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Texas Rodeo #3
Tougher in Texas
He's got five rulesAnd she's aiming to break them allRodeo producer Cole Jacobs has his hands full running Jacobs Livestock. He can't afford to lose a single cowboy, so when cousin Violet offers to send along a more-than-capable replacement, he's got no choice but to accept. He expects a grizzled Texas good ol' boy. He gets Shawnee Pickett.Wild and outspoken, ruthlessly self-reliant, Shawnee's not looking for anything but a good time. It doesn't matter how quickly the tall, dark and quiet cowboy gets under her skin—Cole Jacobs deserves something real, and Shawnee can't promise him forever. Life's got a way of kicking her in the teeth, and she's got her bags packed before tragedy can knock her down. Too bad Cole's not the type to give up when the going gets tough...
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
260 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
About the author
Kari Lynn Dell
11 books274 followersKari Lynn Dell is a native of north central Montana, a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer and rodeo competitor, most recently the 2017 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Breakaway Roping season champion. She attended her first rodeo at two weeks old and has existed in a state of horse-induced poverty ever since. She currently resides on the family ranch on the Blackfeet Reservation, loitering in her parents’ bunkhouse along with her husband, son and Max and Spike the Cowdogs, with a tipi on the front step, a view of Glacier National Park from her writing desk and Canada within spitting distance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 2, 2017
So, I am a bookcover whore. If a book has a bad cover I’m very unlikely to pick it up. I know you can’t judge and all that. Being the visual person I am, the cover really makes or breaks a lot of purchases for me! I was drawn to Kari Lynn Dell because of Sourcebooks awesome covers. JUST LOOK AT THEM (collective sigh) I follow a very popular Western Romance author, and so I’m always watching the Western Romance books in the market, however I don’t actually read very many outside of my go to favorite authors. Well, I can say these covers, had me reading the blurbs, and the blurbs had me buying the books, and you know how goes from there: Brand new Go To Author! ;)
Kari’s style is a departure from the books I usually read. All three books in the series are heavily spent in the world of rodeo, and rural life in Texas. Many times an author will style a hero be it musician, cowboy, billionaire, biker- you know the drill- in a book but the occupation is just window dressing to the story. Well that’s not the case, this woman knows Cowboys, and the western way of life backwards and forwards and it shines in every scene. While the heat level for this contemporary series is more a slow burn and doors often shut situation, I didn’t miss being in the room for every missing sex scene. These characters stand on their own and the romantic tension is plenty for me to come away fulfilled in my HEA and so engrossed in the secondary characters I can’t wait to pick up the next book.
While I loved all the books in this series, TOUGHER IN TEXAS is really a unique story with a setup I have never read, and thoroughly enjoyed. Cole Jacobs is extremely set in his ways, he’s a tough, difficult hero to understand, and that makes the payoff so much sweeter. Shawnee is the brash, in your face, loud and proud Texas Roper from book 2 and I could not get enough of her. If anyone could shakeup Cole’s orderly way of things it’s this firecracker. She’s awesome, and peeling away her layers made for an excellent story. Even Cole’s dog Katie, and Shawnee’s horse Roy hold a special place in my heart after this book. Plenty of cameo’s from the previous books to keep us up to date on what’s goin’ on at the Jacob’s ranch and Wyatt’s shenanigans.
Kari Lynn Dell is probably a new to you author, but I seriously cannot recommend her authentic Texas Rodeo series enough. I’d love to hear what you think of this western romance because it knocked me off my boots. - Ava
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
May 17, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live 8/1)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rrLdRC
Kari Lynn Dell has won a place on my cowboy loving bookshelf. Damn, but, she writes a delicious cowboy and a damn feisty cowgirl. Tougher in Texas...blew me away.
Basically, Cole runs a rodeo. And has just fired yet another pickup man. Something he kinda needs to keep his rodeos running. And so his business partner makes good on her threat and sends a certain replacement he can't fire and who happens to be his worst nightmare. A pickup woman named Shawnee who drives him just a little bit insane. And enjoys every second of it. And now they're trapped together on the road for weeks.
I LOVED Cole! Omg, yall, he's an amazing hero. And a little unique. He has Asperger's which makes social interactions a bit of a struggle for him. He can get overwhelmed, relies on repetition and other coping techniques to get through things and is very literal. He's dependable, honorable, takes care of his people. And I adored him. I would climb that hunk of cowboy like a freaking tree!
And Shawnee. She's brash, wild, outgoing and pretty much buttoned up Cole's polar opposite. And I adored her, too. She's a bit damaged and tries not to make connections with other people because of it. I hurt for her as bits of her past were revealed and some of her behaviors were explained.
And together. They were amazing. Centered each other, drove each other crazy, picked and exasperated but also got each other's issues and didn't have to be anyone they weren't when they were together. They were pretty dang steamy, too, once things heated up.
The rodeo aspect was fantastic as always. I love being on the side of the rodeo crew and not the competitors. It's really a different dynamic and so interesting. Seeing them set up, take care of the stock, working the rodeo events. It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.
All together I'm smitten. Kari Lynn Dell has me in a swoon over her cowboys and cowgirls and I can't wait for the next.
July 17, 2020
Books are transforming, some are an escape from everyday life, some you fall in love with for their humorous banter, while others weave themselves into your very soul and change you, forever.
Kari Lynn Dell's Tougher In Texas became all three for me. Simply an amazing book which truly grounded me.
I just can't begin to sing enough praise for this book about taking chances, never giving up, and opening your heart to others, no matter how difficult it truly is for certain individuals. There are so many issues many think keep them from the normal status quo, but in truth only we can keep ourselves from achieving what we desire by never taking that first agonizing step.
Cole Jacobs a rodeo contractor, is a quiet cowboy who keeps to himself and concentrates on keeping his rodeo stock and employees performing at their best. Lists and routine keeps him grounded while he deals with trying to live a normal life as an autistic person. While he keeps up in his daily routines, he's come to the conclusion maybe it's time to settle down and find a wife, a partner in life.
Enter Shawnee Pickett who speaks her mind, never at a loss for words or comebacks and is filling in as a pickup man at The Jacob Livestock for the summer season.
Let the laughter begin as Cole and Shawnee discover they're two halves, polar opposites needing to find their matching halves. Never at a loss for words, Shawnee weaves her sarcasm and spontaneous nature into Coles ever so stringent, neatly-organized life.
Kari Lynn Dell has a phenomenal writing style that is full of humor, deals with true life issues, and will leave you grabbing for any other great books she's written.
I highly recommend this this book, if you've always wanted to know what goes on behind the chutes in the rodeo world, Kari will give you a whole knew perspective in the sport of rodeo. A sport, I was lucky enough to have as a huge part of my life.
Kari Lynn Dell's Tougher In Texas became all three for me. Simply an amazing book which truly grounded me.
I just can't begin to sing enough praise for this book about taking chances, never giving up, and opening your heart to others, no matter how difficult it truly is for certain individuals. There are so many issues many think keep them from the normal status quo, but in truth only we can keep ourselves from achieving what we desire by never taking that first agonizing step.
Cole Jacobs a rodeo contractor, is a quiet cowboy who keeps to himself and concentrates on keeping his rodeo stock and employees performing at their best. Lists and routine keeps him grounded while he deals with trying to live a normal life as an autistic person. While he keeps up in his daily routines, he's come to the conclusion maybe it's time to settle down and find a wife, a partner in life.
Enter Shawnee Pickett who speaks her mind, never at a loss for words or comebacks and is filling in as a pickup man at The Jacob Livestock for the summer season.
Let the laughter begin as Cole and Shawnee discover they're two halves, polar opposites needing to find their matching halves. Never at a loss for words, Shawnee weaves her sarcasm and spontaneous nature into Coles ever so stringent, neatly-organized life.
Kari Lynn Dell has a phenomenal writing style that is full of humor, deals with true life issues, and will leave you grabbing for any other great books she's written.
I highly recommend this this book, if you've always wanted to know what goes on behind the chutes in the rodeo world, Kari will give you a whole knew perspective in the sport of rodeo. A sport, I was lucky enough to have as a huge part of my life.
August 18, 2017
I read this book a couple of weeks ago and I've been struggling ever since to find the words to express just how UTTERLY FANTASTIC it is.
I'll start off by saying that I know absolutely nothing about rodeo. Fortunately, Kari Lynn Dell knows LOTS about rodeo (her bio says she is 'a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer, and rodeo competitor-as well as the 2013 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association Breakaway Roping Champion') and she breaks everything down gently and simply for those of us who are completely ignorant about the sport.
At its heart, though, this is a book about two seriously amazing people. I wasn't too sure about Cole at the start of the book - his desire for a wife to basically feed him and look after him bothered me - but when I realized that he was autistic and struggling to express his emotions, the light dawned and I fell quite thoroughly in love with him.
Not quite as much as I fell in love with Shawnee, though, who we first meet getting out of the bed of a Brazilian rodeo rider 12 years her junior after a night of unashamed, no-strings sex - hardly the standard introduction for the heroine of a romance novel!
Shawnee's got her issues, not least of which is her inability to have children after a childhood struggle with cancer, and her knowledge that you don't really survive cancer. You just wait for it to come back and get you. The former issue leads to absolutely the most romantic line I've read in the last few years, when Cole, after coming to terms with his dreams of a family with Shawnee being dashed, tells her
"That's okay. If I can't have both, I choose you."
SWOON.
Everything about this book is perfect. Everything. Both hero and heroine are strong and flawed, dealing with mental issues and difficult situations, somehow finding a way to each other without diminishing the other in the process. One of my BIGGEST pet hates in romances is one person giving up their dream for the other; the EXACT OPPOSITE of that happened in this book (without further spoilers). It genuinely made me so happy I'm still thinking about it two weeks later. Go read it. You really, seriously won't regret it.
Five stars, and I'd give it more if I could.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
I'll start off by saying that I know absolutely nothing about rodeo. Fortunately, Kari Lynn Dell knows LOTS about rodeo (her bio says she is 'a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer, and rodeo competitor-as well as the 2013 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association Breakaway Roping Champion') and she breaks everything down gently and simply for those of us who are completely ignorant about the sport.
At its heart, though, this is a book about two seriously amazing people. I wasn't too sure about Cole at the start of the book - his desire for a wife to basically feed him and look after him bothered me - but when I realized that he was autistic and struggling to express his emotions, the light dawned and I fell quite thoroughly in love with him.
Not quite as much as I fell in love with Shawnee, though, who we first meet getting out of the bed of a Brazilian rodeo rider 12 years her junior after a night of unashamed, no-strings sex - hardly the standard introduction for the heroine of a romance novel!
Shawnee's got her issues, not least of which is her inability to have children after a childhood struggle with cancer, and her knowledge that you don't really survive cancer. You just wait for it to come back and get you. The former issue leads to absolutely the most romantic line I've read in the last few years, when Cole, after coming to terms with his dreams of a family with Shawnee being dashed, tells her
"That's okay. If I can't have both, I choose you."
SWOON.
Everything about this book is perfect. Everything. Both hero and heroine are strong and flawed, dealing with mental issues and difficult situations, somehow finding a way to each other without diminishing the other in the process. One of my BIGGEST pet hates in romances is one person giving up their dream for the other; the EXACT OPPOSITE of that happened in this book (without further spoilers). It genuinely made me so happy I'm still thinking about it two weeks later. Go read it. You really, seriously won't regret it.
Five stars, and I'd give it more if I could.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
July 21, 2017
Kari Lynn Dell has quickly carved out a place for herself on my bookshelf. Her ability to create stories that are heartbreakingly realistic and deliver them with power and grace is refreshing. Her stories help you breathe through the pain with laughter and an optimistic point of view. Tougher in Texas blends courageous with outrageous to put a smile on our face as we hand over a tiny piece of our hearts. We laugh, we learn, we enjoy. Well done, Ms. Dell.
August 11, 2017
Cowboys! And this one takes place on the rodeo circuit. Can't say I have ever read one like that.
I liked Cole. He seemed to practical with his lists and doing things his way. Very logical, and then we are told he has aspergers, well that does explain it. The thing he said about hugs, *nods* I felt she did it well. And he so wants a family...and then he meets Shawnee.
Oh my, Shawnee. Loud, opinionated and a total mess. She has some secrets and fears and she might act all tough and independent, but she is scared through. She certainly does not want family.
There was this drama thing, not about them, but still there, I really did not see the craziness behind it. Eh, I guess I missed something, or people overreacted.
Two people falling in love. Some rodeo drama. Some love drama and a happily ever after. Just like I want it.
Narrator Johanna Parker
I really like her voice and accent. She would totally be my go to narrator when it comes to western romance. She is perfect for it.
I liked Cole. He seemed to practical with his lists and doing things his way. Very logical, and then we are told he has aspergers, well that does explain it. The thing he said about hugs, *nods* I felt she did it well. And he so wants a family...and then he meets Shawnee.
Oh my, Shawnee. Loud, opinionated and a total mess. She has some secrets and fears and she might act all tough and independent, but she is scared through. She certainly does not want family.
There was this drama thing, not about them, but still there, I really did not see the craziness behind it. Eh, I guess I missed something, or people overreacted.
Two people falling in love. Some rodeo drama. Some love drama and a happily ever after. Just like I want it.
Narrator Johanna Parker
I really like her voice and accent. She would totally be my go to narrator when it comes to western romance. She is perfect for it.
August 22, 2017
In short, this is a special book. Anna over at Herding Cats and Burning Soup is always gushing about her cowboys, and that made me realize that I haven't read many cowboy books. So I set out to rectify that situation, and I decided to start with a new-to-me author, Kari Lynn Dell. I think I am glad I started with this story because I definitely want to pick up her other books now. While there was some character crossover from earlier books, I didn't feel lost or confused with the story. So I think you are fine starting w/ this book if you haven't read the others. I also think you will want to go back and read the earlier books (like me) once you finish this one.
Our cowboy, Cole Jacobs, was such a unique hero. A six-and-a-half foot stoic and awkward cowboy, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in the years leading up to this current story. I think this is the first hero that I have read on the autism spectrum, and the author handled the situation very well. Cole was relatable and his issues were realistic, and I was able to empathize and engage with him as a reader. He was somewhat wholesome, but had some steamy thoughts that worked with his idiosyncrasies to make him an all-around cute and lovable guy.
Shawnee Picket is a tough-as-nails rodeo chick. I wasn't sure I was going to like Shawnee at first. I thought her attitude and lifestyle were just going to be too hard and loose for me. But all of Shawnee's bravado is a mask for her own insecurities and difficult childhood. While I didn't relate to her as well as Cole, I still liked her as a heroine. I thought she was a good match for Cole, sort of the yin to his yang, that complimented him in every way.
Cole and Shawnee made a great team on the rodeo circuit, and I loved reading that aspect of the story. You can tell the author is familiar with the activity and lifestyle, and I really enjoyed all of the detail she included about the gear, the animals, and the job. It made me feel like I was there, and taught me a few things in the process!
Dell did a good job at drawing the reader into this story. I felt like I was part of the rodeo, and I was drawn into Cole's desires and dreams for his life. The last bit of the story got me a bit teary eyed, which is always a good sign. I love being emotionally invested in the characters. I will definitely be reading more of Kari Lynn Dell in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.
October 29, 2017
Cole Jacobs is officially running his own crew for Jacob's Livestock on the rodeo circuit for the first time and without Violet as pick-up man and overall Miss Handles Everything that comes up or falls apart. Violet offers to use her connections and experience to replace herself and how can Cole refuse that offer. Violet always comes through with the best man for the job. Cole can't afford for anything to go wrong. He wants to prove to himself and to the Jacobs family that he can do this job and do it well. Cole is the silent type ane that often leads people to believe thath he's an asshole. He has to have a schedule and a plan for everything he does and says. If something unexpected happens he usually ends up with nothing to say and searching for what to do. However, he does almost always have plan b, c and d as back ups and a team that knows what he needs done. Cole wants a wife and kids and all that comes with that life. He is not expecting for Violets replacement to be Shawnee Pickett and can't picture how she'd ever work out much less that at the end of the season he'd ever be wanting her to stick around.
Shawnee Pickett is excited to be a pick up man for the first time in her life. Shawnee is wild, out spoken, always has something to say, always has a comeback, she's blunt and can be ruthless. She always plans to win but overall is just out to have a good time. She never stays in one place for too long because that just end up getting messy. She never lets anyone get too close. A husband and kids are not in her life plan. At the end of the summer season she plans to just move on as always and get back to team roping, her one and only true love.
Turns out, as is often true to life, opposites really do attract and in this case Cole and Shawnee's opposite personalities begin to mesh into a great working partnership and possibly personal too.
Kari Lynn Dell really knows her rodeo lingo and all about the technical aspects of the rodeo life. With her writing style you can visualize everything the rodeo participants are doing and she doesn't leave anything out. I'm amazed at the detail she puts into Coles character and the specifics of his Autism that she adds into everything he does and needs to be a functioning adult. I truly learned a lot about Autism from this book. This is an awesome book and great addition to the series, a must read. I never would have thought that after reading the first book that by the third, Cole would end up being my favorite character in the series. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series. Kari Lynn Dell has officially become one of my favorite go to authors.
Shawnee Pickett is excited to be a pick up man for the first time in her life. Shawnee is wild, out spoken, always has something to say, always has a comeback, she's blunt and can be ruthless. She always plans to win but overall is just out to have a good time. She never stays in one place for too long because that just end up getting messy. She never lets anyone get too close. A husband and kids are not in her life plan. At the end of the summer season she plans to just move on as always and get back to team roping, her one and only true love.
Turns out, as is often true to life, opposites really do attract and in this case Cole and Shawnee's opposite personalities begin to mesh into a great working partnership and possibly personal too.
Kari Lynn Dell really knows her rodeo lingo and all about the technical aspects of the rodeo life. With her writing style you can visualize everything the rodeo participants are doing and she doesn't leave anything out. I'm amazed at the detail she puts into Coles character and the specifics of his Autism that she adds into everything he does and needs to be a functioning adult. I truly learned a lot about Autism from this book. This is an awesome book and great addition to the series, a must read. I never would have thought that after reading the first book that by the third, Cole would end up being my favorite character in the series. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series. Kari Lynn Dell has officially become one of my favorite go to authors.
September 13, 2017
I'll never look at rodeos the same way again. There's so much more going on that I ever knew about. I just love Cole and Shawnee. They're a perfect match. Cole is a loner with Asperberger's Syndrome and has trouble communicating with and being around people. Shawnee is a survivor and has built a thick wall of toughness around her. Her wit and sarcasm is a shield she hides behind. Only she sees how Cole struggles and softens her persona for him. He's six feet five and pure muscle that's developed by working the bucking horses and bulls. When he and Shawnee come together, they cause a seismic shift. This is a great story and one that will warm your heart. You'll laugh your head off, but keep plenty of tissues handy for the end. You'll need 'em.
October 8, 2018
Another winner. Cole Jacobs is the autistic cousin of Violet, the two of them have worked together at rodeos but now she's pregnant he's been forced to work with a series of substitutes. After he runs off yet another cowboy Violet invokes her worst punishment - Shawnee Pickett.
Shawnee is a straight-talking roper, one of her favourite things is winding up Cole with his lists and his regimented view of life, but weeks on the road working cheek by jowl shows both of the them that there is more to the other person than meets the eye.
Wow, this book tackles some really tough issues and doesn't shirk from the unpleasant truth but it also shows the complete joy of working together doing a job you love.
I was surprised because I was hoping for Shawnee and Wyatt - that man is going to be a difficult one to match - but Cole and Shawnee was a good match.
On to the next one, even though I have a ton of ARCs to review - only sad that I got turned down by the publisher for the latest ARC - boo hoo.
Shawnee is a straight-talking roper, one of her favourite things is winding up Cole with his lists and his regimented view of life, but weeks on the road working cheek by jowl shows both of the them that there is more to the other person than meets the eye.
Wow, this book tackles some really tough issues and doesn't shirk from the unpleasant truth but it also shows the complete joy of working together doing a job you love.
I was surprised because I was hoping for Shawnee and Wyatt - that man is going to be a difficult one to match - but Cole and Shawnee was a good match.
On to the next one, even though I have a ton of ARCs to review - only sad that I got turned down by the publisher for the latest ARC - boo hoo.
June 11, 2017
3 Texas rodeo stars for TOUGHER IN TEXAS.
Shawnee Pickett is like a hurricane to Cole Jacobs. She flies into his rodeo, all big hair and tight jeans and he has no clue what to do with her. Shawnee has known Cole since they were young, and while she'd most definitely be down with a little bedroom boogie with the big sexy cowboy, she knows that Cole is a man looking for a wife and a family, and she is just not on that path. Then Cole kisses her, and she likes it.
Cole's not good with women…his autism makes it incredibly difficult to hold meaningful conversations with the ladies…but something about Shawnee soothes his humming brain and calms him. Shawnee isn't used to stability in her life, never knew she even wanted it, but can she actually walk away from the best thing she's ever had at the end of the rodeo season?
I went back and forth about whether I liked TOUGHER IN TEXAS, the 3rd book in the Texas Rodeo series. On one hand, it was extremely interesting to read about a MC with autism...that's a first for me, I believe. You could really empathize with Cole's awkwardness and the way he processed information. On the other hand, I didn't really feel the chemistry between Cole and Shawnee that I wanted to. I mean, it was OK, but there was nothing super fabulous about it. There were some really fun and funny bits, usually courtesy of Shawnee, like this little nugget:
Shawnee put a deliberately her in her voice. "But I suppose I could let him practice on me. He is very… large."
"Shawnee!"
"I'm kidding, Ma." But now she'd gone and planted the idea in her own head, where it immediately began to, um, grow. Ack. When was someone going to invent a safe and effective delete key for stupid thoughts?
I ultimately enjoyed TOUGHER IN TEXAS, but with light sex scenes and only mildly likable characters, it was not on my all-time favorites list.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; mild violence; no murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Shawnee Pickett is like a hurricane to Cole Jacobs. She flies into his rodeo, all big hair and tight jeans and he has no clue what to do with her. Shawnee has known Cole since they were young, and while she'd most definitely be down with a little bedroom boogie with the big sexy cowboy, she knows that Cole is a man looking for a wife and a family, and she is just not on that path. Then Cole kisses her, and she likes it.
Cole's not good with women…his autism makes it incredibly difficult to hold meaningful conversations with the ladies…but something about Shawnee soothes his humming brain and calms him. Shawnee isn't used to stability in her life, never knew she even wanted it, but can she actually walk away from the best thing she's ever had at the end of the rodeo season?
I went back and forth about whether I liked TOUGHER IN TEXAS, the 3rd book in the Texas Rodeo series. On one hand, it was extremely interesting to read about a MC with autism...that's a first for me, I believe. You could really empathize with Cole's awkwardness and the way he processed information. On the other hand, I didn't really feel the chemistry between Cole and Shawnee that I wanted to. I mean, it was OK, but there was nothing super fabulous about it. There were some really fun and funny bits, usually courtesy of Shawnee, like this little nugget:
Shawnee put a deliberately her in her voice. "But I suppose I could let him practice on me. He is very… large."
"Shawnee!"
"I'm kidding, Ma." But now she'd gone and planted the idea in her own head, where it immediately began to, um, grow. Ack. When was someone going to invent a safe and effective delete key for stupid thoughts?
I ultimately enjoyed TOUGHER IN TEXAS, but with light sex scenes and only mildly likable characters, it was not on my all-time favorites list.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; mild violence; no murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
September 18, 2017
If you know me, you know I don't read a lot of romance. But Kari is one of my authors, and I've heard from several people how good this book is, so I decided to check it out.
Honestly, this is one of the best books I've ever read. Not one of the best romance books I've ever read. One of the BEST books I've ever read. Hands down.
It's absolutely incredible. From the characters to the sizzle to the banter to the authentic way Kari writes about rodeo. I could not put it down.
HIGHLY recommended.
Honestly, this is one of the best books I've ever read. Not one of the best romance books I've ever read. One of the BEST books I've ever read. Hands down.
It's absolutely incredible. From the characters to the sizzle to the banter to the authentic way Kari writes about rodeo. I could not put it down.
HIGHLY recommended.
December 25, 2017
If you only read one cowboy romance this year make it this one! Authentic characters and setting. And even a cool dog with opinions. A friend who is an NYT bestselling author told me you can always tell a great romance when you want to be BFF with the heroine and have hot sex with the hero. This book is a bingo. Loved it.
April 11, 2022
I'm not sure whether to give this 4 stars or not, might be more like 3.5 stars but since I have reread it for the second time it must be somewhat good 🙈
July 21, 2017
Tougher in Texas (Texas Rodeo) by Kari Lynn Dell
Kari Lynn Dell has quickly carved out a place for herself on my bookshelf. Her ability to create stories that are heartbreakingly realistic and deliver them with power and grace is refreshing. Her stories help you breathe through the pain with laughter and an optimistic point of view. Tougher in Texas blends courageous with outrageous to put a smile on our face as we hand over a tiny piece of our hearts. We laugh, we learn, we enjoy. Well done, Ms. Dell.
Kari Lynn Dell has quickly carved out a place for herself on my bookshelf. Her ability to create stories that are heartbreakingly realistic and deliver them with power and grace is refreshing. Her stories help you breathe through the pain with laughter and an optimistic point of view. Tougher in Texas blends courageous with outrageous to put a smile on our face as we hand over a tiny piece of our hearts. We laugh, we learn, we enjoy. Well done, Ms. Dell.
August 2, 2018
Once again I was drawn into the life of rodeo. Kari Lynn Dell writes what she knows best, and that is rodeo and love. You are drawn into the story, and you don't want to leave. Some of my questions were answered, and I was left wanting more. Her characters become very real, and the atmosphere that surrounds you becomes real. You can feel, hear, the animals, smell the smells that come with a rodeo.
I love this series and can't wait to read more.
I love this series and can't wait to read more.
July 7, 2024
Yet another book about adults behaving like adults. Crazy. Plus in depth rodeo stuff? Wonderful as always. I appreciated the autism and anxiety rep as well.
I do feel like I’m missing a short story or something somewhere to connect this book to book four. There’s a scene they mention in book four that does *not* happen in the timeline we have in this book so where does it happen?????
I do feel like I’m missing a short story or something somewhere to connect this book to book four. There’s a scene they mention in book four that does *not* happen in the timeline we have in this book so where does it happen?????
July 18, 2019
This book was fast paced, with complicated characters I grew to love. The plot had plenty of twists and turns and I loved the rodeo background that's such an intrinsic part of the story.
January 31, 2020
nope.. nah..
November 7, 2025
Okay ending was cute 🥰
September 14, 2017
This book started out much stronger than it finished. I was very intrigued to see where the author would go with an autistic cowboy and female cancer-survivor rodeo worker. Both were very original character ideas. I think it was portrayed pretty well in the beginning but then the characters became like every other character I've read in a romance novel. And this is one of those stories where you have to read the rest in the series to get an idea of who everyone is.... which I have no intention of doing... so I felt like I was given a story that was missing depth. In order to get a complete story I'd have to read four other much-too-long books. Not a fair deal.
January 28, 2024
Opposites attract and mutual pining in one of my new favourite romance novels? It's more likely than you think!
I fell in love with Cole when we met him in book 1 and then fell for Shawnee's antics in book 2 but wow, was thrown for a loop when I read this synopsis - because those two? Four hundred-odd pages and I am totally convinced, holy crap.
The setting brought so much vibrancy and space for great side characters, the story is tight but leaves room to glimpse at past and future couples, the romance was delicious and the emotional core was bittersweet just how I like it.
Also Johanna Parker did an incredible job with the audiobook (of all four books in the series)
I fell in love with Cole when we met him in book 1 and then fell for Shawnee's antics in book 2 but wow, was thrown for a loop when I read this synopsis - because those two? Four hundred-odd pages and I am totally convinced, holy crap.
The setting brought so much vibrancy and space for great side characters, the story is tight but leaves room to glimpse at past and future couples, the romance was delicious and the emotional core was bittersweet just how I like it.
Also Johanna Parker did an incredible job with the audiobook (of all four books in the series)
December 28, 2021
CW: cancer and shitty dad
This book wrecked me, again. Cole and his struggles with autism get to me, but it is Shawnee who tears out my heart, every time. Cancer is such a bitch, and she is such a fierce women, and also scared shitless of what the illness might do to her loved ones. It is also lovely to meet a romantic couple who does not fit the body type commonly portrayed in romance novels. They are both very attractive, strong and capable people, and very sexy, too. But they are certainly not slim ;-)
I don‘t know anything about the author, except that she was a rancher and rodeo person, and that she died of cancer. She certainly writes about what she knows, and that makes her books awesome. And I adore how her heroines go up against the „old boys club“ that dominate rodeo, and get the respect they deserve. She throws in quite a few progressive and liberal views into her cowboy novels, and I love her for it. In my own country the people who work the land are slower in adapting to new views and politics, and it seems to be the same in the States. Her cautious but deliberate approach therefore makes sense to me.
Original review from September 2019:
I adore this series and the people in it. Cole and Shawnee were very special to me from the first time we met them. They are both kind of difficult to be around, but I knew it would be worthwhile to get to know them better. I was completely invested in their story, and cried me a bucket. All the books in this series do touch on serious issues, but there is so much sweetness and humor to even it out. All the female main characters kick ass, in very different ways. And Shawnee‘s relationship to her body is amazing.
This book wrecked me, again. Cole and his struggles with autism get to me, but it is Shawnee who tears out my heart, every time. Cancer is such a bitch, and she is such a fierce women, and also scared shitless of what the illness might do to her loved ones. It is also lovely to meet a romantic couple who does not fit the body type commonly portrayed in romance novels. They are both very attractive, strong and capable people, and very sexy, too. But they are certainly not slim ;-)
I don‘t know anything about the author, except that she was a rancher and rodeo person, and that she died of cancer. She certainly writes about what she knows, and that makes her books awesome. And I adore how her heroines go up against the „old boys club“ that dominate rodeo, and get the respect they deserve. She throws in quite a few progressive and liberal views into her cowboy novels, and I love her for it. In my own country the people who work the land are slower in adapting to new views and politics, and it seems to be the same in the States. Her cautious but deliberate approach therefore makes sense to me.
Original review from September 2019:
I adore this series and the people in it. Cole and Shawnee were very special to me from the first time we met them. They are both kind of difficult to be around, but I knew it would be worthwhile to get to know them better. I was completely invested in their story, and cried me a bucket. All the books in this series do touch on serious issues, but there is so much sweetness and humor to even it out. All the female main characters kick ass, in very different ways. And Shawnee‘s relationship to her body is amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
I think this was my favorite book of the series so far! I loved how the hero of book one helped Cole learn he was autistic. The way the author pulls the extended family together and weaves storylines through the series is really fun. The hero is a big guy, like super tall, broad, all that. YUM. The heroine is not thin, which was great, especially when we learn why she never wants to be. She's strong, capable, kick ass, all THAT. Most of all I enjoyed going on the ride as these two grappled with each other (little bit of an enemies to lovers thing), then began appreciating each other (hot), then hit some nearly impossible to surmount obstacles (real problems, yay!). Loving this series!
February 20, 2018
This was just a little too much: he's autistic, she's a cancer survivor with Daddy/abandonment issues. Throw in a random secondary character statutory rape scene with police/racial tension. Just one of these issues would have been plenty. Plus I felt like she was guilt-tripped into staying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
I loved this story.
Book 3 in this series and we are still in the world of Rodeo in Texas,we get a glimpse of life behind the scenes of being on the road,moving from place to place Rodeo to rodeo and what that entails.
This is Cole Jacobs story brother of Violet and recently diagnosed with Autism,he has finally been trusted with his own crew for Jacobs Livestock,to navigate the Rodeo circuit.
But he is one person short after firing one of his employees.
So Violet sends him a replacement but Cole didn't expect her to send him his enemy,a woman so annoying,loud and brash who would get under his skin with her sarcastic words.
Shawnee Pickett was a roper she loved the thrill of it,but when she got the opportunity to go on the road with Jacobs livestock and be a part of the rodeo circuit she had to say YES..
Even though the producer was Cole Jacobs,there was something about him that just irritated her and she loved nothing more than to tease him.
Cole and Shawnee now had to work closely together and to their surprise they effortlessly were an amazing team in the arena.It was like they had been doing this for a long time and it shocked them both.I wonder if they were good at doing other things together?
As they get to know eachother and becoming friends slowly they begin to fall in love....But they wanted different things in the future.
Cole wanted to find a wife he wanted the life his sister Violet had found a family of his own...He wanted Shawnee.
But Shawnee had issues as a teenage cancer survivor,she loved her freedom but she was also very cautious about getting into any relationship...She lived in fear the cancer would come back and labelled herself a risk.So she loved them and left them no attachments,but Cole had gotten into her heart but she couldn't give him the dream he wanted.
I loved Cole he was meticulous and quirky being neuro divergent myself I understood how routine and list and organistaion was a way of coping for Cole.People always thought Cole was unemotional,he never expressed his feelings, but he did feel but admitting those feelings was hard for him.
Shawnee although she was wild and loud she understood Cole and didn't seem to mind his quirky personality,she liked spending time with him in the bedroom and outside of the bedroom.
I really enjoyed this story and loved listening to Johanna Parker narrating this books,she is so talented and did an Amazing performance bringing these characters to life.
Kari Lynn Dell's writing is so knowledgable and detailed it takes you away in your mind to the world of Rodeo..I imagined everything perfectly...She is a wonderful storyteller.
I relished this book,its such a fantastic story and audiobook.
5 Stars.
Book 3 in this series and we are still in the world of Rodeo in Texas,we get a glimpse of life behind the scenes of being on the road,moving from place to place Rodeo to rodeo and what that entails.
This is Cole Jacobs story brother of Violet and recently diagnosed with Autism,he has finally been trusted with his own crew for Jacobs Livestock,to navigate the Rodeo circuit.
But he is one person short after firing one of his employees.
So Violet sends him a replacement but Cole didn't expect her to send him his enemy,a woman so annoying,loud and brash who would get under his skin with her sarcastic words.
Shawnee Pickett was a roper she loved the thrill of it,but when she got the opportunity to go on the road with Jacobs livestock and be a part of the rodeo circuit she had to say YES..
Even though the producer was Cole Jacobs,there was something about him that just irritated her and she loved nothing more than to tease him.
Cole and Shawnee now had to work closely together and to their surprise they effortlessly were an amazing team in the arena.It was like they had been doing this for a long time and it shocked them both.I wonder if they were good at doing other things together?
As they get to know eachother and becoming friends slowly they begin to fall in love....But they wanted different things in the future.
Cole wanted to find a wife he wanted the life his sister Violet had found a family of his own...He wanted Shawnee.
But Shawnee had issues as a teenage cancer survivor,she loved her freedom but she was also very cautious about getting into any relationship...She lived in fear the cancer would come back and labelled herself a risk.So she loved them and left them no attachments,but Cole had gotten into her heart but she couldn't give him the dream he wanted.
I loved Cole he was meticulous and quirky being neuro divergent myself I understood how routine and list and organistaion was a way of coping for Cole.People always thought Cole was unemotional,he never expressed his feelings, but he did feel but admitting those feelings was hard for him.
Shawnee although she was wild and loud she understood Cole and didn't seem to mind his quirky personality,she liked spending time with him in the bedroom and outside of the bedroom.
I really enjoyed this story and loved listening to Johanna Parker narrating this books,she is so talented and did an Amazing performance bringing these characters to life.
Kari Lynn Dell's writing is so knowledgable and detailed it takes you away in your mind to the world of Rodeo..I imagined everything perfectly...She is a wonderful storyteller.
I relished this book,its such a fantastic story and audiobook.
5 Stars.
July 25, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Tougher in Texas is a unique romance that will capture your attention and your emotions very quickly. I doubt this story will let go of your heart until the very ending… and even then it might linger on a bit.
Cole and Shawnee have known each other for years. They are about as opposite in personality and routines as two people could possibly get. Cole needs routine, he’s methodical, precise and his routines, schedules calm him, focus him – they are as necessary as breath to live. Shawnee is brash, outspoken, lives by her own rules and will never ever settle down in one place for long. She’s seen too much, she won’t wait for tragedy to touch her again because she’s outta there before anything can even think of getting to her. Right up until she encounters Cole again as a “pickup man” for the rodeo. They’ve got one season to get through without tearing each other apart. The more she’s around Cole the less she believes that’s going to be possible. Because this man isn’t supposed to get to her, and she isn’t supposed to be thinking of staying and taking a risk.
I have to give Ms Dell a moment outside of this story. You see, Cole has Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism. There are thousands of people in the world today, some rather famous, who also have Asperger’s. Usually they are highly intelligent people who don’t do well in social situations, especially without their routines as a calming agent. Their minds are constantly moving, thinking, experiencing – it’s the getting those thoughts out in social interactions that is somewhat difficult. In giving us Cole, all aspects of Cole, she’s given us a peek inside of an amazing mind, and one sexy cowboy. I know people with Asperger’s, two who are close friends, and I’d like to believe that they’d approve of Cole’s portrayal in Tougher in Texas. So I’d like to say thank you to Ms Dell for giving us reality, not everyone fits in the same silhouette… and wouldn’t it be boring if they did.
If you’re in the mood for a really good romance, one sexy cowboy and one hot-headed cowgirl – then Tougher in Texas should be on your reading radar. I’d recommend this story and the entire series to any reader who simply loves a good romance.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Tougher in Texas is a unique romance that will capture your attention and your emotions very quickly. I doubt this story will let go of your heart until the very ending… and even then it might linger on a bit.
Cole and Shawnee have known each other for years. They are about as opposite in personality and routines as two people could possibly get. Cole needs routine, he’s methodical, precise and his routines, schedules calm him, focus him – they are as necessary as breath to live. Shawnee is brash, outspoken, lives by her own rules and will never ever settle down in one place for long. She’s seen too much, she won’t wait for tragedy to touch her again because she’s outta there before anything can even think of getting to her. Right up until she encounters Cole again as a “pickup man” for the rodeo. They’ve got one season to get through without tearing each other apart. The more she’s around Cole the less she believes that’s going to be possible. Because this man isn’t supposed to get to her, and she isn’t supposed to be thinking of staying and taking a risk.
I have to give Ms Dell a moment outside of this story. You see, Cole has Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism. There are thousands of people in the world today, some rather famous, who also have Asperger’s. Usually they are highly intelligent people who don’t do well in social situations, especially without their routines as a calming agent. Their minds are constantly moving, thinking, experiencing – it’s the getting those thoughts out in social interactions that is somewhat difficult. In giving us Cole, all aspects of Cole, she’s given us a peek inside of an amazing mind, and one sexy cowboy. I know people with Asperger’s, two who are close friends, and I’d like to believe that they’d approve of Cole’s portrayal in Tougher in Texas. So I’d like to say thank you to Ms Dell for giving us reality, not everyone fits in the same silhouette… and wouldn’t it be boring if they did.
If you’re in the mood for a really good romance, one sexy cowboy and one hot-headed cowgirl – then Tougher in Texas should be on your reading radar. I’d recommend this story and the entire series to any reader who simply loves a good romance.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 24, 2017
Cole Jacobs is a rodeo producer and has a certain way of doing things his way, and he does not like change. This all falls apart for him when his cousin cannot make the trip for the rodeo season because she is pregnant. She calls him after he fires the third person and says really it’s not his fault he told the guy what he had to do and he did not do it. Of course he does not think he should have to tell someone what they have to do and then on top of that this person used a prod on a bull that he should not haves used. She tells him that there are no more people and so she has to call Shawnee. He acts like calling Shawnee is worse than having your teeth pulled. When Shawnee gets the call she goes but she is not looking forward in seeing or dealing with Cole. You then find out when she shows up that they have known each for years but neither one has seen the other one in a while. She cannot help herself but find Cole attractive, but Shawnee is a free spirit and because life has kicked her around a bit she is not looking for long term happiness, she does not believe it is even out there. Cole on the other hand likes the way she takes care of business in the ring and out and he does not need to tell her another thing. It is like they have been working together for years. When he finds out that she cooks is also about the same time you find out about his autism which makes sense for some of his habits. It is also after a few meals that they decide to carry on together but she tells him only until the end of the season, she will not go any further and she makes doubly sure he understands for she has been around him most of her life. The problem enters when she is more attracted to him than she was expecting and that scares her. At the end he is at his family ranch not doing so well and is given choices to make not many really just go after her or let her go. She is given choices to makes whether to continue to run scared or to take a chance. The last two chapters are really good and the way the story ends is just perfect for this story. a wonderful book and very good characters. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 9, 2017
Slow burning 'enemies' to lovers
I know nothing about rodeo (and to be honest, I still know nothing about rodeo though the author does her best to make it understandable). What I know are books, and this one is a good ‘un.
I loved the main characters. Cole has a big heart, an inability to express himself, and a stubborn will that is akin to a bolder rolling downhill. His autism has made relationships difficult, though we are more told than shown this.
Shawnee is feisty and smart, a cancer survivor who knows that cancer doesn’t go away, it just goes into hiding. She is wary of long-term relationships because she doesn’t want anyone else hurt when the other shoe drops. She is prickly and sweet and so wonderfully real.
Their slow burn romance was satisfying and funny, and for a nice change, Shawnee did not double back from pursuing her dreams at the last moment. She kicks ass and gets the guy, and does not forgo kicking ass to get the guy, either. I really appreciated this.
Not having read any of Ms Dell’s earlier books, I did not understand the initial animosity between the two, nor could I really keep track of the rather large list of characters, most of whom only appear for a scene or two. I could tell some were from past books and others were possibilities for future ones, but all in all it was a bit much. This is a failing of longer romance series but this one is only the third book so there isn’t so much of an excuse.
Despite this, it was an enjoyable read with two fantastic leads and I might track down other books by the author. If rodeo / road trip romances are your thing, or slow burning enemies to lovers, or well-written people with flaws who still come out on top, then give this book a go.
I received a copy of this story from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I know nothing about rodeo (and to be honest, I still know nothing about rodeo though the author does her best to make it understandable). What I know are books, and this one is a good ‘un.
I loved the main characters. Cole has a big heart, an inability to express himself, and a stubborn will that is akin to a bolder rolling downhill. His autism has made relationships difficult, though we are more told than shown this.
Shawnee is feisty and smart, a cancer survivor who knows that cancer doesn’t go away, it just goes into hiding. She is wary of long-term relationships because she doesn’t want anyone else hurt when the other shoe drops. She is prickly and sweet and so wonderfully real.
Their slow burn romance was satisfying and funny, and for a nice change, Shawnee did not double back from pursuing her dreams at the last moment. She kicks ass and gets the guy, and does not forgo kicking ass to get the guy, either. I really appreciated this.
Not having read any of Ms Dell’s earlier books, I did not understand the initial animosity between the two, nor could I really keep track of the rather large list of characters, most of whom only appear for a scene or two. I could tell some were from past books and others were possibilities for future ones, but all in all it was a bit much. This is a failing of longer romance series but this one is only the third book so there isn’t so much of an excuse.
Despite this, it was an enjoyable read with two fantastic leads and I might track down other books by the author. If rodeo / road trip romances are your thing, or slow burning enemies to lovers, or well-written people with flaws who still come out on top, then give this book a go.
I received a copy of this story from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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