Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders, #3)

by Lorelei James

Ridin’ the edge of lust is fun…until someone falls in love.

For years, goody-two boots AJ Foster wished her dream man Cord McKay would see her beyond the girl in pigtails. Now that she’s old enough to stake her claim on him, she challenges the cowboy to teach her how to ride—and she doesn’t mean horses.

Saddled with running the McKay ranch, dealing with the wild behavior of his brother and cousins, and raising his young son alone, divorced rancher Cord has sworn off all women. Yet AJ’s innocence and sexual curiosity is a temptation he can’t resist.

From the start of their bedroom games, they’re both aware the pull between them goes deeper than just smokin’ hot sex. Although the sexy cowgirl sets his blood ablaze, Cord is determined to withstand AJ’s efforts to lasso his battered heart. But AJ isn’t willing to settle for less than the whole shootin’ match with her western knight.

Sweet AJ has the power to heal—or heel—the gruff cowboy…unless Cord’s pride keeps him from admitting their relationship is more than a simple roll in the hay.

• ISBN10: 1605040878
• ISBN13: 9781605040875
• Publish Date: 1 February 2009 (first published 18 March 2008)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Samhain Publishing Ltd
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 268
• Language: English

Reviews

[leelu92]

A solid 4.5 for me. I fell in love with Cord as quickly as AJ did. He is a bad ass and I did not see that coming at all. This is a very layered story...so much more than the previous 2. Aj and Cord of course, AJ and her family/land, Colt (who is an issue all by himself), Kade and Kane and all of the other McKays make an appearance somehow. The beginning of this series felt shallow for me and I did not anticipate it getting this deep. I'm pleased that this series is getting better.

[mitabird]

I really enjoyed Cowgirl Up and Ride. Even though the sex was hot, it was the characters that drew me in. AJ has been in love with Cord since she was 5 years old. Cord has always seen AJ as his kid sister's best friend. AJ, now 22, has decided that she's waited long enough for Cord to notice her and takes matters into her own hands. His reaction when she propositions him is great.

I have to admit that I had a problem with their ages at first; AJ being 22 and Cord being 35. However, my concerns were laid to rest with AJ's maturity. She had to grow up fast and she wasn't a typical 22 year old. She had a good head on her shoulders and I truly admired her for not wanting to settle. She knew what she wanted and wasn't going to have it any other way. Cord had relationship issues since his first wife left him. He didn't want to admit to any feelings for AJ, in case she did the same thing. He wanted to keep things on a purely physical level, but AJ was getting under his skin and he didn't know how to handle it. I think James did a great job dealing with all the ups and downs of their relationship in a realistic manner and I was really rooting for them. I also enjoyed the dynamics of their families and the issues that arose there. This is my favorite of the series so far.