Cowgirls Don't Cry (Rough Riders Book 10)

Wow, where to begin!! Jessie is a grieving widow and Brandt is her brother in law.
2 years ago Jessie lost her husband to a car accident and it devastated her. Brandt tried to help her at the time to pick up the pieces and help around the house, but she didn't think it was anything but brotherly love. But according to Brandt, it was more. Now, 2 years down the line and Brandt has discovered one of Lukes secrets. A child with another woman and she is having trouble. Brandt offers to help her, but needs Jessies help. Only for a few months, but the closeness of this child has helped Brandt and Jessie grow closer. Not a complete happily ever after, but I am glad the child is safe and Jessie and Brandt are finally together as they should have been years ago!!

Jessie McKay widow wants nothing to do with McKay men period especially since her husband Luke couldn't be bothered to stay in her bed. Brandt McKay has loved Jessie since he first laid eyes on her four years ago and no other woman can compare in his eyes. Brandt is furious with Luke over his infidelity even more so now that there is proof of it~a son. Brandt gets temporary guardianship of Landon and knows that he needs help taking care of him. So Brandt goes to the only person who can help him Jessie. Brandt knows that Jessie will be immeasurably hurt by this news but also knows that Jessie's heart is big enough to care for Landon. Once Jessie gets over the shock of seeing Landon agrees to Brandt's arrangement. Landon worms his way into Jessie's heart in ways she hadn't thought possible but he's not the only one that does. Brandt would give anything to prove that he's nothing like Luke to Jessie. Will Jessie allow Brandt into her heart? Will Brandt admit his true feelings? What will become of Landon? Your answers await you in Cowgirls Don't Cry.

Jessie McKay has spent all the tears she'll ever cry over Luke McKay or so she thought until meeting Landon. I admire Jessie's courage in the face of meeting Luke's son and her commitment in taking care of him anyway. I wondered how this story would work out since learning of Luke McKay's death in previous books. Brandt McKay is an alpha male with gentle soul and gentlemanly ways. He hides darker side of himself from everyone because he fears losing control. Rough Riders Series keeps getting better and better with each book. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.

Another spectacular story of one of the McKay brothers. Brandt has loved Jessie since before she dated his brother Luke. He loved her when she was married to Luke. And after Luke was suddenly killed in an accident, he loved her still. When Luke's love child with a waitress ends up in Brandt's care, he needs Jessie to help him take care of him. There's nowhere to go but straight in love... and they do, with a lot of distractions, but the end result is worth it.

Tenth in the Rough Riders erotic romance series about an extended family of cowboys in Wyoming. The couple focus is on Jessie McKay, Luke's widow, and Brandt McKay, his brother.

My Take
This was a rather vague start, but it did provide background on what happened between Brandt stomping off in either All Jacked Up (Rough Riders, #8) or Raising Kane (Rough Riders, #9) and the start of today's story.

And, hoo boy, what a start! James certainly does come up with some unique ways to bring a couple together. It's a whole lotta nasty up until the end where a number of situations are resolved. I loved it!

In this one, the emotions are riding high in every direction. We learn why Casper is such a jerk and what happened in his past to cause him to take his stance against Luke's marrying Jessie. The pivot in this story is definitely a twist and does provide a good opportunity to try things out. Then there are the appalling gossips who have nothing better to do. We also find out about the courtship of Jessie and Luke. Definitely a case for substance over looks.

Whoaaa, Keely has some surprising things to say about Brandt and Jess. Makes you stop and think about the people you know, wonder what they're hiding.

I just love this series. It's a great combination of erotica and family values. Yeah, not what you'd expect in an erotic romance, but it's the best of both worlds. You can just feel the warmth and love the McKays have for each other when they're at Cord and AJ's for Thanksgiving, watching football. The warmth of the aftermath of the trip into the woods to cut down a Christmas tree for Brandt, Jessie, and Landon. Well, not so much Landon after the cookies.

Still, it's a bad situation and I really can't blame Jess at all. She's done enough. Put up with enough. But well worth it when it leads to understanding what real love is all about.

James has a real story in each book and a central theme throughout the series and you won't go wrong in reading it all.

The Story
It opens with Keely and Jack's wedding day and Brandt has some bad news for Jessie. Seems Luke was a bit productive when he was out cattin' around and now his illegitimate son needs a temporary home. And Brandt needs her help. God knows, it would be too dangerous to ask his folks to help!

It does bring things to a head with Brandt, Tell, and Dalton's dad, Casper.

The Characters
Jessie McKay is Luke's widow (see Shoulda Been A Cowboy (Rough Riders, #7)) and from the sound of it, much better off without the jerk! It's only Luke's parents who toss her aside; the rest of the McKays stepped up. Naturally, she has her own issues to get through. She works for Skylar McKay at the daycare facility at the Sky Blue factory. Lexie is her dog. Billy Reynolds is her stepdad and more interested in rodeoing. Josie is her kid sister. Her mom is married now to Roger Randolph (teaches) and lives in Riverton.

Brandt McKay is Luke's brother and he's been in love with Jessie from the start. That boy is one long-suffering, patient cowboy. Casper is their jerk of a dad who hasn't worked the ranch in the past ten years; Joan is their long-suffering mother. She could be the poster child for why honesty is the best policy. Dalton and Tell are his brothers. Tell, the peacemaker, is working on getting certified as a PRCA judge.

Landon is Luke's sixteen-month-old son with one of his pickups, Samantha Johnston.

Casper (the oldest son), Cal, Carson, and Charlie are brothers and the grandparents in this saga; Jed McKay was their dad.

Calvin and Kimi McKay
Kade and Kane are their identical twin sons. Kade and Skylar have Eliza and the three-year-old twins: Shannie and Peyton (Tied Up, Tied Down (Rough Riders, #4)). Jessie's situation helps Skylar decide to open up the daycare to all the McKay cousins.

Kane and Ginger McKay have Hayden and the twins: Madelyn and Paulson (Raising Kane (Rough Riders, #9)).

Carson and Carolyn McKay
Carter (Western artist) and Macie (cooks and manages some restaurants) have Thane, Parker, Spencer, and the new baby girl, Poppy (Rode Hard, Put Up Wet (Rough Riders, #2)). Cord and AJ have Kyler and Foster (Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders, #3)). Colby and Channing have Gib, Braxton, Miles, and Austin (Long Hard Ride (Rough Riders, #1)). Colt and India (tattoo artist) have Hudson and a new baby boy, Ellison (Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders, #6)). Cam (cop) and Domini have a number of adopted kids including Anton (Nadia's son), Leisl, and the twins, Dimitri and Oxsana. See Shoulda Been A Cowboy. (No mention of the two, Markus and Sasha, Domini was thinking of adopting in All Jacked Up.) Keely just married Jack (also in All Jacked Up).

Charlie and Vi McKay
Quinn, Bennett, and Chase are his boys. Quinn is married to Libby (Wild Ride: Strong, Silent Type (Rough Riders, #6.5)) and they have Adam and a new baby girl, Amelia. Ben is still a bachelor with a log cabin he built himself. A real bachelor's pad. His dogs are named Ace and Deuce. Chase is now one of the top fifteen bull riders in the world, although he's a little too interested in the buckle bunnies.

Simone also works at Sky Blue. Doctor Joely Monroe is involved in Landon's care and assessment.

The Cover
The cover is rather sedate for a Rough Rider... The traditional bottom border of leather with a carved floral motif separating it from the sepia-toned "black-and-white" photo is there, but there's something different about it... Of the couple on the cover, Jessie, in her low-slung jeans with its concha belt and her pillow-ticking cropped blouse, is being firmly held and about to be kissed by a shirtless Brandt in hat, jeans, and thick, leather belt.

The title is Jessie to a T. She keeps telling herself that Cowgirls Don't Cry.

Brandt *Sighs* How could you not fall in love with this McKay? He was the first to noticed Jessie at a bar, but when he pointed her out to his brother Luke, Brandt was left n the background. While Luke may have been a good brother, he sucked as a husband. When he died Brandt tried to step up to help Luke's widow Jessie.

And then he found out that Luke had not only stepped out on his marriage but a baby that was born after he died. When the baby's mother needed help to straighten out her life she asked Brandt to watch him. Brandt needing help and not wanting the baby to be influenced or live with his father Casper he turns to the only one he thinks that can help him. Jessie. While I cussed Brandt out for putting this on her, I was happy that she saw Brandt for a man and invited.. or demanded him in her bed.

Brandt is my favorite, (Right after Cam) I have read each of the Rough Rider series 2, some of them a few more times then that. I recommend this series to anyone that loves hot cowboys, strong women and lots of hot sex!

The McKay family is a long running series of stories that only get better with each new coupling. With every story the conflict, the passion and the emotional connection simmers and smolders until it finally erupts into an explosive and stunning lifelong love affair.

Brandt McKay has loved Jessie since the first time he saw her. Unfortunately, his brother Luke saw her too. Since then, his brother married her, cheated on her and died on her. One unpredictable night Brandt confesses his feeling for Jessie and their friendly relationship hits the skids. When Brandt presents Jessie with his brother's illegitimate son, he suggests they take care of the child together. Is she ready for another McKay brother in her life and is he ready to accept that her feelings have not changed towards him?

Brandt and Jessie's story a simply lovely one of two people coming to terms with their feeling for one another and committing to each other under the strangest of circumstances. As with all the Rough Riders stories, the entire McKay family is accounted for as well as more insight into the life of Brandt and Jessie and the animosity towards her from his family. Jessie and Brandt are simple folks just looking for their happily ever after and the conversations they have along with their quiet moments are what make this story a special one.

Lorelei James has built a wonderful story from the first book to this newest one that will keep you waiting for the next installment. The stories are seamless and captivating without being repetitive. I love these stories and hope with every new introduction to a McKay man, there is the possibility of another story.

Originally posted at Whipped Cream Reviews

Jessie and Luke McKay's marriage was far from perfect. That is even without factoring in that her in-laws apparently hate her. Now two years after Luke passed away, she is ready to finally go out and have some fun. That is until Luke's younger brother Brandt, shows up to spoil her fun.

Brandt has loved his sister-in-law for years. Everyone but her seems to know it. Heck his brother even threw it in his face for years. Now Luke is gone and Brandt is faced with something that might make Jessie see him in a different light but also break her heart.

Brandt is determined to do what it takes to make sure Jessie knows he is the forever kind of man and not at all like his brother. He will take his time and do things right, no matter the personal cost to himself but, will Jessie see all this in time or will she not accept what he is offering?

While Cowgirls Don't Cry is a steamy heart wrenching addition of the Rough Riders Series it is not one that I would call my favorite. I found the characters to be a bit unpolished as characters and not as engaging as many of the other McKay stories. That being said it was still a very intriguing story and I like how Ms. James has Brandt figure out what he needs to do to be able to finally get Jessie to see that he is nowhere near the rogue that his brother was, and that he could even love her forever.

Tanya
For Joyfully Reviewed

Jessie and Luke McKay's marriage was far from perfect. That is even without factoring in that her in-laws apparently hate her. Now two years after Luke passed away, she is ready to finally go out and have some fun. That is until Luke's younger brother Brandt, shows up to spoil her fun.

Brandt has loved his sister-in-law for years. Everyone but her seems to know it. Heck his brother even threw it in his face for years. Now Luke is gone and Brandt is faced with something that might make Jessie see him in a different light but also break her heart.

Brandt is determined to do what it takes to make sure Jessie knows he is the forever kind of man and not at all like his brother. He will take his time and do things right, no matter the personal cost to himself but, will Jessie see all this in time or will she not accept what he is offering?

While Cowgirls Don't Cry is a steamy heart wrenching addition of the Rough Riders Series it is not one that I would call my favorite. I found the characters to be a bit unpolished as characters and not as engaging as many of the other McKay stories. That being said it was still a very intriguing story and I like how Ms. James has Brandt figure out what he needs to do to be able to finally get Jessie to see that he is nowhere near the rogue that his brother was, and that he could even love her forever.

Tanya
For Joyfully Reviewed

There is something said for second chances. I liked that this book took a sad story and turned into something happy and worthy. I was kind of saddened by Jessie and her life with Luke but I have to admired Brandt for taking up his brother's slack and proving that not all McKay's are attached to that family "reputation".

Also I would have like they could have Luke's son closer to them. It really shocked me what his mother told Jessie. It was kind of crazy to do that, but I think in that time and age and with her parents religious stance it was inevitable.

I love this story because it shows us that ever though blood runs thicker that water it doesn't have the same effect on members of the same family. We all are unique!

Review courtesy of As the Pages Turn Blog (Review does have SPOILERS)

My Synopsis:
Jessie McKay our heroine is the widow of Luke McKay. Brandt McKay our hero is the younger brother of Luke. Luke has been dead 2 years now and Brandt has been watching out for Jessie since his brothers death. Jessie was treated badly by both Luke and Luke's father. In the previous books in this series after being at Jessie's beck and call and the buddy in Jessie's eyes Brandt finally admits that he has feelings for Jessie as anything other than his brother's widow. Jessie didn't return the feeling so since than Brandt has been trying to cut himself off from being Jessie's go to guy. CDC opens up with a prologue that involves Jessie in an embarrassing sexual situation which Brandt happens to witness. After being turned down by Jessie Brandt has kept his distance and hasn't seen her in awhile. He sees Jessie in this bad situation and comes to her rescue, again. Fast forward 4 months later and all the McKay's are gathered at the wedding of the only girl McKay. Brandt is trying to talk to Jessie about something he discover but Jessie avoids him at the wedding thinking Brandt wants to talk about the situation he'd witness 4 months ago. Brandt has a secret he's been keeping from the family. He was contacted a month before by a young woman who claims she had Luke's baby and needs him to take care of the little boy. Apparently this young woman has been in trouble and is being sent to jail for a while. This is great and bad news for Brandt. After he gets proof that the baby is really his nephew he plans to keep the baby while the mother does her time. Brandt promises the young woman to keep the baby and not try to gain custody while she is doing time. Since Brandt made this promise he decides that he will need help with taking care of the baby. He can't go to his parents since his father is a real jerk and would try to take the baby away from the mother. So with this in mind Brandt reaches out to Jessie to help him take care of her dead husbands baby. Will Jessie help? Will these two ever be more than just widower and ex-BIL? Will the mother come back for the baby? You'll have to pick this book up to see......

My Thoughts:
First off I freaking love this series. Read everyone of the books and I haven't been disappointed yet. Lorelei James can write the heck out of a book and make each story unique to each character. For any other loyal fans of this series we all were worried about how Brandt and Jessie's story would play out. It seemed so hopeless that they could ever be more after the last book. I didn't know how she could make this work especially after we find out that Jessie's dead hubby had a baby from an affair. And that Brandt would ask Jessie to help him take care of this baby. You can imagine the scene when Brandt asks this of Jessie. It was a very heart wrenching moment and I wanted to smack Brandt for even asking this of her. Brandt knew Jessie and knew that she was one of the sweetest and caring people he knew and that she would eventually agree to help. Once Jessie agrees, Brandt and the baby moves in. This is where the book really starts to take off for me. It was great seeing how Jessie starts to realize her attraction for Brandt. Once she realizes she doesn't hold back. I like that. She went into it and it was no holds bar sexy loving. As for Brandt man I couldn't love him more. He was so sweet. He's been in love with Jessie and being around her he realized that he even loves her more. Watching these two grow and learn things about one another was so much fun. You'll need a cold shower after reading this book. Lorelei James can write some smoking hot loving scenes. Her men are real men and her women are strong and vulnerable. Normally I would be put off with a story where the characters have been with another family member but the storyline and how Lorelei set up everything made me ok with this. I love the fact that Jessie had those two years before she and Brandt got together. It made me believe in them once their story was told. The baby he was such a great addition to the whole story. Seeing Jessie and Brandt fall for him and treat him so good. It was great catching up with all the old McKays. I can't wait for the new batch of McKay hell raisers. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a great storyline with some hot cowboys and strong women. If you do read this series definitely read in order. You'll enjoy it more.

Man, this one had me crying. Such heartache being a widow as well as finding out how unfaithful her husband had been. Lots of growth and healing happen throughout this book. I love that Brandt finally was able to stand up to his dad and his mom finally made her stand too. Great read!

This story hit me in the feels pretty hard. Feeling like you aren't good enough is pretty rough to overcome. I love Brandt & Jessie together. I'm hoping we get to meet back up with Landon one day. Lord I sure am glad Carson got what was coming to him.

TRULY ADDIDCTING SERIES and the HITS just keep coming!!! Cowgirls Don't Cry is heartbreaking, heartwarming and sensual all wrapped up in one truly AMAZING book.

Brandt & Jessie's story is emotional and hot, with humor to keep it well rounded. It's one of my favorites, I want to go find a Brandt of my own. I stayed up til 3:00 am to finish Cowgirls Don't Cry in one session.

DO NOT be turned off by reviews talking about the prologue, yes it is raw and different. But as one reviewer states, it shows us how desperate Jessie is to break free of her past, to OWN her sexuality. I know or have heard of women that do things they wouldn't normally do because they are either broken hearted or trying to break free of some type of tramatic event in their lives or just feel something is missing from their lives. LIFE is NOT all roses, rainbows and kittens, life isn't wrapped in a neat package. Life is ugly, messy and confusing. The great thing about LJ's writing, is she takes the good, the bad and the ugly and puts it in her books, and makes them feel realistic.

Lorelei can't put the Rough Riders books out fast enough for her fans.

Cowgirls don't Cry is another great success for Lorelei. Just like all her others this book reaches through to the readers and touches them in soooo many ways. Not only can you relate with the charcters you can also feel for them. Jessie and Brandt's story was the most emotional of all the Rough Riders books. Second chances are finally given as well as an insight to the past to help understand other characters. This is a definite must read book.

Sarah

After unjustified abuse, criticism, and neglect, our hero comes into his own. With the help of his one true love, his uncles, brothers and cousins, he becomes his own man...answerable only to her and himself. Great story.

Jessie had been married to Luke McKay, who was not a faithful husband. And then he died. Brandt had always had it bad for Jessie. That didn’t change when she married his brother, not did it change when his brother died. Turned out that before Luke died he left behind a piece of himself with one of his side ladies. When Luke’s son needed someone to talk care of him, it was Brandt and Jessie that took him in, despite how difficult it was going to be for her. The odd situation had Brandt and Jessie have found themselves in, ended up bringing them closer together. Brandt has always loved Jessie, but those feelings had not been returned. Until now….

Another great example of how these men in the McKay family can be so much alike and yet so different! They all seem to have that “I’m in charge” mentality but at the same time are really just big softies when it comes to the women they love. Jessie is one very strong lady. It takes a lot to willingly go back into a family that you know (at least one person) isn’t welcoming you with open arms. And facing the proof of her dead husband’s infidelity in a small town makes her probably the strongest McKay woman I have read about yet.

Sweet Jessie McKay got a rough deal with her marriage to Luke McKay. He cheated on her and even got a young girl pregnant with his baby. With the baby's mama going off to jail, brother-in-law Brandt is asked to take care of the baby for four months while she is incarcerated. Brandt elicits the help of his brothers and mom to help take care of the baby. But the bulk of the help he needs for the baby's care will be from Jessie, creating a very awkward situation. When she finally agrees, under duress, Jessie tells Brandt that he needs to move in with her and the baby - day and night. He must share her bed as well as all the child care chores.
Of course, this is better than Brandt anticipated, and exactly what he wants. Ever since he saw Jessie, before Luke "claimed" her, Jessie was in love with this sweet girl. They both fall in love with the baby and in love with each other. But Jessie is concerned that Brandt will leave her after the baby returns to his mama. Brandt lets Jessie know, in no uncertain terms, that he is in love with her and their relationship is just what he wants.

Man, this one had me crying. Such heartache being a widow as well as finding out how unfaithful her husband had been. Lots of growth and healing happen throughout this book. I love that Brandt finally was able to stand up to his dad and his mom finally made her stand too. Great read!