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Rough Riders #6.5
Strong Silent Type
Tough, taciturn…And a fool for letting her go…
Wyoming rancher Quinn McKay was biding his time until his levelheaded wife came to her senses and called a halt to this trial separation—never believing their marital rough patch would drag on for a coon’s age.
Libby McKay knew when she married the gruff, laid-back cowboy that he wasn’t prone to blathering on about his feelings. But three months have passed and her stubborn-as-a-mule husband is still living by himself in the horse trailer. It seems he’d rather hold onto his pride than hold onto her.
When Quinn realizes Libby is determined to move on if he doesn’t change, he offers her one weekend of uninterrupted sexual decadence to rekindle their love life and to hash out their differences.
Reigniting the passion is easy. The hard part comes after the sheets have cooled and they find out if what remains is strong enough to survive past mistakes…
Wyoming rancher Quinn McKay was biding his time until his levelheaded wife came to her senses and called a halt to this trial separation—never believing their marital rough patch would drag on for a coon’s age.
Libby McKay knew when she married the gruff, laid-back cowboy that he wasn’t prone to blathering on about his feelings. But three months have passed and her stubborn-as-a-mule husband is still living by himself in the horse trailer. It seems he’d rather hold onto his pride than hold onto her.
When Quinn realizes Libby is determined to move on if he doesn’t change, he offers her one weekend of uninterrupted sexual decadence to rekindle their love life and to hash out their differences.
Reigniting the passion is easy. The hard part comes after the sheets have cooled and they find out if what remains is strong enough to survive past mistakes…
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
471 people are currently reading
3228 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei James
77 books8,298 followersLorelei James is New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary erotic westerns and erotic romances. She lives in western South Dakota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
September 23, 2010
Once again, a McKay has rendered me speechless...
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!
May 14, 2010
5 stars – Contemporary Erotic Romance
I read this in the Wild Ride anthology, and it's a smokin' hot, touching story of a husband who takes desperate measures to save his marriage before it's too late...by demanding a no holds barred weekend of raw, raunchy, uninhibited sex and emotional reconnection from his estranged wife. 5 stars!
I read this in the Wild Ride anthology, and it's a smokin' hot, touching story of a husband who takes desperate measures to save his marriage before it's too late...by demanding a no holds barred weekend of raw, raunchy, uninhibited sex and emotional reconnection from his estranged wife. 5 stars!
October 20, 2019
This was a nice little sex read. Yes, I mean to say "sex read" because it's 80% sex.
That being said, it's exactly what I wanted for my mood. The writing is easy and the characters are believable and likable. I'm sure real life married couples go through these patches too.
But being an 80% sex read, it's never going to get a full 5 stars from me. Altho it did tug at my heartstrings in a couple of places. I always feel more for the man's POV than the woman. The fact that he's always treated her with more kindness (being silent when he could have said something hurtful) than she's treated him made me ache for him.
Trying for a baby is hard. And when the woman makes the man feel like she just wants him for his seed, it hurts. Just like if she felt like he only wanted her to get off. Him waiting for her to initiate some loving sometimes resonated. Women expect men to take the initiative. They're the "slavering beast" who only thinks about sex. But men need to be touched and loved too. And that came through loud and clear, despite Quinn's "silence."
Good read.
That being said, it's exactly what I wanted for my mood. The writing is easy and the characters are believable and likable. I'm sure real life married couples go through these patches too.
But being an 80% sex read, it's never going to get a full 5 stars from me. Altho it did tug at my heartstrings in a couple of places. I always feel more for the man's POV than the woman. The fact that he's always treated her with more kindness (being silent when he could have said something hurtful) than she's treated him made me ache for him.
Trying for a baby is hard. And when the woman makes the man feel like she just wants him for his seed, it hurts. Just like if she felt like he only wanted her to get off. Him waiting for her to initiate some loving sometimes resonated. Women expect men to take the initiative. They're the "slavering beast" who only thinks about sex. But men need to be touched and loved too. And that came through loud and clear, despite Quinn's "silence."
Good read.
September 12, 2010
This was a great short story about a married couple who had lost their way in their marriage and how they reignite the spark and save their marriage. The story had a great mix of smoking hot love scenes and emotions. I think those of us who are married or in a relationship can relate to some of the communication issues in the book, so it's nice to see a couple work through their problems and come out a stronger couple. I really enjoyed this one!
There is no ménage or m/m in this book for those who are not fans.
There is no ménage or m/m in this book for those who are not fans.
August 22, 2024
It’s been over ten years since I last read a Lorelei James book, and to be honest, I had forgotten about this author. The two Rough Riders books I read (Long Hard Ride, Rough, Raw, and Ready) were solid, but didn’t blow me away. It’s quite possible, though, that my expectations were unreasonably high because a friend of mine swooned over them like crazy. For me, the Rough Riders series could never lived up to the hype. Besides, I didn’t like cowboys back then—times change! :D
In this novella, Libby McKay threatens to leave her husband after 14 years of relationship. They no longer talk or have sex after three years of unsuccessfully trying to get her pregnant. Libby kicked Quinn out, and after three months in a horse trailer, he finally comes to his senses and wants to win his wife back. He talks her into a weekend together, just the two of them, “sharing meals, but not be sharing a bed.”
This is an erotica, so you can easily figure out that this intention doesn’t last long. It starts with a kiss on Friday night. A panty-melting kiss, and so intense I hold my breath.
Quinn cupped her face in his hands. He pressed his mouth down, allowing his lips to reacquaint themselves with the softness and shape of hers beneath his. One smooth brush of his lips morphed into a dozen drugging kisses. At the insistent glide of his mouth, teasing nips of his teeth, tiny flicks of his tongue, Libby’s lips parted on a soft sigh.
His tongue slipped inside and her flavor burst in his mouth, sweet coffee, sweet Libby and sweet temptation. It’d been an eternity since he’d kissed his wife this way, a slow seduction. A promise. A renewal of intent.
Quinn tilted her head, kicking the kiss from lazy exploration to undeniable hunger. For her. Only ever for her. A wet, wild reunion of dueling tongues, stuttered breaths and the powerful slide into passion they’d either forgotten or had denied themselves.
Despite the heat and the sense of yearning, he kept their bodies apart, because what was blossoming between them again was too important to rush.
Tonight. Tomorrow all bets were off.
He forced himself to break the kiss. His hands fell away and he buried his nose in her apple-scented hair. “I miss talkin’ to you. Touchin’ you.” He kissed the start of her jawline beneath her ear. “I miss the way you smell. The way you taste. The way you feel. Goddamn, I miss the everything of you, Libby.”
The next day begins with a sensual massage class and all bets are off. I lost count of how often they had sex over the course of two days (at least ten times) and how many orgasms they enjoyed (significantly more than ten), let me just say: this guy has got some impressive stamina! Fortunately, Quinn must be the only romance hero who “ain’t exactly hung like a bull.” Good for her, that should help with soreness and definitely helps with anal sex. ;) They try many different sexual practices and the scenes are all well written, quite tasteful, at least somewhat realistic (inexhaustible stamina aside) and not too smutty. (No “cunts” and “little whores” involved).
Before and in between all the sex, they actually talk. It’s obvious that they still love each other and that neither of them wants a separation. They both really want to save their marriage and make it work, and this helps them to open up about their problems, to admit own mistakes and to verbalize long hidden (sexual) desires and longings (all of which they try out straight away on this sizzling weekend). Sure, everything goes pretty smoothly and the characters aren’t very deep, but I don’t expect that from a novella. It’s nice and sensitive enough, and Quinn is a wonderful man with an insanely romantic side, so I’m going to leave you with some more adorable quotes from him:
“Libby, I love you. I’d do anything for you. I wanna make you happy. I want us both to be happy. Not just for a week, or for a weekend, but for the rest of our lives. Let’s go home.”
“You are beautiful. You’ve always been the most beautiful girl in the world to me. That hasn’t changed in fourteen years. The way I feel about you hasn’t changed. It never will.”
“But, you could’ve had any girl.”
“I didn’t want any other girl besides you, Libby. Then or now.”
In this novella, Libby McKay threatens to leave her husband after 14 years of relationship. They no longer talk or have sex after three years of unsuccessfully trying to get her pregnant. Libby kicked Quinn out, and after three months in a horse trailer, he finally comes to his senses and wants to win his wife back. He talks her into a weekend together, just the two of them, “sharing meals, but not be sharing a bed.”
This is an erotica, so you can easily figure out that this intention doesn’t last long. It starts with a kiss on Friday night. A panty-melting kiss, and so intense I hold my breath.
Quinn cupped her face in his hands. He pressed his mouth down, allowing his lips to reacquaint themselves with the softness and shape of hers beneath his. One smooth brush of his lips morphed into a dozen drugging kisses. At the insistent glide of his mouth, teasing nips of his teeth, tiny flicks of his tongue, Libby’s lips parted on a soft sigh.
His tongue slipped inside and her flavor burst in his mouth, sweet coffee, sweet Libby and sweet temptation. It’d been an eternity since he’d kissed his wife this way, a slow seduction. A promise. A renewal of intent.
Quinn tilted her head, kicking the kiss from lazy exploration to undeniable hunger. For her. Only ever for her. A wet, wild reunion of dueling tongues, stuttered breaths and the powerful slide into passion they’d either forgotten or had denied themselves.
Despite the heat and the sense of yearning, he kept their bodies apart, because what was blossoming between them again was too important to rush.
Tonight. Tomorrow all bets were off.
He forced himself to break the kiss. His hands fell away and he buried his nose in her apple-scented hair. “I miss talkin’ to you. Touchin’ you.” He kissed the start of her jawline beneath her ear. “I miss the way you smell. The way you taste. The way you feel. Goddamn, I miss the everything of you, Libby.”
The next day begins with a sensual massage class and all bets are off. I lost count of how often they had sex over the course of two days (at least ten times) and how many orgasms they enjoyed (significantly more than ten), let me just say: this guy has got some impressive stamina! Fortunately, Quinn must be the only romance hero who “ain’t exactly hung like a bull.” Good for her, that should help with soreness and definitely helps with anal sex. ;) They try many different sexual practices and the scenes are all well written, quite tasteful, at least somewhat realistic (inexhaustible stamina aside) and not too smutty. (No “cunts” and “little whores” involved).
Before and in between all the sex, they actually talk. It’s obvious that they still love each other and that neither of them wants a separation. They both really want to save their marriage and make it work, and this helps them to open up about their problems, to admit own mistakes and to verbalize long hidden (sexual) desires and longings (all of which they try out straight away on this sizzling weekend). Sure, everything goes pretty smoothly and the characters aren’t very deep, but I don’t expect that from a novella. It’s nice and sensitive enough, and Quinn is a wonderful man with an insanely romantic side, so I’m going to leave you with some more adorable quotes from him:
“Libby, I love you. I’d do anything for you. I wanna make you happy. I want us both to be happy. Not just for a week, or for a weekend, but for the rest of our lives. Let’s go home.”
“You are beautiful. You’ve always been the most beautiful girl in the world to me. That hasn’t changed in fourteen years. The way I feel about you hasn’t changed. It never will.”
“But, you could’ve had any girl.”
“I didn’t want any other girl besides you, Libby. Then or now.”
September 23, 2020
Quick, hard, and fast! Love the Fact that this is about a couple that I’ve been married for a while and hitting some rocky spots. Just the type of story I needed. steamy hot!!
January 2, 2022
In short:
Hero 5/5 ⭐ Heroine 5/5 ⭐ Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 ⭐ Writing Style 4/5 ⭐ Steam 5/5 ⭐ Romance 4/5 ⭐ Angst-Suspense 1/5 ⭐ Darkness 0/5 ⭐ Humor 1/5 ⭐ Secondary Characters 3/5 ⭐ Drama-Conflict 3/5 ⭐ Mystery 0/5 ⭐ Twists 3/5 ⭐ Pacing Fast ⭐ Action 2/5
Hero 5/5 ⭐ Heroine 5/5 ⭐ Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 ⭐ Writing Style 4/5 ⭐ Steam 5/5 ⭐ Romance 4/5 ⭐ Angst-Suspense 1/5 ⭐ Darkness 0/5 ⭐ Humor 1/5 ⭐ Secondary Characters 3/5 ⭐ Drama-Conflict 3/5 ⭐ Mystery 0/5 ⭐ Twists 3/5 ⭐ Pacing Fast ⭐ Action 2/5
March 11, 2011
I won a giveaway contest at Smexybooks and got this great freebie from Lorelei James...huge thanks to Mandi and Lorelei. Yippee! I adored the premise for this erotic story. A couple who has been together for 14 years has lost the spark in their marriage. I really like reading about older couples instead of young, horny characters all the time...especially in erotica. There is something very sexy about mature characters who have some life experience, and it makes for a more emotionally intense story. Quinn is a great hero...I love how he breaks out of his reticent shell to become more sexually adventurous, more romantic and more in tune with his wife's needs. Libby also realizes she's been short-changing her husband as a result of their infertility troubles, and their re-connection is completely satisfying. (In every way...Ride 'em, cowboy!). My favorite part of the book is when Libby makes Quinn's fantasy come true by wearing nothing but the fringy, black suede chaps. As Libby models the scandalous "outfit" Quinn says..."Keep goin. I'm gettin all kinds of worked up." Hee hee hee....gotta love those cowboys!
This is a great addition to the Rough Riders Series.
Grade: A
Penelope
This is a great addition to the Rough Riders Series.
Grade: A
Penelope
March 23, 2012
Madison's review posted 3/23/12 on Guilty Pleasures
Quinn and Libby McKay, high school sweethearts and married for years have hit a rough spot. They've become staid in their lives, not willing to make changes as they've gotten older, and seriously taking each other for granted.
Libby decides to be pro-active. She begins to make herself happy. She loses weight and starts dressing differently. Thinking that it will force the two of them to realize what they are doing to each other, she kicks him out.
After months of him sleeping in the horse trailer, he decides he wants his wife back. On the day she signs their divorce paperwork. He’s sick of seeing her to seemingly live her life happily without him. When he approaches her, he for the first time has his heart on his sleeve. He tells her that while he wasn’t bored, things had become staid and if she wants him to change, he wants her to change as well.
What follows is an amazing story about a married couple who desperately love each other and find their spark. They have completely let their lives and their comfort levels get in the way of their intimacy and their ability to communicate. Like so many couples, they’ve let everyday things and the want to have a baby become more important than the relationship itself.
After years of not talking about anything and having nothing but vanilla sex. The two of them spend the weekend getting to know each other again. (In the horse trailer, in the truck, in public, in a massage parlor, in the dining room, and on the dining room table!) Quinn enjoys ‘knocking the halo off his perfect rancher wife’. Libby enjoys seeing the wild, sexier side of her usually strong, silent type husband.
There were times I cried, there were times I laughed, there were plenty of hot times. Libby wanting so badly to have a child figures deeply into this story, but the fact that Quinn doesn’t understand just how badly and why she wants one figures just as deeply. You get to see the overbearing McKay family in a different light in this one. It’s not bad, it’s just different. It shows how your family can be hurtful without meaning to be. How you can let words affect your marriage, when really you should just talk to your spouse.
This is the story that you need to read if you’ve been married or with your significant other for years and you feel as if you’ve stalled. These two never stopped loving each other, but they forgot how to talk or express that love in other ways. For one weekend, they decide to throw all of that out and put their feelings on the table. It’s an eye opening experience to say the least.
When the weekend is over, she goes to a conference and he stays on the ranch. Those divorce papers that she signed rear their ugly head and it leaves him wondering if she really does love him or not. Is this just another one of the things that they’ve mixed signals on? Read and find out, you won’t be disappointed.
This book also features one of my VERY favorite epilogues!
DiDi's review posted 5/7/11 - 5 Stars
"Get your goddamn hands off my wife" the opening line of the book and I was HOOKED. I LOVE me a possesive, alpha man and the fact that he's a cowboy with dark hair and blue eyes...off the charts hot for me. I lurvvv me some Quinn =)
I know, I know, you are thinking DiDi you love EVERY.FREAKIN.McKAY. well HELL YEAH!!! NO ONE writes HAWT COWBOY LURVVVV LIKE LORELEI JAMES =)
Strong, Silent Type is actually one of my favorites even though it's a short story. Quinn is super sexy and I love the way he fights for his woman, Libby. SST is emotional and HAWT and not many authors take a chance on writing about a couple going through seperation and the reasons this couple is seperated. I LOVE when Quinn opens up his Dark side and how Libby jumps right in.
IMO when Rough Rider fans are talking about the series and/or the HAWT McKay men, they tend to forget about Quinn, but only because SST is a novella in an anthology. SST is just as awesome as any of the Rough Rider books, so don't pass it by just because it's a novella.
Quinn and Libby McKay, high school sweethearts and married for years have hit a rough spot. They've become staid in their lives, not willing to make changes as they've gotten older, and seriously taking each other for granted.
Libby decides to be pro-active. She begins to make herself happy. She loses weight and starts dressing differently. Thinking that it will force the two of them to realize what they are doing to each other, she kicks him out.
After months of him sleeping in the horse trailer, he decides he wants his wife back. On the day she signs their divorce paperwork. He’s sick of seeing her to seemingly live her life happily without him. When he approaches her, he for the first time has his heart on his sleeve. He tells her that while he wasn’t bored, things had become staid and if she wants him to change, he wants her to change as well.
What follows is an amazing story about a married couple who desperately love each other and find their spark. They have completely let their lives and their comfort levels get in the way of their intimacy and their ability to communicate. Like so many couples, they’ve let everyday things and the want to have a baby become more important than the relationship itself.
After years of not talking about anything and having nothing but vanilla sex. The two of them spend the weekend getting to know each other again. (In the horse trailer, in the truck, in public, in a massage parlor, in the dining room, and on the dining room table!) Quinn enjoys ‘knocking the halo off his perfect rancher wife’. Libby enjoys seeing the wild, sexier side of her usually strong, silent type husband.
There were times I cried, there were times I laughed, there were plenty of hot times. Libby wanting so badly to have a child figures deeply into this story, but the fact that Quinn doesn’t understand just how badly and why she wants one figures just as deeply. You get to see the overbearing McKay family in a different light in this one. It’s not bad, it’s just different. It shows how your family can be hurtful without meaning to be. How you can let words affect your marriage, when really you should just talk to your spouse.
This is the story that you need to read if you’ve been married or with your significant other for years and you feel as if you’ve stalled. These two never stopped loving each other, but they forgot how to talk or express that love in other ways. For one weekend, they decide to throw all of that out and put their feelings on the table. It’s an eye opening experience to say the least.
When the weekend is over, she goes to a conference and he stays on the ranch. Those divorce papers that she signed rear their ugly head and it leaves him wondering if she really does love him or not. Is this just another one of the things that they’ve mixed signals on? Read and find out, you won’t be disappointed.
This book also features one of my VERY favorite epilogues!
DiDi's review posted 5/7/11 - 5 Stars
"Get your goddamn hands off my wife" the opening line of the book and I was HOOKED. I LOVE me a possesive, alpha man and the fact that he's a cowboy with dark hair and blue eyes...off the charts hot for me. I lurvvv me some Quinn =)
I know, I know, you are thinking DiDi you love EVERY.FREAKIN.McKAY. well HELL YEAH!!! NO ONE writes HAWT COWBOY LURVVVV LIKE LORELEI JAMES =)
Strong, Silent Type is actually one of my favorites even though it's a short story. Quinn is super sexy and I love the way he fights for his woman, Libby. SST is emotional and HAWT and not many authors take a chance on writing about a couple going through seperation and the reasons this couple is seperated. I LOVE when Quinn opens up his Dark side and how Libby jumps right in.
IMO when Rough Rider fans are talking about the series and/or the HAWT McKay men, they tend to forget about Quinn, but only because SST is a novella in an anthology. SST is just as awesome as any of the Rough Rider books, so don't pass it by just because it's a novella.
July 3, 2018
4 stars
In 2 words: quick & (good) dirty
This was an engaging and entertaining quick read for me. Though it is part of the "Rough Riders" series, it is easily a standalone novella (I haven't read any of the other books and didn't feel that I was missing any critical information to the plot of this story).
Quinn and Libby have been married for 9 years, and together for 14, but something has been missing in their relationship which brought about a separation. When the story begins, Quinn has the revelation that he may actually have to do something besides bide his time to convince his wife and the love of his life to come back home. Libby fears that even though she loves her husband, he won't be able to truly show his feelings and let her in the way she wishes he would. When Quinn requests that they spend the weekend together, she agrees, and they try to piece their fragile bond back together.
What I liked:
--- Oh my the steamy goodness!
--- The main characters were very likeable
--- Quick, light, and easy read
What I didn't like as much:
--- Some of the dialogue really didn't need to be presented the way it was (ex, "nekkid" is not a word) - that was a turn off for me --- I get that he's a "cowboy," but there were some words that made him sound like an idiot, and he seemed to be an intelligent guy from the rest of the story
Overall, a good, steamy read for a beach trip or rainy day.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- (there really wasn't much of one bc this book centered around the 2 mcs)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd throughout (but slanted from each mc's angle at times)
In 2 words: quick & (good) dirty
This was an engaging and entertaining quick read for me. Though it is part of the "Rough Riders" series, it is easily a standalone novella (I haven't read any of the other books and didn't feel that I was missing any critical information to the plot of this story).
Quinn and Libby have been married for 9 years, and together for 14, but something has been missing in their relationship which brought about a separation. When the story begins, Quinn has the revelation that he may actually have to do something besides bide his time to convince his wife and the love of his life to come back home. Libby fears that even though she loves her husband, he won't be able to truly show his feelings and let her in the way she wishes he would. When Quinn requests that they spend the weekend together, she agrees, and they try to piece their fragile bond back together.
What I liked:
--- Oh my the steamy goodness!
--- The main characters were very likeable
--- Quick, light, and easy read
What I didn't like as much:
--- Some of the dialogue really didn't need to be presented the way it was (ex, "nekkid" is not a word) - that was a turn off for me --- I get that he's a "cowboy," but there were some words that made him sound like an idiot, and he seemed to be an intelligent guy from the rest of the story
Overall, a good, steamy read for a beach trip or rainy day.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- (there really wasn't much of one bc this book centered around the 2 mcs)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd throughout (but slanted from each mc's angle at times)
May 5, 2017
Ever since I read Tied Up, Tied Down, I've wondered what happened with Libby and Quinn McKay. Back then, they were having major issues, fighting all the time, and I remember Libby being really upset and bitter about the fact that she couldn't get pregnant when she was trying so hard. Now, marriages go through rough patches all the time and there are fights, but I was still worried about Libby and Quinn, even if we didn't really know too much about them.
Getting to see them work out their relationship in this short, and damn do I mean short, novella was really great. It was nice to see the two of them finally talking to each other, getting their feelings out in the open, and helping each other. It was also good to see that, through their openness with each other, they were able to see the things that they had been doing wrong in the relationship, instead of just focusing on what the other was doing wrong.
I'm gonna be honest, I was so freaked out when Quinn got those papers! Of course, I knew that he was going to end up getting them after they reconciled the moment that she signed them in the beginning. However, they got that all cleared up and I was smiling in the end when they find out they are having a baby.
Oh! And of course Cam's little cameo was wonderful. I love ever glimpse I can get of that man. And hey, when is Ben gonna get a girl?
Getting to see them work out their relationship in this short, and damn do I mean short, novella was really great. It was nice to see the two of them finally talking to each other, getting their feelings out in the open, and helping each other. It was also good to see that, through their openness with each other, they were able to see the things that they had been doing wrong in the relationship, instead of just focusing on what the other was doing wrong.
I'm gonna be honest, I was so freaked out when Quinn got those papers! Of course, I knew that he was going to end up getting them after they reconciled the moment that she signed them in the beginning. However, they got that all cleared up and I was smiling in the end when they find out they are having a baby.
Oh! And of course Cam's little cameo was wonderful. I love ever glimpse I can get of that man. And hey, when is Ben gonna get a girl?
January 10, 2016
3.75 stars
This is not a book about falling in love ,it's about staying love <3 ^_^
This is not a book about falling in love ,it's about staying love <3 ^_^
August 19, 2017
Everytime I take a break from reading LJ; I am always reminded why she is my favorite author as soon as I pick up another book of hers. While Libby grated on my nerves throughout most of this book, I loved sexy, Quinn 2.0.
May 25, 2013
(May) I love the Rough Riders, but this one was just ok for me. I honestly blame the marriage problems about 90% on Libby. She married a guy who was quiet, who was not a talker or even a sharer. You can't marry someone and hope/expect them to change. She got obsessed with having a baby and while he should have talked to her about her obsession, I know what it's like to be baby obsessed and have problems and I don't blame him for walking on egg shells around her regarding that. There is no mention of her going to a Dr. for a check up or anything else - just that he won't get his boys checked - well, then let her go! It does not sound like she ever tried to talk to him, to explain her fears about them being too old (and yeah, after all that time trying and their age, she definitely should have been seeing a fertility specialist). She felt badly about herself and gave herself a makeover and didn't like his response - well, I think his response was quite lovely. He loved her before, he didn't think she needed to lose weight or change her hair or her make up. Sounded to me like Libby expected him to be a mind reader, a psychic who knew what she was thinking, what she wanted, expected, how she was feeling, etc. - but never told him anything about how she was feeling so how was he to know? Yeah, it sucks about being harrassed about "when are you having a baby?" but again - she kept that from him - if he'd done that to her she'd have been so hurt. I also hate when someone kicks someone else out of the bedroom or the house. He should have said no - if she wanted a separation, she should have left to get space, not kicked him out of his own house. Sorry, but she really, really frustrated me. I do think it was realistic that they both had sexual fantasies that had never been brought to the light of day - I think for many couples, discussing their sex life is just not comfortable, no matter how close they are or how long they are married. I think, overall though, that Quinn would have made up with Libby way earlier if she'd been willing to talk to him. He got kicked out and I don't think he truly had any idea why she was mad, and in my opinion he didn't do anything wrong! I also was a bit annoyed at the ending...
**Spoiler**
Sorry, if you could not figure out there would be a pregnancy you don't read much romance - but I felt that was cheating a bit - should have been maybe a year later, with mention of seeing a fertility doctor, etc., and then a baby would have made sense - but I hate the old "just forget about it and it'll happen" idea, which is kind of a slap in the face to women who can't just forget about it!
Thanks for the loan, Melissa!!
**Spoiler**
Sorry, if you could not figure out there would be a pregnancy you don't read much romance - but I felt that was cheating a bit - should have been maybe a year later, with mention of seeing a fertility doctor, etc., and then a baby would have made sense - but I hate the old "just forget about it and it'll happen" idea, which is kind of a slap in the face to women who can't just forget about it!
Thanks for the loan, Melissa!!
January 30, 2013
I liked the story of second chances and how both characters matured after looking back. Instead of drifting apart, Libby and Quinn's relationship was strengthened after they both realized their mistakes, and I liked how Quinn tried hard to speak up about his feelings and where they both went wrong. With a Lorelei James story, the hot, spontaneous, raunchy sex is just icing on the cake.
Though this is fiction, Ms James was able to tell a story of a long-time married couple's relationship and how stale it became until they temporarily separated. Of course, pride is the main issue and Quinn is a stubborn jackass (though he made up for it really well), and their lack of communication. These things happen in real life, failed marriages not because of unfaithfulness or financial probs, but because they don't see eye to eye and the couple refuses to discuss it, like the big elephant in the room no one seems to notice.
For a short story, it had all the right elements I was looking for, nothing was rushed and it has a feel good ending.
Though this is fiction, Ms James was able to tell a story of a long-time married couple's relationship and how stale it became until they temporarily separated. Of course, pride is the main issue and Quinn is a stubborn jackass (though he made up for it really well), and their lack of communication. These things happen in real life, failed marriages not because of unfaithfulness or financial probs, but because they don't see eye to eye and the couple refuses to discuss it, like the big elephant in the room no one seems to notice.
For a short story, it had all the right elements I was looking for, nothing was rushed and it has a feel good ending.
October 25, 2015
Strong, Silent Type
Quinn McKay and Libby McKay
5/5 Stars
Strong, Silent Type is a novella of Rough Riders series by Lorelei James.
Favorite Quotes
“You are beautiful. You've always been the most beautiful girl in the world to me. That hasn't changed in fourteen years. The way I feel about you hasn't changed. It never will.” -Quinn
“...Of course I still love you. I never stopped loving you.” -Libby
Quinn McKay and Libby McKay
5/5 Stars
Strong, Silent Type is a novella of Rough Riders series by Lorelei James.
Favorite Quotes
“You are beautiful. You've always been the most beautiful girl in the world to me. That hasn't changed in fourteen years. The way I feel about you hasn't changed. It never will.” -Quinn
“...Of course I still love you. I never stopped loving you.” -Libby
June 13, 2010
I usually never give short stories a 5 star rating but this story to me deserved every star. I absolutely LOVED it! I guess being married myself I could relate to some of the problems the H&H in this story had. I hope to read more about them in the book's to come in this series.
September 28, 2011
God damn i loved this one too!! Short and Sweet my kinda book!! and the best ending!! Loved loved loved Quinn and Libby!!
March 10, 2011
4.5 Stars. This is pretty much the perfect short-and-sexy novella, an incredibly hard sub-genre to do well. Libby and Quinn have been together for 14 years, and there's no doubting their love for each other. This is important because one of the big problems with the short form is believing that characters can really reach HEA in less than 100 pages and in just a few days. But, since Quinn and Libby have such a rich backstory, their reconciliation makes perfect sense, and their past gives everything much more emotional intensity than you usually see in a novella. Their future together is on the line because they've grown apart in recent years, due in large part to a lengthy battle with infertility.
Quinn is also one of the most believable heroes as like millions of men, he struggles mightily to open up and really talk with his wife. He kept hoping that their problems would solve themselves or blow over, and he was dumbfounded when they got worse, not better. However, he's finally decided to do what it takes to win back his wife, and in the process he figures out how to be more comfortable with his true self. Of course, this is Lorelei James who turns the sexy up to 12 and amps her heroes several notches above Alpha, so in addition to being one of the sweetest reunion stories, it's also one of the hottest.
My only quibble with the whole story was the scene where Libby gets busy with Quinn while he's driving. The road-sex scene seems to be popping up in loads of sexy books, and I have a problem every time I encounter it. It's just not sexy for me when the hero later confesses, "I almost wrecked the truck twice!" Pull over. They're on a country road at night, so pulling over shouldn't be a big hassle. However, this seems to be a big fantasy for lots of people, and James does write this scene really well.
This is romantica, intended for mature audiences, and it's full of smoking hot love scenes that don't hold anything back. If that's not your cup of tea, you may want to look for a sweeter and tamer cowboy love story (Can I suggest Paty Jager who does that kind of story remarkably well?). However, if you are in the mood for a sexy story that packs an emotional wallop, this is absolutely perfect. I don't encounter many stories that I want to share with my husband, but this is one I'll be loading on his android in the hopes that he too enjoys James's underlying message that marriage IS a ton of work, even when it's your once-in-a-lifetime HEA, but the payoff is well worth it. Which we already knew!
Quinn is also one of the most believable heroes as like millions of men, he struggles mightily to open up and really talk with his wife. He kept hoping that their problems would solve themselves or blow over, and he was dumbfounded when they got worse, not better. However, he's finally decided to do what it takes to win back his wife, and in the process he figures out how to be more comfortable with his true self. Of course, this is Lorelei James who turns the sexy up to 12 and amps her heroes several notches above Alpha, so in addition to being one of the sweetest reunion stories, it's also one of the hottest.
My only quibble with the whole story was the scene where Libby gets busy with Quinn while he's driving. The road-sex scene seems to be popping up in loads of sexy books, and I have a problem every time I encounter it. It's just not sexy for me when the hero later confesses, "I almost wrecked the truck twice!" Pull over. They're on a country road at night, so pulling over shouldn't be a big hassle. However, this seems to be a big fantasy for lots of people, and James does write this scene really well.
This is romantica, intended for mature audiences, and it's full of smoking hot love scenes that don't hold anything back. If that's not your cup of tea, you may want to look for a sweeter and tamer cowboy love story (Can I suggest Paty Jager who does that kind of story remarkably well?). However, if you are in the mood for a sexy story that packs an emotional wallop, this is absolutely perfect. I don't encounter many stories that I want to share with my husband, but this is one I'll be loading on his android in the hopes that he too enjoys James's underlying message that marriage IS a ton of work, even when it's your once-in-a-lifetime HEA, but the payoff is well worth it. Which we already knew!
February 25, 2024
Planteamiento frecuente en los relatos cortos: el del «matrimonio en crisis». Quinn McKay lleva unos meses separado de Libby. Este tipo fuerte y silencioso, ama a su mujer, pero digamos que no es muy expresivo. Reencontrarse y darle nueva vida a su relación pasa por muchas cosas, la primera de ellas, el recuperar la pasión sexual.
El estilo de romance erótico de Lorelei James me va mucho. Quizá porque mezcla una buena historia de amor, la parte emocional, personajes auténticos, con las escenas sexis con su toque raruno. Esta novelita no es una excepción.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Releída en 2/2024, dentro de mi lectura de toda la serie. Voy encajando a los distintos McKay, Quinn y su hermano Ben son primos de los revoltosos Colby/Colt/Cam y compañía. Quinn es de los McKay tranquilos.
El estilo de romance erótico de Lorelei James me va mucho. Quizá porque mezcla una buena historia de amor, la parte emocional, personajes auténticos, con las escenas sexis con su toque raruno. Esta novelita no es una excepción.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Releída en 2/2024, dentro de mi lectura de toda la serie. Voy encajando a los distintos McKay, Quinn y su hermano Ben son primos de los revoltosos Colby/Colt/Cam y compañía. Quinn es de los McKay tranquilos.
March 24, 2011
Very sweet (short) story about a married couple finding their way back to happiness. Quinn and Libby have been together since high school and had reached an impasse in their marriage. Both left things unsaid, made assumptions, let pride get in the way and figured that the other partner was the one with the problem. But when faced with the idea that if they didn't make some changes and fast, they were both going to lose the only person they had ever loved, they took action! As with the other Rough Rider books, this story had a lot of emotion and some steaming hot love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was really nice to read about a couple staying in love instead of falling in love.
Finished 3.24.11
Finished 3.24.11
January 16, 2013
I was going to skip this one and jump right into Cam’s book but I’m so glad Suz told me to read it! Quinn and Libby turned out to be smoking hot and possibly hotter than some of the full-length novels in this series.
When their marriage is hanging on the barest of threads, Cam and Libby put their efforts together to try to make it work. It helps that Cam is suddenly revealing his dominant side and that Libby is responding to his possessive stares.
The sex is smoking and there’s a good variety here. No ménage though because it’s very much about Quinn and Libby trying to reacquaint themselves with each other. No other outside forces in this one. And I think it’s a great story of a second shot at love!
When their marriage is hanging on the barest of threads, Cam and Libby put their efforts together to try to make it work. It helps that Cam is suddenly revealing his dominant side and that Libby is responding to his possessive stares.
The sex is smoking and there’s a good variety here. No ménage though because it’s very much about Quinn and Libby trying to reacquaint themselves with each other. No other outside forces in this one. And I think it’s a great story of a second shot at love!
June 18, 2015
3.5 Stars
Super short, sweet, and sexy! This couple are each other's first in everything and have been together for fourteen years! I love the dedication Quinn had to Libby and his marriage and was ready to do anything to save it. There was no crazy OTT drama, just a couple fighting to make it work and lots and lots of hot sex! ;)
As a side note, why do romance authors sexualize the H shaving the h's private parts? I've read it in a couple books now and there is nothing sexy or romantic about that act, lol.
(Thank you Soonya for the rec!)
Super short, sweet, and sexy! This couple are each other's first in everything and have been together for fourteen years! I love the dedication Quinn had to Libby and his marriage and was ready to do anything to save it. There was no crazy OTT drama, just a couple fighting to make it work and lots and lots of hot sex! ;)
As a side note, why do romance authors sexualize the H shaving the h's private parts? I've read it in a couple books now and there is nothing sexy or romantic about that act, lol.
(Thank you Soonya for the rec!)
May 23, 2012
This was truly the sweetest story. I think I really related to this one more than any, thus far. My husband is not a great communicator and is so much like Quinn. I cheered for this couple and really felt their journey. Another home run, Lorelei!
April 12, 2020
Novella, H loves his estranged wife, wants her back and is slowly realising what went wrong in their marriage. She loves him, believes the break down of their marriage is his fault, until she gets a wake up call from her sister. It's a good steamy read, easy to relate to and I liked it.
June 11, 2013
This story contains a hot loving McKay, what more can you ask for?
Short, hot, sweet read! Love it
Short, hot, sweet read! Love it
September 11, 2010
3.75/5 stars
Quinn and Libby McKay's marriage is stuck in a bad place and they have been separated for 3 months. Libby kicked Quinn out. The trouble starts with their fruitless attempts to have a baby. After that it goes downhill until Quinn decides to fight for his wife and their love. Quinn wants her back and his brother advises him to woo her. It's funny how the things Libby wants from Quinn: to stake his claim on her, fight for her, reconciliation, are exactly what Quinn wants too, but they fell into a comfortable rut in their marriage. The main reason of Quinn and Libby's marital problems kinda hit home for me for personal reasons and gave this short story an extra dimension for which I will hold it as one of my faves in this series.
I've had this novella on my computer since it came out in May 2009 because, as you should know by now, Lorelei James is one of my auto-buy on release day author. However, I didn't read it until late in 2009 and it was the kick-start for a Lorelei James reading binge. Because after reading it I just had to read SHOULDA BEEN A COWBOY and ALL JACKED UP.
What can I tell you about Strong, Silent Type? It's a novella and that is actually my only real complaint...it’s just is too damn short. On the other hand the size of it does serve well to tell Quinn and Libby's story because they are not a couple whom just met and have to get to know each other. They have know each other like forever and have been married for years and are going through a rough spot. Frankly I think Lorelei James did an excellent job of telling the story of how they got back on track, in the span of the roughly 90 pages this novella adds up to.
STRONG, SILENT TYPE proves that within a relationship communication is the key! Once Quinn and Libby started talking, really talking, about their issues, is when both realized their own role in their troubled marriage and made a true start at fixing their problems. Libby realizes she's been a bit selfish and focused on her own needs only. And Quinn realizes he must open up and talk about his feelings and make his needs clear to Libby. The fact that their sex life gets an extra hot boost in the progress is just another added bonus! Quinn transforms from gruff and quiet to talkative, commanding and seductive. If I ever want a sensual massage I'm getting Quinn McKay!!! I really melted at that scene. It was so incredibly hot.
As with the full-length books, the story of Quinn and Libby is both emotional and steamy. No forget steamy...it's scorching hot. Emotionally it worked for me too and as always Lorelei made bring out the tissues in the end. This novella was no different. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lorelei James knows how to write tantalizing, extremely sensual, spine-tingling love scenes, no matter the couple, no matter the size of the book, no matter if it's just a kiss or a full-blown sex session, they are always on the mark and never fail to get me all hot and bothered.
STRONG SILENT TYPE was a nice in-between for the full-lengths in the Rough Rider series and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it was short. No, there wasn’t much room for a plot or to thoroughly deepen out the characters but to be honest Lorelei James' writing doesn't need elaborate plots because even in this short story she managed add to the feeling of completeness of this series and again she touched and aroused me like few other authors can. If you like 'em hot and sweet, get yourself a taste of Lorelei James' Rough Riders. She has yet to write something that disappoints me.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Quinn and Libby McKay's marriage is stuck in a bad place and they have been separated for 3 months. Libby kicked Quinn out. The trouble starts with their fruitless attempts to have a baby. After that it goes downhill until Quinn decides to fight for his wife and their love. Quinn wants her back and his brother advises him to woo her. It's funny how the things Libby wants from Quinn: to stake his claim on her, fight for her, reconciliation, are exactly what Quinn wants too, but they fell into a comfortable rut in their marriage. The main reason of Quinn and Libby's marital problems kinda hit home for me for personal reasons and gave this short story an extra dimension for which I will hold it as one of my faves in this series.
I've had this novella on my computer since it came out in May 2009 because, as you should know by now, Lorelei James is one of my auto-buy on release day author. However, I didn't read it until late in 2009 and it was the kick-start for a Lorelei James reading binge. Because after reading it I just had to read SHOULDA BEEN A COWBOY and ALL JACKED UP.
What can I tell you about Strong, Silent Type? It's a novella and that is actually my only real complaint...it’s just is too damn short. On the other hand the size of it does serve well to tell Quinn and Libby's story because they are not a couple whom just met and have to get to know each other. They have know each other like forever and have been married for years and are going through a rough spot. Frankly I think Lorelei James did an excellent job of telling the story of how they got back on track, in the span of the roughly 90 pages this novella adds up to.
STRONG, SILENT TYPE proves that within a relationship communication is the key! Once Quinn and Libby started talking, really talking, about their issues, is when both realized their own role in their troubled marriage and made a true start at fixing their problems. Libby realizes she's been a bit selfish and focused on her own needs only. And Quinn realizes he must open up and talk about his feelings and make his needs clear to Libby. The fact that their sex life gets an extra hot boost in the progress is just another added bonus! Quinn transforms from gruff and quiet to talkative, commanding and seductive. If I ever want a sensual massage I'm getting Quinn McKay!!! I really melted at that scene. It was so incredibly hot.
As with the full-length books, the story of Quinn and Libby is both emotional and steamy. No forget steamy...it's scorching hot. Emotionally it worked for me too and as always Lorelei made bring out the tissues in the end. This novella was no different. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lorelei James knows how to write tantalizing, extremely sensual, spine-tingling love scenes, no matter the couple, no matter the size of the book, no matter if it's just a kiss or a full-blown sex session, they are always on the mark and never fail to get me all hot and bothered.
STRONG SILENT TYPE was a nice in-between for the full-lengths in the Rough Rider series and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it was short. No, there wasn’t much room for a plot or to thoroughly deepen out the characters but to be honest Lorelei James' writing doesn't need elaborate plots because even in this short story she managed add to the feeling of completeness of this series and again she touched and aroused me like few other authors can. If you like 'em hot and sweet, get yourself a taste of Lorelei James' Rough Riders. She has yet to write something that disappoints me.
Quotes:
Quinn:
“I’m gonna f*ckin’ kill him. See how goddamn happy his hands are after I break ’em off at the wrists.”
Libby and Quinn:
“Is that why you behaved like that last night at Ziggy’s?”
“Like what?”
“You know how you behaved.” Quinn chewed slowly and swallowed. “You lookin’ for an apology?”
“Maybe.”
“Okay. I’m sorry that sonuvabitch who had his paws all over you didn’t spend all goddamn night pickin’ his teeth up off the floor after I knocked ’em clean outta his mouth.”
“So you’re not apologizing?” Quinn flashed his teeth. “For actin’ like a man and for protecting what’s mine? Hell no.” He leaned closer. “Does that shock you?”
“A little. Lord, Quinn, that was completely out of character for you, cussing, threatening a guy and causing a public scene.”
He shrugged. “That’s because I keep that side of myself to myself.”
“Why?”
Should he answer? Could he? Yes. No more hiding. Balls to the wall. “Quinn?” “Because it’d scare you worse than it does me.”
“I’m not exactly a delicate flower,” she retorted. “And I’ve known you all my life.”
“Yeah? Then did ya think I’d go with my original impulse of draggin’ you back home by the hair and provin’ to you just who has the right to put his hands all over you?”
Quinn and Libby:
“I want you right now.”
“Where?”"
"“Table.” He untied the belt on her robe, pushed it to the floor and groaned satisfaction she was still naked.
“But the dishes—”
“F*ck the dishes.” Quinn turned, jerked the corners of the tablecloth until all the plates and silverware crashed together and rolled to the opposite end of the table. “Problem solved.”
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
November 18, 2018
Excellent short, smutty read. Works as a standalone and free.
March 20, 2010
Married couple gets back together -- heartfelt story
Quinn and Libby McKay were together a lot of years before they separated. Although they still loved each other, they weren't communicating well and drifted apart. For years, they had tried to get pregnant with no luck. Sex was scheduled by fertility charts and the romance had worn off. After losing her confidence as a woman due to the fertility problems, Libby lost weight, bought some new sexy clothes and got a new stylish haircut. When her husband just responded that he liked her how she was before, that was the last straw. She asked him for a trial separation. Finally months later Quinn came to his senses and realized that sitting around waiting on Libby wasn't going to bring her back. He surprises her with romantic gestures and she agrees to spend the weekend with him. The way that they reconnect was so sweet and sometimes hot.
Anyone that has been married a long time, especially those that have tried to get pregnant without success, will really relate to this story. It really is a testatment that relationships require love and effort to succeed. The story was well written, emotional and engrossing. I liked the main characters. I also enjoyed the story being about a married couple getting back together--a nice change of pace from so many romances about couples first time coming together. Although it was described as a novella it read like a full length book to me. Really an amazing deal at $2.80.
Quinn and Libby McKay were together a lot of years before they separated. Although they still loved each other, they weren't communicating well and drifted apart. For years, they had tried to get pregnant with no luck. Sex was scheduled by fertility charts and the romance had worn off. After losing her confidence as a woman due to the fertility problems, Libby lost weight, bought some new sexy clothes and got a new stylish haircut. When her husband just responded that he liked her how she was before, that was the last straw. She asked him for a trial separation. Finally months later Quinn came to his senses and realized that sitting around waiting on Libby wasn't going to bring her back. He surprises her with romantic gestures and she agrees to spend the weekend with him. The way that they reconnect was so sweet and sometimes hot.
Anyone that has been married a long time, especially those that have tried to get pregnant without success, will really relate to this story. It really is a testatment that relationships require love and effort to succeed. The story was well written, emotional and engrossing. I liked the main characters. I also enjoyed the story being about a married couple getting back together--a nice change of pace from so many romances about couples first time coming together. Although it was described as a novella it read like a full length book to me. Really an amazing deal at $2.80.
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