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Texas Fever #2

Hustlin' Texas

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Only one person in Oak Groves is happy to see bad girl Nikki Logan back in town…

Oak Groves’ most beloved bachelor, Jett Avery, lives by a simple set of rules. Getting involved with a complicated woman isn’t one of them. He learned that the hard way two years ago when he spent one of the most incredible nights of his life with Nikki Logan. But then she hightailed it out of town, never to be seen again—until now. It might be time to break one of those rules…

Picking up the pieces of her life, Nikki is back in Oak Groves, face to face with the one man she’s done her best to forget. But she has her reasons for being here—and they don’t include winding up in bed with Jett. Especially since he’ll never forgive her once he finds out the truth about why she’s back…

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2013

52 people are currently reading
305 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Klein

28 books169 followers
KC Klein has lived most of her life with her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. She did stop reading long enough to make a home with a real life hero, for over sixteen years. A mother of two children, she spends her time slaying dragons, saving princesses, and championing the belief in the happily-ever-after. An award winning novelist, KC Klein is celebrating her latest release in the Texas Fever series, Hustlin' Texas. KC loves to hear from readers and can be found desperately pounding away on her laptop in yoga pants and leopard slippers or more conveniently at www.kckleinbooks.com. To keep up with exciting book news and special promotions please sign up for her newsletter. http://kckleinbooks.com/newslettersignup

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mojca.
2,132 reviews168 followers
October 18, 2013
***ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley***

Two years ago she split after their one night together and his confession of love, now she's back in town, and despite everything that happened, despite knowing her, he's pulled back into her orbit...


This was a cute little story with one important distinction from the rest of romances out there . The story flowed nicely, though I could've done without the few scenes involving Jett's (the hero) sister, but those were probably groundwork for the next book (as Jett and Nikki's 'one-night-stand' featured in the first book in the series, or so I've gathered from the reviews), the romance was sweet and cute, the added suspense mini-cameo served its purpose nicely (to make the heroine see reason), and the characterization was very good.

Now, speaking of characterization, and this being me, I have to talk about the heroine. Because Nikki Logan should be featured in the dictionary alongside the term 'issues'. Yes, plural. The girl had ISSUES. Self-destructive, self-deprecating, using anger and spite as protective mechanisms, completely blind to the real feelings people might hold toward her, utterly convinced she didn't deserve kindness or love...And like all such heroines, she needed a near-death experience (literally!) to make her see reason.
For the better part of the story, I was rooting for her hero, Jett, to pull his head out of the sand, see what she was like, and run for the hills. Of course he didn't, which makes him the perfect romance hero (at least perfect for this book and for this heroine). Because he's loved her for years, he stuck around, and once she sashayed back into town was determined to keep her there. By any means necessary. Even mastering 'the most boring game in the world' (his words, not mine).

Once I realized that any reaction toward the heroine (even dislike) was better than none, and glimpsed the real Nikki her through Jett's eyes, I ended up really enjoying this story—Nikki's bristly nature, Jett's composedness (seeing him lose that cool was something else...wow) and protectiveness, their interactions and relationship...This really was a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Pirra Smith.
Author 14 books82 followers
November 9, 2021
Esta es la segunda parte, la primera es Un amor tan grande como Texas y esperaba bastante más de Jett y Nikki, la verdad es que estaba dispuesta a darle cinco estrellas pero algo en la actitud de Jett no me lo permite porque en el primer libro es un poco como otro personaje totalmente diferente a Cole y de repente en este se viene a lo alto con sus machadas...

Luego la trama del dinero es un poco como importante pero no y me perdí un poco la verdad...

El final me gustó mucho y me reí un montón la verdad.

Quizás sería un tres y medio tirando al cuatro porque es MUY divertida y Nikki es un persona muy bonito de leer pero algo hay que no me acaba.

Aún así lo recomiendo para pasar el rato es el típico romance con mejor amigo de hermano mayor y amigos desde la infancia con varios malos entendidos :)
Profile Image for Tina.
780 reviews13 followers
November 18, 2013
~I received an ARC of this book from the Author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.~

Story rating - 4 stars
Character development - 5 stars
Hero rating - 4 stars
Heroin rating - 5 stars
Romance rating - 3.5 stars
Dialogue - 4 stars
Ending - 4 stars
Steam level - low to moderate
POV - 3rd person limited (Heroin & Hero mostly)
Over all rating - 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book I found myself totally sucked in by Chapter 2. It was a page turner for sure!

I really think the character development in this book was excellent.

Nikki was written very well my heart just broke for her at times. She was broken, resilient, funny, crazy but in a fun way, I really liked her. The bar bathroom seen broke my heart and the stuff about her mom and how she struggled with her self brought tears to my eyes. All this but she was still written with strength and a great humours edge.

Jett... Omg he's hot!! He was sexy, loyal, totally loveable and he had his Alpha moments. I love when he lets the beast within out, it's so sexy. Then there's his sweet side, everything he does to win Nikki back and stop her from running is amazing.

Nikki & Jett together was priceless the banter between them was really good and funny, but there where a lot of really funny conversations with them and the other characters too. It was so easy to like them all.

This book had so much to it, romance, tension, angst, even some action and suspense; there were some really touching and tear jerker moments and lots of humour. I nearly fell over laughing during the handcuff scene, and the eye twitching seen was priceless!! That's all I'm saying about that you'll have to read to find out, but it's totally worth it!!

I also loved how I was drawn into the subplot lines with Frankie, Mike, Lauren & Cash. I found them intriguing and I'm very invested in how they will play out in future books. I think it takes a very good writer to make the reader not only love the main characters in the book, but also the supporting characters as well. I'm really excited to see if KC (the Author) will write a book for Lauren & Cash I really hope so...

The one thing that stopped this from being a 5 star for me was that the character POV would change with little warning... You'd finish a paragraph from Nikki's POV then you'd be in Jett's head... I found it distracted from the flow of the story a little. A signal that there is a change in POV would be better in my opinion. It didn't drive me bonkers or anything, I just don't like anything taking away from the flow of a story even if it's minor.

Over all a great read that I would highly recommend! Bring on book 3 please.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
November 21, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

She's wild, she's bad, she was born to drive men crazy and she's back in town! Yep, Nikki is back and everyone knows it!

Hustlin' Texas is book two in KC Klein's Texas Fever Series and let me tell you, it's everything it promised to be!

Nikki Logan has a reputation! Oak Grove's bad girl, wild child and with a chip on her shoulder to boot! She earned every one of those whispers and finger pointing (or did she?). Having fled from town two years previously Nikki is back, she has a college degree and a debt to repay. The last thing she needs is to run into Oak Grove's resident good guy. All polished and pretty and from the "right" family. His family has their own private side of the tracks. But Nikki isn't going to let anything stop her from paying back her loan. She has the brains and the talent to do it and gossip be damned.

Jett Avery is a really, really nice guy. He cares.. just that.. honestly and completely cares. He has been a loyal friend to the Logans for as far back as anyone can remember. And when Nikki gets in trouble, then they just call Logan to bail her out. Only, Logan wants more, he always has. If only he can convince his family that Nikki is worth it. That she is the only thing that will ever truly make him happy.

Nikki and Logan are fun! Full of surprises.. You would think a town good guy, the white hat, wouldn't have such depth of character but Ms Klein does a wonderful job of writing him with all sorts of hidden depths. He is devoted and loyal but not without his own personal demons to fight. He just chooses to fight them by being a decent guy. Nikki on the other hand.. that girl has had a hard life and been battered and bruised by it. So much so that she doesn't know how to trust. Not to really trust.. even Jett.. but she is determined to live her life on her terms, not on the terms that others have set up for her.

I am totally enjoying this series.. it isn't a perfect world, the characters aren't over the top alpha this or bad boy that.. they are special, endearing, realistic and honest. Makes you fall in love with them over and over again!

While Hustlin' Texas is the second book in the series it can very easily be read as a stand alone, although why anyone would want to do that *grins*.. My advice, make sure you read Texas Wide Open, First.. Now there's a shocker read in order.. *grins*

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Hustlin' Texas, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 5, 2013
Profile Image for Kera Montgomery.
38 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review
I really enjoyed reading this book Nikki had a endearing
mix of vulnerability and backbone. She doesn't have a
high opinion of herself but she hides behind quick wit
and a sharp tongue and refuses to allow people to know
how their opinion of her really affects her.She had a
tough childhood and a bad reputation in her home town.
Her brothers Best friend Jett has always had her back
and is absolutely in love with her but she doesnt feel
she is good enough for him and thinks she would ruin his life.
So on the night he tells her he loves her and they first
sleep together she gets scared and runs fleeing town in
the middle of the night. Two years later after graduating
college she returns to her home town to repay her debt to
the man who helped her pay her college tuition because
"a Logan never owes". When Jett realizes shes back in town
he tries to fight himself to stay away from her but then
finally decides he will do what it takes to keep her in his life.
The situations and drama that follow had me laughing crying
and at times holding my breath going no way that's not happening.
The whole Pool table proposal I mean Can I get a get a real life
version of that goodness it was hot!! I really feel the author
did a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story and
making the characters seem real you could almost see the
story like a movie in your head. I highly recommend this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for *P.
1,566 reviews36 followers
October 22, 2013
Wow, great surprise

I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the second installment in K.C. Klein's Texas Fever series. In Hustlin' Texas we get to enjoy the twisted tale of Nikki Logan, the town bad girl and Jett Avery, the town golden boy. Now, I did not read the first book which may have given more filler information or background into Nikki and Jett's relationship, but I don't think the story suffered at all for it.

Nikki makes for a good heroine. She is rough around the edges, unlike the polished Jett, but she is loyal and she was strong and definitely did not see her worth. She allowed herself to believe the bad stuff people spewed about her. In doing so, she does not allow herself to love Jett as she feels she will ruin him.

Jett on the other hand can't steer away from Nikki. If she is in trouble he is there but he also has his own family issues. Interestingly, I didn't catch what his job was, he just seemed to be rich and I'm not sure if that was due to his dad's political career or not.

This book made me laugh, it had me cry, and it had the right amount of angst to keep me turning those pages. I am interested to go back and read the first book to get more of Cole's story, Nikki's brother. And as a side note, my kids and I love visiting Texas, so getting the splash of Texas throughout the story was great.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,328 reviews526 followers
October 27, 2013
*ARC received through Netgalley*

3,5 stars

I really enjoyed "Hustlin' Texas" even if I found myself a little less hooked to the second part of the book because Nikki's bad reputation became a little boring and that stopped me from being on the edges. It was a nice story about a girl coming back to town to clean a debt after leaving for college without even a goodbye note. She had her degree and now she has to face the people she left behind: the judgemental ones but also her brother Cole and Jett, the best friend and lover.

He is the golden boy of the town and adored by everyone (total opposite of Nikki). He's also coming from a wealthy and powerful family who's always trying to keep him from the Logans thinking they'll bring him down or more exactly, his career in politics.

To protect herself from being hurt, she learnt a long time ago to keep her emotions in check and love isn't a feeling she's familiar with but Jett will show her that falling in love and letting go is exactly what she needs. She's also a runner and Jett doesn't want to scare her like he did that night before she left two years ago. So yeah, she's sort of unstable when feelings are involved but he won't let her go without a fight this time even if he had to drop the cool attitude and if that doesn't make him a good romance hero...! :)
Profile Image for Tabatha.
688 reviews79 followers
August 12, 2016
I thought that Hustlin' Texas was a decent read. I've always loved the golden boy falling for the black sheep of the town type of story. Jett has always loved Nikki, but she thinks herself not good enough for him and decides to run away. She fears he will eventually realize this and leave her, but she is back in town and he is determined to make her his. He wants to accomplish this by the one means he knows she can't escape from... her word in the form of a bet. I did notice a few areas that needed some improvements. Unfortunately, the middle of the book drove me nuts with its whiplash inducing POV changes. Now aside from the POV changes with Jett's sister and some random guy from her past (which in my opinion should have been taken out), I really did think this book was funny and romantic. I enjoyed the banter between Jett and Nikki most of all. The one other area I wished would have been further developed, was that I kind of feel like we just dropped off with what was going on with Frankie. I just would have liked to see more with her, and maybe see her end up with Jett and Nikki as her guardians. Like I said though, this was an overall decent read.

*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,957 reviews48 followers
October 17, 2013
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nikki and Jett's story was super cute and while there were a couple of details I wish Klein would have given us, overall it was a terrific story. Nikki is the bad girl from the wrong side of the tracks and Jett is the senator's son who's always taken care of her and cleaned up her messes. When she comes back to town, it's only a matter of time before sparks fly again.

I loved Nikki's sass and wit, although sometimes the fact that she was obviously being mean to protect herself got a little grating. Jett needed to stand up for himself more, particularly with his family, but he also needed to understand where Nikki was coming from and meet her half way.

All in all a good book set in a good community with just enough action to make it interesting. I'm interested to see what else Klein has in store and now I want to go back and read Cole's book.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,523 reviews132 followers
October 22, 2013
I've got to say it - this one was better than the first one! While it was still a little on the dark angsty side, it wasn't nearly as angsty as Katie and Cole's story. Jett and Nikki had some laugh out loud moments :)

Nikki's self-doubt and low self-esteem had me wanting to shake her. I don't know how many different ways Jett could have told her, and showed her, he loved her. And she just did not see it. Or more precisely, she didn't want to see it.

I loved Jett when he lost control. His nickname was Cool Man, but Nikki knew just how to drive him to the edge. Those glimpses into him were great.

In this we met Cash Rodriguez, who is crushing on Jett's sister, Lauren. Is it too much to hope Cash gets a book? With, or without, Lauren :)

ARC provided courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
Profile Image for Kera Montgomery.
38 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2013


Romance

Hustlin' Texas

Klein, KC
Kensington Books

eKensington

Pub Date Dec 5 2013

Description

Only one person in Oak Groves is happy to see bad girl Nikki Logan back in town…

Oak Groves’ most beloved bachelor, Jett Avery, lives by a simple set of rules. Getting involved with a complicated woman isn’t one of them. He learned that the hard way two years ago when he spent one of the most incredible nights of his life with Nikki Logan. But then she hightailed it out of town, never to be seen again—until now. It might be time to break one of those rules…

Picking up the pieces of her life, Nikki is back in Oak Groves, face to face with the one man she’s done her best to forget. But she has her reasons for being here—and they don’t include winding up in bed with Jett. Especially since he’ll never forgive her once he finds out the truth about why she’s back…


Review:
I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review
I really enjoyed reading this book Nikki had a endearing
mix of vulnerability and backbone. She doesn't have a
high opinion of herself but she hides behind quick wit
and a sharp tongue and refuses to allow people to know
how their opinion of her really affects her.She had a
tough childhood and a bad reputation in her home town.
Her brothers Best friend Jett has always had her back
and is absolutely in love with her but she doesnt feel
she is good enough for him and thinks she would ruin his life.
So on the night he tells her he loves her and they first
sleep together she gets scared and runs fleeing town in
the middle of the night. Two years later after graduating
college she returns to her home town to repay her debt to
the man who helped her pay her college tuition because
"a Logan never owes". When Jett realizes shes back in town
he tries to fight himself to stay away from her but then
finally decides he will do what it takes to keep her in his life.
The situations and drama that follow had me laughing crying
and at times holding my breath going no way that's not happening.
The whole Pool table proposal I mean Can I get a get a real life
version of that goodness it was hot!! I really feel the author
did a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story and
making the characters seem real you could almost see the
story like a movie in your head. I will be recommend this book
to others once it is released i thoroughly enjoyed this story
Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,152 reviews81 followers
May 27, 2014
Texas in the title…I am there! Then add on some hot nine-ball action, cowboy boots and second chances, yee haw!! This was a cute, fast paced story about that girl from a small town who everyone labelled, but only one boy really knew! Ahhhh…

Jett Avery is the rich, handsome guy that everyone wants to be, befriend and betroth. Nikki Logan is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, the daughter of a drunk and the long suffering caretaker of her dying mother (not that anyone knew what and how much she did, since it would be shameful to her mother for others to know how sick she really was). Nikki’s brother loved her dearly, but with his own demons to wrestle, he left the clean-up jobs to his best friend Jett, who excelled at taking care of strays.

Two years ago, Jett finally told Nikki how he really felt and she did the only thing she knew how to do: run! Even though Jett’s mom tried to pay her off to leave, she didn’t use the money for herself, but did borrow money from the only strip bar owner in town. And when she means barrow, she meant for it to be a loan. Nikki is back in town to pay off her debt, prove to everyone that her full university accounting degree (acquired in only 2 years!) makes her an adult, and then run again.

Jett has had enough of Nikki’s running. He knows where she belongs and she knows Jett wants her—at least for now. Nikki is so scared to trust anyone, especially someone that she loves as much as Jett; Nikki simply would not survive it when he tossed her aside.

I loved the battle of wills and the fun pool action. On a personal note, I love pool as it reminds me of my brothers, dad, uncles and grandfather. My Paa was a pool-hustler and poker player to pay for his University! He never played cards or pool for money again after he graduated from Dentistry, since he said God blessed his cards and his cue to get him and his family (of 17) the security they needed. Nikki was like that…she played for money, but in the final break, Jett was playing for her! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 26 books24 followers
December 7, 2013
I loved TEXAS WIDE OPEN but HUSTLIN' TEXAS kept me on the edge of my seat.
Just when I thought no relationship could hold more fire, more emotion, or more love than Cole Logan and Katie Harris in TEXAS WIDE OPEN along comes Nikki and Jett in HUSTLIN’ TEXAS by KC Klein.

KC knows how to conjure characters that capture our hearts, our imaginations, crush us when things fall apart, and makes us soar when everything comes together in a sweet happily-ever-after. Nikki is by far one of the most broken women ever created and Jett is her hero, her lifeline, and her savior. Oh, Jett is pretty well bruised as well – most of the time literally in this story – but he knows what he wants, what he needs, and most of the time, knows how to get it but with Nikki, all the rules change and it’s a delight to watch him flounder, stumble, and even screw up big time.

HUSTLIN’ TEXAS by KC Klein is amazing, wonderful, heartbreaking, exciting, edge of the seat anxious, and one that will have you begging for it to never end. KC gets better with every story she creates and I’m in awe of the emotion that she wrings from her characters and from us as we read her stories.

I highly, highly recommend HUSTLIN’ TEXAS, book two in the Texas Fever series by KC Klein if you love romance at all. It has it all in huge proportions just as it should be since it’s Texas all the way. This one is a must read, my darlings.

***eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,204 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2016
Jett Avery was Cole Logan’s best friend. Even if Cole was from the so called wrong side of the tracks. It never nattered to Jett. They had been friends since they were young boys.
One day Cole’s little sister Nikki who always chased after them to be included never wanting to be left out, always wanting to be included. She all of a sudden looked like a real girl. She sported a new or at least new to her, bikini bathing suit and that was all it took. Jett was a goner, even though he tried not to let it show. By acting in different he also befriended her.
Then their dad died and their mother fell ill. Which changed the dynamics of the family. Cole had to become the bread winner as well as a father figure to Nikki which was a lot of pressure not to mention see his baby sister not only go to school, be called all kinds of foul names, but have to care for their terminally ill mother. Causing Cole to have a drinking problem for a while.
When their mother died she knew she had to leave even though she knew she was in love with Jett. She knew she wasn’t good for him. So, she borrows money and leaves without anyone knowing. She feels its better that was now she has come home to pay the piper.
This is an overview but let me tell you there is so much more. You will find yourself laughing out loud and other times tearing up. The only bad thing for me is I felt like the ending was rushed. The whole handcuffs gag could have been expanded. But oh well it was still overall it was a very good read. Provided by netgalley.com
Profile Image for JL Roberts.
870 reviews92 followers
April 7, 2016
**ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

After two years away at college Nikki Logan is back in Groves Oak. When she left she left in the middle of the night without any goodbyes and burned a lot of bridges, and the only reason she is back now is because she needs to repay a debt. She plans to stay long enough to pay off this debt and then she plans to leave again. Only Jett Avery Has other ideas when she returns.

Jett Avery was in love with Nikki, he wanted to make things work with her, and on the day she left he had begged her to try and make things work; she agreed, and the next day she was gone. Two years later she walks back in his life. He decides he wants her to stay but she is still a runner, now he just needs to figure out how to get her to stay after he figures out how to get her back into his bed.

I found this a pretty good read. I loved Nikki's fearless attitude. I loved Jett's smooth southern charm. When they say opposites attract they were right. Nikki is wild and free, and Jett is smooth and calm. Except when it comes to Jett. They clash, but in an oh so good way.

Profile Image for Nancy.
1,132 reviews39 followers
December 26, 2013
**ARC provided by NetGalley via Kensington Books for an honest review**

Jett is the town's boy and the best friend of Cole Logan since they were very young. He has been in love with Cole's sister Nikki since he can remember. Cole and Nikki were talked about a lot or so they thought, because their father was the town hustler, playing pool and always looking to strike it big. Jett was always there for Cole and Nikki and on the night her mom passed away Jett was her comfort. Nikki took off for college after her mom passed and Jett expressed his feelings for her.

Two years later she returns. Nikki is back to repay a debt, but soon she has more problems than she had ever figured. Jett is not sure he wants to help the girl who ran on him two years ago, but somehow can't help himself or his feelings. Will Nikki break down her walls or continue to believe the rumors that had surrounded her earlier years?
Profile Image for Janet.
1,543 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2013
This is book 2 in a series that I really recommend. K.C. Klein has a talent for writing the kind of characters I would like to know. They don't live in a perfect world or have a perfect life, they have flaws and quirks that make them believable and interesting. I was hooked from the very first chapter and rooting for the happily ever after. The book could stand alone, but why deny yourself this excellently written series. It's well plotted,has beautifully drawn settings, features multi faceted characters and is evenly paced.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Jennifer Watkins.
72 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2014
This was a really good book. Nikki, aka Texas, has a chip on her shoulder that is the size of the state of Texas and Jett is just the man to help her get rid of it. Of course Nikki is too stubborn to realize and accept this. I really felt sorry for Jett at time during this book, this man not only had a bruised heart but also ended up with real bruises several times during the story all for the woman he loves. This was a very sweet and at many times funny love story that kept me reading long into the night. I loved the characters that the author created and the descriptions were very easy to imagine. I will definitely be looking for more books in this series.
Profile Image for Heather.
60 reviews
December 26, 2013
Another great book for this series, hoping for more books!
Profile Image for Valerie Bowman.
Author 55 books1,570 followers
August 31, 2014
Adored this and will be reading it again! KC Klein's writing is sexy and funny. She's quickly becoming one of my very favorite authors. The ending with the hustle was fabulous!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
71 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2017
Getting better!

Loved these characters, but the suspense almost killed me! Swoon, swoon, swoon! Makes me want to move to Texas, almost!
259 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2017
WOW, talk about stubborn people... Too funny. I liked the book, reminds me of people i know...
2,437 reviews
June 19, 2025
Another amazing book in this brilliant series.
Profile Image for Margreet Asselbergs.
568 reviews46 followers
December 17, 2013
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...


My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️


When her car breaks down on the side of the road on her way back in town after walking out two years ago, Nikki Logan is well aware that the one person who was always there for her, might not even lend her a hand now. She had a tough life but had been determined to make something of herself and not end up living up to the false rumours that were always spreading around town about her. With her college degree now in hand, she could get a fresh start anywhere, but first she had unfinished business to take care of.

Oak Groves' golden boy, Jett Avery had always been a defender of Nikki Logan. Her big brother was his best friend and Jett had always been able to see past the attitude Nikki put on for the benefit of the disapproving townsfolk. And he liked what he saw, always had, always would. He had no doubt about that and he might have let Nikki run off after their first (and last) night together two years ago, but he was sure as hell not going to let her go again.

Nikki finds not much has changed, people still treat her the same. Her big brother still expects her to screw up and the town's tongues continue to wag. And then there is Jett, who is as steadfast and reliable as he always was and she knows she doesn't deserve him. There is too much she is keeping from him, too many roadblocks thrown in their direction. But Jett is relentless in his pursuit of her, and despite Nikki's attempts at throwing him off, he has her back in his arms and his bed. The question is, what will he need to do to keep her there?

*****

Fabulous surprise!!!

Honestly? When I picked up this book I though it was going to be a quick, hot, juicy read with little substance...don't ask me why. But it wasn't like that AT ALL!! You'll have to forgive me, but K.C. Klein was new to me, this is the first of her books I have read, so I didn't know!! I'll never make that mistake again when I see her name behind a title, that's for sure.

Just to clarify the title, without giving much away..... 'Texas' is a nickname for Nikki, and hustlin' refers to the game of pool, which Nikki happens to be quite proficient at. Nikki has a chip on her shoulder the size of Mount Rushmore. Now it didn't get there by accident, she certainly has reason to throw some attitude, but she has also lost the ability to see the good beside the bad. She has a tendency to take on the whole world, when it isn't the whole world she needs to be fighting, but it's so ingrained, so familiar, it's difficult to step away from. As all behavioural patterns tend to be. Nikki values herself so little, that she would rather take herself out of the equation than make a situation uncomfortable for one of the people she cares about. That is why she runs, she expects to create a problem for those she loves, and she tries to beat it to the punch.

Better than even her brother, Jett see right through all of Nikki, bluster and attitude. He doesn't care, he cares only about the person underneath all of that, the person only he can see. Jett knows full well that as son of one of the most influencial families around, people always found it odd for him to hook up with the Logans, but he found it odd that there even was a distinction. Normally not one to rock the boat, or tempt the fates, when it comes to Nikki! there is absolutely nothing Jett won't do or no one he wouldn't face down. He is someone who sees things in straight lines, but he has the ability and the insight to understand Nikki well.

Great character writing, very entertaining dialogue between the main characters and a somewhat unusual but very appealing division of personalities. Nikki receiving a lot of the flip, avoiding tendencies often associated with the male species, and Jett the emotionally intelligent and openly sharing one, something not EVER associated with the male species!!! BUT it works and it is believable, in fact it is so refreshing, it is one of the reasons I am giving this book a high rating.

There is tragedy in this story, quite a bit of it actually, and it is made all the more heartbreaking (for me) because of the 'tough girl' act that Nikki constantly puts on, never, ever showing anyone she is down......but one person always sees anyway.

I laughed hard and I cried, for me reasons to give a good grade, I was involved.

✨Vibrant, cheeky and heart-breakingly tender.✨

**ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Books in return for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,805 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2013
Hustlin' Texas, the second installment in KC Klein's Texas Fever series, is a spicy romance between bad girl Nikki Logan and golden boy Jett Avery. Two years earlier, Nikki and Jett shared a red hot one night stand, but Jett's declaration of love spooked Nikki into running away. Back in town to repay a debt, Nikki immediately crosses paths with Jett and the sparks are soon flying between them.

Jett is charming, laid back and easy going. He is a longtime friend to the Logan family, and as Nikki's brother's best friend, he has always been a part of her life. He is her go to guy when she lands herself in trouble, and Jett always rides to her rescue. Jett is also crazy in love with her but Nikki is elusive and keeps tantalizingly out reach.

Nikki is a mess, plain and simple. By all outward appearances, nothing gets to her but underneath that tough as nails exterior? She is a teeming mass of insecurities. Nikki keeps everyone at a distance in an effort to protect herself and she won't let herself believe that love lasts. Nikki runs at the first sign of trouble and she has no intention of staying in town once she repays her loan.

The relationship between Jett and Nikki is full of unresolved issues and red hot desire. Nikki allows Jett to get close to her, but then she allows her fears to gain hold and she pushes him away again. This back and forth continues for the entire novel and I had to admire Jett's unending patience with her. The sexual tension between them is unrelenting and they come frustratingly close to consummating their desire time and again.

Hustlin' Texas unfolds from multiple points of view which provides readers with valuable information about each of the characters. The shifts in perspective are fairly smooth and easy to follow. There were a couple of story arcs that seemed out of context and one proved to be essential to the storyline while the other really did not seem to serve any purpose but I suspect it might set up the next novel in the series (fingers crossed).

An entertaining addition to the Texas Fever series, Hustlin' Texas is a sweet and sexy romance. The characters are beautifully developed and likable and although there is conflict, it is mostly internal as Nikki comes to terms with her insecurities and misconceptions. KC Klein keeps the angst to a minimum but she definitely makes Nikki and Jett work for their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Literary George (For Your Literary Pleasure Blog).
163 reviews20 followers
December 30, 2013
Full review at For Your Literary Pleasure

This book was a lovely example of how a woman can be both tough and vulnerable. I fell in love with Nikki the girl from the other side of the tracks back in her home town to pay back a debt. Nikki doesn't change who she is for anyone which is refreshing. But she is hurt by her past and shies away from letting people care for her. I loved how Nikki could switch from running away from intimacy to throwing things across a room - just like any other woman. ;) Jett Avery, a weird mix of GQ model and down home cowboy, is head over heels in love with Nikki. Their chemistry is a burning hot, constantly pushing each other to the limit. Nikki is scared of losing Jett once they become involved so she pushes him away and refuses to get involved at all. Jett is scared Nikki will run away again and so he will do anything to make sure she stays, with him. Both of these characters are full of fire and pride which makes for an amusing ride. Neither gives an inch but the battle is half the fun, they even kept me on my toes!

Klein keeps you hooked with a mix of sweet, funny and heart breaking moments. It's a perfect feel good romance novel with a great back story so you're not left thinking "sure, they know each other five minutes and now they're in love." I loved and laughed my way through "Hustlin' Texas" so grab your copy, I definitely recommend it!

xxx Literary George
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Profile Image for K.C. Klein.
Author 28 books169 followers
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January 23, 2016
***For a limited time, you can get KC Klein's first book in the Texas Fever Series FREE - click here to find out more > kckleinbooks.com (just copy and paste into your browser)***




"Sassy, sexy, fun."--Lori Wilde

"A sexy read." --Rachel Gibson

Only one person in Oak Groves is happy to see bad girl Nikki Logan back in town. . .

Oak Groves' most beloved bachelor, Jett Avery, lives by a simple set of rules. Getting involved with a complicated woman isn't one of them. He learned that the hard way two years ago when he spent one of the most incredible nights of his life with Nikki Logan. But then she hightailed it out of town, never to be seen again--until now. It might be time to break one of those rules. . .

Picking up the pieces of her life, Nikki is back in Oak Groves, face to face with the one man she's done her best to forget. But she has her reasons for being here--and they don't include winding up in bed with Jett. Especially since he'll never forgive her once he finds out the truth about why she's back. . .
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