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Forever Texas #3
On the Royle Range
Based on real events and the true history of the legendary King Ranch in South Texas, this riveting historical adventure evokes the reality of life on the Texas frontier, as one pioneering family battles to carve out their own piece of the American West while preparing for the deadliest conflict in U.S. history . . .
Civil War is brewing. Everything is about to change. Based on true events.
When Regis Royle dreams, he dreams big. And since everything’s bigger in Texas, his dream is to make the Royle Ranch the biggest cattle supplier in the country. Problem is, the country is splitting apart, people are taking sides, and everyone’s gearing up for a full-blown War Between the States. Regis’s kid brother, Shepley, has enlisted in the Army. His trusted foreman “Bone” McGraw has left to rejoin the Texas Rangers. And the rail lines have been rerouted for the war effort. Which means Regis has to transport his cows the hard way: a cattle drive . . .
This will be one hellish journey he’ll never forget. If he survives.
With only a skeleton crew of ranch hands, Regis takes the lead to drive the cattle northward—facing more perils than he ever imagined. He and his men are attacked by a brutal, thieving band of Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and half-breeds. They’re plagued by violent storms, relentless heat, stampeding herds, and poisonous snakes. When Regis gets separated from his men, he fears he’s reached the end of the line. But giving up is not an option.
A Texan knows he has to keep fighting—even in America’s darkest hour—to keep the dream alive . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. A TEXAN’S DREAM. OR A TEXAN’S NIGHTMARE
Civil War is brewing. Everything is about to change. Based on true events.
When Regis Royle dreams, he dreams big. And since everything’s bigger in Texas, his dream is to make the Royle Ranch the biggest cattle supplier in the country. Problem is, the country is splitting apart, people are taking sides, and everyone’s gearing up for a full-blown War Between the States. Regis’s kid brother, Shepley, has enlisted in the Army. His trusted foreman “Bone” McGraw has left to rejoin the Texas Rangers. And the rail lines have been rerouted for the war effort. Which means Regis has to transport his cows the hard way: a cattle drive . . .
This will be one hellish journey he’ll never forget. If he survives.
With only a skeleton crew of ranch hands, Regis takes the lead to drive the cattle northward—facing more perils than he ever imagined. He and his men are attacked by a brutal, thieving band of Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and half-breeds. They’re plagued by violent storms, relentless heat, stampeding herds, and poisonous snakes. When Regis gets separated from his men, he fears he’s reached the end of the line. But giving up is not an option.
A Texan knows he has to keep fighting—even in America’s darkest hour—to keep the dream alive . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. A TEXAN’S DREAM. OR A TEXAN’S NIGHTMARE
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 27, 2025
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,052 books1,422 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 2, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher (thank you!) I feel like I don't have much to say about this book. It was a pretty straight forward western. It had a lot of action but it felt like it happened so quickly it gave me no time to process what happened. The story was solid enough, just not really my thing. The book didn't really make me feel anything or sit and think. Having said that, to me it was just an ok book.
June 10, 2025
I was pleased to win a copy of On the Royle Range in a Goodreads giveaway. I usually don't read too many Westerns (I tend to prefer space opera to horse opera), but this one was my third of the month and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The Goodreads listing tells me that it's the third book of a series (following Forever Texas and Lone Star Legacy, though the book itself doesn't offer that information), but the characters are well introduced, and the backstory is neatly summarized and presented, so I didn't feel at all lost and fell right into the fast-paced story. It's set shortly before the beginning of the Civil War, and focuses on the huge Royle Ranch, which is run by Regis Royle. Finding himself short of cash and help, he resolves to lead a long cattle drive in order to raise capital. His background is that of a seaman, so ranching is an ongoing learning experience. His most experienced hand is called up to the Texas Rangers (the law folks, not the baseball players), his younger brother runs off to join the army, and his business partner knows less about ranch management than he does. He leaves his maybe-girlfriend (who maybe is the rightful owner of the ranch) kind of in charge and sets off. The book follows Regis's encounters with bad weather, hostile Natives, an unscrupulous lawman, and all such trials and tribulations with occasional check-ins with the progress of younger brother Shepley (who gets a promotion by saving his sergeant, who has a lovely daughter), Ranger "Bone" (whose real name is Jervis, but who encounters and deputizes a down-on-his-luck gentleman named Jarvis), Marietta (the girl friend) and Cormac (the partner) on the ranch (they have to fight off attacks from bad guys, too), and even through all of this Regis finds the time to rescue an orphan and everybody gets a little romance. Lots of characters, lots of threads, but it all comes together in the end with a satisfactory conclusion. Despite the non-stop action, the characters are convincingly drawn, especially the inexperienced hands joining Regis on the drive. The historical element seems well-researched, and it's an altogether enjoyable Western read.
August 21, 2024
On The Royal Range is the third book in the Forever Texas western series by William W Johnstone and JA Johnstone. Shep once again leaves the Royal Ranch for the army but this time he gets all the way to boot camp. While digging a latrine he gets caught woolgathering by sergeant Cawley. The sergeant is a tough military grade old SOB and gives the young private a”what for” but he has the best of intentions. So later when Shep hears gunfire and saves the sergeants life they instantly go from Frenemies to a mentor mentee relationship. This is how the new Corpol Shep Royal finds himself heading to Texas with the sergeant and his family. Bone McGraw gets attacked by a mountain lion and comes close to dying but this doesn’t stop his best friend Regis from asking if he will run his cattle to Colorado and he does it at the side of bones sickbed. Bone absolutely tells him no because he has already gave his oath that any free time he has will be given to the Texas marshals with the Civil War revving up regis can no longer drive his cattle to Kansas and must take the long treck to culling Colorado and if he doesn’t sell the cattle he could lose his beloved royal ranch with so much riding on the Longhorns for the first time in Regis’s life he is going on a cattle drive. While the boss man is learning lessons on the trail, bone McGraw is better and heading to Corpus Christi to report for duty this is when he meets Jarvis. Jarvis is a black man with a sad story to tell and because of that wants to be a Marshall after Bone hears his tale of woe he believes a better man couldn’t hold the position and instantly takes him on as his new pard. If you think I have told you basically the whole story then you have never read a Johnstone novel before because trust me when I say this isn’t even half the story. I haven’t even mentioned Thomasina Valdes, the Marshall who were rest Regis not to mention Regis‘s new love and his partner carbon and that still isn’t most of the story there is so much to this book and it’s all based on the king ranch in Texas right around the start of the Civil War. These authors really pack a lot in their books and it’s well written and expertly told. There’s not just action and great gun fighting but more than one romance, tragedy and so much more at the end of this book I was just wishing the book would’ve been longer I really didn’t want it to end I love these characters and despite seeing some of them and other books they’re the type of characters when you see them it feels like sing a long lost friend. This is a great book and one I definitely absolutely 100% recommend. #NetGalley, #KensingtonPinnacleBooks, #WilliamWJohnstone, #JohnJJohnstone, #OnTheRoyalRange,
November 24, 2025
This took me a while to finish because I just couldn't get into it. I would try another novel but this author though.
Disclaimer: This was a Goodreads win. I want to thank Goodreads, the publisher, and especially the author for trusting me with their words. ☺️
Disclaimer: This was a Goodreads win. I want to thank Goodreads, the publisher, and especially the author for trusting me with their words. ☺️
September 13, 2025
Easy read, Good Dime store Novel about Texas Ranchers, Army Posts, Texas rangers, Bad Hombres, cattle drives and Cowboys.
November 12, 2025
Very nice to read a western again!!!! Good read!!!
September 7, 2024
"On the Royle Range" is a no-nonsense Western that throws you straight into the harsh realities of life on the Texas frontier. Set against the backdrop of the looming Civil War, the story follows Regis Royle, a stubborn rancher determined to make his mark by turning Royle Ranch into the biggest cattle supplier around. But with war threatening to tear the country apart, and his closest allies scattered, Regis is forced into a brutal cattle drive that tests every ounce of his resolve.
The novel is packed with grit—hostile terrain, fierce Native American warriors, brutal weather, and relentless dangers at every turn. The writing captures the rugged, unforgiving spirit of the West, bringing to life the struggle and sacrifice of trying to build something in a world that’s constantly trying to tear you down.
"On the Royle Range" is a raw and gripping portrayal of one man’s fight to hold on to his dreams in the face of impossible odds. If you’re looking for a tough, authentic Western adventure, this book delivers.
The novel is packed with grit—hostile terrain, fierce Native American warriors, brutal weather, and relentless dangers at every turn. The writing captures the rugged, unforgiving spirit of the West, bringing to life the struggle and sacrifice of trying to build something in a world that’s constantly trying to tear you down.
"On the Royle Range" is a raw and gripping portrayal of one man’s fight to hold on to his dreams in the face of impossible odds. If you’re looking for a tough, authentic Western adventure, this book delivers.
July 11, 2025
William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone's ON THE ROYLE RANGE is the third and final book in the “Forever Texas” series. Supposedly, the trio of books is based on the founding of the King Ranch in South Texas. The King Ranch is huge—825,000 acres at last count, though maybe 100,000 acres at the time of the story. In this novel, the King Ranch is called Royle Range.
Both Richard King (the moving force behind the King Ranch) and Regis Royle (the moving force behind Royle Range) (King, Royle- get it?) were captain and co-owner of a profitable steamship company. Their respective Irish partners in the steamship business and ranch were Kenedy Miffin (King Ranch) and Cormac Delaney (Royle Range). The ranch manager was “Legs” Lewis (King Ranch) and “Bones” McGraw (Royle Range). There are more actual/fiction parallelisms.
I only read the third novel in the series. My strong recommendation, if you don’t want to read all three books, is to read the second book, “Lone Star Legacy,” before taking on “On the Royle Range.” It establishes the important relationships between Regis Royle and his love, Marietta; between Bone McGraw and his love, Margaret; between Regis and his brother, Shep. Also, Tomasina Valdez, the antagonistic woman in the second book plays a significant part in “On the Royle Range,” mostly by reference and remembrances from the second book. Learning about these relationships before you start “On the Royle Range” enhances the storyline in the third book (and is almost mandatory reading).
The Plot: You want western, you got western. “On the Royle Range” is really four stories in one.
The main story (at least the longest) is Regis Royle heading up a cattle drive from Texas to Arizona with all the challenges you expect them to face; plus a short bully of a sheriff with a short temper.
A second storyline involves Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, the ranch manager and a captain in the Texas Rangers. He is ordered to Corpus Christi where he’s charged with apprehending some border bandits. He tracks them by the dead bodies they leave in their wake.
A third storyline involves Shep Royle, Regis’ younger brother, who at 18 and not liking Regis, enlists in the army. His page count in the book is relatively short, but there’s time for an excellent shootout scene and falling in love at first sight.
Finally, Cormac Delany (Regis’s partner) teams up with Regis’s love interest, the mysterious Marietta, to protect the Mexican residents on Royle Range.
CRITICISM:
I have some minor criticisms, but the most aggravating one is the book reads like someone thought the book was getting too long (or there was a deadline coming) and they decided to omit three or four chapters near the end, and throw together a sloppy 7-page resolution.
I felt slapped in the face.
My rating: Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, so I rounded up to 4 stars.
Both Richard King (the moving force behind the King Ranch) and Regis Royle (the moving force behind Royle Range) (King, Royle- get it?) were captain and co-owner of a profitable steamship company. Their respective Irish partners in the steamship business and ranch were Kenedy Miffin (King Ranch) and Cormac Delaney (Royle Range). The ranch manager was “Legs” Lewis (King Ranch) and “Bones” McGraw (Royle Range). There are more actual/fiction parallelisms.
I only read the third novel in the series. My strong recommendation, if you don’t want to read all three books, is to read the second book, “Lone Star Legacy,” before taking on “On the Royle Range.” It establishes the important relationships between Regis Royle and his love, Marietta; between Bone McGraw and his love, Margaret; between Regis and his brother, Shep. Also, Tomasina Valdez, the antagonistic woman in the second book plays a significant part in “On the Royle Range,” mostly by reference and remembrances from the second book. Learning about these relationships before you start “On the Royle Range” enhances the storyline in the third book (and is almost mandatory reading).
The Plot: You want western, you got western. “On the Royle Range” is really four stories in one.
The main story (at least the longest) is Regis Royle heading up a cattle drive from Texas to Arizona with all the challenges you expect them to face; plus a short bully of a sheriff with a short temper.
A second storyline involves Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, the ranch manager and a captain in the Texas Rangers. He is ordered to Corpus Christi where he’s charged with apprehending some border bandits. He tracks them by the dead bodies they leave in their wake.
A third storyline involves Shep Royle, Regis’ younger brother, who at 18 and not liking Regis, enlists in the army. His page count in the book is relatively short, but there’s time for an excellent shootout scene and falling in love at first sight.
Finally, Cormac Delany (Regis’s partner) teams up with Regis’s love interest, the mysterious Marietta, to protect the Mexican residents on Royle Range.
CRITICISM:
I have some minor criticisms, but the most aggravating one is the book reads like someone thought the book was getting too long (or there was a deadline coming) and they decided to omit three or four chapters near the end, and throw together a sloppy 7-page resolution.
I felt slapped in the face.
My rating: Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, so I rounded up to 4 stars.
June 10, 2024
This entry in the 'Forever Texas' series was disappointing and continued the frustration with the first two in the series.
The book strays in different directions and then strays split and stray again. Then outside characters stray into the strays and ...This is a herd of characters that get lost by the middle of the book and waaaay too cleanly get tied up within less than 10% of the book. All to set up another in the series.
I more and more sense trouble in the Johnstone Clan of books. The books have gotten longer and longer, with writers extending books longer than needed. I could read in this book where the writer had added unneeded narrative and dialogue. Moreover, this book reads as 3 books smooshed into one. I'll, again, write that the Johnstones should have, at least, some of their books turned into compilations of 2 or 3 new stories a book. This book would have benefited being three stories involving the Royle Range.
It should be mentioned, despite the title, 98% of the book does not take place "On the Royle Ranch.".
About the dialogue, this entry has done a bad job including current phraseology. I usually excuse a bit in the Johnstone books based in the 1800s. This one had far too many more current phrases.
The biggest problem with this book is the wrapping up of all the story lines. The characters really go far afield in different directions. Each has encounters that could fill an individual book. After getting through each story, which add new characters, suddenly everyone is home and the book ends with a kinda resolution of something that happened in the earlier books...that ALSO could've been a separate book.
The individual tales are all good and, with the Johnstone Clan touch, would've likely been even better individual books.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
The book strays in different directions and then strays split and stray again. Then outside characters stray into the strays and ...This is a herd of characters that get lost by the middle of the book and waaaay too cleanly get tied up within less than 10% of the book. All to set up another in the series.
I more and more sense trouble in the Johnstone Clan of books. The books have gotten longer and longer, with writers extending books longer than needed. I could read in this book where the writer had added unneeded narrative and dialogue. Moreover, this book reads as 3 books smooshed into one. I'll, again, write that the Johnstones should have, at least, some of their books turned into compilations of 2 or 3 new stories a book. This book would have benefited being three stories involving the Royle Range.
It should be mentioned, despite the title, 98% of the book does not take place "On the Royle Ranch.".
About the dialogue, this entry has done a bad job including current phraseology. I usually excuse a bit in the Johnstone books based in the 1800s. This one had far too many more current phrases.
The biggest problem with this book is the wrapping up of all the story lines. The characters really go far afield in different directions. Each has encounters that could fill an individual book. After getting through each story, which add new characters, suddenly everyone is home and the book ends with a kinda resolution of something that happened in the earlier books...that ALSO could've been a separate book.
The individual tales are all good and, with the Johnstone Clan touch, would've likely been even better individual books.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
October 12, 2025
On the Royle Range by William W. Johnstone and JA Johnstone is a great read — like watching a classic Western! Set in Texas, the Royle Family own a cattle ranch and endeavor to make it the major supplier of beef in the USA. As they start a cattle drive to the north with too few hands, the drama unfolds. They are beset by almost every danger imaginable— heat, raging rivers, storms, and marauding bandits to name a few. This is a well written adventure story that kept me turning pages, eager to learn the fates of the Royles, their families, their team of cowboys, and the Texas Rangers who struggle to maintain order in the “wild west.” It gives a true picture of what it took to carve out a living in pre-Civil War Texas—grit, courage, and determination. Anyone who likes historical fiction, adventure, and tales of the American west will find this novel both thrilling and compelling. Thanks to Goodreads, the publisher, and the authors for the opportunity to read this free copy. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and have voluntarily given my honest opinions.
June 24, 2024
There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone western. Each series is built around main characters whose belief in the law and family is absolute, even if they've had to be reformed to get there. From Preacher, the original mountain man to the Jensen family to Perly Gates, to.....well, you get the point. Many times, characters from one series will show up in another as supporting hands. The communities are true to the era, clothing, guns, food and troubles are all what you'd find if you looked them up in the history books. No two stories are the same, each character or set of characters is unique and so are their stories. The writing is skillful, readers are pulled into the story and you will laugh and cry right along with the characters. I made the mistake of picking up a Johnstone western my uncle was reading. Ive been hooked ever since. Now I share them with my reading family and will continue as long as new Johnstones are released.
August 29, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much. I love being taken off on an adventure and this book offers a few. My favorite part of this book is the richness of the characters. I love the characters and their different perspectives. I enjoyed the journeys of each character but would have appreciated a little more description of their locations as they traveled. I think this would have enhanced the story a bit. A great read.
June 8, 2025
I read quite a few westerns by Louis L'Amour and Zane Gray when I was young, but typically don't enjoy westerns these days. This book, however, was very good. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this free preview copy.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this free preview copy.
June 18, 2025
On the Royle Range is a definite 5 star book! I always enjoy reading any book by William Johnstone. This book was set in the great state of Texas and is historical fiction. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and westerns!
July 12, 2025
Decent story...historical western with some light romance.
The story jumps around around the different storyline making it hard to follow. Ending felt a bit rushed.
Reccomend if you really enjoy this genre.
Note: received free from Goodreads.com giveaway
The story jumps around around the different storyline making it hard to follow. Ending felt a bit rushed.
Reccomend if you really enjoy this genre.
Note: received free from Goodreads.com giveaway
July 26, 2025
I received this book as a giveaway from Pinnacle Books. I don't usually read westerns and really enjoyed this book. The authors did a great job telling multiple storylines and bringing them all together. I was invested in all the. characters and would definitely read more of these books.
January 20, 2026
And this one I was gladly surprised, I felt this was the best one out of the three in the series. It did have some parts that carried on a little too much of my opinion but overall a good read. I enjoyed the characters and all the different stories.
August 29, 2024
Regis Royle has a ranch and determines that he needs to take part of his ranch hands and do a cattle drive to sell cattle. In the process, he runs into bandits, animals, and many other dangers.
September 2, 2024
Quick read
Enjoyed reading the 3rd book in the series. Action kept it moving, bringing in more interesting characters. I hope there will be more.
Enjoyed reading the 3rd book in the series. Action kept it moving, bringing in more interesting characters. I hope there will be more.
September 11, 2024
Not my typical read but I enjoyed it throughly.
September 18, 2024
A book based on the history of the King ranch in Texas.
September 26, 2024
Enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I think if you are a fan of Johnstone you will not be disappointed
October 18, 2024
Super read as always.
I have read several books by William W. Johnston and enjoyed each one. I look forward to the next series!
I have read several books by William W. Johnston and enjoyed each one. I look forward to the next series!
October 28, 2024
Very good read, especially if you like books about the war!
November 5, 2024
I won this from Goodreads giveaway.
If you are looking for an unusual western, this isn't it!
This is full of adventure - Texas Rangers, cowboys, ranches, thieves, cattle rustlers, Mexicans, an heiress, and to top it off mild romances for several characters!
I have always liked Johnstone and appreciate the lack of gore that some westerns have. Recommend for any age person to read.
Enjoy this adventure and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you are looking for an unusual western, this isn't it!
This is full of adventure - Texas Rangers, cowboys, ranches, thieves, cattle rustlers, Mexicans, an heiress, and to top it off mild romances for several characters!
I have always liked Johnstone and appreciate the lack of gore that some westerns have. Recommend for any age person to read.
Enjoy this adventure and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 2, 2025
Great set of books
Had to go through all three books to the end.
Great story. This set is a must read set. Very well put together
Had to go through all three books to the end.
Great story. This set is a must read set. Very well put together
March 15, 2025
Forever Texas - Book 3
As usual Johnstones did an excellent job with all three books. I've read numerous books by them and haven't been disappointed in any of their books.
As usual Johnstones did an excellent job with all three books. I've read numerous books by them and haven't been disappointed in any of their books.
June 9, 2025
It was a good book. I enjoyed it.
June 25, 2025
Wasn't overly impressed with this story. Yes, were some interesting parts but overall was very slow paced and a long, drawn-out story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews