I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rugged Texas Cowboy is a bind up book featuring two stories and respectively can be read as a standalone. I'm skeptical to read this because I wasn't a fan of Western romances. It's nice giving it a try and turns out a quick-paced read.

Cowboy and the Captive - 3/5 stars

* Melina Catarina Angeles is a humble, refined and selfless lady compared to her twin sister, Maria Catarina Angeles. She's sick of being used as a pawn and suffering the punishments because of Maria's criminal acts. This time, she refused to take Maria's place and being disowned by her parents was a relief. Her parents are ridiculous and it's unnerving they tolerate Maria's drug addiction. It's unclear why they're still favoring her instead of Melina. I just don't get it and the audacity of them to pull the guilt card to convince Melina to stand in Maria's place..... What a bunch of IDIOTS.
* Luc Jardin seeks revenge on Maria for what she did to him and his partner Jack Riley. He kidnapped her and unaware he took the wrong lady. I understand he wasn't able to differentiate Melina and Maria but with so many hints, I think he's not smart enough to recognize it.

Cowboy and the Thief - 2/5 stars
* I crossed my fingers somehow this will trump the first story because this is about Jack Riley's love life. He went to Ireland to visit his old friend, Joseph Manning. He's a widower and has a beautiful daughter named Angel. Angel was a sweet lady and believes in true love. She's mesmerized with Jack but went she finds out Jack bought the Irish Torque, she wants it back. Jack and Angel's romance was an insta- love. The plot was rushed and at one point, I got bored. Despite of my annoyance with the first story I find its drama more promising. I'm just not hooked with this one.

The stories are entertaining and the steamy scenes are good. I'll give this book 3/5 stars.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. I voluntarily am reviewing this book. I have to say that I truly enjoy all of Lora Leigh's books. I think these are 're releases. This book has two shorter stories. The Cowboy and the Captive was my favorite. I felt horrible for Melinda-let's face it as dysfunctional as I think my family dynamic is hers wins hand down!!! The second story has very little character development but is still good.

I rate this a 4.5. I think that most people who read erotica will love this. It may be to spicy for a lot of romance readers. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

I have never run across a book that I had such a strong reaction to. I honestly wish that I could say it was a positive one but I can't. The characters she created were so unlikable that I struggled to find a way to push through the first couple of chapters. I respect the creative process and firmly believe that all work has value to someone but geez I don't get how anyone could be happy with this one.

This book is filled with two good, steamy romances that will touch the heart of every romantic. In the first story, to settle a family score, a cowboy Jardin kidnaps Melina, who is the complete opposite of Melina. However, as time passes, things do not go exactly as planned for either of the pair. In the second story, Angel Manning sets off to find a family heirloom, a legendary Irish torque, her father has sold to the notorious two-timer Jack Riley. Once again, things do not work out quite the way the duo think/hope they will.

Both stories were good reads, though they were a bit steamy at times. I think any reader who enjoys a good, steamy romance will enjoy these. The writing is well done, and the story lines follow through at a fast pace and smoothly. IU received these form NetGalley to read and review.

Two for one books are the best......luc kidnaps Maria a drug doing dealer or so he thinks, who he really gets is Maria's twin Melina. Melina has loved luc from afar for years, can he over look what her twin did to him to return that love......great book, fast read. Book two is about jack and Angel......Jack buys a treasured piece of jewelry from Angels father and she come from Ireland to Texas to steal it back. What she ends up getting is a soulmate and a life time of happiness.

What’s better than a Lora Leigh cowboy story? How about 2 hot cowboy stories! I’ve loved Lora Leigh since I first read her Men of August series followed by her Nauti series and this book does not disappoint. No one does alpha males like Lora Leigh, and an alpha male in a cowboy hat is simply sizzling!

Cowboy and the Captive
Melina Catarina Angeles was done stepping in to save her twin sister, Maria. She’d spent her life saving her parents the humiliation of her sister but she was done. This last time almost destroyed her and it was time to walk away. Luc Jardin was almost killed because of Maria Angeles. He was ready for vengeance and teaching her a lesson. Luc was unaware Maria had a twin sister though and kidnapped Melina by mistake. Neither was prepared for the intense attraction they’d have for one another. And Luc soon finds out that Melina is not what he thought.But as threats from her sister resurface, both are in danger of losing more than their hearts.

Cowboy and the Thief
Angel Manning had always doubted the magic of her family’s Irish Torque. Legend claimed its owner would find her true mate. Though she didn’t believe in magic, that didn’t mean she didn’t hope. So when her father sells the torque to American Jack Riley, Angel is determined to get it back even if she has to steal it. Jack couldn’t explain why he was drawn to the uptight boarding school miss but there was something about her he couldn’t resist. He didn’t expect her to break into his home and try to steal the torque, but “damned if he didn’t know what to do with her now that she was here”,

Whoever labeled these stories as erotic labeled them well! Both stories are filled with great tension and romance, and lots of steam! I loved both couples and their battle of wills while fighting their fierce attraction. If you’re a fan of Lora Leigh, you’ll fall in love with this one. There are plenty of humorous moments, down and dirty moments, and emotional moments that will keep you turning the pages. If you are new to Lora Leigh, this is a great chance to find out what you’ve been missing. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

I have reviewed both of the books separately: -

Cowboy and the Captive (1)
This was a fast paced story with good characters and a great story. It definitely is a page turner - I loved it and didn't hesitate to give the book 5 stars - very highly recommended!!

Cowboy and the Thief (2)
This was a good story that was set at a good pace. Occasionally I felt that there was a little too much detail surrounding the 'myth' of the stolen object (without giving away any spoilers) - for me less is sometimes more and that is quite accurate for this book - that said I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars!

Overall for the book I have given it 5 stars and look forward to more of the same - I do love a Lora Leigh book!!

This one is a wonderful romance book, the angst that simmered throughout keep me invested in the story.  Lora Leigh is a powerful writer, able to make you feel every single word, to make you fall in love with her flawed characters, she can move fluidly from brazen to tender and heartfelt in one page.

Cowboy and the Captive
3 1/2☆
Good story. Some dark scary bits but plenty of sexy. It's been a while since I've read Lora Leigh and I've forgotten how dirty and sexy her stories can be. Totally made me blush. I felt so bad for Melina. How can her family be so cruel to her? So sad. Luc started off kind of hard and mean but he came around to be the hot and sexy cowboy without the hard edge towards the end when he realizes his feelings for his captive.

Cowboy and the Thief
3 1/2☆
So the connecting theme in these two stories are basically captive and the hot cowboy punisher. And when I say punisher I mean it in a sexy way. Very sexy. Lora Leigh sexy. But this story takes place for a bit in Ireland with a legend about a torque that is meant to bring love and happiness to the daughters of the family and her chosen mate. But Jack didn't want to be Angel's mate. Or does he? This story is lighter than the previous one and it was a bit more fun to read about their explosive chemistry and how they work towards their HEA.

*I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book*

The stories were okay. The first one was a little more developed, but still weird. The second one felt super rushed.

These weren't my favorite stories by Lora although one was better than the other. The kidnapping one I found slightly disturbing while also enjoying the sauciness but I'm just not quite comfortable with it. The other book felt a little bit "romance by numbers". Having said that, I did enjoy them both and they were nice diverting reads. They would go on my "I've read it but I wouldn't read it again" list.

Two super steamy western inspired tales by Lora Leigh!

The stories didn't feel rushed. The couples had good chemistry and I though they were quite interesting . Well written stories that I have no doubt I'll reread.

I used to devour Lora Leigh books!!! Loved them. This one - not so much. The stories (there are two in the book) seemed to be written by rote. Too much of a sameness as her previous books. I didn't connect with either story. Really was a disappointment.

This enticing little literary treat has not one, but two sexy stories for readers to devour... and boy are they tasty!! Each story comes equipped with a sexy cowboy on a mission and a feisty heroine that likes to push their buttons... and bring them to their knees! I thoroughly enjoyed both stories each one was highly entertaining, funny, action packed, and full of Ms. Leigh's trademark scorching heat!!

Cowboy And The Captive:
After being set up and almost being killed Luc Jardin sets out to get revenge, he kidnaps the woman who did him wrong, but soon realizes the woman he brought back to his ranch is not the same woman he has a score to settle with. Apparently Maria has herself a twin sister, her name is Melina, and she is nothing like her sister, and everything that Luc likes! From there these two butt heads, spawn a lot of sparks, and wind up finding something neither of them were looking for...love!

Cowboy And The Thief:
When Jack Riley gets word that his friend Joe has a priceless heirloom for sale in Ireland, Jack jumps at the chance to get his hands on it, but once he arrives in Ireland and meets Joe's daughter the heirloom loses a little of it's appeal. She is beyond gorgeous, and she isn't so willing to part ways with the heirloom, and plans to steal it right out from under him! Soon after a battle ensues between them, and things get heated, and the sparks start flying!

Highly recommend, the moment you meet these two cowboys, the minute they walk onto the page you will fall head over heels in love!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Rugged Texas Cowboy features two books in one; Cowboy and The Captive & The Cowboy and The Thief. While both stories were quick and easy reads with unique story-lines, I found the characters in both stories hard to relate to. Don't get me wrong, both have some seriously sexy moments, but the overall story-lines were hard for me to wrap my mind around.

Cowboy and The Captive had some seriously crazy family drama, mistaken identity and a kidnapping gone wrong. This story certainly peaked my curiosity and had some sexier than hell moments.

Cowboy and The Thief is loaded with drama, mystery and of course lots of sexy good times.

Overall, I thought this combo was an ok read, but wasn't the right read for me.

This was a little rough for me. Jack was a regular jerk to Melina. The way she was treated, made me lose a little respect for Jack. He redeemed himself in the end although. The sister was a pill. The way Melina took up the blame for all of her sister's actions bothered me a little. I felt she was weak to continue this behavior to that extreme. I've read Lora Leigh before and this wasn't one that I would re-read. Melina just surrendered to Jack even after he treated her terribly.

I am a loving fan of this author whether Lora Leigh writes paranormal romance or off the charts cowboy romance. Thoroughly loved this steamy book and absolutely recommend it.

This book is actually two in one. The first, Cowboy and the Captive, tells the story of Luc and Melina. Luc kidnaps Melina, thinking she is her twin sister. Luc wants revenge after a job turned attempted murder. But as these things go, sparks fly between the two main characters.

I really liked this book. It was really well written, as Lora Leigh's books usually are. At times it could be a bit repetitive, but not so much as to ruin the experience. This is definitely worth a read.

The second book, Cowboy and the Thief, is the story of Angel and Jack. Jack goes to visit an old acquaintance in Ireland, who happens to be Angel's father. After unsuccessfully trying to seduce Angel while staying at their estate, Jack travels back to America with a newly purchased family heirloom meant for Angel, and Angel follows to reclaim what is rightfully hers.

Of the two, this was my least favorite. I found the characters to be a little lacking, especially in the beginning. The book itself is quite short, so it makes sense that developing the characters properly would be difficult, but I wish they would have gotten more depth. There is no growing attraction, as in the first book. They meet, and Jack almost immediately starts trying to seduce Angel. Just a bit too unrealistic for me to truly enjoy the book.

All in all, I would say Rugged Sexy Cowboy is worth a read.

This book was a wonderful reading experience for this Lora Leigh fangirl. To my delighted surprise I got to read two fabulous western romances in one book. I absolutely adored both of these short stories from beginning to end.

The first story was an incredibly sexy and suspenseful thriller featuring a tale of two twin sisters. Lora Leigh definitely had some good versus bad in this one. The good sister, Melina, was a sweet angel who always had to pay for the sins of her pure evil sister. Being kidnapped in her sister's place was the best thing that ever happened to Melina. It placed her at the tender mercy of sexy cowboy Luc Jardin, and also saved her from her troublemaking sister's wrath. This first part of the book was my favorite because I loved Luc and Melina both. I was captivated by the steamy romance and plot twists in this one.

In the second chapter Lora Leigh unveiled the magical romance between an angel and her wolf. Jack and Angel were endearing characters and I loved their sizzling hot love scenes. Jack was a lone wolf who found just what he never knew he was looking for in fiery spitfire Angel. This magical romance captured my attention from the first page. I enjoyed everythiong about it.

As usual, Lora Leigh did an awesome job of storytelling on this book. I loved the rich characters and vibrant plot that immediately pulled me into each story. I'm so glad that I got to read this book. I recommend it to everyone.


This review will be posted at Night Owl Reviews.