Member Reviews
What an interesting twist on the old story of a single father falling in love with the nanny/babysitter… but I guess we shouldn’t have expected that Lorelei James would write too closely to the old tropes. The Blacktop Cowboys series began many years ago and I have been following it from the very beginning, enjoying the shifts and different characters in this small group of friends and family, but I never imagined these two would find their way to one another. Streeter is the brother of one of the first guys in the series, Tobin, and we have seen little glimpses of him along the way, while Bailey’s sister was also a major character in another story. Bringing the two together is a stroke of genius and done so organically that you never one question it. While the story certainly does carry a dark motif that underlies the love story, one that most people would be uncomfortable reading about in a romance, it is certainly a huge fact a life in this day and age and should not be hidden away from as if we are all ostriches with our heads in the sand. Streeter is doing his best to raise his little girl, but Olivia has become a five-year-old tyrant for certain and he is at his wits end. Bailey is on a little break from life as she tries to decide what is next for her, staying with her sister and helping out around the ranch and store leads her to be in just the wrong place –or right one—at the wrong time. Years in the army never prepared her for her newest task as the leader of a kids camp and certainly never taught her how to deal with a damaged little girl that is slowly capturing her heart or her father that has capture her interest in so many ways. Streeter never felt this type of connection with any woman and when Bailey offers a chance to explore the heat between them while she is in town he jumps at the chance to have this woman in his life and his bed. Passionate exploration and sensual fun become so much more as they both have to fight to keep from losing their hearts, but it just might be a losing battle, but will the truth of their pasts and the tragic fears for their future keep them from fighting for one another or can they prove to one another that they are willing to put in the time and work to have it all once and for all. Streeter’s past is filled with drama and tragedy, but he is doing his very best to make sure that Olivia is cared for and happy now, even though he knows she has issues. He is obviously determined to give his daughter everything he has, even to the detriment of his own life and happiness, but when he sees that sometimes being happy himself is the best thing for her as well he begins to loosen up a little. I loved seeing him find his confidence and he definitely became a sexy beast in so many ways, where before he was a bit unsure of his steps with Bailey. I wanted to slap him more than once for being short-sighted and unwilling to see through his pain, but thankfully his family and friends did it for me and kept him from making the biggest mistake of his life. Bailey is at a crossroads and the poor woman is becoming more and more lost. She has a lot of issues and dealing with them is something she has always done on her own and thought she had to do so. Seeing her come to terms with her loses and dealing with her problems was painful, having seen someone living through something very similar in real life makes it even harder to read about, but seeing her finally reaching out to those she loves for assistance gave me hope and made me happy that she was sharing. I loved seeing her in action at the kids’ camp and finding a bit of happiness with her family and friends, but the best times were the quiet times she spent with Streeter and even Olivia as they became a unit and learned their way into their future. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes next and what lovers we see fall next because James has a way of making her cowboys so sexy and sweet that you wonder why you can’t find one of your very own.
Cowboys are everywhere…
I never get enough of these Blacktop Cowboys and Streeter’s story was as emotional as I’d hoped it would be. His daughter was a drum-playing pip as she kept all the adults around her on their toes, her father and every nanny included. Bailey was staying with her sister while she silently dealt with life-changing issues. She never dreamt her military career would segue into boot camping children. Hilariously, it did…
Cowboy, cowboys everywhere and Streeter, well, he was a broody one. Devoted to his daughter, he wanted everything for her. Bailey was confident in the military, as a civilian, not so much. She was hiding a lot as she wrestled with issues she didn’t share with anyone. Until now…
This was a solid entry in a much loved series. Emotional, full of secrets painfully revealed, Streeter and Bailey’s romance was all about honesty and support and of course, love…
I’m typically a fan of Lorelei James. And definitely love the single dad trope. This one fell a bit short for me. It’s definitely a slow burn romance. And for me probably focused too much on the various children in the story. Admittedly I jumped into the middle of this series. I might have been more interested if I was familiar with the other characters. Others have loved this one but it was a miss for me. Readers who enjoy a slower burn or even women’s fiction fans would likely be a fan of this read.
Always enjoy Lorelei James novels. Had an interesting plot, some good twists and turns, characters you could root for and just a good, fun romance to read!
I was having eye surgery at this time and was unable to complete this book. I attempted a few times and had to give up. O apologize for this
SPUN OUT is the tenth book the the BLACKTOP COWBOYS series, and I’ve only read two others in the series. That’s being rectified since I’ve added the books I’ve missed to my always growing TBR pile. It’s easy to figure out relationships even not having read all the previous books.
Streeter and his daughter, Olivia, who is only five years old, have had it rough going on four and half years since his wife (her mother) died. He works on a ranch and lives in an employer-owned trailer, which suits him just fine. Until it doesn’t, since he does have bigger plans for his life and home.
Enter newcomer Sergeant Bailey Masterson, who’s on a military sabbatical, and things get interesting fast. Their chemistry is definitely off the charts. Bailey’s only in Wyoming for the summer, helping out her sister, Harper, and her family since they now have four children plus a ranch to run. In addition, Harper owns a western wear clothing shop that’s not doing too well.
SPUN OUT is filled with ideas about family and interactions between adults and children. And Bailey wonderfully interacts with the children in a creative way.
The story flows smoothly with several steamy moments between the main characters. Streeter and Bailey are both approaching their getting together as something just to pass the time until she leaves, except there’s more to it for both of them. The romance is hot, the emotions between the lovers even hotter. And the secondary characters make this a rich romance.
Ms. James has been a hit or miss author for me. I’ve read about six of her books from several different series. I hope to go back and fill some of them in. So many books, so little time!
Hard as nails Bailey. Single dad Steeter. What could be any better than the two clashing, but then finding each other? Nothing that I can think of. Some of the story line was tough, but life is sometimes and we have to learn to ask for help when needed, as these characters did. Lorelei James has another winner in her ongoing Blacktop Cowboy Series. Can’t wait until the next one in the series!
Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest opinion.
Lorelei James knows sexy cowboys!
I really enjoyed Bailey and Streeter's story. I love that the heroine is the military hero and our romantic hero is a cowboy and single dad! The story is heartfelt and endearing and I'm looking forward to the next one! Well, at least I hope there is a next one.
Spun Out (Blacktop Cowboys #10). By Lorelei James. 2019. Berkley Books (ARC eBook).
Cattle rancher Streeter Hale is a widower raising his 5-year-old girl, Olivia, on his own. He only has time for two things: Olivia, who has recently run through six babysitters in the past 18 months, and ranching, which is divided between the Split Rock guest ranch and his startup, All Hale Ranch, with his younger brother Tobin. But all that begins to change when tough Army Sgt. Bailey Masterson moves in next door on the Split Rock while on leave and begins a summer boot camp for kids.
I’ve read James before but this is the first I’ve read in the Blacktop Cowboys and it was a treat. The chemistry between Streeter and Bailey is great and the two, with their broken hearts and struggles, are very good for each other. Spun Out will have you rooting for Streeter, Bailey and Olivia as they grow stronger and heal.
Bailey Masterson trained for many things in the military. Through her years in the military she's lived through horrors that still give her nightmares. But nothing prepared her for caring for five-year-old Olivia Hale. Or how to control her raging attraction to Olivia's father.
Streeter Hale doesn't date. He doesn't get attached. Not after his wife’s death. Streeter is stunned by Olivia's improved behavior after just a few days with Bailey and he's floored by his attraction to Bailey.
Both Streeter and Bailey have secrets that may keep them apart. Will these two be able to overcome them? Read this one and see. I recommend it
3.5 Stars
Streeter Hale is a single widowed father that needs help with his daughter, Olivia. She ran off the last sitter. He lost a lot in life after the death of his wife and he wants to focus on work and his daughter.
Bailey Masterson is looking for her place in the world after leaving the military. Bailey returns to Wyoming to help her sister out with the kids. She realizes she can provide the structure and a discipline to her own nieces and nephews along with Olivia. She starts a little summer boot camp and the more time she spends with Olivia and her father, the more she falls in love.
The story is slow moving as the first thirty percent is heavily focused on all of the rambunctious children. I had to make sure I kept track of everyone. Eventually, the adults take center stage and the fun begins.
I haven’t read a Lorelei James book in a long time and I was missing some the steam factor that I normally get with them. Streeter is this adorable guy with a great male anatomy but he is a little unsure and lacked the confidence I like in an alpha male. I guess that is my point, he is not what I would define as alpha male. Shockingly, Bailey is the more experienced party.
The author dives right into some serious subject matters so if you are looking for a sugary romance, this is not it. My heart went out to Streeter as he had to overcome the loss of his childhood sweetheart (Olivia’s mom) and all the ramifications of that. There are layers of pain for both him and Bailey. I like that she became something for him to believe him and he provided an anchor for her to stay put.
While this is not my favorite by the author, it does give a realistic view of life and love.
~ Samantha
Oh.
My.
Heart.
This beautiful romance completely captured my heart and I never want it back. If single dads are your catnip, prepare to hand your heart and ovaries to Streeter Hale. There’s something so incredibly sweet and endearing about this man. And it’s not just his love for his adorable and rambunctious little girl. Streeter isn’t a man that’s been around the block. He married his high school sweetheart only to lose her in the worst way possible. Years later, the shadow of her death still follows him and his daughter’s inability to connect to anyone but him is a daily reminder of everything that’s he’s done wrong. My heart broke for this man and everything he’s been through. There’s this quiet intensity to him that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Bailey is a soldier that used the army to escape her not so sunny childhood. She may have a good relationship with her sisters, but even they don’t know all of the secrets that she’s determined to hide. Steeter and Bailey immediately clash, but underneath the glares and barbs, there’s an undercurrent of attraction.
When it becomes evident that the rambunctious kids in their circle of family and friends can use someone like Bailey to give them some structure and discipline, Bailey sticks around longer than she expected to run a summer camp. It doesn’t take long for her to fall for the sweet little girl with too much energy and sass right along with her sinfully sexy daddy.
I mean, y’all. This book. I don’t even have words. Sexy. Swoony. Emotionally gripping. Touching. Heartwarming. Tearjerker. Ok, so maybe I do have words🙃. But seriously. This romance was just everything. I loved the slight role reversal of Bailey being the one that really pursues Streeter and is more sexually experienced. I loved Streeter’s sweet side and the way he peels back Bailey’s layers effortlessly. I loved watching their hot and short-planned affair bloom into something neither of them expected.
This book touches on several deep and highly emotional subjects and I thought that the author handled them perfectly. She didn’t shy away from the ugly details and the ramifications of them. She takes the issues head on and throws the reader right in with the characters. It was perfectly written. There’s plenty of sizzle in typical Lorelei fashion, but it was so much more than just a romance. It was a beautiful story about second chances and finding love when you least expect it. It was yet another amazing addition to one of my favorite series and just another reason why I will never tire of this woman’s writing. Ten books into the series and they just continue to get better and better!
Spun out is a perfect addition to the Blacktop Cowboy series. With a storyline that deals with sensitive mental health issues, I thought Ms. James did a wonderful job showcasing the challenges that her characters were facing. It brought a depth to these characters and allows the reader to have a better understanding of some of the issues they face. (Please note that there may be triggers for some within the storyline) The book touches on depression, suicide and even a child who deals with the world on her own terms and beats to her own drum.
But in the end, this is simply a beautiful romance story (with a side of very steamy moments between Streeter and Bailey) that is going to tug at your heartstrings as you fall in love with Bailey, Steeter and his sweet daughter, Olivia.
The reality of Streeter Hale's life is taking care of his young daughter and work. Olivia is five years old and a very intelligent, mischievous child that loves to play her homemade drums. Bailey Masterson is dealing with the reality of life after the military and a serious medical diagnosis. These two come together in a powerful sexual attraction with a two month expiration, but it soon becomes obvious that there are strong feelings involved and maybe a long term romance is possible.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
Set in Wyoming, Spun Out grabbed me right away because the main character, Army Sergeant Bailey Masterson, is such a strong, resilient female trying to work through serious issues resulting from childhood abandonment, PTSD, the military, and the crazy things fate throws at her. I’ve known some strong military women in real life, and Ms. James’ vision of Sgt. B was realistic and sometimes raw. She is a little bit broken, but not down and out and I truly loved that about her.
Widower Streeter Hale and his 5 year old daughter Olivia have been dealt some blows in life as well, leaving both of them broken and alone. Olivia is a strong, precocious little girl and her character just jumps off the page. Streeter has isolated himself a little bit socially to focus entirely on Olivia who suffers from abandonment issues. Streeter is such a good guy at heart but this “good guy” doesn’t finish last because the attraction between Streeter and Bailey sizzles off the page!!
Spun Out is a romance with difficult social issues in the story line, but it is also a raw, love story that grabs you from the beginning as each character holds a few secrets close to their chest. Ms. James unveils these secrets while pulling you through childcare bootcamp (Go Sgt. B), trail rides, and hot action between the sheets. I’m ready for a return trip to Wyoming!!
Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading!! Engaging, endearing and sizzling to boot.
Holy hotness, this book brings the heat! What's better than finding a hot as all get out romance... Finding one that the reader can really sink their teeth into because its not just fluff but some serious storytelling. Spun Out is definitely one of those sink your teeth into, riveted me to the pages, reads. Gripping and emotional charged with characters that connect the reader to the tale.
Spun Out had everything I was looking for in a novel, A heartfelt tale with some serious chemistry, that pulls you through an emotional gambit and I loved every minute.
I received this ARC copy of Spun Out from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Spun Out is set for publication November 5, 2019.
I have heard many great things about the series from my dear friend and fellow ducky Sandy. Picking up the final book in the series isn't quite the way she would have advised me to start this series but that is exactly what I've done. Of course now I'm going to have to work my way backwards through the rest of the series and have my aha moments in reverse. I definitely like to make things interesting for me. What about the book? I'm sure you're saying, well as to that...…..
Bailey has left her military service and is dealing with a mystery illness, PTSD? no not quite but let that remain a mystery. Streeter Hale has his own share of baggage but his daughter Olivia for all that she's run through every child care option that exists is the shining light of his life. Imagine when Olivia, Streeter and Bailey all come together at Summer Camp. It definitely makes for a lot of fun and angst.
As it turns out Bailey is living in the same trailer park as Streeter. Roasting marshmallows and drums at all hours, the threesome is bound for some explosive moments. Neither Bailey nor Streeter are ready for or looking for romance but sure enough the scratch the itch moments grow into something a lot more than a booty call.
I'm sure that many readers who are fans of the series will enjoy visiting with the characters they've encountered in previous series but unfortunately since I'm reading in reverse order I couldn't begin to help on that front.
All in all a great read that will grip your heart and bring on the tears and laughter. My first but definitely not my last.
Streeter Hale is just trying to survive. It's been almost 5 years since his wife died. Trying to raise a child who witnessed her mother's death even though she was really too young to remember and has detachment issues, isn't the easiest life. So when Seargent Bailey Masterson moves into the trailer next to him and ends up running a boot camp at the ranch for all the employee's kids, he doesn't know what to think of her at first. That is except she is sexy as hell and he doesn't know how to approach her.
Street hasn't been in a relationship in years. And before that, he was only with one woman. So his experience is pretty much nil. Bailey is trying to figure out what's next in her life. She's spending the summer helping out her sister and keeping some secrets of her own. But after meeting the sexy Street Hale - she doesn't see why she can't lose herself in the sexy cowboy for the summer. Since that's all she can commit too.
This book is super steamy and sexy. The storyline is one that will tug at your heart. Single Dad who is just trying to make it the best way he knows how and love a little girl who's been damaged by a mother she doesn't even know. Bailey is the right fit for both Street and his daughter but can she forgive her own past in order to have a future with Street.
LOVE THIS BOOK! And this entire series is one of my all-time favorites
This is book 10 in the Blacktop Cowboy series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone and still understand everything that happens in it. Bailey Masterson has spent the last few years in the Army and now has to make the decision on whether to move on from it or find something else that can make her happy. But after so many years in she only knows the training that was provided to her and doesn't know what she would do, or even want to do, if she leaves. Streeter Hale has been a single parent since his daughter was a baby. He doesn't have time for anything but his daughter and his job. And he certainly doesn't expect or want the attraction he feels towards Bailey. Especially as he knows she has her own wounds and secrets that she is dealing with. But these two may be just the thing that is needed in order for them to be whole and strong.
I really liked this one! I hadn't read any of the other books in this series and was iffy about starting this many books in, but it sounded really good and now I am glad I did! Bailey seems like she is this woman who is beyond strong and can do anything, but she has things that she struggles with just like everyone else. And that made me love her even more!! Streeter has been struggling with raising his daughter on his own since she was a baby and the things that happened with her mother. But he does his best and even takes the steps he knows are necessary to try to be the best parent he can be. Olivia is this funny and quirky little girl who definitely makes you laugh even though you know she has her own issues as well. The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars was because I struggled with the beginning and getting into it. But once I got farther in, I was completely sucked into the story and couldn't put it down until I finished it! It was definitely well worth the read!
Being a single parent is never easy. For Streeter – the pitfalls in life have mounted on his shoulders. Adding to the pressures of losing his wife, Streeter is responsible for raising a head-strong child – Olivia. It is not an easy task, but it is a necessity that Streeter feels slipping through his grasp. Life at Split Rock is the saving grace that Streeter needs to make it through each passing day.
Bailey Masterson is trying to deal with the reality of civilian life. Looking for a place to get her bearings, Bailey heads to Split Rock Ranch to seek solitude with her family. This change comes with the realization that the children of Split Rock are out of control. With an offer of employment that will use her military skills in an unexpected way, Bailey agrees to have a boot camp to get the children of ranch employees in line. What Bailey didn’t expect was to end up living next to Streeter and Olivia.
With a routine in place that will not only benefit herself, Bailey decides to dip her toes into the perks of living at the ranch. Streeter is nothing like Bailey expects, but he certainly offers more than a romp in the sheets. As the boot camp swings into action, Bailey discovers there is more to Streeter than meets the eye. Mounting responsibilities weigh on Bailey’s shoulders, but will her attraction to Streeter prove to be the incentive needed to stick around the ranch?
Spun Out is the latest release in the Blacktop Cowboys series by Lorelei James. Readers will enjoy peeling back the layers to Bailey’s hard as nails personality. In spite of being so caring, Bailey is a military woman through and through. That mindset brings its own set of challenges to light. Streeter knows the meaning of hard work. As a single dad who has experienced his share of hardships, Streeter needs someone who knows how to push through his guarded exterior. As a reader watching this romance unfold, you will find yourself completely wrapped up in the nuances of this story.
Make sure you visit the Split Rock Ranch…..Bailey and Streeter will make the journey worth the anticipation!! A great addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series!