Some Recent DNF reads

Going Cowboy Crazy
~Katie Lane

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever
Publish Date: April 26, 2011
ISBN-10: 0446582786
ISBN-13: 978-0446582780

From Goodreads:
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Faith Aldridge wants answers. Bramble, Texas is the only place she can find them . . . as well as Hope, the identical twin sister she never knew she had. But the townsfolk reckon that shy city-girl Faith is really her long-lost sister Hope, back in Bramble at last. And they're fixin' to do whatever it takes to heat things up between her and Hope's long-time flame, Slate Calhoun. If that means rustling her car, spreading rumors like wildfire, and reining in some explosive secrets, well, there's no way like the Lone Star way . . .
But Slate's no fool. The woman in his truck may look like Hope, yet the way she feels in his arms is altogether new. He's determined to keep this twin in his bed and out of his heart. Trouble is, the real Hope is headed home, and she's got her own designs on Slate. If Faith wants to avoid heartbreak, she'll have to show a certain ruggedly handsome cowboy that this crazy-impossible love is worth fighting for.

I read to page 166 and I just couldn't go any further. Faith is looking for her separated-at-birth twin sister, Hope, and when she gets to town, Hope is gone. The town thinks she's Hope and she goes along with it. She's attracted to Slate, and the town is thrilled that Hope and Slate are "finally gettin' together again", but after she sleeps with Slate and then figures out Slate and Hope dated in the past, she's furious! Even though every word out of the townsfolk's mouth alluded to it and the local Sheriff hides her car so she can't leave - thereby giving Slate and "Hope" more time to work things out and get together. The townsfolk were all TSTL and, honestly, Faith and Slate both annoyed the heck out of me.

Bound by Honor
~SE Jakes

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 716 KB
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publish Date: March 1, 2011
Language: English
ASIN: B004IK8GV8

From Goodreads:
One year ago on a mission gone wrong, Tanner James failed to save the life of Jesse, his Army Ranger teammate. Before dying in that South American jungle, Jesse extracted a promise that won’t let Tanner rest until it’s fulfilled—no matter what it costs him.

Damon Price loved Jesse, but problems in their relationship had come to a head right before Jesse left on his final mission. Now a reluctant Dom and a man still in mourning, he’s not happy when Tanner appears at his BDSM club. And even less happy with Jesse’s last request—that Tanner sub for him for one night.

After a rough start, Damon realizes that the tough soldier, despite his protests, aches for someone to take control. And Tanner senses a hesitance, an insecurity in Damon that makes him wonder if he’s simply a placeholder for Jesse, or if their tentative connection could grow into something more.

For Jesse’s sake, they agree to try one weekend together. Then duty calls, and a series of attacks that have been happening near the club hits too close to home, making both men wonder if giving their hearts is a maneuver fraught with too much risk…

Product Warnings:Contains rough language, rougher sex and warriors who fall hard for each other.

I got 38% in before I decided not to continue. Tanner is an Army Ranger, who is going to see a Dom to honor the final request of a dying friend, Jesse. He feels guilty he couldn't save his Jesse's life, so he feels honor-bound to go. Damon Price was Jesse's boyfriend and still isn't over his death a year later. He's angry that Tanner has come and agrees to top him, and ends up humiliating him in front of the patrons of his BDSM club. He regrets his actions and goes to Tanner, asking for a second chance. Tanner agrees, then stands him up, but gets himself into trouble and Damon rescues him. They get together again but then Tanner leaves. For me, although the sex was very hot, the back and forth of "I'm sorry, let's try again *leaves*, I'm sorry, let's try again *leaves*" was too frustrating. And I thought Damon was a jerk. I couldn't get into the mystery that the author was working into the story because I was too annoyed with Damon and Tanner.

This book got good reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, it just didn't work for me.

My Ratings:

These books were provided by the publisher/publicist in exchange for an honest review.