 1.5 stars - I liked Melina's spunk, but the fact that she kept allowing Luc to abuse her (by keeping her against her will, but also by using sex and her attraction to him against her) annoyed the heck out of me. And I tried, but I just couldn't like Luc. He felt justified in kidnapping her, but then he pushed himself on her, using his body to keep her in line. He kept telling himself that he "couldn't help himself," but isn't that what rapists tell themselves too? I couldn't get past the fact that he'd use his strength against her, no matter how she reacted.

#2 - The Cowboy and the Thief

Plot - 2.5 stars - This plot was confusing. It was supposed to be a sort-of magical connection between the hero and heroine, but it didn't make a lot of sense to me. The fact that most of the story was set in Ireland was disappointing and didn't fit the Texas theme I was expecting.

Writing - 2 stars - The plot was convoluted and bogged down the forward progress of the story. Except for the sex scenes, which were crazily fast and furious. So the writing moved forward in fits and starts, which made the book choppy and allowed for no sexual tension at all.

Characters - 1 star - Another miss for me with the characters in this story. Now we meet Jack (Luc's partner) as he visits Ireland for some obscure reason. When he meets Angel, a business associate's daughter, he's immediately smitten with lust and makes a bargain for a historical item they own in order to "win" her. As with the previous story, Jack is way over-the-top alpha. Do some readers prefer this type of arrogant domineering hero? He also used his superior strength and dominance as a tool against the heroine, basically forcing her to submit to him, but not in a dom way, but in a pushy "I want you now" way. Angel, for her part, was no prize. She was bitchy and sniped at Jack right from the beginning. They basically deserved each other.

Title - 3.5 stars - The title of this compilation (Rugged Texas Cowboy) is sexy and definitely got my attention. Each book within, though, has very unimaginative names.

Cover - 4 stars - Nice cover. Of course, a hot guy on the cover isn't anything new, but this guy is nice-looking, definitely looks the part of a cowboy, and the look is realistic, not some guy with naked abs riding a horse or something.

Overview - 2.5 stars - This book was a disappointment, mostly because of the characters. Perhaps some readers find an arrogant a-hole alpha to be exciting, but I found both Luc and Jack to be just short of criminal, using their strength and sexuality to get what they wanted. The women were appallingly submissive, and not in a good way. And there was no sexual tension at all, which is what makes a romance exciting and filled with possibilities. These characters jumped from nothing to something in the blink of an eye, and then their sexual antics were totally over-the-top. Too much too soon, in my opinion. As far as the plot goes, the first story had possibilities, but the second one fell flat as the author attempted to add a magical touch to a cowboy story. I may give this author another try to see if this was just an experiment that went wrong, but this book didn't attract me.

This is a book with 2 novellas. I was so turned off early on in the first one, Cowboy and the Captive. I didn't even bother trying the second one. I will not ever understand why any hint of forced sex is OK in any book. That one scene right after Jardin kidnaps Melina was gross. No matter who he thought she was or what type of person she was, that was not OK. Nope, not for me.

Melina is one of two gorgeous twin daughters, the clever and considerate one who always spared her parents the humiliation of what her sister Maria had wrought. But now, Melina is finally ready to stand up for herself and seize control of her life?until she is kidnapped by a cowboy, named Jardin, who is dead-set on settling the score with her family. There’s only one catch: In capturing Melina, this tough, rough, hunk of a man has actually found a way to unleash her greatest fantasies, body and soul. . .
Beautiful, spirited Angel Manning has always longed to experience the power of her ancestors’ most precious heirloom. Her mother once told her that the legendary Irish torque would lead Angel to the one man worthy of possessing her heart. But when Angel learns that her father, now a widower, has sold the torque to the notorious two-timer Jack Riley, she is furious. Of course she plans to take back what is rightfully hers, by whatever means necessary. But the fate of the ancient Druids works in mysterious ways. . .Could it be that this slick, smooth-talking cowboy was destined to satisfy Angel’s deepest desires all along?
This book is a re-release of 2 stories that came out a number of years ago. As with many of these author’s stories, they are full of steamy scenes. I really liked the stories and all of the characters. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Cowboy and the Captive ☆☆☆☆
God, Melina's father was something else. He's pure evil. Why would he expect Melina to pay for her sister's crimes? Her sister, Maria, is the favorite one. Now that is messed up big time. Why didn't the mother say anything? Joe wants to keep Melina safe so he has Jack kidnap her thinking she is actually Maria, the drug addict bad sister.

Cowboy and the Thief ☆☆
Jack never thought he would find love, but he was drawn to Angel and her life in Ireland. Loved the history behind the torque. I was not used the way Angel spoke by using ye and other words.

I liked the first book more than the second one.
☆☆☆
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It's truly two novellas in one-which can sometimes be fantastic. I personally felt there was just a little something missing out of each of these books. Were they steamy? Yes. I just don't think I connected with the characters outside the sex scenes as much as I wanted to. This was my first time reading this author but I will absolutely try her again.

COWBOY AND THE CAPTIVE
This fantastic romance features Luc Jardin and Melina Catarina Angeles. These two were burning up the sheets! Their chemistry was explosive! Amazing story line with plenty of suspense, heartbreaking memories, soul crushing family issues and let’s not forget...love. Thank God for Joe because I’m at a loss for words where her parents are concerned. I was so happy to see Sam and Heather August. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen them.

COWBOY AND THE THIEF
This story features Jack Riley and Angel Manning. These two have an intense, fiery connection. Denying a long running Irish legend, these two mentally fight their attraction towards each other but their bodies won’t be denied. It’s highly entertaining watching them struggle. I love the little bit of Irish paranormal mixed into this story.

These two stories are interconnected because the men owned a business together and they took part in a job that almost got them killed. When faced with their demise they survived and Jardin seeks revenge on the woman he believes set him up, and Jack seeks out a new job in a place further from home. In doing so both men meet the women they are fated to fall in love with. Jack's story which is the second one starts off in the UK and has quite a bit of legend & magic with it, causing the heroine to have to go after him when he leaves her historic home with a piece of her legacy.



Jardin goes after Melinda as he believes her to be the woman who set him up. Melinda has spent her whole life being the good daughter hoping that by doing so she will win her parents affections. It hasn't worked in all these years but habits are hard to break and when faced with serious consequences she doesn't know who she can turn to.





Cowboy & The Captive 3.5 Stars



This is extremely erotic, this was also very soap opera like. Once you get moving you were sucked in. It moved pretty quickly I laughed pretty loudly as I worked my way through it. I really loved that despite her fear Melinda challenged Jardin when she needed to.



Another of the reasons I loved this story had to do with the friends from other stories that made appearances in the story as well. There were moments when the story took turns I wasn't happy with including when Jardin threatened her not too long after kidnapping her. Also, their first few minutes of conversation after she woke, like bruh?!! WTF, how do you greet someone like that. However, once consent and the boundaries were negotiated??!!! Then the story really flowed.



I also was hesitant about his mode of distraction. I'm freaking out from a nightmare and this is how you comfort me?? Also, Melinda was way too nice because no effing way was I going to be doing any of that shyt even if you are my twin sister. You lost your damn mind. And her parents have some goddarn nerve asking that of her, how did you expect her twin to grow or learn??



At the end of this, I understand why her brother set this up, but he also took a big risk with her life. Considering how great her brother is I would love to see his story. I believe it would round this out nicely.



Cowboy & The Theif 4 Stars



This story was very funny, and fun along with being very fast paced. I really enjoyed the touch of mystery and magic. I really enjoyed the legend part of the story as this becomes the basis for why Angel must become the thief. These two were on fire and I loved how they battled each other. This one really focused in on just these two characters, rarely was another seen. They certainly took up a lot of time. I loved how they battled and that she didn't make it easy on him.



Angel knew her limits and when faced with being kicked over the edge tried to be sane, until he made the same moves with her. I loved it. It showed how faith in a thing matters just as much as love does.



While I understand why the men felt the way they did about almost dying, revenge only works if you get the right person. I wanted to yell at Jardin several times as he was willing to believe everyone else but Melinda. The stories were very erotic and unfolded quickly with each having their own little mysteries along the way. I enjoyed the reads and would recommend.



★★★1/2☆

Lora Leigh surely knows how to write boiling hot romances. Rugged Texas Cowboy is no different. In the first tale, the Cowboy and the Captive, Melina faces danger the moment she decides to defy her parents and refuse to take the punishment that her drug-addicted and criminal twin deserves. After a stint in prison that nearly killed her, Melina decided that she would never take the place of her conniving twin again. Once and for all, Maria will have to pay for her mistakes. No matter how hard she tried, her parents wouldn't see reason, or love her for who she was. Heartbroken and exhausted after confronting her family, she heads home only to be abducted by the man that Maria nearly got killed two years prior. At first, Luke is set on revenge. After all, Maria almost got him and his partner Jack killed. Too bad it is Melina he abducts and no matter how much she tries to convince him of the truth, he won't believe her. Stuck together in his ranch, the attraction between them takes over and soon hate turns to love, as lust strikes and leaves them both desperate for more. In the Cowboy and the Thief, it is Jack's turn to fall in love. While visiting his friend Joe Manning in Ireland, Jack becomes intrigued by the man's daughter. Beautiful, spirited Angel Manning has always longed to experience the power of her ancestors’ most precious heirloom. According to her mother, the legendary Irish torque would lead Angel to the one man worthy of possessing her heart. But her lack of faith in the legend makes her lose it as Jack Riley buys it from her widower father. Believing that he is unworthy of the jewel and set on stealing back what is rightfully hers, Angel follows the handsome cowboy to America. Jack wasn't going to buy the torque, but the moment Angel decided he wasn't worthy of it, he bought the damned necklace. Now as he watches the woman who stole his piece of mind and sent his libido into overdrive, enter his home under the protection of darkness, he has to decide if he will keep her or send her away. The attraction between Angel and Jack is explosive, but it is between bantering and torching the sheets that they realize the myth behind the heirloom is nothing but the truth. A deliciously hot read about sexy alpha cowboys and the women that will steal their hearts.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. Sadly this book didn't work for me at this time. I've loved previous titles from this author and will continue to purchase her work. Thank you again. As I didn't finish the story I won't be reviewing.

I liked that I got to read two different stories, but at the same time they were interlinked characters. My heart went out to Mel for everything she has had to endure thanks to Maria. Then I had a lot of fun with Angel and the things she gets herself into.

Hot sexy cowboys infused with charm and muscles. Well that just about covers RUGGED TEXAS COWBOY by Lora Leigh that manages to heat up the pages with take no prisoner’s sex between two albeit at times reluctant consenting adults. It’s almost as if these characters need to let off an abundance of steam and can’t think of any way more efficient.

Actually this book should be called RUGGED TEXAS COWBOYS since Lora Leigh treats us to two stories, each complete with its own gorgeous cowboy.

We get to meet the two starring cowboys in the first story who are not only friends but partners in a small airline business where they provide plane trips for small groups or companies. So far their enterprise isn’t really raking in the dough which is probably why this particular job was accepted.

Luc Jardin seemed to share feeling of angst with skeptical Jack Riley and their instincts were spot on albeit a little late to prevent a gun fight that puts both at risk when shots rang out. Luc was out for revenge and he made sure that his client Maria Angeles would pay.

However as we would learn, it wasn’t Maria that was punished spending time in prison but her twin Melina. It was a case of mistaken identity. Melina was coerced by her own parents who historically chose to defend and protect one twin over the other. Maria was the black sheep but Melina was the scape goat. So sad and when face to face with Luc Melina quickly realizes that he is going to train all his venom on her although repeatedly asserting she is not Maria. Her pleas fall on deaf ears but with each day Luc gets concerned that something just does not fit.

In the second story Jack visits Ireland in search of something elusive and missing in his life. He has a successful ranch and a good life. But there’s some element lacking. Jack is a womanizer who is used to loving and leaving them. Who know what he will find abroad.

In RUGGED TEXAS COWBOY Lora Leigh reminds us once again how the mighty fall.

I enjoyed both of these stories, although insta-love is not my favorite genre

COWBOY AND THE CAPTIVE
What a dramatic opening....this is not for the prudish person. Author Lora Leigh continues her outstanding writing with this first book of the series. It deals with betrayal, revenge, mistaken identity and not only a dysfunctional family but how a family survives from it all.

Melinda's character is gutsy, loving and ready for change. Through some heartbreaking events all of this happens in this story and she finally gets what she deserves in a most unusual way.

Jardin, you can tell from the beginning is a nice guy but unfortunately he is bent on revenge which keeps the reader wondering how this story can end in a HEA. But for this reader I was very satisfied with the extremely dramatic ending.

COWBOY AND THE THIEF
Jack and Angel as primary characters keep the reader glued to the pages with their antagonistic interactions. The author does a superb job of keeping their push and pull relationship interesting without it becoming annoying. I quite enjoyed her letting Jack know in no uncertain terms exactly what she thought about him.

The added Druid component was the right twist to this story. I do recommend you NOT read this book in a crowded place because it is that hot and descriptive in most of the scenes.