Review and Giveaway: Hillbilly Rockstar

Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys - Book 6) by Lorelei James

Publication Date: 08/05/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Pages: 400
ISBN-10: 0451413970
ISBN-13: 978-0451413970

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Lorelei James on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Blacktop Cowboys

1. Corralled
2. Saddled and Spurred
3. Wrangled and Tangled
4. One Night Rodeo
5. Turn and Burn
6. Hillbilly Rockstar

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Hillbilly Rockstar, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature

WARNING: This book is inappropriate for readers under the age of 18 years!

Synopsis:

She’s protecting his body and guarding her heart....
 
Country music star Devin McClain understands there’s a downside to life in the public eye, but the laidback Wyoming cowboy has never imagined he’d attract crazed fans who would do anything to garner his attention. When veiled threats become real, he agrees to hire a discreet security detail. But Devin is shocked when that bodyguard is a hard-bodied woman. He’s even more stunned to be attracted to the steely-eyed stunner.
 
Former soldier Liberty Masterson’s return to civilian life has been fraught with challenges until she lands a job with a prestigious security firm. But when she agrees to provide personal protection during a cross-country tour, she doesn’t realize she has signed up to masquerade as the playboy star’s girlfriend. Though she’s more comfortable in combat boots than high heels, she has no choice but to appear to be the sexy groupie Devin prefers.

Living in close quarters causes the chemistry between them to ignite, and Devin realizes he wants to turn their charade of a romance into reality. Although Liberty surrenders to his every whim behind closed doors, she fears the sexy country star doesn’t see the real her; and Devin can’t help but worry when the tour ends that there might not be enough between them to build something that won’t fade away....

Thoughts:

Author Lorelei James returns to her Blacktop Cowboys erotic romance series with the sixth installment, Hillbilly Rockstar. Fans of the series will find this one a bit of change from the hunky ranchers and cowboys that James usually writes about, but she doesn't stray too far. Country music and cowboys seem to go hand in hand with this story about a musician, his female bodyguard and the relentless price of fame. Readers looking for a steamy read, that tugs at the heartstrings, need look no further.

What I liked:

I have read several of Lorelei James' books, but never one from the Blacktop Cowboys series. Hillbilly Rockstar wasn't exactly what I expected but in this case that certainly wasn't an issue. James once again provides a book that has all the passion and heart needed in a great romance, while also giving readers a look into the behind scenes life of both a country music star and a security specialist. That's a lot on the plate for one book, but James pulls it off like a walk i the park, balancing all the different aspects of the story well and keeping the reader engaged and present throughout.

I am a country music fan. Yep, I said it. I like all that twangy, gritty, music about loving, lying and good ol' boys. But when it comes to reading I don't always like a story line that features a celebrity falling in love with a person off the street. But this one was a little different. Country star Devin McClain finds himself in a bit of a bind when his crew and record label decide he needs a bodyguard. What he doesn't expect is an ex-military, hard nosed woman like, Liberty to show up in his life. I can totally see where a bodyguard and a star could get together because they have to spend an inordinate amount of time together and the stakes are pretty high. So the plot was totally believable for me and gave me great look into both the perils of the rockstar lifestyle and the grit and tenacity of the typical bodyguard. 

I loved the behind the scenes look at the Devin's tour and felt like I could understand his tension and the backbreaking pace at which his life was traveling. Being a musician at that level has it's perks for sure, but everything comes at a cost. The cost of his freedom, his peace and almost his life. I don't think I realized the demands put on a star to such an extent before. It rang true and I am sure readers will feel the authenticity that James gives the story. 

Liberty's life as an ex-military woman, trying to reenter society and find a place for herself was no less entertaining. Seeing her change and adapt to each situation she was faced with, showed her resilience and fortitude. She wasn't an easy lady to understand and that made it all the more engaging to read about her. Both of these characters was amazing. James does a great job of showing all the reasons they shouldn't be together and all the reasons that they should. 

The romance was hot and steamy and these two were definitely a case of opposites attracting. Liberty is used to being in complete control of most situations but Devin is an alpha male in his own way and takes over in the bedroom, giving Liberty a chance to let go and experience love making from a whole new perspective. I thought this part of the book was passionate and sensual and had all the right elements. 

What I didn't like:

Liberty's stubbornness did get in the way a little bit, but I felt like that was an essential part of her character. She is portrayed as a tough as nails woman. Had she given in and turned over that control early on in the novel, I don't think it would have been as good. But at times it felt like she was trying to hard to appear tough. Sometimes I want a lead character who isn't afraid to let go.

Bottom Line:

As far as cowboy romances go, this one was top notch. James gives readers two totally opposite characters and makes a way for them to be together, proving that true love always finds a way. The behind the scenes look at both the music and security industries was entertaining and interesting. It showed the hard line and hard work it takes to be in the spotlight and the sacrifices it takes for fame. An awesome erotic read!

Hillbilly Rockstar is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! 

About the Author:

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary erotic romances set in the modern-day Wild West. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family...and a whole closetful of cowgirl boots. Her latest novels in the Blacktop Cowboys series are Turn and Burn, One Night Rodeo, and Corralled. 

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Hillbilly Rockstar by Lorelei James.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, August 27th.

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