Review of Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys #6) by Lorelei James

Hillbilly Rockstar is the sixth book in the Blacktop Cowboys series.

Devin McClain has been cornered into hiring full-time security after his tour bus driver was discovered nearly beaten to death on his bus. It's the latest in a string of strange occurrences, so his hand has been forced.

Liberty Masterson, now retired from the military, works for a security firm in Denver. Devin doesn't want obvious security, so she'll pose as his personal assistant. But only after a makeover.

Liberty takes her job seriously, and she soon realizes how much her presence is needed even if Devin won't. But sharing personal space on Devin's private bus quickly breaks down barriers between them.

I have yet to be disappointed with Lorelei James's writing.

Her insights into life on tour were fascinating, though the touring life was a backdrop to the romance and danger. Descriptions were on point as always, and the setting was well populated with details including the background characters. The road crew and band were a heavy piece of the setting, and they were quirky and fun to read about. For the first time in the series, the setting was outside of Muddy Gap, but they did visit the town, so we got to see Harper, her family, and the beloved Mud Lillies.

The dialog in this book was cheesier than in other books, but I still liked it. The goal is to make the cheese natural, and it was for the most part. Different characters spoke differently, which made the book more varied and nuanced. It filled out the setting even more with the background characters.

Devin was a typical heartthrob musician at the beginning, then his character unfolded to show him to be a complex man who is loving, down to earth, and fairly selfless. In past books, he showed himself to be willing to put in a day of hard work alongside his friends in Muddy Gap while also being the big country star. In the first chapter of this book, through Liberty's perspective, he's an egotistical asshole. It was a pleasure to watch her get to know him.

Liberty was also a complex character. She's a strong woman who spent years in the military. She knows her way around weapons and fighting, but she's also hiding a warm heart. Despite being my polar opposite, I identified with her and could get behind her as a reader.

These two were a great paring of opposites attract, and their heat was delicious. But their love was even better.

Photo Credit Katherine Elizabeth

Stars Image Credit lovethenerddesigns