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Lost Kings MC #14.5
Swagger and Sass
From USA Today bestselling author, Autumn Jones Lake, sometimes white knights arrive on a motorcycle to rescue you from drowning in three feet of water...
Ladies love the c*ck.
No, seriously, my road name is Rooster, and women flock to me.
The feeling’s mutual, but life is too short to fall in love with anyone in particular.
I’ve just been promoted to Vice President of the Lost Kings MC. There’s no room in my life for distractions. Not even pretty ones.
I do who I want when I want, and always leave them smiling.
No one’s ever accused me of being a hero. Even so, I can’t resist rescuing a woman in peril.
Our paths never should have crossed.
I’m a filthy biker from New York.
Shelby’s a sassy waitress from Texas.
My club’s here on business. In a few days, we ride home.
Whatever secrets she’s hiding aren’t my problem.
If I don’t believe in love, why am I falling so hard?
Swagger and Sass is a Lost Kings MC novella.
No other books in the series need to be read in order to enjoy Swagger and Sass!
Ladies love the c*ck.
No, seriously, my road name is Rooster, and women flock to me.
The feeling’s mutual, but life is too short to fall in love with anyone in particular.
I’ve just been promoted to Vice President of the Lost Kings MC. There’s no room in my life for distractions. Not even pretty ones.
I do who I want when I want, and always leave them smiling.
No one’s ever accused me of being a hero. Even so, I can’t resist rescuing a woman in peril.
Our paths never should have crossed.
I’m a filthy biker from New York.
Shelby’s a sassy waitress from Texas.
My club’s here on business. In a few days, we ride home.
Whatever secrets she’s hiding aren’t my problem.
If I don’t believe in love, why am I falling so hard?
Swagger and Sass is a Lost Kings MC novella.
No other books in the series need to be read in order to enjoy Swagger and Sass!
158 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2019
About the author
Autumn Jones Lake
53 books3,399 followersAutumn is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the popular Lost Kings MC and Hollywood Demons series. Autumn firmly believes that true love stories never end and that is reflected in the stories she tells.
Her past lives include baking cookies, slinging shoes, and practicing law.
She was born and raised in upstate New York, where most of her books are set. Autumn still enjoys all four seasons there with her very own alpha hero.
You can ask Autumn questions on Goodreads and easily find her on Facebook.
Sign-up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bTSNkn
Join the Autumn's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LostK...
Follow Autumn on Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/autum...
Visit Autumn here:
http://www.autumnjoneslake.com
Email Autumn: AutumnJLake@gmail.com
Her past lives include baking cookies, slinging shoes, and practicing law.
She was born and raised in upstate New York, where most of her books are set. Autumn still enjoys all four seasons there with her very own alpha hero.
You can ask Autumn questions on Goodreads and easily find her on Facebook.
Sign-up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bTSNkn
Join the Autumn's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LostK...
Follow Autumn on Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/autum...
Visit Autumn here:
http://www.autumnjoneslake.com
Email Autumn: AutumnJLake@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
December 27, 2019
"I knew I was in danger of losing my heart to a stranger."
Swagger and Sass is a Lost Kings Novella full of passion, romance, sass, and of course LOKI LOVE!!!! Rooster and his brothers are on a road trip and find themselves in the Lonestar State. Shelby, a San Antonio native, somehow lands herself on the back of Rooster's bike. What begins as a passionate fling somehow transforms into the beginning of something so much more.
Swagger and Sass is a passionate and sweet read with what promises to be another unforgettable LOKI romance. Rooster is a strong alpha who is full of swagger and Shelby is one cowgirl full of spunk and sass! Together they make a magical combination and I am dying to get my hands on Rhythm of the Road to find out what happens next with these two! "Sometimes your white knight rides a Harley."Overall, Autumn Jones Lake never fails to captivate me with the LOKI world in which she has created. If you are interested in getting a taste of the Lost Kings MC this novella is a perfect place to start. However, be forewarned, once you get a taste of the Lost Kings you will be hooked forever! I am looking forward to more Rooster and Shelby!!!!! No doubt more PERFECTION is on the horizon!
*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review.
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February 24, 2020Apple Books: http://bit.ly/Rooster_Apple
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October 5, 2022
Just a short, (141 pages) novela to give some back ground I guess on Rooster who is the new VP of the down state chapter of Lost Kings MC. He doesn't have time in his life for a steady woman nor does he believe in love so a fling in Texas with a beautiful blonde is just the thing he can do. The woman who has his attention doesn't want or have time for a man or heartbreak. She is on a path to stardom but I can feel her hesitation in her words.
December 15, 2019
Shelby's a sassy waitress from Texas who finds her self in an unlikely predicament where she makes a splash...literally.
Rooster, the Vice President of the Lost Kings Downstate Charter, is on a trip with his brothers in San Antonio. While strolling along the Riverwalk he sees a beautiful blonde in distress and springs into action.
Rooster's no knight in shining armour, he's a biker in tats and leather, and Shelby's utterly drawn to him and his charm. Their attraction is explosive and after a few days they are quickly catching feelings for each other.
Rooster is aware that Shelby's already "ruling his Roost" without her even realizing it. And unfortunately they live two separate lives across the country. Shelby's gearing up to travel for her new up and coming career. And Rooster will be heading back to Downstate New York.
Where will their hearts lead them? Will they try to make something work for the long term or will they leave each other in the past as just a memory of a weekend fling?
Rooster, the Vice President of the Lost Kings Downstate Charter, is on a trip with his brothers in San Antonio. While strolling along the Riverwalk he sees a beautiful blonde in distress and springs into action.
Rooster's no knight in shining armour, he's a biker in tats and leather, and Shelby's utterly drawn to him and his charm. Their attraction is explosive and after a few days they are quickly catching feelings for each other.
Rooster is aware that Shelby's already "ruling his Roost" without her even realizing it. And unfortunately they live two separate lives across the country. Shelby's gearing up to travel for her new up and coming career. And Rooster will be heading back to Downstate New York.
Where will their hearts lead them? Will they try to make something work for the long term or will they leave each other in the past as just a memory of a weekend fling?
August 6, 2020
Totally into this world and these characters👏 Will come back💞
Read: 06/08/2020
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/tropes: MC/Romance
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Dual (Rooster & Shelby)
Will I recommend: Yes
Read: 06/08/2020
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/tropes: MC/Romance
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Dual (Rooster & Shelby)
Will I recommend: Yes
January 4, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️”His kiss does more than light a spark of desire. No, I’m a raging inferno of need in two seconds flat.”
If you love hot and steamy from the get go-this is for you!
Rooster isn’t looking for love. Shelby is working two jobs, while trying to pursue her dream. She ends up needing to be rescued by Rooster and it’s instant fireworks between them. But can they make it work when their paths are going in different directions?
The rating is only because I just didn’t connect. This was still a fun steamy tease leading up to their full book!
If you love hot and steamy from the get go-this is for you!
Rooster isn’t looking for love. Shelby is working two jobs, while trying to pursue her dream. She ends up needing to be rescued by Rooster and it’s instant fireworks between them. But can they make it work when their paths are going in different directions?
The rating is only because I just didn’t connect. This was still a fun steamy tease leading up to their full book!
March 11, 2024
A quick read, liked the characters.
December 17, 2019
Shelby and Rooster make me happy
:) They’ve made me happy since the first time I met them in the Love, Loyalty & Mayhem: A Motorcycle Club Romance Anthology back in July of this year. This is their story with a bit more substance and a HFN ending.
I am super excited to announce to all you newbie readers that this story truly is a standalone story in the Lost Kings MC world! Why am I super excited? Because I have yet to be able to say standalone for a book in this series. EVER. The motorcycle club’s world plays little to no role in this story. Its focus is almost 100% on Rooster and Shelby and their whirlwind #meetcute! Their story is cute and fun and will leave you smiling for a while after you finish! Everything about this story was on point. It leaves you wanting more but yet satisfied :)
I’m looking forward to getting more of them in the future!
I am super excited to announce to all you newbie readers that this story truly is a standalone story in the Lost Kings MC world! Why am I super excited? Because I have yet to be able to say standalone for a book in this series. EVER. The motorcycle club’s world plays little to no role in this story. Its focus is almost 100% on Rooster and Shelby and their whirlwind #meetcute! Their story is cute and fun and will leave you smiling for a while after you finish! Everything about this story was on point. It leaves you wanting more but yet satisfied :)
I’m looking forward to getting more of them in the future!
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this short and I’m looking forward to more of these two.
December 13, 2019
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Swagger & Sass is a slightly extended version of Rooster & Shelby’s novella from the Love Loyalty & Mayhem anthology.
I really loved getting to know a new LOKI man, especially one from downstate. I can’t wait for their full story coming Summer 2020. I feel like we got to see more of who Rooster really is in this extended novella. The novella from the anthology was short, sexy, and kept you wanting more BUT this version had more meat to the characters. More heart. I’m fully invested in where their story will lead. I rarely give 5 stars, if I thoroughly enjoy a book I usually give 4, but this deserves a 5/5 for sure!
Swagger & Sass is a slightly extended version of Rooster & Shelby’s novella from the Love Loyalty & Mayhem anthology.
I really loved getting to know a new LOKI man, especially one from downstate. I can’t wait for their full story coming Summer 2020. I feel like we got to see more of who Rooster really is in this extended novella. The novella from the anthology was short, sexy, and kept you wanting more BUT this version had more meat to the characters. More heart. I’m fully invested in where their story will lead. I rarely give 5 stars, if I thoroughly enjoy a book I usually give 4, but this deserves a 5/5 for sure!
February 24, 2020
I just love how this author writes men and women. Real, flawed, and genuine, with just a hint of fantasy. This is sexy and funny. I hope Rooster gets a full length book soon to see this pan out to a HEA.
Want to read
August 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/3/2020)! 🎁
January 3, 2022
I’ve enjoyed the smaller glimpses of Rooster readers were given in Zero Tolerance and Zero Regret. This author is great at giving readers what they want from the main characters; all the while, making you crave more information on the secondary characters.
Rooster is a great character! He’s loyal and charismatic. Enter a sassy, hard-working lady and boom, chemistry for days.
Hopefully, this short story will develop into a full-length novel in the author’s mind and us readers will get more of Rooster and Shelby!
Rooster is a great character! He’s loyal and charismatic. Enter a sassy, hard-working lady and boom, chemistry for days.
Hopefully, this short story will develop into a full-length novel in the author’s mind and us readers will get more of Rooster and Shelby!
August 12, 2020
3.75 ⭐️ for me.
This little story was amazing and super well written. I loved the chemistry between the main characters! I’ve never read the complete series... but I’ll start now!
Highly recommended ♥️
This little story was amazing and super well written. I loved the chemistry between the main characters! I’ve never read the complete series... but I’ll start now!
Highly recommended ♥️
December 19, 2019
A Heart Melting Explosion of Southern Fried Sparks!
"Swagger and Sass", while newly released in this independent format, is technically the nineteenth installment and fifth novella from Autumn Jones Lake's Lost Kings MC series (LOKI), (hence the 14.5 series volume designation). It is a quick literary diversion that focuses on downstate brother, Logan "Rooster" Randell, and Shelby, a hardworking, shy yet sassy, spitfire southern girl with a voice of an angel.
Rooster we've been growing love for, for several books now. Shelby however, while previously referenced, was never formally introduced, until this moment. One. Spectacular. Literary. Moment.
Here, using the backdrop of the Texas roadtrip outlined at the end of "Zero Apologies", we continue down Lake's path of brotherly bonding between upstate, downstate, and several of the outside clubs LOKI interacts with. We are finally afforded an opportunity to really see Rooster, the confident bordering on arrogant, yet quietly contemplative and observant downstate vice preseident, beyond his patch and position as VP. Allowing us to more fully absorb the man behind the cocky facade. A man who, as it turns out, is surprisingly sweet, gentle even when he wants to be. And when confronted with damsel in distress Shelby, well, let me just say sparks are the coolest thing flying around their scorching, panty melting, almost primal electric attraction.
I have to admit, I was honestly thunderstruck by this one. Mainly because I initially found them to be an unexpected, almost crazy pairing, the big, bad New York guy and the sweet, shy Texas gal. But it works! They're both saucy and independent. They both know themselves and what they want out of life. It's a story that is surprisingly warm in tone. A sweet almost tender story, despite the mind-blowing, explosive chemistry between them.
It's a soul churning, emotionally demanding tale of two souls subconsciously seeking their other half. Souls silently crying out for love, and the complete companionship Rooster and Shelby consciously are unwilling to admit they both need and crave. And while it initially appears their meeting is pure chance. You walk away from this novella wondering aloud about fate. As the universe is obviously conspiring to put these two together, melding two souls into one despite their individual fight against any prospect of a forever-ever-after. And holy hell did I love every, single, word!
I dare say, Rooster and Shelby have become my new favorite LOKI couple. This installment ended way to soon! And I don't think I can make it until July for the rest of their journey!! I'm addicted to this couple and was once again reminded of the phenomenon that is Autumn Jones Lake.
"Swagger and Sass", while newly released in this independent format, is technically the nineteenth installment and fifth novella from Autumn Jones Lake's Lost Kings MC series (LOKI), (hence the 14.5 series volume designation). It is a quick literary diversion that focuses on downstate brother, Logan "Rooster" Randell, and Shelby, a hardworking, shy yet sassy, spitfire southern girl with a voice of an angel.
Rooster we've been growing love for, for several books now. Shelby however, while previously referenced, was never formally introduced, until this moment. One. Spectacular. Literary. Moment.
Here, using the backdrop of the Texas roadtrip outlined at the end of "Zero Apologies", we continue down Lake's path of brotherly bonding between upstate, downstate, and several of the outside clubs LOKI interacts with. We are finally afforded an opportunity to really see Rooster, the confident bordering on arrogant, yet quietly contemplative and observant downstate vice preseident, beyond his patch and position as VP. Allowing us to more fully absorb the man behind the cocky facade. A man who, as it turns out, is surprisingly sweet, gentle even when he wants to be. And when confronted with damsel in distress Shelby, well, let me just say sparks are the coolest thing flying around their scorching, panty melting, almost primal electric attraction.
I have to admit, I was honestly thunderstruck by this one. Mainly because I initially found them to be an unexpected, almost crazy pairing, the big, bad New York guy and the sweet, shy Texas gal. But it works! They're both saucy and independent. They both know themselves and what they want out of life. It's a story that is surprisingly warm in tone. A sweet almost tender story, despite the mind-blowing, explosive chemistry between them.
It's a soul churning, emotionally demanding tale of two souls subconsciously seeking their other half. Souls silently crying out for love, and the complete companionship Rooster and Shelby consciously are unwilling to admit they both need and crave. And while it initially appears their meeting is pure chance. You walk away from this novella wondering aloud about fate. As the universe is obviously conspiring to put these two together, melding two souls into one despite their individual fight against any prospect of a forever-ever-after. And holy hell did I love every, single, word!
I dare say, Rooster and Shelby have become my new favorite LOKI couple. This installment ended way to soon! And I don't think I can make it until July for the rest of their journey!! I'm addicted to this couple and was once again reminded of the phenomenon that is Autumn Jones Lake.
January 29, 2020
I want more
Finally a small bit of Rooster’ story. That makes me glad I wanted so long to read it since the full length story will be out soon..
Finally a small bit of Rooster’ story. That makes me glad I wanted so long to read it since the full length story will be out soon..
March 16, 2021
Rooster and Shelby ❤️
AJL brings a short novella about Rooster and Shelby. I wish this book was longer BUT it was something light to read in the series.
AJL brings a short novella about Rooster and Shelby. I wish this book was longer BUT it was something light to read in the series.
August 23, 2021
I need more!!!! I love Rooster and Shelby!! The MC VP and a coming up country music performer! This little novella has all the stars and I can’t wait to read more!!
December 30, 2019
Hot, hot and sweet
Rooster finally finds the one woman that holds his heart, but he can’t hold her back when she finally gets her chance to go on the road for her singing career. What will he do?
Rooster finally finds the one woman that holds his heart, but he can’t hold her back when she finally gets her chance to go on the road for her singing career. What will he do?
January 27, 2021
I like a good biker book!! This series is great because they are badasses but not evil or abusive to women!! Some may say that makes it weak but I appreciate the author is not afraid to take this route!! Too many "romance books" that have controlling or abusive men and that behavior is accepted and seen as romantic!
December 21, 2019
You are going to LOVE Rooster!! He's funny, he's chivalrous and he's loyal! He meets Shelby when her boyfriend is being a douche and Rooster swoops in and saves her. What happens after that is a part of the LOKI world and it's awesome to hear from the LOKI men and women!! There is a HFN for Rooster and Shelby, but don't think they are gone for good, because they will definitely be back!! If you love the LOKI series, then you will love Swagger and Sass!! Enjoy!! (By the way, Rooster is Z's VP so he will be around quite a bit!!)
May 12, 2021
This short story was so cute. Can't wait for their book
August 8, 2020
Ends at 77%
Great start to the story then ends... very odd. First time reading this author and would not have started the book knowing the second half isn’t released yet. Would have rated 5 stars if the completion is like this half unfinished part of a story... disappointing..
Great start to the story then ends... very odd. First time reading this author and would not have started the book knowing the second half isn’t released yet. Would have rated 5 stars if the completion is like this half unfinished part of a story... disappointing..
December 17, 2019
Loved it as usual! Not bored with these guys at all!!! Ready for the next one!!! 🥰
December 17, 2019
Swagger & Sass is book 14.5 from Autumn’s Lost Kings series; a long-standing series that will pull you in a want to be part of their family any way possible.
Rooster has a new position in his Lost Kings Charter and he is taking it seriously but when he comes across a gorgeous woman splashing around ‘drowning’ he wants nothing more than to forget his responsibilities, but his club comes first & his new president needs him. Shelby is juggling 2 jobs, and when her white knight comes into her life how can she say no, especially when he keeps saving her.
Having read a shorter version of this story in Love, Loyalty and Mayhem Anthology I knew the base line of the story, and while this isn’t your typical HEA story because they are far from finished it is a HEA for now novella.
I really did enjoy this story; I was hoping for more but I knew this a was novella and a HEA for now story. I can’t wait to get their full story.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
Rooster has a new position in his Lost Kings Charter and he is taking it seriously but when he comes across a gorgeous woman splashing around ‘drowning’ he wants nothing more than to forget his responsibilities, but his club comes first & his new president needs him. Shelby is juggling 2 jobs, and when her white knight comes into her life how can she say no, especially when he keeps saving her.
Having read a shorter version of this story in Love, Loyalty and Mayhem Anthology I knew the base line of the story, and while this isn’t your typical HEA story because they are far from finished it is a HEA for now novella.
I really did enjoy this story; I was hoping for more but I knew this a was novella and a HEA for now story. I can’t wait to get their full story.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
December 17, 2019
Something I adore about this novella is that if you haven't read the other 14 books in the Lost Kings MC series, you don't have to. Swagger & Sass is a great book to introduce you to the LOKI world without that confused feeling you can sometimes get starting in the middle of a series. Characters from past books make an appearance as well as new favorites. A great starting book if you have been on the fence about taking on this series.
Autumn brings a lighter side to the MC in S&S, and I found myself laughing at all the antics and epic one-liners. I still got the drama that I love from the series, but the club seems less tense and having more fun with each other. Rooster and Shelby are a perfect addition to the LOKI family, and I'm excited to see what's up next for this new couple.
Autumn brings a lighter side to the MC in S&S, and I found myself laughing at all the antics and epic one-liners. I still got the drama that I love from the series, but the club seems less tense and having more fun with each other. Rooster and Shelby are a perfect addition to the LOKI family, and I'm excited to see what's up next for this new couple.
December 13, 2019
What a sweet and sassy intro to this couple.
Can't wait to read their full length story as I can see Rooster has his hands full with this spitfire.
Was nice seeing a different side to him and some of the other characters we all love.
Plus Heidi and that hammer definitely deserve a mention.
Couldn't stop smiling or cracking up throughout.
Can see these two vying for favourite couple spot for sure.
Can't wait to read their full length story as I can see Rooster has his hands full with this spitfire.
Was nice seeing a different side to him and some of the other characters we all love.
Plus Heidi and that hammer definitely deserve a mention.
Couldn't stop smiling or cracking up throughout.
Can see these two vying for favourite couple spot for sure.
March 8, 2020
Are you kidding me???
Book stops at 75%. Cliffhanger and new book doesn't come out until July 2020. Not a happy camper. If you don't like a cliffhanger then keep it moving.
Book stops at 75%. Cliffhanger and new book doesn't come out until July 2020. Not a happy camper. If you don't like a cliffhanger then keep it moving.
January 25, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Lake, and I have to say, it was good. It’s called a prequel and I’m guessing it is a short intro to another book involving the same two characters (Rooster and Shelby). This could have been a 4 or 4½ star rated book except for the cliffhanger “ending” – AND – there was no warning about this. It’s another example of a book that doesn’t end; the writer simply stops writing. It’s as if she got to one sentence in particular and then stopped. Maybe she got bored. Maybe she needed another cup of coffee. Whatever. There is no excuse for just stopping, none whatsoever, and it’s an automatic ½ to 1 star deduction. A good writer does not need a cliffhanger to hook a reader. A good writer should never – under any circumstances – just.stop.writing. The unfortunate circumstance here is that Ms. Lake is a good writer and doesn’t need to leave a story hanging. Shame on her.
The story is brief and easy to read; it’s possible to finish the book in a couple of hours. 25% of the book is just advertising the writer’s other books.
Rooster (Logan Randall) rescues Shelby Morgan from the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. She’s fallen into a part of the river (and it is a real river, by the way, not manmade) that is 3-feet deep. Fun fact: the depth of the Riverwalk is from 2 to 24 feet deep, depending on where you are. The popular horseshoe bend (where all the restaurants set) is from 2 to 4 feet deep and I expect that’s where Morgan toppled in. Morgan doesn’t know how to swim and panics. I’m having a hard time picturing this – seems to me she could have hurt herself toppling into 3 feet of water from a walkover bridge. Ouch! Wonder why the writer didn’t have it happen at a deeper section of the Riverwalk…?
The writer also mentions how grimy Rooster and Shelby are when they get out of the river; the book was written in 2019, so that’s probably true. However, the worst problem with the Riverwalk is bacteria…nasty stuff. Last year the Riverwalk was actually clean…! Turns out sequestering kept the tourists from polluting the river and it cleaned itself up.
The rescue brings on the usual case of insta-lust that we have come to expect in this genre. Who has the time to learn something about a potential bedmate? However, Ms. Lake tells the story well and it is not difficult to read at all. There are no cringeworthy scenes and that alone is amazing and so fine! The dialog is straightforward and honest, another refreshing break from tired tropes.
This story is short and to the point describing the initial meeting between the two main characters. The biggest mistake in this book is the way it just stops. So weird. No ending whatsoever. The writer got to the end of a sentence and stopped writing. Called it done. If the book that continues Rooster and Shelby’s story hadn’t been free (courtesy of a nice eBook promo from Amazon), I would not have gone on with it, regardless of how up in the air this unabashed writer leaves her readers. While there is nothing wrong with self-promotion or with making money (lots of it, I hope, for the writer’s sake) from writing, it is unacceptable to leave readers in the lurch the way Ms. Lake did in this book. That, IMHO, is unforgiveable.
I gave the book 3.5 stars and rounded down. If the writer hadn't walked away from the book without so much as a "by your leave," then I would have rounded up. As it is the last sentence of the book (I hesitate to call it an ending) ruins the excellent writing Ms. Lake is so capable of. I think it would be totally suitable to skip this prequel and move on to the book that tells the actual story of Rooster and Shelby.
The story is brief and easy to read; it’s possible to finish the book in a couple of hours. 25% of the book is just advertising the writer’s other books.
Rooster (Logan Randall) rescues Shelby Morgan from the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. She’s fallen into a part of the river (and it is a real river, by the way, not manmade) that is 3-feet deep. Fun fact: the depth of the Riverwalk is from 2 to 24 feet deep, depending on where you are. The popular horseshoe bend (where all the restaurants set) is from 2 to 4 feet deep and I expect that’s where Morgan toppled in. Morgan doesn’t know how to swim and panics. I’m having a hard time picturing this – seems to me she could have hurt herself toppling into 3 feet of water from a walkover bridge. Ouch! Wonder why the writer didn’t have it happen at a deeper section of the Riverwalk…?
The writer also mentions how grimy Rooster and Shelby are when they get out of the river; the book was written in 2019, so that’s probably true. However, the worst problem with the Riverwalk is bacteria…nasty stuff. Last year the Riverwalk was actually clean…! Turns out sequestering kept the tourists from polluting the river and it cleaned itself up.
The rescue brings on the usual case of insta-lust that we have come to expect in this genre. Who has the time to learn something about a potential bedmate? However, Ms. Lake tells the story well and it is not difficult to read at all. There are no cringeworthy scenes and that alone is amazing and so fine! The dialog is straightforward and honest, another refreshing break from tired tropes.
This story is short and to the point describing the initial meeting between the two main characters. The biggest mistake in this book is the way it just stops. So weird. No ending whatsoever. The writer got to the end of a sentence and stopped writing. Called it done. If the book that continues Rooster and Shelby’s story hadn’t been free (courtesy of a nice eBook promo from Amazon), I would not have gone on with it, regardless of how up in the air this unabashed writer leaves her readers. While there is nothing wrong with self-promotion or with making money (lots of it, I hope, for the writer’s sake) from writing, it is unacceptable to leave readers in the lurch the way Ms. Lake did in this book. That, IMHO, is unforgiveable.
I gave the book 3.5 stars and rounded down. If the writer hadn't walked away from the book without so much as a "by your leave," then I would have rounded up. As it is the last sentence of the book (I hesitate to call it an ending) ruins the excellent writing Ms. Lake is so capable of. I think it would be totally suitable to skip this prequel and move on to the book that tells the actual story of Rooster and Shelby.
April 21, 2024
I stumbled across some quotes for this book and it intrigued me enough to go hunting for it on amazon. Color me surprised when it was free too, which was a nice surprise.
This was a quick read, and while it does fall technically between books 14 and 15 of the full series, you could pick it up on its own. You didn't need to have prior knowledge of the MC or the world to slide right into this little novella, which I appreciated.
The characters were interesting, even with the quick connection for romance reasons. It was a small enough bite that it intrigued me and I'll likely roll into the first book for the series - Slow Burn. I know it's not Shelby and Logan's story, as theirs takes place far later in the series, but while I did like them, I don't want to hop into the middle of a series, even if each couple's arch seems to be semi-standalone.
I will say, this was put out as a standalone novella but it reads more like it should have been a newsletter-short given out to explain where the two started their journey because it doesn't actually end. It stops randomly with him promising to buy her boots and while that COULD have been an ending, it didn't feel or read like one.
It really felt like if I turned the page the story should continue despite the author being done with this. It would have been nice to bring this novella a little more to a close if it's going to be put out as a novella and not a 'prequel short' or something. And I don't want to hear, well it is 14.5, because on the amazon page, it does stay "no other books need to be read to enjoy this" and if that's the case, it should be a completed story, even if it's small.
This was a quick read, and while it does fall technically between books 14 and 15 of the full series, you could pick it up on its own. You didn't need to have prior knowledge of the MC or the world to slide right into this little novella, which I appreciated.
The characters were interesting, even with the quick connection for romance reasons. It was a small enough bite that it intrigued me and I'll likely roll into the first book for the series - Slow Burn. I know it's not Shelby and Logan's story, as theirs takes place far later in the series, but while I did like them, I don't want to hop into the middle of a series, even if each couple's arch seems to be semi-standalone.
I will say, this was put out as a standalone novella but it reads more like it should have been a newsletter-short given out to explain where the two started their journey because it doesn't actually end. It stops randomly with him promising to buy her boots and while that COULD have been an ending, it didn't feel or read like one.
It really felt like if I turned the page the story should continue despite the author being done with this. It would have been nice to bring this novella a little more to a close if it's going to be put out as a novella and not a 'prequel short' or something. And I don't want to hear, well it is 14.5, because on the amazon page, it does stay "no other books need to be read to enjoy this" and if that's the case, it should be a completed story, even if it's small.
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