Review of Spun Out (Blacktop Cowboys #10) by Lorelei James
Spun Out is the tenth book in the Blacktop Cowboys series.
Bailey Masterson spent twelve years in the army, equipping her for many things that don't translate to civilian life. She decides to spend her summer with her sister Harper and her family, but she wants something solid to occupy her time. She begins working at Harper's store in the main lodge of the Split Rock Resort. On her first day, she discovers a group of hellion children running rampant and is shocked. She is hired to run a boot camp one day a week to improve the children's behavior.
One of those children is Olivia, Streeter Hale's daughter. Her behavioral issues stem from her mother's death, and Streeter hasn't been able to control her. From the first time he sets eyes on Bailey, he wants to get closer, but what does him in is the improvement in Olivia's behavior from her time with Bailey.
As the two grow closer and Bailey grows closer to Olivia, they can't deny their feelings. Streeter wants more than just sex with her, but Bailey has secrets she doesn't want anyone to know. Secrets that could destroy her relationship not only with Streeter but also with Harper.
I loved this book. Streeter just barely appeared at the end of Hang Tough, as he got a job at the Split Rock when his older brother and father abandoned him, and Tobin, his youngest brother, came to his rescue. This book takes place several years later when Streeter is established in his job at the resort. Bailey was first introduced in the second book, Saddled and Spurred, where she joined the army and left Harper hanging in the breeze. This book takes place twelve years later.
Streeter was a sweet man, overwhelmed with the problems Olivia's behavior both stems from and causes. He does his best to curb her, but she still runs wild. He is a loving father who does what he can and is thrilled at the prospect of what Bailey's boot camp could provide.
From the first time Bailey meets Olivia, she's struck by how wild she is. But they quickly bond, bringing her closer to Streeter. The chemistry between Bailey and Streeter builds into a need they no longer want to deny, and their subsequent sexual relationship is hot and steamy.
Streeter's inexperience made for a surprise and watching him unfurl his desires with Bailey was satisfying. His gradual desire for romance with her, not just sex, warmed my heart.
Bailey's secrets that weren't revealed until close to the end made her hold back with Streeter, and because I didn't know her secrets, I was both confused and curious as to why Bailey could possibly deny her feelings for such a wonderful man. When her secrets came to light, they broke my heart and made me understand why she didn't follow her desires in her relationship with him.
Her relationship with Harper was a little rocky in this book because neither wanted to admit what was really happening in their lives. Liberty, Bailey's oldest sister, knew exactly what was happening with her but had agreed to let Bailey reveal her issues in her own time. Bailey called Harper out on her shortcomings and it caused a bit of a rift between them. It was hard to read both, and when I finally understood Bailey's truth, it made things all the more heartbreaking.
Both characters were well written, as in all the Blacktop Cowboys books, and I couldn't help getting involved in their story and both rooting for them and wanting to shake sense into them.
As always, the descriptions were superb, and we got to see more of the Split Rock Resort as well as the Turner and Hale ranches. I wish I could have seen Streeter's home finished and them living in it, but alas it is not to be.
Dialog was smooth and engaging, realistic and compelling. I always enjoy all aspects of Lorelei James's writing and find her to be one of the best romance writers I've had the pleasure of exploring.
I am disappointed to have reached the end of the series, but hope to read more of Lorelei James's writing in the future. This series will be on the list of books I wish to own so I can read them again and again.
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