Book Review: Chasin Eight

Chasin' Eight

Rough Riders #11

By: Lorelei James

Published by: Samhain Publishing

Release date: June 2011

Format: eBook (812 pages)

Buy it at Amazon

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Mature Audiences (18+)

My thoughts:

I waited for months for Chasin' Eight; I just had a feeling that Chase McKay was going to be amazing, and I was right. However, as much as I was looking forward to this book, reading the synopsis made me a little nervous. Chase is a high maintenance, self-indulgent Rodeo king and Ava is a typical Hollywood princess. I couldn't imagine what these two had to offer each other, and to be honest, as much as I wanted to love Chase, he didn't seem to have any redeeming qualities in the beginning. But I love the McKay family, and I trusted Lorelei James to bring these two around.

True to Rough Riders form, I didn't have to wait long before Chase and Ava both won me over. Unlike other Rough Rider books, Chase and Ava didn't jump right into bed. (And not for a lack of trying on Ava's part, I might add.) In fact, while the tension was high and steamy, these two made it past the half way mark of the book before getting hot and heavy between the sheets. I found it very refreshing and endearing to watch their friendship grow. They worked through their demons together, fighting to regain their dreams and discovering themselves and each other along the way.

I've said before that each book in this series is better than the last, each McKay brother hotter than the last. Chasin' Eight holds true to this trend. The characters in Chasin' Eight seem to be even more developed, showing more depth than in other books, and Ms. James's writing has grown tremendously with each installment of the series. Without giving away spoilers, we are also introduced to new characters in this book, and there are two chapters that absolutely broke my heart.

Chasin' Eight does not disappoint. So pull up your blue jeans and your cowgirl boots, grab your Stetson and settle in for a story that is well worth every second of the ride.

Summary from Goodreads:

She wants it…he’s got it…and the chase is on…

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Warning: Strap in, another hot McKay is about to bust out of the gate and this bull rider knows a thing or two about riding hard…