Roped

4.5 Stars ~ I truly adore Jo Peterson, definitely as a person, but she constantly blows me away with her writing. 'Roped' is book four in her 'Guards of Folsom' series and each book I think “There's no way she can meet or exceed the previous book”. But, each time, she does, and I believe I'm going to stop wondering how she does it. I have certain authors that no matter what they write, be it romance, paranormal, contemporary, urban fantasy, or a combination of all, I always enjoy their work. SJD Peterson is one of those authors. I want to live in her books and I really want to go to Guards of Folsom, the incredible BDSM club featured in these books. Perhaps, someday, the author will take me to her inspiration. *grins*
Motorcycle gang. A world I have no understanding of except what I've read and/or seen on TV. A violent, misogynistic world of crime, drugs, sex, fear, and brutality. A world where being gay isn't just not allowed, it's a death sentence. This is the world that Tek and Jamie were born into. At eighteen when they both become full fledged members of Crimson VIII, Jamie already knows he's in love with his best friend. Tek, however, is working on denial by screwing anything that moves and is female, even though he keeps hoping he'll eventually feel something. These times where Tek and Jamie are immersed within the gang life are dark times with bloodshed and violence and these scenes were difficult to read but understandable based on the motorcycle culture. When the Feds confront Tek and Jamie with their surveillance outing them as lovers in exchange for a deal, Tek and Jamie know they have no choice but to disappear and head to the East Coast and far away from home. Crimson VIII will kill them for being gay and neither man is willing to rat out their fellow members.
From the beginning of this book I was struck with how different it is in relation to the prior books in the series. So, if you're expecting a story similar to 'Pup', 'Tag Team', or 'Pony', you won't get it. However, entwined amongst the darkness is a powerful story of love and friendship which sheds moments of very intense light into the dark. Jamie and Tek have been together from the moment of birth and their motto of “cradle to grave” isn't just a saying for them. Hiding from the gang and the Feds leads them to New York where Tek gets a job as a bouncer at Guards of Folsom. The club offers some insight for both Jamie and Tek as neither of these men is familiar with the BDSM lifestyle. Interestingly, both of these men are dominant tops, so watching and learning at the club becomes quite entertaining. Of course, they get the best of the best to learn from, i.e. Tackett, Blake, Bobby, Rig, Micah, and Ty.
\"Life has a strange way of steering you directly down the path you were meant to travel, ending up at a place you were meant to be. I don't know if I ever believed in the whole destiny, fate, mumbo jumbo or if it was simply a coincidence. All I know is that behind the door of a BDSM club in New York City, I found a job, amazing friends, and discovered a whole new side of me. Damnedest things, those coincidences.\"
I'll be honest and admit that the majority of my enjoyment of this book happened when Tek and Jamie met up with the Folsom guys whom I already love. That isn't to say I disliked the earlier part of the book. Not at all. It was simply different. Now, I might need to have some words with the author, because she left me hanging a bit at the end. Although, she's also set it up that the next book is probably going to blow everything else out of the water. I grew to adore Jamie and Tek, Jo, so thank you for their story. Now, could you hurry up with the next one? *big grin*
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

Talk about being Roped. This book and story will do that and more. The way the story is written is excellent. Love the way each chapter , so to speak , starts with Tek's letter or narration you may say.
Tek Cain was destined to lead the motorcycle gang, Crimson Eight. Jamie Ryan, his best friend, destined to do it next him ... what they never expected was to fall for each other and in the middle of a motorcycle gang that is suicide.
Their journey is one that will mark Tek , will make him feel less ... but the only constant in his life is Jaime.
Jaime , who always has been waiting the day to love him in the open.
Love the way the \"gang\" of Guards of Folsom opened their doors for them and make them feel at ease.
But I have to warned you ... Cliffhanger ... Thank you very much ... Please don't make us wait ...