Tattered Heartstrings

Curston Ranch #2

by Lacy Chantell

Tonya’s an independent woman who doesn’t rely on anyone in her life. When her best friend moved away then her older brother enlisted in the army, she became content with being alone. Now, ten years later, her best friend finally came back to where she belongs. Tonya and her brother run the ranch side by side, but she feels the need to prove her worth time and time again. She wasn’t prepared to open herself up to her brother’s best friend when he nearly died. With each kiss his chisels away the hardened walls she’s formed around her heart. But that also means her secret is getting closer to the surface, a secret she planned to take to her grave. Hocks remembered Tonya from the rodeos he went to with Connor, her brother. When he started working on the ranch he found himself watching her, impressed by her strong will. He kept meaningless relationships to pass the time and keep him from thinking about his best friend’s little sister. It wasn’t until he came face to face with death that he let himself envision something more with her. But it was all too good to be sure. When he gets a text from his past, he’s forced to make a choice and do the one thing Tonya is most terrified of. The ranch is in trouble and cattle are being stolen. Ranchers are being forced to sell. Tony and Hocks don’t know just how intertwined their secrets are. But the family sticks together and the Curstons won’t go down without a fight.

Genres: Westerns, Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2023

About the author

Lacy Chantell is a new upcoming author. She resides in Kentucky and owns a small business. She is a mom of two toddlers and lives on the family farm with her husband. She loves to read all genres, ride her horses, hiking, pretty much anything outdoors.
Inspiration hits her everywhere she goes for new book ideas and she is excited keep telling stories for others to enjoy.
Romance and Fantasy are her favorite genres to write, and she loves to put her characters through hell for them to get their happy ending in the end.

Reviews

[Eden Huntsman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book I didn’t realize it was the second book. Saying that I came into this a little confused but after a bit I got more into it. This book had desire, conflict, family, friendship, and feel emotions throughout. I didn’t know what to expect coming in but glad it was better than I expected.

[Tammy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I can put my feelings into words for a proper review of this one. Lacy did an incredible job of bringing this couple through their traumatic pasts to a promising future.

I also loved how she intertwined Marni and Conner from the first book throughout this one without taking away from the main couple’s story.

[T.L. Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacy Chantell has once again delivered a captivating story in her latest book! Set against the backdrop of the Curston ranch, the narrative revolves around the complex relationship between Tanya Curston and Hocks, a ranch hand and her brother's closest friend. What starts as a clandestine "friends with benefits" arrangement soon becomes a source of conflict as they struggle to keep their connection hidden from those around them.

As the plot unfolds, the Curston ranch faces unforeseen challenges, forcing both Tanya and Hocks to confront their turbulent pasts. Chantell skillfully weaves together a tale filled with intriguing twists and turns that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly flipping through the pages.

One of the highlights of this book is its undeniable spice. Chantell masterfully infuses the story with an irresistible allure, creating an electric chemistry between the characters that leaps off the page.

The emotional rollercoaster they embark on is both exhilarating and heart-wrenching, making the love story at the core of the narrative truly captivating.

And let's not forget the irresistible charm of the cowboys in this tale. With their rugged appeal and the occasional proclamation of "you're mine," they add an extra layer of sizzle to the already scorching romance. The rich ranch setting, complete with horses and the ambiance of the West, further immerses readers in a world where love and desire intertwine.

So saddle up and prepare to be swept away into a world where hot broody cowboys, strong women, and heartfelt emotions collide in the most perfect way.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness!! There is so much tension in this book. So it picks up shortly after Wild Heart with Tanya and Hock. I love how connected we got with these two in the first book but I didn’t realize that was only scratching the surface of who they are.

Tanya has deep hurt in her past and from being abandoned by both her best friend and brother. The hurt led her down a dark path which eventually led to an accident that would change her future forever. She keeps damage and accident to herself and tells no one. She just lives with the shame of what has happened to her and a fear to let anyone into her heart. She has the pressure of running the ranch on her own to have it ripped away when her brother returns. She also lives with the fear of when the next person in her life will leave her.

Hock’s past is a heavily guarded secret to the point he doesn’t even use his own name anymore. He falls hard for Tonya but is afraid she will never let him in. He also doesn’t know how to open up about his past.

Cattle rustlers start creeping in and this puts everyone on guard and creates a tension on top of all the secrets. Watching Tonya and Hock overcome both the weight of their pasts and the threat coming towards them is a story you don’t want to miss.

[LM Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tattered Heartstrings didn't disappoint. The first book was great, but I think I loved the angst and emotional rollercoaster this book brought even more!

Hocks is haunted by recent tragedy while Tonya fights demons from past tragedies. But together they create a unit that reminds each other that love can defeat anything and they aren't alone. I love this message!

Lacy Chantell has created a universe of tough and rough cowboys and girls who sometimes need reminding that they don't have to fight their battles alone, and together they are stronger. I can't wait for book three to be released and see what other adventures the Curston's get up to!

[Kristen Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was much better than the first. The story was a lot more fleshed out and the relationship was a lot more realistic than the first book.

There is a small twist in the story that adds to the angst but it didn’t feel contrived. It felt organic and real.

I liked these two Mc’s. Both have their own heartbreak and history and they’re trying to find their own self worth with each other. A good love story.

And the multiple POV’s was definitely not as bad in this one. It’s like the first book the author didn’t know what she wanted. This book felt a lot more stable. A good read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

RUN! Don’t walk! This is not a series you want to be sleeping on. This book had me in my feels, anywhere from sadness to anger and every other emotion you can think of sprinkled with laughter. Tattered Heartstrings is just as wonderful as the first book. I loved being able to get peeks at Marni and Connor. I am thrilled over the growth both Tonya and Hocks go through. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacy Chantell is one seriously talented author.
I adore this series, and book two didn’t disappoint.
The plot was paced well and follows Tonya and her love interest this time.
Marnie and Connor still feature, of course.

This made me feel so warm, fuzzy and cozy whilst reading. It’s a great Ranch series.
The character development was great, I loved the storyline and suspense in this one.
As always, the spice is done well.
Read this series, if you haven’t already!

[Katlyn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book ❤️

Personally, I feel like this book was a lot heavier than the first one. Tonya and Hocks both endured a lot of darkness before getting to a happier place. I love that while being completely different from book one, we still got to see so much of the same group of characters. I was stressed while reading this one during most of the book, but it ended beautifully.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Wild Heart I knew I had to read the next book! I had to know more! I wasn’t ready to leave the Curston Ranch! Lacy Chantell did not disappoint with Tattered Heartstrings. Tonya is Connor’s sister and Marni’s best friend. She presents herself as super independent. Nothing seems to bother her, but Hocks sees deeper. Tonya has some secrets in her past that she’s carrying around all by herself. Hocks has been friends with Connor for a long time. But he has secretly watched Tonya from afar. His past has shaped him to believe no one would want him if they knew the truth. But when Tonya and Hocks get together! Holy moly!!!!!! Sparks! Heck a whole wildfire!! It takes a strong and patient man to tame Tonya! I high recommend this series. Though I recommend reading Wild Heart first so you are familiar with the characters!

[Michaela Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal, the perfect sequel to Wild heart! From Tonya’s fiery personality to Hocks’ love for her, this book had me saying a mix of “What the hell” and “awwwww”, It kept me guessing there at the end and I can’t wait to read the third! Great job Lacy keep up the great work!

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

I love how this one, and Wild Heart, suck you in and make you feel like it's real. I was beyond excited when I found out this one was Hocks story (do I have a thing for Moody fictional men? Definitely! ), and it did not disappoint. I loved Conner and Marnie's story but this one may be my favorite. It's so hard to choose!

[Laurin Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

I’ve been flying through this series it’s got a great story build between the 2 books and I love how lacy doesn’t just lose the characters from the previous book and ties them all in even though it is mainly Tonya & Hocks story Marni & Connor still play a role in the book!

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacy Chantell has outdone herself again. I couldn’t put the book down from start to finish. Tattered Heartstrings has it all; love, conflict, survival, friendship, and family. It makes you laugh, cry, angry, and gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings. A definite must read.

[Aryanuj Villagomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

story line car accident changed everything

Why why did she didn’t need that story line of the car accident xc
Not fair at all but hopefully their is a future for some to come from the state

[Babeslovebooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute cowboy/cowgirl romance

You should read this book. I had a fun ride with this one. Although I was not as in to this couple as the first book, this book had some good drama that was worth the read.

[Charlotte Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Sometime book 2 in a series is not as good as the first BUT let me say this is not the case. Loved it it’s just as good if not better than the first. Can’t wait for book 3!

[Alese Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Love this book/series. This one had the romance, suspense and action all in one. Loved the story! Can’t wait for book 3!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved Tonya character!!!!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this one as much as I liked the first one. But I will say the drama and intensity of this one was great. I just wasn’t as for the main relationship as much.

[Sailor Burch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yellowstone hella

[Emily Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book, fab chemistry between Hocks & Tonya!

[Jaris Boothman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely gutted me! I could feel the FMCs pain from her past. I had to stop and take a couple deep breaths while i was finishing it!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the storyline but there were so many misspelled words it was so annoying.

[Kiki ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m still processing! I’ll be back to write a proper review!

The continuation

[Tya Teller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, Tonya is my favorite,.. and the whole story was woow

[Rachel Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read other book by this author and wanted to love this one, and while I loved parts, I wasn’t a huge fan of the book as a whole. It felt too long and full of fluff. All for the sake of drama.

[Elodie’s Library ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page 235 : WHAT THE HELL I’m screaming omg what’s going on

[BRITTANY RIOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book took my heart and shattered it, then put it back together again. This book was so well written that it has you feeling like you're right there in the middle with the characters. The movie I watched in my head while I read this book was INCREDIBLE!

You will not be disappointed!

[Maddy Wible · Rating 3 out of 5]

spice: 3/5 | format: ebook

read if you like: cowboys, secrets, suspense, brothers best friend, found family

check trigger & content warnings

this review is going to mirror the one i made for the first one so apologies for the redundancy. again, i want to caveat that with a heavy edit i think this could be a great book so let’s just jump in.

the positives. this was another emotionally heavy book with real & raw emotions. the suspense in this one was definitely more than the previous one which kept you wanting to read more just to find out what happened. the feelings of unconditional love, banter between the characters, & the healing journey that the two mc’s go on together. the spice was heavier & kinkier than the previous one as well. definitely a big change between the two - which i think has to do with the way the fmc chooses to cope, handle & process her emotions. i actually really loved the mmc in this: he was such an amazing man who didn’t deserve what happened to him & loved that the family just took him in as one of their own.

the negatives. this is where the mirroring starts. this book could also use a good & heavy edit. all of the multiple 3rd pov’s that were scattered throughout the chapter still had me confused. add in a heavier suspense subplot & things just got clustered even more. i did get a little trauma bond vibes based on their initial start to the relationship. by the end, i did feel as though they had a genuine connection.

there’s a third book in the series but unfortunately i will not be continuing. i wish the writing & format was different so i could enjoy & continue this. like i said, the storyline is there, its just everything else. if you’re like me and have read until this point, i’m genuinely interested in your thoughts as well.

happy reading 🫶🏼🖤