Review: Pulling Leather by L.C. Chase

Pulling Leather by L.C. Chase

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I have to say that this is a first for me. Gay cowboys? you ask. Nope. I love gay cowboys. What was novel about this particular gay cowboy book – for me – was that Cory is an effeminate gay cowboy. And I have to say that as much as I love two alpha males together, I am head over heels in love with Cory. He is such a freaking sweetheart and I admired the fact that he refused to judge Scott based on gossip and waited to form his own opinion once he got to know Scott.

Scott and Tripp were best friends, so close they were like brothers. So Scott felt blindsided when Tripp came out publicly and Scott never knew. Because of the homophobic comments Scott made all the time, Tripp didn’t feel comfortable telling Scott about his sexuality. What Tripp didn’t know was that Scott’s outspokenness was due to him refusing to accept his own sexuality. Sadly, Tripp was ambushed by some other rodeo cowboys and nearly died – actually had they not bragged to Scott about what they did, Tripp would have died. Fast forward two years, and we learn that Scott has been getting professional help learning to deal with his anger and accept his homosexuality. As part of that, he goes to Tripp to apologize for not accepting him and not doing more to prevent the attack. Although Scott has not come out to anyone other than his therapist and Tripp, Tripp invites Scott to help out at an upcoming gay rodeo event so that he can interact with other gay rodeo participants. Reluctantly, Scott agrees and faces some rather chilly welcomes from rodeo riders who knew the old Scott. Despite everything, he perseveres and befriends Cory. As their friendship grows, Cory’s suspicions about Scott’s sexuality become stronger until he asks Scott outright. Still having problems accepting his sexuality, Scott can only say yes or nod to confirm his sexuality. While Cory has always accepted who he was and lived “out” he understood Scott’s issues and they kept their relationship quiet. But Cory can deny who he is for only so long and Scott’s closeted tendencies begin to wear on the relationship.

As Pulling Leather is more of a romance, sexual activity is limited, but what does occur is hot – Cory definitely redefines “pickup” men. Ms. Chase has written a really great story that is heavy on the romance with just a sprinkling of physical intimacy to keep readers stimulated. I enjoyed the way that Scott responded to Cory, finding his mannerisms comforting whereas many would find his chatter annoying. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone because the prologue gives the reader enough backstory to understand Scott. This was a great read and I look forward to picking up the previous books in the series, especially Tripp’s story.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Pulling Leather Tour Stop blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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