Hang Tough

<b>3.5 STARS</b><br><blockquote> <b> <i><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380397315i/766520.png" width="50" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">We are together and that makes you mine. I take care of what's mine. From the smallest things to the biggest. Now close your eyes and pucker up, baby, 'cause I am gonna rock your world.”</i> </b> </blockquote><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1477783311ra/20992877.gif" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>Nice guys don't always finish last.<br><br>Tobin Hale has always been known as the nice guy in his small town, the boy scout that's perpetually friend zoned by women that crave someone with more edge. Leaving town to seek the career he wants may be his answer to everything, but before that he has one last duty.<br><br>When Tobin moves in with Garnet Evans’s in order to stop her son from forcing her out of her home, what he didn't expect is Garnet's beautiful and sassy granddaughter to test every ounce of his ironclad control.<br><blockquote> <b> <i><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380397315i/766520.png" width="50" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">The stubble on his jaw wasn't affected like the city guys she knew who didn't shave in an effort to appear more manly. This guy probably scared his razor away. He probably hadn't shaved because he had important manly stuff to do and didn't waste time with trivial stuff like running a blade over that beautifully chiseled face.</i> </b> </blockquote><br>Jade may need a break from the hustle and bustle of NYC and working three part time jobs, but she'd never admit it. But when her father asks her to look in on her grandmother that seems to have a hustler that recently moved in looking to hone in on her belongings, Jade knows what she needs to do. But she doesn't expect the tempting cowboy that greets her or the immediate sparks that fly between them<br><blockquote> <b> <i><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380397315i/766520.png" width="50" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">Say yes.” He brushed his lips across hers. Just once. “Admit you want to be a dirty little rule breaker too."<br>“I do,” she said breathlessly. “Like you wouldn't believe.”</i> </b> </blockquote><br>I loved the banter between these two. It starts out with a little hate/lust that soon begins to turn into something much more. Neither Tobin nor Jade deny their chemistry when they finally give into it. Their relationship is a tease at first, the sexual tension spanning over half the book. But when they finally give in? Yowza!<br><br>Tobin may be a nice guy, but that man sure has a dirty mouth on him. I loved that he had both sides to him, the dirty and the uber sweet.<br><blockquote> <b> <i><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380397315i/766520.png" width="50" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">Tobin?” she said softly. “What are you doing?”<br>“Memorizing you.”<br>“Why?”<br>Tobin forced his gaze back to hers. “Because when I close my eyes at night, I want to recall with perfect clarity every nuance of this face.”</i> </b> </blockquote><br>Garnet and the Mud Lilly's were the perfect comedic relief. Their colorful personalities never failed to put a smile on my face. And while I love the bad boys, it's a nice change of pace to read about a nice guy every now and then.<br><br>While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a touch too sweet for me at times and I found myself getting restless in the second half. There wasn't much tension going and even though Tobin and Jade burn up the sheets together it just wasn't enough to keep me riveted to the pages. The story was a great balance of sweet and sexy, and if that's what you're in the mood for, this will surely fit the bill. <br><br><i>ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review</i><br><br><b>Find me on:<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DirtyGirlRomance?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1436986543i/15525717.png" width="40" height="40" alt="Follow me on facebook" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DirtyGrlRomance" target="twitter" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1436986543i/15525718.png" width="40" height="40" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="http://www.dirtygirlromance.com" target="blog" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1436986543i/15525719.png" width="40" height="40" alt="blog" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><br><a href="http://dirtygirlromance.com" target="blog" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1436477285i/15465455._SX540_.jpg" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a></b>

Tobin is at crossroads in his life. He's been working at the Split Rock Ranch as a ranch hand, and under utilizing his specialties in farm animal reproductive and genetic research. Also, he's watched as each of his friends found love, and settled down, while Tobin, unfortunately, remains alone. Leaving Muddy Gap for those reasons becomes an imperative. <br /><br />He's all set to take a job in Cheyanne when his favorite Mud Lilly, Garnet, needs his assistance and protection. Seems like Garnet's stunts (Waving a gun around, and being locked up overnight for a drunken disorderly. Yes, she's a bit of an eccentric grandma!) have finally caught up with her, and Garnet's son is wondering if she's safe living on her own after hearing about her shenanigans. Garnet asks Tobin to move in and fend off any movers that might come and try and take her away to a nice, quite, boring nursing home. Tobin is happy to oblige because he couldn't bear for anyone to crush Garnet's free spirit.<br /><br />Jade Evans loves her Grandma Garnet. She knows GG gets up to trouble here and there, but mostly harmless fun. However, the news that some young cowboy has taken up residence at GG's is worrisome. Jade heads over to Muddy Gap to make sure her Grandma isn't being taken advantage of by some enterprising freeloader. What she finds is an infuriating, but oh-so-hot cowboy challenging her at every turn. <br /><br />Both Jade and Tobin are dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken them, so each can relate, (after they stop the snarking and snipping at each other) and find they have so much in common. Their mutual attraction was immediate, delicious, and intense! Love-to-hate romances are a lot of fun especially when they don't go on for too long. Jade and Tobin's relationship was low on drama and hot has hell! <br /><br />I loved Tobin's determined, bossy, possessive side, and oh lordy, a muscled cowboy gets me hot and bothered! Jade was normally a shy girl, but for some reason she had no problem sparring with Tobin, and pushing his buttons! <br /><br />All around, <b>Hang Tough </b>was a sizzling romance with great quirky secondary characters, making for a story I thoroughly enjoyed!<br /><i><br />A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.</i><br />

I've always enjoyed this series more than LJ's "Rough Riders" series, and this was no exception. Cute, sweet, funny...it hit a lot of my happy buttons. <br /><br />Tobin has been a staple in the series, the ultimate nice guy who has had to watch all his buddies get the girl. He and Jade were both likable characters, they interacted in a humorous and realistic way, and the first half or so of the book was one long delicious foreplay in their relationship and romance. I did have a bit of an issue once the sexual relationship began, however. Once the sex started, it didn't slow down for awhile. Long scenes that were a bit on the raunchy side, and tended to derail the story for a bit.<br /><br />It was redeemed by all the interactions with Garnet and the Mud Lilies; and the touching base with previous leads in the series. It was nice to see all the kids and to catch up with everyone's lives.<br /><br />It was fun for regular readers of the series...<br />

Oh, how I've missed this series! It was such a BLAST to journey back to Muddy Gap! Tobin and Jade's story was so sweet and simply swoon-tastic! Mouth-watering cowboys, crazy Mud Lilies, and a budding romance that will make you sigh over and over again.<br><br>HANG TOUGH was a sexy and uplifting journey of two lost souls brought together by a crazy, loving, old soul. I laughed, I teared up, and yet, you couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. <br><br>It's sweet, charming, and undeniably steamy! If you thought you knew Tobin Hale from previous books in the series, you have no idea what you're in for. This man loves, and he loves HARD! <br><br><b> <i>"Fuck. I wanted you before," he murmured, "but nothin' like the way I want you now."<br><br>He brushed his lips across the shell of her ear.<br><br>"Don't retreat after this, Jade. Don't tell me this was a mistake."</i> </b><br><br>See what I mean? Hot DAMN Tobin!<br><br>Hate turns into respect, which then turns into a molten chemistry these two just can't deny. The feisty banter turns into flirtatious banter, and then turns into down and dirty filthy talk between these two lovable characters. All the meanwhile, we have ridiculous and loving Garnet in the background making things happen. These characters are just amazing! Like all of the other characters in the Blacktop Cowboys Series, they all have become like family to me. <br><br>If you love sexy western romances with HOT cowboys, feisty city girls, and crazy grandmas you just don't know what to do with...then HANG TOUGH is the next book for you!<br><br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/94917053@N02/30270727710/in/dateposted-public/" title="HANG TOUGH teaser" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1477442109i/20952249._SX540_.jpg" width="640" height="460" alt="HANG TOUGH teaser" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/94917053@N02/28540592101/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unknown" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1469754424i/19854238.jpg" width="500" height="190" alt="Unknown" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

Tobin, sometimes has to be the semi-responsible one in the relationship, “because your grandma will be up here at any moment. I’d rather not get caught grinding on you with my tongue in your mouth.” I really loved Jade, the girl was snarky, and when she was drunk, entertaining as hell, "he grinned and shed his pants. Jade’s eyes zeroed in on his ***k. Her mouth dropped open and the condom fell out. “Tobin. Is that what women mean when they say, ‘He’s hung like a horse’?” I loved this book from start to finish.

OMG I love Tobin, I have been waiting for his book since forever. I have always loved him and his relationship with the Mudlillies. This book did not disappoint. It is very well written the story flows nicely and the characters are 100% real. I can not wait till the next book in this series comes out. As always Mrs. James wrote a great book.

Hang Tough (Blacktop Cowboys #8) by Lorelei James When Tobin Hale stepped in to stop Garnet Evans’s son from railroading her out of her own home, he knew moving in with his favorite Mud Lily could be seen as strange. But nothing prepared him for the arrival of Garnet’s fiery, beautiful granddaughter, Jade—or her assumption that he’s up to no good...   While Tobin might be the hottest man Jade Evans has ever seen, his physical attributes won’t distract her from protecting her grandma from his sweet-talking ways. But the stubborn cowboy digs in his boot heels and refuses to leave. Stuck in close quarters together, Jade learns Tobin is the real deal—a hardworking, fiercely loyal man and she’s the one in danger of losing her heart.   And just when he was prepared to leave Muddy Gap behind, Tobin may have found the kind of woman worth sticking around for.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br />I always like to mention how rare five star ratings are in connection with my reviews because it really kind of says how much I either enjoyed the book or how much it affected me on a personal level.<br />For those who are familiar with my blog I typically equate four star ratings with five stars but five stars set apart those that in my opinion are so much more. Granted everyone will have their own opinion about Hang Tough, some of you will love it some of you won't love it as much but for me I really did.<br />I loved Lorelei's descriptive imagery in this book, as a writer she has done a great job setting a scene and creating personalities in her cast that appealed to me.<br />What I mean by cast is obviously the characters in an authors book but I like to think of it as a cast because once in awhile there are just those books that feel alive to me in my mind that play just like a film. I see the people, I feel them and that's what Hang Tough did for me.<br />I appreciated that between the h/h that there was plenty of sexual dynamic going on without the entire book just being filler between all the sex. We get more personal journey and action this time around along with our more steamier scenes.<br />Thank you Lorelei for breathing both life and passion together and balancing them out.<br />I also got a good kick out of the whole magnum hung like a horse three pump chump action. He can be well endowed but that don't mean he's impressive when it boils down to *bang bang bang - ding - done.*<br />I don't think I laughed so hard as I did when I read that but atleast Tobin and Jade seemed impressed.<br />Still all the chuckles aside I liked the personal and emotional journey both Tobin and Jade were on, I liked that they got through the hard places and were strong as a couple as they were as individuals. Thank you for sharing them with the rest of us.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />                                                 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />          <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br />Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Penguin/Berkley<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />.<br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br />If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />

Angeline's review posted at <a href="http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews</a><br /><br />Holy, hot cowboy! Hang Tough (A Blacktop Cowboys Novel) is another AMAZING story by New York Times Bestselling author Lorelei James. Tobin and Jade are a normally extraordinary couple who faced real life in a real way. They learned that assumptions are often wrong and love can be found where you least expect it.<br /><br />This fun, lighthearted story with hot sex, a charming (and nice!) cowboy and a sweet (and shy!) city girl hit all of the requirements for a wonderful plot that lead us to a fabulous happily ever after. Don’t get me wrong; there are serious moments and topics that break your heart. Real life issues that can’t be easily swept away. Watching the characters deal with the ups and downs in life makes for one exciting read. <br /><br />It’s always fun to see snippets of previous characters. Watching all of the kids growing up is a joy. The Mud Lilies take on a bigger role in Hang Tough and they are divine. My favorite is the animosity between Riss and Ike that is hilariously fun. I’m not sure if they are getting their own story, but I’d love to read it!<br /><br />Miss James writes with heart. She weaves a story that makes me feel I’m a part of the plot. From her lovely characters to the gorgeous back drop of Muddy Gap, WY. I’m all in when it comes to Lorelei James and her Blacktop Cowboys! <br /><br />Review copy given with no expectation.

I love all the men of the Blacktop Cowboys series, but Tobin may have just shot straight to the top of my list. His perfect combination of sweet, thoughtful boy-next-door charm and Alpha sexiness makes him practically perfect, in my opinion. His love and genuine affection for the Mud Lilies has always made him appealing, but now I know there's so much more to love about him. Just as he's fixing to leave Muddy Gap to pursue work in his chosen field, his friend Garnet Evans, asks for his help. The more I learned about Tobin--his family history, his goals, his loneliness and frustration with his inability to find work in his career of choice, the more I loved him. When Garnet's granddaughter, Jade, arrives from NYC, it's not exactly love at first sight for her and Tobin. I really enjoyed their interactions-- these two were quite funny and entertaining, but their moments of vulnerability are what really touched me, and had me rooting for them to get both their HEA and for them to realize their career goals.

This was a funny, sexy romance!<br />I found myself being drawn into the story and I absolutely fell in love with the characters! <br />Brilliant writing and wonderful story line!