Saddles and Sin

Life is about to change for Robert 'Bubba' Lawson in a very big way. The success he's long dreamed of is on the horizon, and there is no one he'd rather share it with than Marisol Medina. Marisol, Bubba's manager, is a real pepper pot, a go-getter with a feisty attitude and the drive to help Bubba break into the country music scene. She also happens to drive him wild, and the feeling is very mutual.

I cannot even put into words the love that I feel for Robert 'Bubba' Lawson. Jessie Evans has written a sweet and sexy cowboy that, if possible, is even hotter than all of her previous men, and that's saying quite a lot! I mean, swoon city. Not only is Bubba an awesome friend, as he showed us in 'Leather and Lace' (Lonesome Point Book 1), he is also a genuinely nice guy. Did I mention that he's panty-meltingly hot? And talented? And smart? And quite possibly the most fabulous boyfriend ever?

I picked up this book and, as with all of Jessie's books, could NOT put it down. Once I really met Bubba, there was nothing to do but hang on for the ride as he swept Marisol off her feet and broke down every wall that she tried to put up. He is not afraid to lay everything out there, and to make Marisol's not-so-vanilla fantasies a reality. For real, where can I get my own Bubba? I'm afraid that Jessie may have spoiled me for other book boyfriends...I obviously cannot say enough about how much I loved Saddles and Sins, and I absolutely cannot wait for Tulsi's and Pike's story in Diamonds and Dust.

Bubba Lawson may love Lonesome Point, but his dreams are of a career in music, not tending cattle on the family’s ranch. And lucky for him, everything seems to be working out his way, with people taking notice at his gigs, a chance to open on a big tour, and a firecracker of a manager who’s earning more than just his respect.

Marisol Medina learned to be strong because she had no other choice. Getting involved with a client was her road to shame, abandonment by her family, and something close to rock bottom, but she’s built a decent name for herself since then. She’s certainly got an eye for recognizing talent, and Bubba’s got it by the truckload. If only he didn’t catch her eye in completely inappropriate and dangerous ways.

But...“Three fourths of the population of Austin was composed of different shades of bottled blond…” Because this story takes place in an alternate universe ಠ_ಠ

Judging Covers: Okay, now this cover fit. True, it’s not much different than the one for Leather and Lace, but where that book starred a bald biker, this one’s actually about a cowboy. Between the cover and the fact that we met Bubba in the last book, I actually had some clue what to expect this time.

The Verdict: I had the feeling I’d love Bubba’s story; I just didn’t know how much.

Bubba’s had his heart in singing for a while but didn’t have the confidence to give it a real shot until now. However, he knows his family may not be so supportive, given what the music industry has put them through in the past. Even so, he heads off to Austin, hires a manager, and books gigs that seem to be making people take notice. It’s the manager that’s his real problem, though, since his mind is on anything but business when he looks at her.

Marisol can’t help noticing her client, either, and even though she knows better than to get involved, it’s hard when he’s not only insanely attractive but also genuinely good of heart. He’s all “yes, ma’am,” and “no, thank you,” and too nice to tell off the women throwing themselves at him, even though they make him uncomfortable. But when a kiss to ward off the fans kindles something much hotter, it’s clear he may not be all gentleman after all.

The chemistry between Bubba and Marisol is incredible, but her misgivings and his need to respect her no matter what have them dancing around this thing between them more than either of them can stand. However, a trip back to Lonesome Point gives them plenty of time to be alone and work through those walls, and it’s clear neither of them is intent on a simple fling.
Marisol’s past really surprised me, though at the rate that kind of thing happens, I shouldn’t have found it so out of the ordinary. If anything, though, it made me feel even more sympathetic toward her, knowing that what happened isn’t something she’d ever be able to get away from. Of course, the way that Bubba handled it made it almost okay and certainly cemented him in my mind as one of my favorite romance novel heroes.

The only problem I had with the story was the fact that Marisol’s big secret seemed to be a non-issue after it was revealed to Bubba. It’s not that I wanted him to have a problem with it, but with his career taking off, you’d think it would come up again. Surely someone would see Marisol with the up and coming country music star and put two and two together, and certainly Shane, disgusting pig that he was, would have wanted to capitalize on that. I can’t say I’d have liked it to come back to bite them as often as I’m sure it would have in the real world, but I’m not sure such a serious subject can just be swept under the rug the way this one was.

In any case, the story was both hot and sweet, with Bubba being every bit the good boy his mother raised him to be and every bit the alpha male women dream of. Marisol was kind and smart and understandably skittish, and that just made them perfect for each other. Also, either I was too into the story to even notice the same editing issues the last book had, or someone finally got their money’s worth from the editing firm because I didn’t find myself trying to dodge the weirdly added commas this time. Between the great characters, the strong romance, and the editing improvements, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna have to break down and pre-order the next book in the series.

***FicCentral received this book from Inkslinger PR for free in exchange for an honest review. Even so, we're far too opinionated to let a freebie influence our thoughts or the contents of the reviews we post here.

Saddles and Sin is book two in Jessie Evans' Lonesome Point series, and I must say is an outstanding addition to the series. Robert is positively a sweetheart and the most loving man I have read about in quite some time. But my oh my was I surprised by him when "behind the bedroom door," he virtually transforms into a dominant and dare I say the most sexy book boyfriend I have read about in quite some time. Yowza!

Robert Lawson has lived his entire life in Lonesome Point helping his family to run their ranch. But ranching is far from his dreams for the future as he has always wanted to be in the country music business. Robert has finally decided to take a chance and has signed on with Marisol, a music manager, who after hearing him sing believes she has finally found a client who has the potential of becoming a huge star which will help launch her managerial career in the business as well. Attempting to keep their relationship strictly on a professional level quickly proves to be an impossible feat as both Robert and Marisol struggle intensely with their mutual attraction towards one another.

Marisol Medina has suffered from betrayal in the past both professionally as well as from her own family and since then has continued to keep her heart sheltered and protected. So when Robert agrees to sign with her, despite the allure she feels for him chooses to focus only on making him the next biggest country sensation. But when Robert suddenly has to return home to help out his family, not wishing to risk losing her greatest prospective client, Marisol decides to go to Lonesome Point with him so she can continue the momentum she has begun to build for his career. But as they continue to spend time together, the walls of professionalism begin to crumble drawing them into each other's arms and hearts. So when Marisol’s past rises once again, she is left with making the decision of whether to run or if she can put her trust in Robert to help her overcome the hurt she has suffered and allow him into her life and ultimately into heart and into her soul?

Saddles and Sin is one sensationally sexy and sinful story. Although we did meet Robert in book one of this series, we now are made privy to more of his inner turmoil on his career decisions and in dealing with his family as well as his proclivities in the bedroom. Ms. Evans definitely has given us some hot and steamy intimate moments between Robert and Marisol which may require a large glass of ice water before you’re through. I liked both of these characters very quickly and am also delighted with the return of some of the characters from the first book as well. I am very much enjoying the Lonesome Point series and look forward to more characters and more sexy fun with book three. Positively sinful Ms Evans. I loved it.