Branded As Trouble (Rough Riders Book 6)

The Rough Riders series has got to be my favorite romantica series EVER. I have been waiting for Keely's story, because I knew it would be super hot. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Lorelei- you've done it again, and PLEASE don't ever stop!

Lorelei James keeps surprising me with her agile ability to delve into the lives of characters—even the outcasts. Although outcast is a mild term to use for Colt. Even his family is disgusted by his behavior. Even his family doesn’t believe that he can change and overcome his demons. Even when he does.

I love that India and Colt are strong characters in their own right. They aren’t trying to stay sober for one another. Sobriety in and of itself is their shared goal.

And here’s a secret about Lorelei James’ books that I will tell you if you didn’t know: even though every book has a HEA (come on, this is not a spoiler—this is the romance genre law) she refrains from giving us lengthy epilogues. Why is this important? It’s not important so much as strategic. I’m dying to delve into her next so that I can find out what is happening with my favorite characters. Babies? Marriages? All questions are answered in subsequent books. Authors wishing to addict their readers to their worlds should take note.

Colt is the middle McKay child and the most reckless. After finding out his cousin died, and waking up in bed with a bunch of random people, his cousin takes him to rehab.
India is younger sister to Skylar who opens up the first tattoo shop in town. Pierced and tattooed herself, she has been a recovering alcoholic/addict for 5 years.
Starting as a friendship forged through sobriety things change after an accident in the shop.
These books are so well written. She took 2 wounded people and gave them such a beautiful story filled with hope. Plus, the sex between these 2 is on fire.

4.75stars actually
I so love Colt & India's story! It just might be my favorite so far in the series. (It's neck & neck with Kade's story.) India's bravado to hide her true feelings was quite telling. Colt's façade was just as flashy and brittle. This couple has that grounded in reality feeling and it's great that they are both flawed.

One presumes these two flawed and damaged humans have been slowly healing each other since Tied Up, Tied Down. But for certain this time out is all about them learning to trust again and discover each other. The romance is sweet, flirty and sensual. It's built for the road they are planning to travel together. Both Colt & India have hit bottom and scrambled their way to the top but not always to welcoming arms. When they decided their feeling for each other had passed the boundaries of platonic friendship but independently decide they can't succeed with secrets between them is one of the best written scenes of the book. Or when they each were so afraid to lose the friendship they both treasured if the romance didn't work out! Good Stuff! Both are great steps that added another dimension for their characters. As usual, the set-ups for the next few couples also made strong strides so I am eager for the next installment.

There was a lot of dirty laundry airing on these lines for the neighbors to inspect and I loved examining each and every piece of it.

Welcome to another deliciously hot read from Lorelei James's Roughrider series. This is book 6 and I've come to the conclusion that James can do no wrong as each instalment is more addictive than the last. Somehow she always manages to keep the storylines fresh and the numerous sexcapades just different enough that they never feel formulaic or repetitive. We're also guaranteed updates on our past couples (which I love) and here they show off their prolific baby making skills, makin me think that there must be something in that Wyoming water. With Colt and India we get a sweet fiends to lovers theme and anyone that's followed the series will give a big cheer as our two black sheep finally find acceptance, unconditional love and unique uses for caramel, whipped cream and body piercings.

Reformed bad boy Colt McKay has been with us throughout, branded the troublemaker of the McKay family due to his womanizing, hard drinking and unreliable ways. By book 3 (Cowgirl Up And Ride) Colt finally hit rock bottom, realizing after the death of his cousin that he needed help and entering recovery. Over the course of the next two books we witnessed Colt getting his sheep together with the support of his AA sponsor India Ellison who he's also developed a serious crush on.

"Indy" as Colt calls her has also been with us for a couple of books now, as the tattooed, pierced, free spirited, wild child sister of Skylar (Tied Up, Tied Down) She certainly doesn't fit into the normal mould of a Wyoming rancher woman and makes no excuses for it. As a walking advertisement for her tattoo shop she's been clean and sober for 8 years and for the last 3 has spent all her spare time with best friend and fellow addict Colt.

All that changes the night Indy shoots Colt in the butt with a nail gun. For whatever reason she finally sees him in a whole new sexy light (Personally I think it may have been the sight of his bare a$$) but whatever the reason they decide to give dating a try. Neither of them wants to mess up their friendship though so they agree to take things slowly at first, with some proper old fashioned dinners, dancing and a strict no sex for 2 weeks policy. And that's when the fun begins folks ...just how far can they tempt and tease each other before somebody loses it?

We're given plenty of almost moments and James does a great job here with hilarious internal dialogue as the pair wades into unfamiliar territory with strong, sober feelings neither has dealt with before. At the end of the dating period all bets are off, as belt buckles and cowboy boots hit the floor and some serious sexual frustration is released. Yeehaw!

This is a very fun and satisfying romance and although the endings kinda predictable I just loved spending time with the wild, sexy and charming McKay's again.

This sixth installment of the Rough Rider series shows author, Lorelei James coming into her own. For those who have labeled her books as strictly erotica or "mommy porn", I encourage you to take another look. It's about living with addictions and recovery. It about how those things destroy family relationships and how they can be put back together. It's a story about redemption and forgiveness. I became invested in these characters and cannot wait to read about them later in the series.

India Blue Ellison is many things in the small town where she and her sister have settled. She is a tattoo shop owner, sister, A. A. sponsor and best friend to name a few. She is also someone who knows what it is like to confront people's preconceived notions. Though she is a walking advertisement for piercing, tattoos and wild hair, she is not a drugged out teenager. In fact she spends most of her time with her best buddy, Colt McKay watching movies and eating popcorn, or just hanging around.

Colt has spent three years clean and sober, though none of his family seem to think that he has changed his boozing, unreliable and whoring around lifestyle. The truth is that not only has he been clean and sober for three years but the only woman who interests him in the least is the one that he can't have. Namely his A. A. sponsor, India, who makes his blood sing like no one else ever has. When Colt finally lets his feelings be known, will it ruin the friendship and more importantly will India agree to date Colt? Especially when he wants to take things slow?

Ms. James has written a lot of strong and interesting characters in the Rough Riders series but I think that India has to be one of my all-time favorites, I am glad she is finally getting her story told. Now to just get Cam's story...

I have loved India's sarcastic and fun character for a while now in Ms. James' books and am glad to see that not only she but Colt gets the possibility of a happy ever after. Ms. James tackles a big issue with many people in this story - the issue of trust. Not only is this dealt with but, the issues of alcoholism are also dealt with. And dealt with well at that, so many authors would not have dealt with all of the different aspects of this disease (personal, friends and impact on family) that I find this story not only super erotic but fantastic on another level. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Cam and India seemed to see more of what was going on in Colt's life than even Colt was willing to deal with. Ok and the fact that the story starts with India "nailing Colt" had me laughing for quite a while. I Joyfully Recommend Branded as Trouble and can't wait for the next story by Ms. James.

Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Colt McKay never thought the first time he spent in bed with India Ellison would be after she had shot him in the ass. He has been in love with her since she first crashed into his life three years ago. Only one problem - she was also off limits. She was his best friend, but more importantly she was his AA sponsor. Colt didn't want to jeopardize their current relationship on any level, but he knew he had to be with her. He had held off his feelings for as long as he could, but now that his life was starting to fall into place, he couldn't do it anymore.

India didn't know how it happened. One day she and Colt were best friends, and after his ass incident, she couldn't stop thinking about him as a man. She had always known how gorgeous and built he was, but when he showed his sweet and caring side with her nieces, she knew she was a goner. She had lived through some difficult times just as Colt had, but at least her sister was behind her no matter what. His family left little to be desired. He had been clean and sober for over three years, but they kept waiting for him to slip into old habits. They never gave him credit for the changes he had made. They were never there when he really needed someone to lean on.

India didn't know how to react when Colt suggested they start dating. Even though it meant putting aside their lust for each other for a short time, Colt refused to sleep with her during the first two weeks of courtship. Colt wanted to know India before they took their relationship to the next level. When they made their relationship public, everyone made it clear they didn't want them to be together, and made it difficult for them at every turn. As misunderstandings began to interfere with the fragile happiness Colt and India had found, they began to wonder if they could make the love between them be enough.

I am loving the Rough Riders series! The characters and stories are so well written. I have been waiting a long time to read Colt's story, and it did not disappoint. He was unappreciated and underestimated by those that should have loved him the most. His family wrote him off as a drunk and a womanizer not giving him any credit for the positive changes he made in his life. It took the love of India to complete him, and make him whole. We get to catch up with the other McKay family members that we have come to know so well. I am hoping that Cam's story is next because this disabled vet's story is just begging to be told. Great read!!

Another amazing Cowboy love story! This book's couple (Colt and India) have to manage their addictions and recovery. In addition to the steamy sex (!!!) our couple learns to open up, talk to each other, forgive and stand up for one another. I very much appreciate Lorelei James' handling of the addiction/recovery part of the story. Well done!

Colt and India do NOT disappoint in this book. Another McKay bad boy, Colt, meets his match in India. They have both been through a lot in their lives and have been best friends since she came to town and became his sponsor. But when they realize their feelings for each other go much deeper than friends, the sparks fly and the sex is H*O*T!

Love comes unexpectedly to her as his has been there all along. When recovering addicts connect and move their lives forward past errors can not be easily overlooked by them or family. Bit as you go one day at a time one week at a time all that melts away to what really matters. How you feel about each other.

In the previous book, India struck me as a straight shooter with her life on track, and team her up with Colt, the “bad boy”” and it makes an interesting read. From wariness in the beginning because of each of their past, and to see it evolve into so much more. Couldn’t put it down.

India operated tattoo pallor. She didn't look like your typical rural western woman with tattoos and piercings. Still she is a big hearted woman who wants to be part of the town where she lives. She does have friends in the community and her sister and her family live close by. India also is also a recovering addict and attends AA meetings. She's been the sponsor of one of the son of one of the town's leading family's, Colt McKay for the past 3 years. They've gotten to be best friends though there are times that India wishes it was more but she treasurers her friendship with Colt too much to risk it on a different type of relationship. India's never been too good with relationships.

Colt has dreams the include India and not as his best friend or AA sponsor. After 3 years of waiting, he's gotten to the point of making his move or giving up. When India has a date with his cousin, Colt finds that he is jealous and instead of wooing India, he gets in a fight with her. When they make up, Colt finally asks India out for a date and even though they both desire sex, Colt is insisting that they do the date thing correctly with no sex.....at least for 2 weeks.

Can they make this transition from best friends to lovers? Can Colt's family accept a woman who isn't like any other that they'd met before? And is it proper for an AA sponsor to date their sponsoree?

Things heat up even more when Colt's brother Cam forces their family to recognize that they don't really know each other. Colt is a recovering addict but his family can't seem to understand that he's not the person he was before. They also don't understand that there isn't a time limit to recover from an addiction. Can the McKay family come to grips with the new Colt or will they resist the changes that everyone sees but them?

This is the 6th book in Ms James's Rough Rider series. While this book can stand alone and you don't need to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one, reading the previous books will give you a better insight on the main characters in this book and the secondary characters. Besides, all of the characters in this series are fun to read about.

The book has many real life issues in it. One of the main ones is the difficulties recovering addicts have. Ms James explores this somewhat touchy subject with compassion and realism that touches the reader. India and Colt's desires to backslide are gripping and any one who has ever had a craving can relate to the thought just a little bit. The way Colt's family acts around him and thinks about his addictions is perfect. No parent wants their child to be an addict and for them to want it to go away is a common response. But this book addresses more issues than just addictions and their impacts on lives. India is different so she is somewhat of an outcast in her small rural town. How often do people judge others by their looks and not by their deeds or thoughts? A wonderful group called Little Buddies is prominent highlighting the need for role models in single parent households. This group is similar to Big Brothers. With all these real life issues and themes lased throughout this book, it's almost as if you live in this town.

Even though you are reading about some serious issues, it's with done with some humor and heart felt emotions. Ms James gets you so involved with her characters that you end up laughing at points and you are reaching for tissues at others.

Overall though, this is a love story. India and Colt aren't perfect but they are wonderful characters. Their interactions while not always loving are always intense. When they finally do move their relationship to one of lovers, the graphic sex scenes are done with sensitivity and such feeling that you want to be India or someone like her receiving this raw desire.

The secondary characters are even well thought out and fun. They range from twin infants who love their Uncle Colt and drive their Aunt India nuts to Colt's parents who are having to reassess their relationship with Colt and India. And it's not only immediate family that become part of this story but members of the town like the local café's cook and the young children in the Little Buddy's program. All of these characters add dimension to the story and give readers some hints concerning future books.

Ms James has written another awesome book about her McKay family. It's no wonder that loyal fans count down until the next release and buy her current book as fast as they can. This family with their drop dead cowboy looks and their loving ways has many a reader dreaming about a cowboy of their own.

(From Night Owl Romance Reviews)

I love Colt and India's story! I especially like the way they were friends for three years before becoming lovers - that development was very important to their story. Colt's transition from extremely troubled and messed up to a responsible adult was dealt with well, especially in relation to his siblings. It's hard to show those you love that you have changed, but even harder for them to accept it, sometimes. Lorelei did a great job with this issue.

Sixth in the Rough Riders erotic romance series revolving around the extended McKay family of Wyoming ranchers. The couple focus is on Colt McKay and India Ellison.

My Take
it started out fun and kept going. Well, except for a few little hiccups along the way. If James is going to make an issue of India's esteem issues, then do it. Instead, she treats it in a very low-key manner and ya barely notice it.

Hah! Seems Colt had the last laugh on his family...good on him. Especially when you keep reading and see just how the McKays treated their brother/son. Hmmph.

We do get a ringside seat for the backstory on both Colt and India. What likely led to Colt's downhill spiral and India's addiction history. Not pretty. But ya gotta be impressed by the grit each has demonstrated with their recovery. A lifetime of recovery.

Oh man...an erotic romance in which the focus couple is celibate. That's one for the books!

James has inserted a bit on how the finances for the McKay spread works...I got a headache trying to figure it out...

Ohhh, the ending is so incredibly sweet and so incredibly true...it's the best way to develop a relationship.

The Story
Oops...seems India shot Colt in the butt with a nailgun and now he's recuperating at her place. With time on his hands and Cam's encouragement to think about taking his friendship with India to the next level. Except for that date she accepts with Blake West! WTF?!?

Well, it seems that Colt is a quitter 'cause he asks someone else to the community dance. And just breaks India's heart. It's Sky and Kade going off on a second honeymoon that gives Colt a chance to recoup lost ground.

That's not the only breakin' goin' on either. It takes Cam to jump on his family and read `em the riot act about how they treat Colt and it's bad feelin's all around.

It's just one fight after another--the McKays, Carolyn, Cat, and then Colt with India.

The Characters
India Ellison is Colt's AA sponsor and has her own tattoo business in town. Colt McKay has been clean for three years now and best friends with India all that time. Trying to figure out how to get in her bed.
Cameron McKay was invalided out of the military and is now a Crook County Deputy. And very supportive of his brother, Colt. Doctor Monroe is a friend of Cam's and will make housecalls for him. The former Kane, now-Buck McKay is helping with Little Buddies, one of whom is Hayden. Carson and Carolyn West McKay are their parents. The rest of the family includes Colby, Cord, Carter, and sister Keely.

The girl Cam is sweet on, Domini Katzinski, works at Velma and Macie (she's pregnant again) McKay`s diner, the Dewey Delish Dish. Cat is Domini's boss at the diner. For the moment. Dr. Jay and Susie Brewer. The doc is a veterinarian and an old schoolfriend of Colt's. A very competitive friend.

Blake West is doing the remodeling on India's shop and he's been asking India to go out with him. Chassie West Glanzer is pregnant and, along with Trevor and Edgard, giving India some useful advice (and Edgard changed his last name legally to Glanzer).

Skylar and Kade don't participate much socially these days. Not since the twins, Shannie and Peyton, came along. Eliza Belle is their oldest daughter.

The Cover
It's the Rough Riders trademark cover with its carved leather floral scroll separating the base beige border from the sepia-toned black-and-white photograph. I'm guessing it's bad boy Colt McKay holding the woman up against his chest, one huge hand twisted in her T-shirt while the other hand is against her stomach with her hand on top of his. Too bad it's not India Ellison.

I suspect the title refers to India, Branded as Trouble with all her tattoos. Ahem...unlike the model on the cover.

Colt and India meet at AA while getting their lives back on track. After being friends for 3 years, they are both ready to take the relationship to the next level. Add in a big family, nosy neighbors, and small town living and their courtship takes some work!

Lorelei James does it again and those McKay boys are dropping like flies. Branded as Trouble is Colt story, three years after his start of sobriety. His relationship with India, Skylar's sister, has grown from sponsor to friend to lover. With plenty of bumps throughout their path, including a much needed blowup among the McKay men, Colt and India find their own way through the muck that is life onto a solid foundation that will last them a lifetime. I really enjoyed Colt's story, especially since we got to see his softer side.

Loved this story about two adults finding their way after battling alcoholism. A tattoo artist and a cowboy are an unlikely pair and despite their three year friendship suddenly discover a heated attraction that can't be denied.

I have been waiting most impatiently for Colts story. Seeing him struggle with his relationship with his family was hard. I found myself getting very passionate about it and wanting to jump in and defend him right along with Cam. Getting to see Colt and India struggle with sobriety was very humbling, but we also get to see them fight for love, which is wonderful.

As always Lorelei James does a fantastic job of tugging on the heartstrings while at the same time making all your lady parts tingle!

I. Love. This. Story. Colt and India are flawed and real and are so very perfect for each other. The fact that they began as friends makes this even better. And so far I gotta say, India may very well be my favorite female Character so far.

Branded as Trouble is sixth in Lorelei James' Rough Riders series. I consider this series one of the best crafted erotic romance series out there... if you are a fan of erotic romance, I can't recommend them enough. (These are steamy, erotic books. If you are bashful and plan to stay that way, they probably aren't for you.) While this title, Branded as Trouble, is my favorite of the series, I strongly recommend reading the series in order. The characters develop over the series, and you will miss out by skipping the backstory. But hey - you can always buy this one, read it, enjoy it (a lot!), then go back & read the whole series and read this one again. I've read Branded as Trouble three times, and it may be my favorite erotic romance of all time. The realistic character development without artificial plot devices (angels, vampires, demons) is refreshing. And hey... hot cowboys! Lorelei James even has this city girl listening to the local country station, and that's saying a lot.

In previous books we see Colt hit absolute rock bottom and I can't speak for anyone else, but I did not really like him at all. Imagine my surprise when I finished this book with Colt being my favorite RR cowboy. The sex scenes are amazing, of course, but we get to see how far Colt has come in his life. It doesn't take long to figure out that Indy went through quite a bit in her life too and together they make a great couple. BAT is argueably my favorite RR book and anyone who is into contemporary western romance will love it too.

I don't say this lightly. This book was magnificent and satisfying on every level imaginable. Colton McKay will forever hold the top spot as my book boyfriend. My suggestion is to read the other books in the series before this one so you can truly appreciate and celebrate Colt's transformation. A beautifully written and complex character who will leave you longing to hear him whisper in your ear, among other things......

Colt and India story deals so well with real life issues. Both are recovering addicts. I love friends to lovers stories and this one is one of the best. There is plenty of HOT sex and also a lot of funny moments. Lorelei James does such a wonderful job of bring her characters to life and at least to me, they feel like friends and I can't wait for the next visit.

You cannot go wrong buying this or any of the other Rough Riders.

My husband always asks me about my "housewife porn" AKA romance/erotica. I don't think a book has ever taken on that mantle as well as this book. Forget plot, get to the sex. All the sex. In every position. In every room. All the time.

Super story of recovering a life and rediscovering the capacity to love. Colt and India play out a totally unconventional romance as they deal with their inner demons while falling in love. Must read!

Lorelei James pens yet another wonderful story about the McKay's! The entire series is in the MUST-READ category. Colt & India's story shows a touching (& HOT) story of friends becoming lovers. They overcome many struggles to get to their happily-ever-after. A very realistic journey that is well done.