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Long, Tall Texans #54
Lawbreaker
"You just can't do better than a Diana Palmer story to make your heart lighter and smile brighter."—Fresh Fiction
Tony Garza has been Odalie Everett's nemesis since the day they met. Once a New Jersey crime boss, Tony now owns an art gallery in New York, where he spends most of his time delegating his shadier business to subordinates. Odalie is a professional singer whose lifelong dream is to perform at the Met. She never expected to run into the heartbreaker from her past when she rents a small house near Tony's Manhattan apartment while taking voice lessons. But when they reconnect, they can't help but give in to unforgettable passion.
As their relationship blossoms, deadly figures from Tony's past come back to exact revenge, and he'll do anything to protect Odalie…even bring her back home to her family ranch in Texas. But as Odalie struggles with the idea of leaving behind her dreams in the city to have true love in Texas, she finds herself caught in the ultimate trap—and Tony's past won't let them go.
Also in the Long, Tall Texans The Loner Notorious Unleashed Unbridaled Undaunted
Tony Garza has been Odalie Everett's nemesis since the day they met. Once a New Jersey crime boss, Tony now owns an art gallery in New York, where he spends most of his time delegating his shadier business to subordinates. Odalie is a professional singer whose lifelong dream is to perform at the Met. She never expected to run into the heartbreaker from her past when she rents a small house near Tony's Manhattan apartment while taking voice lessons. But when they reconnect, they can't help but give in to unforgettable passion.
As their relationship blossoms, deadly figures from Tony's past come back to exact revenge, and he'll do anything to protect Odalie…even bring her back home to her family ranch in Texas. But as Odalie struggles with the idea of leaving behind her dreams in the city to have true love in Texas, she finds herself caught in the ultimate trap—and Tony's past won't let them go.
Also in the Long, Tall Texans The Loner Notorious Unleashed Unbridaled Undaunted
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,017 books3,137 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 11, 2025
you’ll never believe i’m saying this, but i was not at all interested in the love story as i was in the organized crime story; would’ve given it five stars if someone was actually kidnapped and murdered
December 20, 2024
I’ll preface this review by stating I haven’t read any of the other books in this line/series, but it was still super easy for me to follow along with without really being confused. This book is not geared for a younger audience. Not so much content wise, but more in terms of writing style and just little nuances. I feel like if you like Nora Robert’s books, you’ll like Diana Palmer too.
There were moments (as a reader who is not their target audience) that I cringed and laughed, but I was thoroughly entertained the majority of the time. The bravado and overt gender stereotypical roles were a bit exaggerated, but I think part of that was like a bit of comedic relief for me
Odalie is a young prospective Opera Singer. She has been studying and practicing her entire life, and her dream is to sing at the Met. Tony Garza is a former crime boss and moonlights as an art dealer in NYC.
These two characters are completely different and Tony fights his attraction until he just… can’t anymore. I really enjoy an enemies to lovers book and I’m glad this one didn’t take 3/4 of the book for the characters to start liking each other. The progression felt mostly natural, though I did get lost a little on how much time had passed at points.
The age gap of both main characters was also a huge conflict point in this story. Tony is 37 and Odalie is in her early 20’s, though the conflict is mostly on Tony’s end. Odalie really doesn’t care much about that aspect.
Overall I enjoyed this audio book, narrated by #ToddMcLaren , and thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook
4 ⭐️-Overall
5⭐️- Narrator
There were moments (as a reader who is not their target audience) that I cringed and laughed, but I was thoroughly entertained the majority of the time. The bravado and overt gender stereotypical roles were a bit exaggerated, but I think part of that was like a bit of comedic relief for me
Odalie is a young prospective Opera Singer. She has been studying and practicing her entire life, and her dream is to sing at the Met. Tony Garza is a former crime boss and moonlights as an art dealer in NYC.
These two characters are completely different and Tony fights his attraction until he just… can’t anymore. I really enjoy an enemies to lovers book and I’m glad this one didn’t take 3/4 of the book for the characters to start liking each other. The progression felt mostly natural, though I did get lost a little on how much time had passed at points.
The age gap of both main characters was also a huge conflict point in this story. Tony is 37 and Odalie is in her early 20’s, though the conflict is mostly on Tony’s end. Odalie really doesn’t care much about that aspect.
Overall I enjoyed this audio book, narrated by #ToddMcLaren , and thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook
4 ⭐️-Overall
5⭐️- Narrator
March 4, 2025
Matilda “Matty” Hunt has come home to stay. Her life changed significantly in the last few years. Matty became a widow and had a disastrous relationship when trying to move on, which resulted in an unplanned pregnancy that she wanted her baby to grow up like she did. Ethan Bravo moved home to Medicine Creek years ago, his reason was that he missed home, but that was only part of the reason. He'd moved to Los Angles along with his best friend and his wife to go to college. Ethan is now a lawyer in his hometown and thinks he's moved on from falling in love with his friend's wife. That is until Matty moves home for good, and Ethan becomes her best friend. Will Ethan be able to resist Matty who was His Best Friend's Girl?
His Best Friend's Girl is the latest book in the Bravo Next Generation and Family Ties in her on going Bravo series from Christine Rimmer. Matilda “Matty” Hunt has come home to Medicine Creek to stay after a disastrous relationship and an accidental pregnancy. She's taking over her family's bookstore from her mother. She wants her child to have the same upbringing that she had. Matty's first visit was to her & her late husband's best friend. All three of them went off to college together with Ethan Bravo moving back to their hometown. His reason for leaving Los Angles years ago was he missed home. Ethan has now become a lawyer in their hometown. And he's the first stop Matty makes after moving home. As they days go by and they spend just about every waking hour together their relationship takes on a physical aspect. It's supposed to be a friend with benefits until her baby is born. Things don't go as planned because neither of them really wants it to end. Matty and Ethan have to figure out their feeling and what will happen to them.
Christine Rimmer's newest book in her long running Bravo series is His Best Friend's Girl. This story is about Ethan Bravo and Matty Hunt who are friend and when she moves home to Medicine Creek become more. Rimmer continues with His Best Friend's Girl which is the 69th book in the Bravo series and 26th in the Family Ties sub-series and number 6 in her Bravo Next Generation series. This series is focused on the children of the Bravos in the first nine books in the series her were just children when she wrote them. His Best Friend's Girl takes the reader on an emotional ride with the two main characters. A man realizes that he's still in love with his late best friend's wife even though he thought he was over her. Matty widowed when her husband died three years ago thought it was time to move on only to have a monumental disastrous relationship and accidentally getting pregnant. She moves home to give her child the life she had. She doesn't want another relationship, but an affair would be great until the baby is born with the person, she considers her best friend. Rimmer keeps the heat of the passionate physical relationship between them. A deal just may result in more for both of them. This reader is a fan of Christine Rimmer and a member of her review team. So, I honestly can say that I loved the book and her Bravo characters. There is conflict, drama, passion, and lives who are meant to be together if they can leave the past behind them and concentrate on the future. It takes quite a bit of emotion for a book to make me cry but Christine Rimmer always seems to put so much emotion into the relationship of her characters. If you're a fan of Ms. Rimmer's, then this is a must read for you. If you're looking for a new author who can tug at all your emotions, then His Best Friend's Girl is for you. I can't wait for the next book in these great series and which Bravo will find their true love. Thank you, Christine Rimmer, for these wonderful stories about a wide and vast blended family who will love from the first book you read.
His Best Friend's Girl is the latest book in the Bravo Next Generation and Family Ties in her on going Bravo series from Christine Rimmer. Matilda “Matty” Hunt has come home to Medicine Creek to stay after a disastrous relationship and an accidental pregnancy. She's taking over her family's bookstore from her mother. She wants her child to have the same upbringing that she had. Matty's first visit was to her & her late husband's best friend. All three of them went off to college together with Ethan Bravo moving back to their hometown. His reason for leaving Los Angles years ago was he missed home. Ethan has now become a lawyer in their hometown. And he's the first stop Matty makes after moving home. As they days go by and they spend just about every waking hour together their relationship takes on a physical aspect. It's supposed to be a friend with benefits until her baby is born. Things don't go as planned because neither of them really wants it to end. Matty and Ethan have to figure out their feeling and what will happen to them.
Christine Rimmer's newest book in her long running Bravo series is His Best Friend's Girl. This story is about Ethan Bravo and Matty Hunt who are friend and when she moves home to Medicine Creek become more. Rimmer continues with His Best Friend's Girl which is the 69th book in the Bravo series and 26th in the Family Ties sub-series and number 6 in her Bravo Next Generation series. This series is focused on the children of the Bravos in the first nine books in the series her were just children when she wrote them. His Best Friend's Girl takes the reader on an emotional ride with the two main characters. A man realizes that he's still in love with his late best friend's wife even though he thought he was over her. Matty widowed when her husband died three years ago thought it was time to move on only to have a monumental disastrous relationship and accidentally getting pregnant. She moves home to give her child the life she had. She doesn't want another relationship, but an affair would be great until the baby is born with the person, she considers her best friend. Rimmer keeps the heat of the passionate physical relationship between them. A deal just may result in more for both of them. This reader is a fan of Christine Rimmer and a member of her review team. So, I honestly can say that I loved the book and her Bravo characters. There is conflict, drama, passion, and lives who are meant to be together if they can leave the past behind them and concentrate on the future. It takes quite a bit of emotion for a book to make me cry but Christine Rimmer always seems to put so much emotion into the relationship of her characters. If you're a fan of Ms. Rimmer's, then this is a must read for you. If you're looking for a new author who can tug at all your emotions, then His Best Friend's Girl is for you. I can't wait for the next book in these great series and which Bravo will find their true love. Thank you, Christine Rimmer, for these wonderful stories about a wide and vast blended family who will love from the first book you read.
December 3, 2024
If you're a fan of age-gap, frenemies to lovers, opposites attract, mafia type romance then Ms. Palmer's Lawbreaker is for you! I am not a huge fan of age gap romances especially when the guy is constantly stating the gap and such can be annoying BUT outside of that, the story was enjoyable.
Tony, 37 years of age, a young widow, and former crime boss turned honest art dealer, has lived a rough life. He was not always on the right side of the law in his early years but he had been one to learn from his ways and wanted to do better BUT he still keeps his reputation and tactics at hand. No one messes with him that doesn't want to end up where they don't want to be. He is a man of MANY connections and uses wisely and very strategic. I give him that.....he is very street smart and has many cards in his hand to play -- and makes sure of that too! He is truly an alpha male, protector persona that makes him attractive and desirable in addition to his physical description. Odalie is his "adopted" daughter's best friend, who from the moment she laid eyes on Tony was very sweet on him. Odalie is incredibly sweet, beautiful (inside and out) as well as a very talented singer of the opera but suffers from extreme stage fright. I have admire that she didn't give up or wear down easily when it came to Tony no matter how many times he would try to "push" her away. I know deep down she could see glimpses of his resolve melting away each time they were together. Odalie comes from country life and working on a ranch, which has an awesome and supportive family. Besides the journey of her romance, Odalie also learns more about herself and what she truly desires and wants in her life may not be what others told her she should do.
There is plenty of chemistry between these two -- even in the times Tony is fighting it thus creating a slow burn in their relationship. Not a clean romance as far as intimacy but scenes were not overly graphic and much was implied so tastefully written. The plot and characters flowed smoothly and well written in the sense where there is no profanity or crude language which I am grateful for. There are bits of intrigue and suspense elements that intertwined that added to the overall enjoyment of the story. The story setting jumps from New York and Texas so you get both cowboy setting and city life all throughout. While it is a standalone novel, it will probably be helpful to read the book before it that gives a little more background to the additional plot, besides the romance, and each of the characters. But seeing as I did not read the beforehand, I was still able to follow along with ease.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Tony, 37 years of age, a young widow, and former crime boss turned honest art dealer, has lived a rough life. He was not always on the right side of the law in his early years but he had been one to learn from his ways and wanted to do better BUT he still keeps his reputation and tactics at hand. No one messes with him that doesn't want to end up where they don't want to be. He is a man of MANY connections and uses wisely and very strategic. I give him that.....he is very street smart and has many cards in his hand to play -- and makes sure of that too! He is truly an alpha male, protector persona that makes him attractive and desirable in addition to his physical description. Odalie is his "adopted" daughter's best friend, who from the moment she laid eyes on Tony was very sweet on him. Odalie is incredibly sweet, beautiful (inside and out) as well as a very talented singer of the opera but suffers from extreme stage fright. I have admire that she didn't give up or wear down easily when it came to Tony no matter how many times he would try to "push" her away. I know deep down she could see glimpses of his resolve melting away each time they were together. Odalie comes from country life and working on a ranch, which has an awesome and supportive family. Besides the journey of her romance, Odalie also learns more about herself and what she truly desires and wants in her life may not be what others told her she should do.
There is plenty of chemistry between these two -- even in the times Tony is fighting it thus creating a slow burn in their relationship. Not a clean romance as far as intimacy but scenes were not overly graphic and much was implied so tastefully written. The plot and characters flowed smoothly and well written in the sense where there is no profanity or crude language which I am grateful for. There are bits of intrigue and suspense elements that intertwined that added to the overall enjoyment of the story. The story setting jumps from New York and Texas so you get both cowboy setting and city life all throughout. While it is a standalone novel, it will probably be helpful to read the book before it that gives a little more background to the additional plot, besides the romance, and each of the characters. But seeing as I did not read the beforehand, I was still able to follow along with ease.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.
January 2, 2025
Lawbreaker AUDIO by Diana Palmer is a romance interspersed with ranch life and mob life. Odalie is a twenty-six year old professional singer whose goal it is to sing with the Met. Tony Garza in a thirty-eight year old ex-mobster, who now runs an art gallery, leaving his less-legal pursuits to underlings. Odalie and Tony are brought together by her sister-in-law and best friend. Their attraction was clear to everyone, even themselves, but Tony knew he was too old for her so he satisfied himself with friendship. Odalie could not be distracted from her goal of singing with the Met, but first she had to overcome her debilitating stage-fright. So they slowly moved forward until an enemy of Odalie’s brother decided to get back at him. Since his wife is well-guarded, his sister is the obvious choice. But, Tony doesn’t see it that way and uses his own men to take care of her. This leads to the end result, which we all saw coming.
Both decent characters, Odalie and Tony are entertaining both before and after their relationship heats up. The plot is decent, if a little bizarre: the mob and cowboys? The book is written in the came comfortable style Palmer has employed for years, and moves quickly and quietly toward its ultimate goal. It is enjoyable and despite the fact that it refers to things that were in another book, it is easily read as a stand-alone. Good story. Enjoyable listen. Love Palmer’s books.
Todd McLaren is the reader and although he did a decent job, I don’t feel like he was the best choice. Even when he read Tony, he sounded too old. When he read the women’s parts it bordered on ridiculous.
I was invited to listen the Lawbreaker by Harlequin Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinAudio #DianaPalmer #Lawbreaker
Both decent characters, Odalie and Tony are entertaining both before and after their relationship heats up. The plot is decent, if a little bizarre: the mob and cowboys? The book is written in the came comfortable style Palmer has employed for years, and moves quickly and quietly toward its ultimate goal. It is enjoyable and despite the fact that it refers to things that were in another book, it is easily read as a stand-alone. Good story. Enjoyable listen. Love Palmer’s books.
Todd McLaren is the reader and although he did a decent job, I don’t feel like he was the best choice. Even when he read Tony, he sounded too old. When he read the women’s parts it bordered on ridiculous.
I was invited to listen the Lawbreaker by Harlequin Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinAudio #DianaPalmer #Lawbreaker
December 16, 2024
This book takes off right after the previous book "The Loner" ends, so it might be beneficial to read that one first. Both books main leads are the children of Cole and Heather Everett from Heather's Song. After finishing Lawbreaker, I actually kind of liked this better than Ms. Palmer's most recent books. The main characters weren't as hard to like as previous books. While Odalie was still the typical innocent naïve girl Ms. Palmer loves to write about, she had a bit more gumption than her normal female leads.
The male lead - Tony, was your typical Palmer male - arrogant, rich, older, likes to sleep around, etc. The most unusual thing about Tony was that he is a crime boss, and that does not change throughout the book. While he was cruel to Odalie several times throughout the story, he was not as vicious as so many of her male leads usually are.
Ms. Palmer writes in the same style that she has written in for over 40 years. While this is comforting to a point, I wish she would allow her female leads to grow and become more realistic. It is very hard to like a lead character who you can not find any commonality with.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC
The male lead - Tony, was your typical Palmer male - arrogant, rich, older, likes to sleep around, etc. The most unusual thing about Tony was that he is a crime boss, and that does not change throughout the book. While he was cruel to Odalie several times throughout the story, he was not as vicious as so many of her male leads usually are.
Ms. Palmer writes in the same style that she has written in for over 40 years. While this is comforting to a point, I wish she would allow her female leads to grow and become more realistic. It is very hard to like a lead character who you can not find any commonality with.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC
September 26, 2024
Odalie is just trying to live and find the courage to follow her dreams of singing at the Met. She has talent and voice, but the one thing she lacks is confidence. Tony has confidence. A former crime boss turned art gallery owner, he may be on the up and up now (well, mostly), but that doesn't mean he is a pushover. If there is one thing he can't stand, it's distractions, and Odalie is nothing but a distraction. She is the best friend of his adopted daughter, and she seems to be everywhere. Can these two work out their differences and realize that sometimes love is worth a shot?
It's a true Diana Palmer novel that won't disappoint. If you like age-gap romances, enemies to lovers with a bit of betrayal thrown in, this novel is for you. Diana Palmer's books are my comfort novels. While many follow the same storyline, I can always count on them to draw me into a world of lust, love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
It's a true Diana Palmer novel that won't disappoint. If you like age-gap romances, enemies to lovers with a bit of betrayal thrown in, this novel is for you. Diana Palmer's books are my comfort novels. While many follow the same storyline, I can always count on them to draw me into a world of lust, love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
December 19, 2024
This is a sweet, yet heartbreaking story at times...of true love, true misery, family, friends, ... and mob bosses and crime and life...
Odalie is a young wannabe Opera Singer. She has been studying and practicing for what seems like forever, and her dream is to sing at the Met Opera House. Only one problem...she has a deathly case of stagefright!
Tony Garza is a young-ish Art Dealer in NYC...and, an ex-NJ Crime Boss.
Once their lives intertwine, well, there's really no going back. Even though the idea is fought tooth and nail!
It's at once breathtaking and beautiful (and sweet), and yet harried, scary, and edge of your seat--hang on to your loved ones...frightening!
While Odalie is quiet, and sweet and timid...with a BEAUTIFUL singing voice, Tony is loud, charismatic, confident and commanding!
They are from TOTALLY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS!
OF NOTE: Apparently this series has been going on for a long time, and I've read that it is helpful to read book #1 in this particular part of the series (The Loner).
Although Tony speaks a lot of him being older, and how he CANNOT get involved with anyone because of his past...well...the heart wants what the heart wants...
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook yesterday! The release date was 12/17/24, so it should be available now!
#TheLawbreaker by #DianaPalmer and narrated nicely by #ToddMcLaren.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Odalie is a young wannabe Opera Singer. She has been studying and practicing for what seems like forever, and her dream is to sing at the Met Opera House. Only one problem...she has a deathly case of stagefright!
Tony Garza is a young-ish Art Dealer in NYC...and, an ex-NJ Crime Boss.
Once their lives intertwine, well, there's really no going back. Even though the idea is fought tooth and nail!
It's at once breathtaking and beautiful (and sweet), and yet harried, scary, and edge of your seat--hang on to your loved ones...frightening!
While Odalie is quiet, and sweet and timid...with a BEAUTIFUL singing voice, Tony is loud, charismatic, confident and commanding!
They are from TOTALLY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS!
OF NOTE: Apparently this series has been going on for a long time, and I've read that it is helpful to read book #1 in this particular part of the series (The Loner).
Although Tony speaks a lot of him being older, and how he CANNOT get involved with anyone because of his past...well...the heart wants what the heart wants...
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook yesterday! The release date was 12/17/24, so it should be available now!
#TheLawbreaker by #DianaPalmer and narrated nicely by #ToddMcLaren.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 2, 2024
Tony has lived a rough life and he is almost at the age of 40. He is determined to live his life lonely and he certainly isn’t going to go near Odalie. Odalie is a rancher girl who sings like an angel but she knew the moment she met Tony her life was going to be different. She started to develop feelings for him the more she was around him. Tony is willing to do just about anything to keep Odalie away from him and him end up tainting her life. Life happens and things start to happen that force them to be around each other more. Tony can only take so much before he caves in. Will Odalie be ready and willing to ignore his past and look at the man he is now? I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing through NetGalley.
Palmer's Long Tall Texan series has been ongoing for decades. She writes in a romantic formula that works for her readers. This book tips toward a darker side as Tony is part of a crime organization. Most of what he does is legitimate but the ties remain. Odalie wants to sing opera and comes from a Texas ranching family. Long time readers know her parents story as well as one of her brother's. Palmer is terrific at interweaving stories so readers feel connected to characters they've known. The pattern works - man finally gives in to his feelings for the woman; then loses her through his own foolishness; they work it out and begin their lives together. I appreciate this format and enjoy reading her work.
Palmer's Long Tall Texan series has been ongoing for decades. She writes in a romantic formula that works for her readers. This book tips toward a darker side as Tony is part of a crime organization. Most of what he does is legitimate but the ties remain. Odalie wants to sing opera and comes from a Texas ranching family. Long time readers know her parents story as well as one of her brother's. Palmer is terrific at interweaving stories so readers feel connected to characters they've known. The pattern works - man finally gives in to his feelings for the woman; then loses her through his own foolishness; they work it out and begin their lives together. I appreciate this format and enjoy reading her work.
March 10, 2025
I have read so many of Diana Palmer's novels and a good 99% were westerns. This is not a western. I bought it first for the author and secondly, judging the book by its cover, for the cover artwork. This story is about a reformed big city mobster, Tony Garza, who is attracted to a woman who grew up in Texas, on a ranch, but is now in the city pursuing a singing career. The antagonist is a government official who was involved in a slaughter in South America that was witnessed by the brother of the damsel in distress. The reformed mobster plays the hero. The only "western cowboy" reference in the novel is that the damsel, Odalie, is the daughter of a wealthy Texas cattle baron. I usually enjoy Ms. Palmer's novels but I can't say I am a fan of this one.
July 31, 2024
It helps if the reader has read Loner, because this one jumps in right after and there is some character background for the female and male leads and some of their early relationship. The plot moved quickly, but it seemed like a copout for our main character to pursue her dream when she knew it was not going to be a reality. I have enjoyed Diana Palmer, but I do think the editors need to update some of her plot as it feels very 90s or 80s with the fashion choices and plot points. While some people in the world are innocent, it is a different innocence from when the author first started writing.
December 20, 2024
Audio Review: Lawbreaker (Long, Tall Texans) by Diana Palmer
Narrated by Todd McLaren
The embers of heartache fan the flames of romance. Palmer proves that she still has it after all these years. From the unpredictable to the inevitable, Lawbreaker dares to expose it's soul. Through the eyes of a feisty, heroine that speaks her mind and doesn't back down and a hero with a chip on his shoulder and loneliness in his heart, seduction is only a page turn away. McLaren shines bright and delves deep into his cavern of emotion to deliver a showstopper that will steal your breath and haunt your soul.
Narrated by Todd McLaren
The embers of heartache fan the flames of romance. Palmer proves that she still has it after all these years. From the unpredictable to the inevitable, Lawbreaker dares to expose it's soul. Through the eyes of a feisty, heroine that speaks her mind and doesn't back down and a hero with a chip on his shoulder and loneliness in his heart, seduction is only a page turn away. McLaren shines bright and delves deep into his cavern of emotion to deliver a showstopper that will steal your breath and haunt your soul.
July 7, 2025
I have read a few of Diana Palmer’s books years ago and saw this at the library so I thought I would give it a try. I wish I had left it there. I feel like this author needs to get more current with her writing. There were so many cringe-worthy moments in this book. From the adult woman (main character) meekly still calling her father “daddy”, yet talking about her favorite wrestling moves to the absolutely absurd likes of the ex-mob main character’s favorite “the Rock” movie being Moana. Diana Palmer needs to be welcomed into 2025 where all women aren’t meek and mild depending on their men to take care of them.
January 15, 2026
Classic M&B novel. Clearly a series (I got this book in a book advent calendar so don’t judge) so there was established characters but it did a good job of catching you up.
It had real “tell” vibe to it.
Published in 2024 and the MMC is wearing silk shirts and he’s 37 years old and they’re making it out like he’s 80. Also he has a 20 something adopted daughter?!?
All very odd but in my efforts to read my bookshelf, this was read
I am about to read another book by the same author which came as part of this book. If I never post a review again, send help.
The horrors persist, but so do I.
It had real “tell” vibe to it.
Published in 2024 and the MMC is wearing silk shirts and he’s 37 years old and they’re making it out like he’s 80. Also he has a 20 something adopted daughter?!?
All very odd but in my efforts to read my bookshelf, this was read
I am about to read another book by the same author which came as part of this book. If I never post a review again, send help.
The horrors persist, but so do I.
February 4, 2025
I was a bit disappointed in this story. I am a lifelong reader and fan of Diana Palmer but her later works have been hit or miss. Odalie is an aspiring singer and Tony is an art dealer used to be crime boss who still has enemies. He has the hots for Odalie but he wants her to have a shot at being a singer and not tied down to a criminal. My real problem was the lack of connection between the two, there a lot of inner monologuing but not a lot of passion and meaningful moments between the two main characters. I was a bit bored reading this through most of the book.
July 24, 2025
I have loved Diana Palmer's work for years. BUT - Get this woman an editor!! This book would have been better if it had been half as long. So many unnecessary repeated phrases. The basic premise of the heroine is contradictory. And major story points were left hanging. Would someone please look at a map and get a grasp of exactly how large Texas is and how far away from Dallas most things are! We measure distance in hours, not miles.A woman of Ms. Palmer's stature deserves better care and respect.
October 12, 2025
Always a must read
Diana Palmer books are , for me, a read until its done. I just love her books.
Tony is a gangster and Odalie is too young for him and she wants a career in Opera, or so he thinks.
Her brother, Tanner, was in Iraq and has some info on a man of politics. That man wants revenge. He will do whatever he can to make things miserable.
The man in politics comes after Odalie, but Tony has contacts and makes it hard on the man .
I started it in the evening and finished it the next morning. On to the next one.
Diana Palmer books are , for me, a read until its done. I just love her books.
Tony is a gangster and Odalie is too young for him and she wants a career in Opera, or so he thinks.
Her brother, Tanner, was in Iraq and has some info on a man of politics. That man wants revenge. He will do whatever he can to make things miserable.
The man in politics comes after Odalie, but Tony has contacts and makes it hard on the man .
I started it in the evening and finished it the next morning. On to the next one.
December 17, 2024
I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Tony. I loved Odalie. Tony and Odalie put me through the wringer. These two had quite the journey to not only be together,but to find their happily ever after. They were both from two different worlds, but had many things in common, and their love for one another had to cross those differences. Lawbreaker gave me some feels. This was an enjoyable read.
February 17, 2026
This was a fast and easy read about Tony Garza and Odalie Everett. They were attracted from the beginning,
But did not accept it until they couldn’t. Odalie was studying opera as she wished to sing at the Met and
Tony was once a New Jersey crime boss with a lot of contacts and now owns a gallery in New York
The setting is New York and Texas where Ofelia’s family lives . They are wealthy. There is crime, suspense,
Murder , tension, and more to keep you engaged. Recommended
But did not accept it until they couldn’t. Odalie was studying opera as she wished to sing at the Met and
Tony was once a New Jersey crime boss with a lot of contacts and now owns a gallery in New York
The setting is New York and Texas where Ofelia’s family lives . They are wealthy. There is crime, suspense,
Murder , tension, and more to keep you engaged. Recommended
August 18, 2024
I love the books that Diana Palmer writes. I love the books in this series. I have read a lot of them. I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming, romantic, and had some suspense to it. The ending was better than I expected. I hope there will be more books like this one. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2024
This is a very angsty book. Lots going on. Odalie is such a sweetheart. I loved how alpha Tony is. This book was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much. I loved the secondary characters. I spent a lot of time shaking my head at Tony. He really made a lot of decisions without talking them over with Odalie.
December 27, 2024
Ok you lost me 68 pages in when he admitted this favorite movie with the Rock was Moana. I instantly hated all of the characters….like who tf are you!?
Checked this out at library since it was in the new popular section and the author is crowned the godmother of romance.
Maybe I’m four decades off from her target audience. 😅😅😅😅😅😅
Checked this out at library since it was in the new popular section and the author is crowned the godmother of romance.
Maybe I’m four decades off from her target audience. 😅😅😅😅😅😅
January 17, 2025
What can I say? I just couldn’t get into the story. Maybe it’s because I never read any of the others in the series? It leads you to believe it’s a cowboy/ western story but it’s a New York mafia story and with very loose ties to the west. I struggled to finish since I hate a DNF. A disappointment for me since I have read several of Diana Palmer books in the past.
March 1, 2025
"Lawbreaker" is the story of Odalie and Tony.
May-December romance between bad man turned good hero, and the innocent heroine. Most of the book is the hero pushing the heroine away and towards her dreams, which she really is unsure about. Some jealousy, loads of drama, a bun in the oven and a happy ending.
It was OK!
SWE/ Unsafe
2.5/5
May-December romance between bad man turned good hero, and the innocent heroine. Most of the book is the hero pushing the heroine away and towards her dreams, which she really is unsure about. Some jealousy, loads of drama, a bun in the oven and a happy ending.
It was OK!
SWE/ Unsafe
2.5/5
April 9, 2025
This is another good book from Diana Palmer. The two main characters are Odalie and Tony. They meet in New York, Odalie’s best friend works for Tony. Odalie is taking voice lessons, she is going to try out for the Met. There is an instant connection. They see each other at parties and when he flies to her family ranch. They each have issues but together they work it out and fall in love.
December 18, 2024
Oh my goodness!
Whay a wonderful story! It had me from the fist page to the last. You feel every emotion that the characters are experiencing! I love Diana Palmer's writing so much I reread the books often. I wish they were all available on kindle.
Whay a wonderful story! It had me from the fist page to the last. You feel every emotion that the characters are experiencing! I love Diana Palmer's writing so much I reread the books often. I wish they were all available on kindle.
December 21, 2024
very good
Tony had a hard life growing up. He is turning his life around. Then Odalie comes into his life, she falls for hook and line. But he is hateful to her, due to her life passion is singing opera. Some twists and turns.
Tony had a hard life growing up. He is turning his life around. Then Odalie comes into his life, she falls for hook and line. But he is hateful to her, due to her life passion is singing opera. Some twists and turns.
December 26, 2024
This is an age- gap, frenemies to lovers romance. I liked this. It was cute and heartwarming with a bad boy and a good girl.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
December 31, 2024
This is a captivating read for fans of passionate romance, small-town charm, and second-chance love stories, who will be swept away by the intense chemistry between Tony and Odalie as they navigate their complicated past and fight for a future together.
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