Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys, #6) by Lorelei James
Romance Contemporary
Paperback, 400 pages
August 5, 2014
NAL Trade
Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Are you sure I can’t talk you into takin’ an admin position when your probationary period is up?”
“Do I still get to Taser people from behind a desk?”
“No.”
“Then no way.”

Devin McClain is a mega star in the country music business. Gorgeous and popular, he has more than his fair share of exuberant fans. When it looks like one fan maybe taking things too far by attacking a crew member on Devin’s tour bus,  Devin’s record company demands stricter security measures, starting with a personal bodyguard for Devin.

Liberty Masterson’s return to civilian life after a stint in the military has been a rocky road until she lands a job with a prestigious security company. When her boss assigns her to play babysitter for a country music star, she doesn’t figure on having to pretend to be the playboy’s flavor of the month. But Liberty is a professional and will do whatever is necessary to keep her client alive and well till the end of his tour.

Close quarters spark some combustible chemistry between Liberty and Devin and soon Devin wants to make this pretend romance a reality. But while Liberty is willing to fully submit to Devin behind closed doors, she isn’t sure their relationship can withstand the demands of Devin’s famous lifestyle.

Lorelei James’s Blacktop Cowboys series has always been a favorite of mine. Her characters are imbibed with so much spirit and personality that they are indeed larger than life. Bold self-assured independent women and flirtatious sexy alpha cowboys has the pages smoking as you follow their rock strewn path to love. Plenty of humor and sex makes these erotic romances a joy to read. Flavorful dialogue keeps the story flowing along at a steady pace. Multiple plot lines are revealed simultaneously, merging together to provide a well won ending for our lovers.

Liberty and Devin have been seen throughout the series and I was thrilled to not only see they would be getting a book, but would be paired together. Opposites attract is a winning trope for me and Liberty and Devin couldn’t be more opposite…or so you think. James does a fabulous job of setting up our hero and heroine, revealing their personalities and their back stories, taking a considerable amount of time letting us get to know them and see the extreme differences between them. Cut throat misconceptions set the stage for a prickly beginning but as the story progresses, James slowly cuts through the artifice and we begin to see that our protagonists are indeed perfect for one another.

Holy mother of God. It was a miracle he managed to keep from drooling. Or cursing at the sky because the fucking universe had a sick sense of humor. Or maybe this was Karma beating you with the stupid stick for boldly proclaiming that you didn’t find Liberty Masterson attractive.

***

“Do I need to make it clear to Devin again why I am here?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. He’s in one of them moods where——”
“He needs naked fan adulation to help him through his rough day?”

Devin and Liberty are on fire. Heavy steamy chemistry will keep you enthralled as our couple takes their relationship from professional to personal. A strong sexual connection develops between them, allowing them both to push aside their differences and focus on each other. One constant I like about James’s writing is she celebrates her characters sexuality. No slut shaming or embarrassment for their wants and desires. In a world where we seem to be heading towards a Puritan state of mind, it’s always refreshing to see two adults engage in a sexual relationship that isn’t forced, coerced, or used as a cure for some previous trauma.  The physical scenes are very well done with explicit detailing and a heavy dose of erotic fun and romance.

“Make me feel it.”
“Feel what?”
“That first thrust. Don’t be sweet. Don’t go slow. Slam into me so hard I feel this big cock of yours in the back of my throat. So I always remember this moment.”

The main conflict is a mixture of past and present, building a solid storyline. James addresses issues and creates an engaging read that fills you with strong emotions as you watch Liberty and Devin work to build a time sustaining relationship that will last past the tour. James writes with such intimacy that we are instantly drawn into their lives. Multiple subplots intertwined with the romance. Emotions run the gauntlet as old wounds are reopened and allowed to heal.

Dynamic secondary characters add even more flavor and depth to the story as we get a behind the scenes look at what is all involved in touring with a major music star. Subplots involving family and friends show a prime need for communication. Getting involved with the other band members and roadies shows us this lifestyle isn’t for the faint of heart. I enjoyed seeing old faces from previous books and see what they have been up to.

I did feel the main conflict wasn’t as developed as it could have been and was  overwhelmed by the romance. Plus, while I enjoyed the slow ride of Liberty  and Devin’s romance, at times Liberty’s stubbornness became a hindrance. Regardless, this series continues to entertain and I recommend it to everyone who wants an erotic romantic contemporary series with realistic characters, emotional romances, strong friendships, and interesting lives that will keep you waiting for each installment. Even though each book in the series can be read as a standalone; some characters and situations bleed over.

RATING: B

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