Lora Leigh certainly knows how to write a book that immediately draws the reader into the action. This is especially true of the first story, The Cowboy and the Captive. It was a very enjoyable romance that centered around a kidnapping paired with a case of mistaken identity. Complete with loads of family drama, this story had a little bit of everything that makes for a great romance. Exactly what I've come to expect when I pick up a book by this author. The second story, the Cowboy and the Thief, tells the story of Jack who is briefly mentioned in the first story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

Ms. Leigh is a true storyteller. Hot in all the right places. Great plots. THank you.

Rugged Texas Cowboy is a combo of two books. The first book is a thriller and the second book a mystery with drama and humor added. Both books pack a ton of heat between the characters and pull you into the story from the very beginning. I always enjoy Lora Leigh's books and this one did not disappoint.

Melina is a twin who has always stood in front of her sister. When Maria gets into trouble her parents expect her to stand in for her. She did it once but won't do it again. Instead she gets kidnapped by a sexy cowboy. Luc was shot by some goons that helped Maria smuggle drugs in. Now Melina's brother is convinced she's in danger, so he tells Luc to kidnap her and help her get clean. Poor Luc, thinking he's kidnapped Maria, does but doesn't understand the feelings he has for her. Will Melina convince him she's not her sister and will she lose her heart to him anyway?

Good story. Good twin and bad twin. Stupid parents. And really Luc should have figured it out sooner that she wasn't Maria. The sex is hot.

COWBOY AND THE THIEF...4.5 stars

Angel is an Irish woman with a fiery temper. Jack knows her father and comes to visit. Jack is a co owner of a ranch and plane with his best friend Luc. When they meet, they constantly bicker and fight. But when he buys a family heirloom, she goes berserk. She follows him back to Texas and attempts to steal it back. When he finally gets her in his bed, he never wants to let her go. Jack is not the type to settle for one woman but something about Angel gets to him. Angel wants to leave before she loses her heart and Jack will do anything to keep her.

Story is good. An Irishwoman and a cowboy. Down and dirty sex?

Lora Leigh is my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint with this new title. There are two incredibly sexy novellas and if you read Lora at all you know she can write on hell of a sex scene! 5 stars!

Two fairly short stories, that are both fabulous in every way. Sexy, romantic, insta lust, strong characters, did I say sexy? Both couples are just so damn likeable, the men are so up front with their emotions, which is a pleasant surprise, the women too are strong, intelligent and I can imagine them becoming good friends (the male characters are friends).
Overall, I would recommend this 2 novella book if you enjoy insta lust with an actual story too.

Rugged Texas Cowboy by Lora Leigh is like hitting the jackpot, you get two book in one. Both books are well-written and populated with amazing characters. The first book, Cowboy And The Captive is Luc and Melina's story of mistaken identity. This is my favorite of the two books. There's plenty of drama, action, humor and sizzlin' sexy bits. The second book, Cowboy And The Thief is Jack and Angel's story. Their tale is loaded with drama, humor and yes, enough heat to start a bonfire. I enjoyed reading Rugged Texas Cowboy and look forward to reading more from Lora Leigh in the future. Both of the stories in this book are complete, no cliff-hangers.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

Full review to be published online in late November.

RUGGED TEXAS COWBOY is a duology of previously released stories repackaged into one book. In 'Cowboy and the Captive', Melina has been coerced by her parents to take the fall and go to jail instead of twin sister Maria; where she is almost raped and severely beaten. Then Melina is kidnapped by the man who fills her dreams.

Luc is obsessed with thought of revenge; payback for the close encounter with death Maria dealt him and his best friend. He has planned for this abduction and now everything is ready to be set in motion. But the woman he thinks is Maria doesn’t react as he thinks a drug addict should. Slowly it dawns on him that the woman really is Melina as she claims. Steamy and sexy story, if rather short.


In ‘Cowboy and the Thief', Angel Manning is in Ireland, where she meets the ruggedly handsome Jack Riley. Jack is spending time at the estate owned by Angel's father. During this time, he purchases a Celtic tourque necklace from Angel's father, which belongs by birth-right to Angel. Angel travels to Texas to steal the torque back; but she gets caught, not just her but her heart too. Jack doesn't believe love exists, but finds himself changing his mind and heart when he falls for Angel. A cute short story, but not nearly as enjoyable as the first one.

These stories are enjoyable enough if rather dated, and probably best appreciated by fans of Lora Leigh's erotic stories more than those of us who read her for her “Breeds” series.