All Jacked Up (Rough Riders Book 8)

I feel like I’ve waited forever for this story. There have been hints and peeks throughout the last few books of what was possibly coming for Keely. Being the only girl in a very testosterone laden family has made Keely very head strong and, some would even say, obstinate. I was excited to see if she could be tamed.

This story involves so many of my favorite tropes, it would have been a shock if I didn’t love it. Of course, I ended up so engrossed in this one I couldn’t put it down. Fake fiancée, brother’s best friend, fighting to loving. What else could I ask for?

There was a small bit of time, right at the beginning, that I was afraid Jack would be cruel. I can usually forgive and forget when a character starts off mean or nasty because we get to know them along the way and get to their motivation. But when a character starts off cruel (not just mean), for some reason it’s harder for me to get over. Luckily, the things Jack did and said that could be construed as cruel went down while the reader is getting his POV so we know he just likes to rile Keely since she fascinates him so much. It’s almost like he’s being mean to himself when he does it since it turns him on to see her fighting spirit.

Of course these two strong-willed and stubborn people are so much alike and that is why they fight so much. But it’s exactly what they both need. Keely needs someone to let her stand on her own two feet as well as someone to tell her no. She needs to fail and/or succeed on her own merit and not her family’s. She also needs someone to take control at times (like in the bedroom) but still make her feel protected. Jack needs someone to tell him no, as well. Someone to give as good as he does. While he is the alpha in the bedroom, he also has to have someone who can handle that domineering side of him but that will also take control once in a while. He wouldn’t do well with a doormat.

These two, Jack and Keely, really hurt each other so deeply throughout this book. Not because either of them are actually purposely being mean (for the most part), but because they are trying so hard to protect themselves that they don’t tell each other their true feelings. It’s easier to lash out than to take a chance.

I want to note that I really love the way Keely embraces her sexuality and her sexual appetites with no shame or apologies. When her past exploits are questioned she turns it around…what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. As for Jack, I love his confidence…especially when every McKay seems to enjoy threatening him. A lesser man would have complained to Keely and whined about her family. But Jack just took it all in stride.

This was such a wonderful story in so many ways. The wait to see Keely get her HEA was definitely worth it!

All Jacked Up should have just been yet another enemies-to-lovers story for me, but it wasn’t. Lorelei James keeps surprising me the more I read her books.

Since I first read about Keely, I’ve wanted her story. And boy, did I get it. I had always liked her. But in this story? I loved her. My heart bled for her as well as soared with her. I know all too well what it’s like to keep my personal life apart from my family life, to know what my family thinks and feels about me, to be surprised when I finally get the support I need without asking. I admired her grit and her feistiness. I appreciated her vulnerability and her self-consciousness. I loved her enjoyment of her family.

As for Jack, I didn’t know what to think about him at first. Admittedly, there were parts where I didn’t like him at all. There was one scene where I wanted to storm in and grab him in a chokehold to force him to see what he was doing to Keely. But I also felt his need to do things on his own. When he came up with the “proposal” with Keely, we knew it was going to come back to bite him. And honestly, underneath it all, I think he knew it, too. It was fun to watch him blur the lines between pretend and reality. I loved watching him fall.

All Jacked Up surprised me by yanking out the feels. For the first time, the pang in my chest led to the tears in my eyes, the joy in my smile, and the laughter on my lips. This book is seriously hot, but it also makes you feel. I cannot wait for more from Lorelei James!

(I was gifted a copy by a friend at NO cost to the author.)

Spoiler Ahead This was book 8 in the "Rough Rider" series. Keely McKay the lone girl in the McKay family needs someone to restore a building so she can open up her physical therapy clinic. Jack Donohue has always been a pain in her but he needs a wife so when she ask him to help her he agrees if she will agree to pretend to be his fiancée a deal struck now let the games begin. I really liked both of the character's in this book Keely is a former wild child who wants to prove that it is all behind her or is it. Jack and Keely have a love hate relationship going on that turns out to be anything but hate and as sparks fly between these two they get hot and heavy I mean really hot and down and dirty. I loved Jacks drive for success and he is willing to do whatever he needs to do in order to succeed. Keely is fun, and caring, and no one does more for her family than she does. She's the exact opposite to Jack. She works to live and her work is her passion helping others. I love reading this series this book was well written like the other books in this series with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

All Jacked Up continues my love affair with the Lorelei James's McKay family. What can I say I am a cowboy romance hero convert thanks to her Rough Rider series. This review is going to be rather short, but sweet because I LOVED absolutely everything about this story.

I loved Jack. I love his drive for success despite his ill conceived intentions. He is like so many Americans who live to work and the concept of "more" is never enough. Yet despite this flaw, and even though he's a little bit Dom, he's a whole lot sweet underneath all of his tough GQ exterior. Love him!

And Keely...she's who I would like to be when I grow up. Even if I am already waaaay older than she is supposed to be. She is who she is and does not make apologies for her life or how she chooses to lead it. And lead it she has. We have had glimpses of her character in most of the Rough Rider books. She's fun, and caring, and no one does more for her family than she does. She's the exact opposite to Jack. She works to live and her work is her passion.

I loved that the sparks flew, despite the obvious attraction because both had fallen into a pattern of baiting bad behavior from each other. And unlike a lot of contemporary romances where the heat level is high, the evolution of their relationship is not based solely on sex. The reader isn't left wondering how they went from barely tolerating each others presence....to realizing they love each other just because of a few tussles between the sheets so to speak. You get to experience how they transform from enemies, to partners in crime, to lovers, and finally to being "in love" with each other. It's one of the things I loved most about this story.

For me, this was a perfect romance read. It had everything that I love about a romance no matter the genre. There is not one thing that I wish were different....except for this: I hated for it to end. I was left basking in the glow of a reader high...a romance euphoria if you will. I hated to start another book. I knew I was going to loose that joy of just having completed reading a fantastic story. It would be inevitable that the next book couldn't possibly live up to my experiences while reading All Jacked Up. So what was my solution to this dilemma you might ask? I read a different book by Lorelei James that I had not read yet :) Sadly, I've now read her backlist and will have to patiently wait until next year for her new book, Corralled: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel, which I happen to already have on pre-order at the store because I am just that impatient to get my booklover hands on it! To summarize...All Jacked Up is one of my favorite reads of the year.

Ratings: 5.0 stars (if I could give it more I would!)

p.s. if you haven't read any of the previous Rough Riders series, I highly recommend them, but unlike some of the others I DO think you can read this one as a stand alone and not feel lost amidst all of the secondary characters that comprise the McKay and West families.

Reviewed for Seductive Musings blog

All Jacked Up should have just been yet another enemies-to-lovers story for me, but it wasn’t. Lorelei James keeps surprising me the more I read her books.

Since I first read about Keely, I’ve wanted her story. And boy, did I get it. I had always liked her. But in this story? I loved her. My heart bled for her as well as soared with her. I know all too well what it’s like to keep my personal life apart from my family life, to know what my family thinks and feels about me, to be surprised when I finally get the support I need without asking. I admired her grit and her feistiness. I appreciated her vulnerability and her self-consciousness. I loved her enjoyment of her family.

As for Jack, I didn’t know what to think about him at first. Admittedly, there were parts where I didn’t like him at all. There was one scene where I wanted to storm in and grab him in a chokehold to force him to see what he was doing to Keely. But I also felt his need to do things on his own. When he came up with the “proposal” with Keely, we knew it was going to come back to bite him. And honestly, underneath it all, I think he knew it, too. It was fun to watch him blur the lines between pretend and reality. I loved watching him fall.

All Jacked Up surprised me by yanking out the feels. For the first time, the pang in my chest led to the tears in my eyes, the joy in my smile, and the laughter on my lips. This book is seriously hot, but it also makes you feel. I cannot wait for more from Lorelei James!

(I was gifted a copy by a friend at NO cost to the author.)

Spoiler Ahead This was book 8 in the "Rough Rider" series. Keely McKay the lone girl in the McKay family needs someone to restore a building so she can open up her physical therapy clinic. Jack Donohue has always been a pain in her but he needs a wife so when she ask him to help her he agrees if she will agree to pretend to be his fiancée a deal struck now let the games begin. I really liked both of the character's in this book Keely is a former wild child who wants to prove that it is all behind her or is it. Jack and Keely have a love hate relationship going on that turns out to be anything but hate and as sparks fly between these two they get hot and heavy I mean really hot and down and dirty. I loved Jacks drive for success and he is willing to do whatever he needs to do in order to succeed. Keely is fun, and caring, and no one does more for her family than she does. She's the exact opposite to Jack. She works to live and her work is her passion helping others. I love reading this series this book was well written like the other books in this series with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

All Jacked Up continues my love affair with the Lorelei James's McKay family. What can I say I am a cowboy romance hero convert thanks to her Rough Rider series. This review is going to be rather short, but sweet because I LOVED absolutely everything about this story.

I loved Jack. I love his drive for success despite his ill conceived intentions. He is like so many Americans who live to work and the concept of "more" is never enough. Yet despite this flaw, and even though he's a little bit Dom, he's a whole lot sweet underneath all of his tough GQ exterior. Love him!

And Keely...she's who I would like to be when I grow up. Even if I am already waaaay older than she is supposed to be. She is who she is and does not make apologies for her life or how she chooses to lead it. And lead it she has. We have had glimpses of her character in most of the Rough Rider books. She's fun, and caring, and no one does more for her family than she does. She's the exact opposite to Jack. She works to live and her work is her passion.

I loved that the sparks flew, despite the obvious attraction because both had fallen into a pattern of baiting bad behavior from each other. And unlike a lot of contemporary romances where the heat level is high, the evolution of their relationship is not based solely on sex. The reader isn't left wondering how they went from barely tolerating each others presence....to realizing they love each other just because of a few tussles between the sheets so to speak. You get to experience how they transform from enemies, to partners in crime, to lovers, and finally to being "in love" with each other. It's one of the things I loved most about this story.

For me, this was a perfect romance read. It had everything that I love about a romance no matter the genre. There is not one thing that I wish were different....except for this: I hated for it to end. I was left basking in the glow of a reader high...a romance euphoria if you will. I hated to start another book. I knew I was going to loose that joy of just having completed reading a fantastic story. It would be inevitable that the next book couldn't possibly live up to my experiences while reading All Jacked Up. So what was my solution to this dilemma you might ask? I read a different book by Lorelei James that I had not read yet :) Sadly, I've now read her backlist and will have to patiently wait until next year for her new book, Corralled: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel, which I happen to already have on pre-order at the store because I am just that impatient to get my booklover hands on it! To summarize...All Jacked Up is one of my favorite reads of the year.

Ratings: 5.0 stars (if I could give it more I would!)

p.s. if you haven't read any of the previous Rough Riders series, I highly recommend them, but unlike some of the others I DO think you can read this one as a stand alone and not feel lost amidst all of the secondary characters that comprise the McKay and West families.

Reviewed for Seductive Musings blog

All I can say is, "Yay!" Finally, an erotica novel with a plot that is funny and sweet! I loved the constant sniping between Jack and Keely- it was hilarious. Ms. James does a great job of building the tension in the story too.

I do feel that the story falters a bit in the second half, and I wasn't crazy about Keely's whole "gang of brothers". They seemed a bit over the top. The ending was almost too silly for me, but then the author wraps up the story with a nice epilogue.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one!

Keely West McKay is considered the wild child and only girl with several older brothers. Keely doesn't like Jack Donohue with a love/hate passion. Keely also knows that Jack Donohue is certifiable pain in Keely's behind. Keely is stunned by several revelations regarding Jack that he owns her apartment building and restoration specialist she needs to fix up her building. That's right her building which her family knows nothing about because it's her dream. Jack Donohue knows only one thing that Keely McKay takes his breathe away every damn time he sees her and yet she drives him crazy like no one else can. Jack dreams of landing a dream restoration project but learns that his martial status leaves him out of the running but he hatches a plan to get everything he wants which include Keely. Keely reluctantly agrees to Jack's plan. Can both Keely and Jack avoid killing each other to get what they want? Will either Keely or Jack admit their attraction? Your answers await you in All Jacked Up.

I've been waiting to read this book since reading Slow Ride. I got into this series backwards yet loving every minute of smokin' hot sex, smokin' hot cowboys and women they love, and beautiful Wyoming backdrop. This story illustrates how tight a family bond can be pulling no punches or denying that bond either. I think what makes Ms. James work so defining is tight knit family structure can be. Each book builds on the previous one and you always get to see your favorite characters~mine Cam McKay. But I'm sure I'll another favorite in this series soon. I look forward to re~reading Slow Ride soon.

Keely McKay is the youngest child and only daughter in a family of boys. She knows she's loved, but sometimes she feels...suffocated. Known as the resident "wild child", she's got a secret - she recently bought an old building and is planning to renovate it and start a physical therapy clinic. She's been working for other doctors, but wants a place that's all her own. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the approval of the local historical board.

Jack Donohue has worked hard at building his career, and has had to overcome personal and professional tragedy, but a new project he's bidding for will finally turn things around. The only problem is that they're a company with "traditional" values and are looking for someone who is married.

Jack and Keely have spent years arguing back and forth and driving each other crazy. The one time they almost got together ended...badly. But they both have something the other needs; can they put aside their differences for a few short weeks to achieve their goals?

__________________

First, a confession: I am one of those people who has to read a series in order. It drives me nuts to flit around randomly in a series. Lorelei James' Rough Riders series is an exception to that rule. I don't know why, but I haven't been able to manage to read this series in order. Basically, what this means is that I'm not up on all the characters and their histories.

I loved Keely and Jack! These two both had strong personalities and when they got together it was like trying to mix oil and water, which we all know is impossible - until you add a third ingredient (in this case, sex. Hot, hot sex.). (Okay, that's enough science today, lol)

There is a history between them that is hinted at, but we don't find out until later in the story why Keely is so mad at Jack. One of the things I loved about the story is that as we read along, Keely and Jack uncover little bits about each other and they begin to view each other in a different light and a genuine relationship develops. That's not to say there aren't any bumps, or that their personalities don't clash, because they do.

The dichotomy between Keely's folksy, country lifestyle and Jack's driven, professional one was interesting to read. Keely certainly had her hands full trying to mingle in Jack's world, and Jack had quite a few "WTF" moments dealing with Keely's people. The way these two characters support each other without losing themselves is a trick not all authors can accomplish, but Ms. James does it well. I've read about five of the Rough Riders books, and I have to say, this one is my favorite so far.

Keely Mckay hated not being in control. Her professional future was in the hands of someone she didn't even know. Keely thought it had been a stroke of genius to invest in the history of the area by buying a historic building to restore. When she found out she had to answer to the Wyoming Historical Western Preservation Committee and follow the all mandates by the certified architectural restoration specialist, she was no longer sure of her decision. When that specialist turned out to be the bane of her existence, Jack Donohue, she thought about the irony fate had. She and Jack could barely utter civilized words to each other. Keely had no idea how they would be able to work together. She saw her dreams of opening a rehab clinic go up in smoke until Jack made her a proposition she couldn't refuse.

Jack was in fierce competition with his former partner for a huge project in Utah. He knew BDM Incorporated had the edge because the conservative committee in charge of the project knew Jack was unmarried. His proposition to Keely that they pretend to be engaged to give him a better position for this project, floored her. She didn't know how they could make it work. He lived in Colorado, and she lived in Wyoming. They had always been at each others throats, but when he told her as repayment for her cooperation, he would oversee the restoration of her rehab clinic, she couldn't refuse. There was too much at stake.

I have been waiting for Keely's story for a very long time, and the wait was well worth it! She is such a complex character, and was really written well. We have seen the brash and sassy girl in all the other books in this series with only hints of the selfless compassionate women that she has grown into. Her family still saw only the wild child she used to be, and it took her engagement and the restoration project for them to see her in a new light. The wars that raged between Jack and Keely were filled with so much combustible sexual tension that it dripped off the pages. One thing I absolutely love about this series is the closeness of this loud, nosy, and complex family. While this is Keely's story, we get to catch up on all the characters we have grown to love and care about. Great addition to this superb series!

Eighth in the Rough Riders erotic western romance series revolving around the McKay family. The couple focus is on Keely McKay and Jack Donohue.

My Take
It's too funny how much these two hate and lust after each other. I enjoyed all the snarky comments and the jabs as much as I enjoyed the hot sex. They hate each other's music. Jack likes TV and Keely would rather be out socializing. He adores his 760li Series BMW and doesn't see why he has to swap cars with Keely just 'cause he's borrowing her pickup.

Okay, I ain't buyin' it. Just why is it that Jack has to move in with Keely??

Crack me up! Every time one of the McKay boys---or her dad!--gets near Jack, they have but one thing to say. They will hurt him bad if he hurts their baby sister. Then there's the young audience they acquire at the engagement party...woo-hoo! I am still rolling and laughing! And Jack is falling in love, desperate to figure out how to keep Keely off balance.

For her part, Keely's falling in love, too. A man who can keep her off-balance. Yet, she knows it's not to be.

I do enjoy James' stories. There may be a genetic wild streak caroming through the McKays and Wests, but they are the most caring, loving, supportive people with all sorts of human issues. It's like a moral soap opera. Yes, I said moral about an erotic western romance series. You'd be hard put to find a more decent group of people.

The Story
As Keely is about to find out, Fate hates her for her arch-nemesis, Jack Donohue, is her landlord and the expert consultant she has to hire to get her building's renovations approved. All her dreams...down the toilet.

Keely and Jack are oil and water. Each despises the other. Only, there's this commission Jack would just about kill to get. If Keely agrees to "marry" him, he'll do her renovation.

Only, everything goes wrong. Including that conference dinner where Keely meets Jack's bitch of an ex who really knows how to ram it home.

The Characters
Keely McKay is about to see her dream come true. She hopes. Carolyn and Carson are her parents and daddy just ain't buyin' her news either.

Jack Donohue owns a number of rental properties, has a license to approve changes and restorations for historical buildings, and is an architect. He hates his background, hates ranching; he's Mr. GQ himself. Doro is his mother and she's all excited about planning the engagement party. Justin is his younger brother. The one who dumped Keely after their little threesome with his friend because of what Jack said to him.

Keely's brothers are Carter, the Western artist who is married to a pregnant-again Macie; Cam is a cop married to Domini and they have Anton, Liesl, Dimitri, and Oxsana although Domini really wants to adopt two more--Markus and Sasha; Colt is married to India and they have a son Hudson; Colby and Channing have Gib, Braxton, Miles, and Austin; and, Cord is with AJ and they have Kyler and Foster.

The McKay cousins include:
Kade who's married to Skylar and they have three kids: Eliza, Peyton, and Shannie; Kane is still single; Quinn, Bennett, and Chase; and, Luke, Brandt, Tell, and Dalton.

The West cousins include:
Chet and Remy West will be doing the remodeling work. Then there's Dax, Nick, Blake, Harris, Lief, and Sebastian. Chassie West is married to Trevor and Edgard.

Dr. Joely Monroe makes an appearance. Seems she's been encouraging Keely to open her own clinic.

Baxter Ducheyne is his former partner now married to Jack's former fiancée, Martine. The one more interested in Baxter's bank account. Jack left BDM, Inc. and moved to Denver, setting up his own architectural firm. Gina Arguello fills Jack in on Martine.

Henry is the point man for the Milford project in Utah. A job Jack desperately wants, but he has to appear respectable.

The Cover
The cover is the signature Rough Riders with its sepia-toned black-and-white-style photograph with a narrow band of leather topped by a "carved" floral spray. I'm a little disappointed that Jack Donovan is in jeans when his pinstripe trousers are so much more him. He's leaning toward Keely, his right hand on her shoulder, and her long hair falling to her shoulders in white jeans and a black bra. It's only a bit scary that whatever lipstick she's wearing makes her look like a vampire about to take a bite...eek!

The title is so accurate about Jack and Keely's relationship as they are All Jacked Up.

The eighth offering in James' popular Rough Riders series, All Jacked Up pits wild child Keely McKay against the buttoned-up Jack Donohue in an explosive battle of wills. I would argue it's James' strongest offering to date.

Keely, looking to shed her wild child status, bought a derelict historic building she's looking to renovate and turn into a health clinic. Historic preservation rules require a certified restoration specialist to oversee the project, and Jack's the man for the job. Despite a history of antagonism between them, Jack agrees to take on the job, with a small caveat - that they get engaged. Jack needs to play the part of a family man to get a large contract in conservative Utah, and Keely needs a restoration specialist. Thusly, a sham engagement is born, and hijinks ensue.

All Jacked Up is a treat to read from start to finish. James builds sexual tension up slowly and stretches the emotional conflict to span the entire book. There are no superfluous sex scenes here like in some previous books. Each scene peels another layer of their defenses away, revealing the happy couple buried far beneath.

Each character maintains their personalities. They begin the book two hot heads and they end the book as hot heads. James avoided turning one or the other into an acquiescent limp rag. Instead, they continue to bicker, but the bickering changes in tone and the make up sex gets hotter as their attachment grows. These two are that couple you know who love to argue all the time, but are unequivocally devoted to each other, even if they'd never admit it out loud. James has them work through their insecurities to get what they both want, but aren't brave enough to ask for.

Like previous books in the series, All Jacked up does suffer from a Parade of Past Protagonists. Anyone picking this up as a standalone would be dizzy trying to keep track of the secondary characters and their army of offspring, who truthfully add little to the story beyond fan service (not that kind.) If James had focused on a smaller circle of her family and friends, rather than inundating the book with every relation she's created, it would have made for a much tighter narrative.

All told, I found this to be the strongest book in the series. The focus on the hero and heroine was refreshing (blessedly menage free!) and their issues were worked through thoroughly, slowly and believably.

This is an outstanding book! It was so awesome to see the McKay family from keelys perspective and keely from jacks perspective. These two burn up the page and the sheets with their chemistry of a love/hate relationship. I don't think it is a necessity to have read the previous books to be able to read this one, lorelei james always does a great job in fleshing out her characters so they can be read as standalone books (in my opinion).

The opening scene sets the pace for this book. It is edgy and full of anticipation and then anger and hostility. The emotions continue to fly as Keely and Jack continue to butt heads. The explosive chemistry between them quickly turns to something highly sexual once the engagement is in place. Even though the engagement is not intended to last, they begin to develop feelings for each other that do not revolve around anger and unfriendliness. This is one sexually explosive adventure you don't want to miss. For those of us that love our McKay men, you won't be disappointed with Jack. He fits right in with the bunch. He's just as domineering and heavy-handed as Keely's brothers and cousins that we've come to enjoy in this series. Though Keely claims that she doesn't want a man as strong as the McKay men she is surrounded by, she knows deep down that she would squash a lesser man. She is such a strong woman and her character is flawless. While at times the plot seemed a little too convenient to me, it was easy to overlook and I still very much enjoyed the story. Jack and Keely's story is another great addition to this series and one that I will continue to re-read as more of the Rough Riders books are released. - Jacquelyn R. Ward

Throughout the last 7 stories we have watched Keely grow. I was so excited to get to read her story!! Jack was not who I thought she would end up with. But boy their relationship is fun to read. I love their hate to love story.

The two of them had made such progress in 4 weeks. They went from snapping and one upping each other to get what they wanted from their engagement. To actively working towards a real relationship.

I think the intervention with Keely's brothers was a little much. I mean we had just read about each of their relationships and not one of them had a easy go of it. So I felt them teaching Jack a lesson went a little to far.

I was surprised in who Keely was. As you read through the series you picture this strong independent and free women. To find out she's all of that plus loyal, determined and passionate. You get a sense she is a party girl without a care in the world other than. Boys and having a good time. This book shows the passionate side of Keely.

Finally, a HEA for the spitfire Keely. Ms. James did not disappoint. Fake fiancee is my favorite trope and having it written Lorelei is a cheer on top. The verbal sparring between Keely and Jack was so enjoyable to read. I literally lol ed many times. Jack never wanted a cowgirl but he got that and more from Keely. Though Jack is not a cowboy, he still exudes the sexiness we are used to from a Rough Riders book. I don't think there are many writers who write strong female characters as well as Lorelei. Throw in the smexy times with the witty banter and this book will have you wishing it wouldn't end.

Keely a true blue Wyoming cowgirl, works hard plays hard, and isn't afraid to fight back. She wants to prove she is more then the wild child who's wild life has been the talk of her home town most of her life, more so as she is the only girl in a long long line of ranching rodeoin men. In a mans world you have to cowgirl up and that is just what Keely did.
Jack a ranchers son who wanted anything but the "ranch life/ rodeo" City boy who lives in suits and fancy shoes he is totally not what Keely usually likes in a man in fact they Hated each other. Until an incident and Colt and India's wedding. Not only now does she HATE him but her pride was hurt too, a dangerous mix. When the two cross paths it is like electricity and water. You better run for cover. When the opportunity to get everything they both ever wanted comes to mean they have to work together, sparks fly. I love the banter between them, the connection later on. The emotions so raw and so real you feel as if you are really part of the story. I didn't want this book to end. The sex scenes sizzled, the connection between them was nearly tangible. A must read, and a sure fire must have

Wanting a chance to develop her dream without her interfering family, Keely McKay seeks out the help of an out of town company. What Keely doesn't realize is that Jack Donohue, a man she hates with every fiber of her body.

Jack has lusted after Keely since he met her, but she is opposite of the women he dates. Keely needs his help and he has an offer that is going to be difficult to refuse, a pretend engagement in trade for the work she needs done. Now they have to convince friends and family the engagement is real and try not to act on their feelings for one another along the way.

I reread this one because I had never written a review, this was probably my least favorite in the series. Keely is just so brash than I never warmed up to her.

Oh Keely!! You certainly met your match with Jack. This book was a longtime coming and I couldn't have been more happy. This is one of my favorite in this series. I loved how fun this book was and add in some trouble, and you have an amazing book you won't want to put down!

We see here how "Wild Child" Keely McKay is tamed by her long time nemesis Jack Donohue. It is a funny, hot and sentimental story were Keely and Jack have to look past their bickering and see that all they feel is love for each other and that all that fighting is just a means to keep the other away. We have awesome sex, funny arguing and heartfelt scenes.

I really like this story like every other MaKay. What can I say Lorelei is a girl after my own heart (not that I swing that way (not that I have a problem with that)) lol. I swear if this woman keeps writing such great stories I'll become one of those fan stalkers people read about!! :)

Finally, we get Keely's story in the Rough Riders series. Keely and Jack have always been at each other's throats until the time comes that they need each other to help the other out. Jack needs a wife, or at least the pretense of one, and Keely needs someone licensed in historical buildings to sign off on her renovation plans. The two concoct their plan to help each other but end up mixing business with pleasure. All Jacked Up is an intense story filled with sarcasm, hot sex, and two stubborn people who couldn't be more perfect for each other.

Talk about two stubborn people Jack Donahue and Keely McKay. They have known each other for years. Both have had an attraction for each other. Both fought hard against feelings that were mutual. Great story couldn't put the book down

The eighth Rough Riders book is worth the wait. Wild child Keely, who has been mischievously represented in the earlier books, definitely comes into her own as a mature, caring and really lovely woman. Jack doesn't start off as likable as Keely in this story, but his growth into a strong man who can appreciate Keely for her gifts and strengths makes this the best Rough Riders so far. The love scenes are smokin', the character's growth immense and the update on other members of the McKay family is worth a read and then a reread. Check out this book, you won't be disappointed.

What a fun story about life, love, and compromise! Once again, we get more insights into some of our favorite McKays. Keely and Jack are great together. Really found their humor and banter entertaining. Not to mention - the heat. One of my favorites to date

This is the latest installment in Lorelei James' Rough Riders Series and I have to say that it's one of my favorites. If you have been following the series, this is the long awaited story of Keely McKay, the only daughter in a family full of alpha males. Keely has been loved and adored all her life, but maybe not taken seriously by her male relatives. Now Keely is trying to find her own place in her family and her town, but she needs help from Jack, the surly best friend of her brother, Carter. Keely and Jack have history, not much of it good, but suddenly they need each other. It only takes being in the same room to ignite a flame that neither can deny. Will they find love or burn out? The journey to find the answer to this question is a joy to experience. You will laugh out loud and maybe even cry a bit, but the story is so worth it. I highly recommend All Jacked Up, but if you haven't read the previous books in the series, I suggest that you do: one) because, even though this book can be read as a stand alone, the story has much more depth when read in order with the other books in the series... and two) the other books are fantastic and you simply don't want to miss them. I loved All Jacked Up. The characters are real, the story is riveting, and don't forget the sex is scorching. This is a five star book all the way. Thanks, Lorelei!!!!!!

This eighth offering in the Rough Ride series had nothing of the passionate dynamic or felt conflicts of some of the other ones,especially the delicious Cowgirl Up and Ride,or the very interesting Branded As Trouble and Shoulda Been a Cowboy. Where CUR's (book 3)Amy Jo sounded and acted like a spicy young woman,Keely sounded merely peevish. Where AJ is refreshingly sharp tongued, amusing and sexy, while losing nothing of her dramatic depth, Keely is loudmouthed, mono-dimensional and, for those reasons,irritating. Equally,while it would be impossible not to pine for Cord and AJ (since both their passion and their reticence are vividly fleshed out),it is not surprising to find oneself not caring one iota for Keely and Jack. Now,I have nothing against hot and explicit sex scenes,on the contrary,I intensely dislike romances that play coy,censor passion(by neatly separating love from sex),and over-sentimentalise erotic love(paradoxically showing great distaste for,if not aversion to, their very subject matter). So the more explicit and the more frequent the sex scenes, the better for me as a reader. However, explicitness and frequency require that the writer handle sex scenes with the skill such scenes deserve. In my view, the more frequent and explicit the sex/love scenes, the greater the care a writer must take in plotting her book, lest what promised to be a festival of flesh and passion (educating the reader into the art of being an exquisite voyeur), fails to deliver and the whole thing feels tedious and mechanical. I'm afraid this is what happened in All Jacked Up, where most of the sex scenes failed to capture this reader's attention (let alone tickle her imagination). To conclude, I'm afraid that with'All Jacked Up' Lorelei James, a writer of considerable flair, who can come up with interesting lovers and write wonderfully hot scenes, is showing signs of fatigue. I did not care much for Keely, because I don't think she had the dramatic power to merit her own book in the series. In my view, all there was to her character had been sufficiently dealt with in the background of the preceding books;in fact, she was far more interesting as a marginal character than as a heroine. Nor could Jack Donohue compensate for the insufficient female character. He was neither alluring enough (although described as gorgeous), nor enigmatic,nor misunderstood,nor abject, nor tortured enough to save the book. His problem is that he is nowhere near as captivating a character as Cord,Cameron or Colt.

Ms. James has once again given us a wonderful story of love, committment and dedication. Keely and Jack strike an unholy bargain with one another in the form of a "pretend" engagement. Both have much to gain from the pretense and their "journey" to the end of the game is scorching and tender, wild and revealing. Ms. James has the ability to make characters come alive for the reader and she has created a world for us in Wyoming that is stunning. Her characters are sharp and this book was another delightful, fun, sexy read about her beloved McKay family. A definite must read!

Every once in a while an author manages to portray characters in such an evocative manner that they haunt you. Keely and Jack's story left me by turns both laughing and crying out loud: over and over again as I have reread this book many times.

I love Lorelei James' writing, which is down to earth and fresh every time. If she has published a book, I have read it and have known it would be an enjoyable read. But out of all of her books, All Jacked Up, and the two sequel novellas have touched me the most deeply