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Somewhere, TX #2

Texas Straight Up

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Welcome Back To Somewhere, TX.
Five Authors, One Town, No Limits...


Trouble In Texas by Jodi Vaughn
He’s hiding a secret and she’s his only hope...

To Love A Mate by Krystal Shannan
Can a small-town cowboy win the heart of a woman who doesn’t have one?

Undercover Heat by Lavender Daye
Big bad ranger Hart Winston never expected to fall so far and so fast.

The Blackhearted Cowboy by K.C. Klein
Chandler Sloan has everything - too bad his heart is as black as they come...

Fire Fight by R.L. Syme
She walked away once and he let her go, but when her life is in on the line, can he watch her walk away again?

640 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

16 people are currently reading
851 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Vaughn

64 books339 followers
Jodi is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the RISE OF THE ARKANSAS WEREWOLVES series and writes paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance. Born and raised in Mississippi, her deep Southern roots and love of the paranormal led her to write Southern Paranormal novels. When she is not conversing with characters in her head, she can be found at her home in Northeast Arkansas with her handsome husband, brilliant son, a temperamental swan, and yellow lab that is fond of retrieving turtles when duck season is over.
Find her on Facebook, Jodi Vaughn, author.
Follow her on Twitter and Periscope @JodiVaughn1
Sign up for her newsletter and check out her website http://jodivaughn.com
Find her on Instagram at VaughnJodi

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
336 reviews12 followers
July 12, 2015
Trouble in Texas by Jodi Vaughn

"Walker Hammett was a lethal weapon when it came to the female heart"

I can't get enough of Walker! Oh my gees! He is straight up cowboy!

"He grinned that sexy grin that made all the girls lose their hearts."

Walker & Shawn are total opposites. In high school they were the typical football player & cheerleaders but that's where the similarities end.
Each of them have their secrets. When they end up at Everyday Joe's on Valentines Day..things don't quite go the way they want them too.

Needless to say I think I'll add Walker to my list of book boyfriends.

The characters are great! I think Trouble in Texas is about not believing everything you hear.

I love Jodi's writing! There's laughs, there's romance & some steamy scenes. It's just great!

Oh! At first, I didn't like John at all! But he's grown on me and I hope we get to see more of him in the future. I love the confidence Walker has in Shawn to help with his cousin John to recover.




To Love a Mate by Krystal Shannan
Can a small-town cowboy win the heart of a woman who doesn’t have one?


I loved Emma & Noah's story! I wanted more though!

Their relationship starts off with her using a stun gun on him and he still can't leave her alone! I found myself laughing quite a bit because of their misunderstandings! The first time she sees Noah.. oh my!


"First the shirt came off, revealing a six-pack that any red-blooded woman would be hard-pressed not to want to lick and rub themselves against like a cat in heat."

It was interesting to see Noah before he met Emma.. to see how anxious he was. I really liked Lucy. I felt bad for her because I know she wished she was around for Emma more. I love how Emma is this socialite but she knows how to take care of her self and she isn't afraid of everything.

To Love A Mate was a great story!


Undercover Heat by Lavender Daye
He never expected to fall so far and so fast.


Sherri London just took over the London B&B in Somewhere, TX she's in the middle of renovating it when she gets a reservation from a guest who wants checks in to stay a month.

Hart Winston didn't know what he was getting into went he saw the innkeeper of the B&B face down on the ground, but he sure liked the view.

They both have secrets and they both want to know what each other has locked up.

I love how protective Hart is of Sherri. I think every girl wants a guy like that, someone to protect them, defend them but not be overbearing.

I really liked it!

THE BLACKHEARTED COWBOY by KC Klein
Chandler Sloan has everything—too bad his heart is as black as they come.



The opening scene with DJ is one of my favorite parts. I love DJ!

I'm not sure where to start. First off I loved it. I love KC Klein's writing. Chandler found Jayne in an abandonded trailer when she was 8 and he was 12. Since that day, Jayne has been his. When his family takes Jayne in to be one of the Sloans. Even though Chandler & Jayne love each other, they don't want to tell their family. When something happens the night of Jayne's graduation party and she leaves with no explanation then shows back up years later for Sloan Sr's funeral all hell breaks loose.


"..right here and now, when we're together, we are the world and we are the only ones that matter."


The Blackhearted Cowboy is full of angst, anger.. full of emotions. It has a darker turn to it I think.

It's a great book. Can't say enough good things! Like all good things it ended too soon!

FIRE FIGHT by R.L. Syme
She walked away once and he let her go, but when her life is on the line, can he watch her walk away again?


Tande & Marcus.. the tension between them is palpable off the pages.

Tande helps organize weddings and when she comes back to Somewhere, TX for DJ & Brent's wedding she isn't looking forward to running into Marcus. She needs the business so she has to go.

"A rocketing heartbeat took her voice and she had to close her mouth to keep from panting, which pissed her off more than the inferior treatment."

I love when two people fight their emotions so much. It adds so much to the story. To know these people have strong feelings for each other but they are either too scared or too stubborn to do anything about it!

Anyways! While in town for the wedding Tande starts getting threats, so she goes to the police department, but is disappointed because no one takes her serious.

I had my guess as to who was making the threats, but R.L. Syme kept me guessing until the last chapters. The ending was so intense. I kept yelling at my kindle.. "No, don't do that!" "Would you just listen to him" lol I think I yelled at Syme's last book in the Texas saga Fire Away. I love when I get so into the book that I feel like I can yell at the characters!

I loved the whole Saga! LOVE SOMEWHERE, TX!


Profile Image for D Thomas.
652 reviews34 followers
June 29, 2015
I have only read one story so far. I will read more later and post a few more reviews.

To Love a Mate: Somewhere, TX (VonBrant Family, #2)
by Krystal Shannan

I loved Emma and Luke's story. Plenty of action and misunderstandings. Sometimes you just don't realize how vital misunderstandings are in a story.

Emma and Luke's story is basically nothing but misunderstandings. That and stubborn, independent and un-trusting women. More then one in this case.

Their relationship is electrifying....in more then one way too, as Luke finds out. What man wouldn't love a sexy, weapon welding woman?

I love the VonBrandt's. They stick together, even when they are going against one another. That is not an easy thing to do.

*ARC given for an honest review*

Profile Image for Brittany Shivers.
167 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2015
Trouble in Texas by Jodi Vaughn

When Shawn found out her husband had been cheating on her she got a divorce and swore off all bad boys.

Walker is a ranch hand but on the side he cares for his own ranch and his cousin who has been making Walker care for his every need after losing a leg in the war.

Shawn and Walker want nothing to do with celebrating Valentine's Day as they stop into Somewhere, TX bar Everyday Joe's. When she passes out after a little bit too much to drink Walker has no choice but to offer up his bed which results in her encountering his cousin.

Promising not to reveal his return Shawn informs Walker that his cousin, John, will never get better if Walker continues to baby him. Which leds her to agreeing to help John to accept his handicap and relearn to fend for himself.

Shawn not only fights down John's anger but she fights down her feelings for Walker. Finding that you can't always judge someone just from word of mouth Shawn and Walker realize the might find what they've always wanted in each other.

Things in Somewhere, TX are always interesting. Take a journey into a small town with big hearts.
Profile Image for Peggy.
158 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2015
This review is for To Love A Mate by Krystal Shannan. Emma is on the run from the people tying to kill her. On her way to Lucy's she see Noah shift into a wolf. Now his family is after her also. Will Noah be able to keep her safe. Emma has to leave to keep Noah safe from the people after her. Will she be able to come back to Noah? I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest Review. My review for Fire Fight by R L Syme. Tande keep walking away. Marcus keep wailing for her to come back.When Tande life is threatened Marcus will do everything to save her.
1,353 reviews38 followers
August 4, 2015
So far, I have read 2 books, and both are fantastic! I'm sure the rest will be just as good!

TO LOVE A MATE by Krystal Shannan



Emma Carrington is a Hampton socialite on spring break with a friend; Emma’s father is very wealthy but does shady business. During an outing, one of her assigned bodyguards slips some drug in her drink. She decides to ditch him, switches clothes with a woman in the restroom of the bar where she was; she leaves quickly and rents a car. She gets a call from her dad who says security has been compromised and to call her former guardian, Lucy Craig. On her way to Lucy’s safe house, she has an accident and she sees a man undress and … change into a wolf!


What a great story! I love that Emma doesn’t do anything stupid: she is careful, she doesn’t panic, she doesn’t jump to conclusions, even when she sees the werewolf, who is otherwise the gorgeous Noah VanBrandt. TO LOVE A MATE is the second book in the VonBrandt Family series, and can easily be read as a standalone. There’s a lot of action: Emma’s life is in danger from both her family’s side and from the werewolves’ side, and there are several unpredictable plot twists! The characters are multi-dimensional, Noah and Emma are very engaging, and I loved Lucy; it was fun for a change to see an older character involved in the story. The romance between Noah and Emma is sweet and sexy, and progressed naturally; they have a lovely relationship amidst all the problems they face.

Ms. Shannan’s prose is very fluid, very eloquent, elegant and clear, the story is fast-paced; I loved everything about TO LOVE A MATE: A great read!



THE BLACKHEARTED COWBOY by KC Klein

Jayne Keller had been adopted by Chandler Sloan’s family when she was a young girl. Chandler had found her and brought her home; he has always loved her. He was going to propose and she ran out on him years ago. Jayne had to back to her childhood home because the Sloan patriarch died, she must be there, and it’s the last place she wants to be. Chandler has never recovered from Jayne abandoning him; he is bitter, angry, and he hates her because he still loves her, or he would if his heart weren’t so hardened, so black.

KC Klein is one of the most gifted writers around, and in THE BLACKHEARTED COWBOY, her magnificent writing style shines as never before. I marvel at the talent of Ms. Klein: Chandler is always angry, drinks far too much, he is unpleasant most of the time, very nasty to Jayne, and yet I could not hate him, I did not even dislike him. It was obvious there was a reason for his behaviour, and I could not wait to see how the story unfolded.

THE BLACKHEARTED COWBOY is a fantastic story, gripping from beginning to end and with many plot twists. The characters are fascinating and extremely complex. It is not a light or easy read, but it is extremely satisfying because it is so well written, intelligent, and so, so compelling. Another superb book from KC Klein!

Profile Image for Kristy.
680 reviews
July 9, 2015
I have only read one story so far.
I received an ARC of 'To Save A Mate' from Krystal Shannan, in exchange for an honest review.

To Save A Mate
by Krystal Shannan
WOW, I just finished reading 'To Love a Mate' book 2 of Krystal's "VonBrandt Family" series, WICKED!! I would advise that you read book 1 of this series, you really don't want to miss out on anything. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pages, I was enthralled in this action packed story, next thing I knew it'd finished. I loved everything about the story, the action, the heat, the trust, everything! I can't wait to read what happens next in Somewhere, TX for the VonBrandt family.
Profile Image for Rhonda Campbell.
571 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2015
Another amazing box set

Another amazing box set; this one may be even better than the first. These authors are really doing a great job with these books and keeping up with each other and the previous books. This series so far would probably be the best multi-author series I've ever seen. The details and characters from book to book is almost completely accurate and the blending is really well done. Can't wait for the next set!
Profile Image for Becky Burciaga.
1,530 reviews18 followers
July 19, 2015
This review is for the Blackhearted Cowboy - KC

I absolutely loved Blackhearted Cowboy in Texas Staright Up. The depth and vividness given to Chandler is amazing. I was hoping for he and Jayne to work out their past throughout the story and actually "sighed" when they finally came together. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews11 followers
July 15, 2015
Really good set of books

Enjoyed every book in this set. Loved that they were all a little different but tied in together by the characters in them. Will be looking for more from all of these great authors.
6 reviews
November 28, 2017
Pretty good read

Several stories by different authors centered around a small Texas town. A good chance to enjoy different styles of writing.
They just were completely different stories with no reference to the other characters that would have made them more cohesive.
4,816 reviews16 followers
May 7, 2016
**This review and rating is based only on Krystal Shannan's story at this point. Will update as I read the rest of the anthology**
Emma Carrington is used to prepping on dropping everything and going on the run, just in case. With her father being as high up in the criminal food chain, one never knows. When she gets a message from her father letting her know it’s time to run, she goes to Somewhere, Tx to find the woman that raised her and taught her how to protect herself. When she ends up stranded at the side of the road, she steals a truck and witnesses something unbelievable about its owner. For the past month, Noah VonBrandt has been anxious. His wolf has demanded more running, he’s edgy, and he’s been unable to sleep. Something tells him it’s the precursor to him finding his mate. However, he didn’t intend on being caught shifting or his truck being stolen. He can’t help but think that this is the woman he’s been waiting for.
I was so happy to finally get Noah’s story after reading his twin brother Luke’s story months ago. I just loved how, even though Noah’s family is determined with their stance on Emma, Noah follows his heart and his instinct about her, regardless of what he knows it’s going to cost him. It’s obvious that since Luke found his mate, Noah has been missing a part of himself and being around Emma he’s able to find it, at least temporarily. While Emma was raised knowing what to do and what she must do, a part of her really wants to stay with Noah. There’s something about him that calls to her.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
July 14, 2015
*This review is based on To Love a Mate as I have not read the others yet*

Noah VonBrandt has a decision to make, claim Emma or let the pack erase her memories in this exciting paranormal romance.

With bad guys on her tail, Emma runs right smack into more trouble when she sees Noah turn into a wolf and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the emotional turmoil that flows from both of these strong captivating characters as they struggle between what’s right and staying alive. The sizzling chemistry between them complicates their situation even further on an emotional level and the sex scenes are hot and steamy but they sure have a lot of obstacles in their way and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot thrills readers with lots of suspense, action and romance.

Danger is one step ahead and right behind them every which way they go which keeps spine tingling tension building throughout the story not to mention the growing suspense in anticipation of Noah’s decision. Well written scenes and details draw the reader in and ensure that they want to know every intriguing detail.

There’s never a dull moment in Noah and Emma’s action packed and emotionally turbulent romance, so once again I was completely enthralled by my visit to Somewhere, Texas and I can’t wait to visit again.
Profile Image for Dina Bushrod.
596 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2015
I love reading about the characters that live in Somewhere, TX. The authors blend their stories so well that you'll actually see some of the characters across stories. The review I'm leaving for this set is Author Jodi Vaughan's Trouble in Texas (I will leave others as I read them). We have a our cowboy, Walker, who has his own small ranch but works at a larger one as well to make ends meet. Unknown to anyone in this small but gossipy town, he has someone living with him who is in bad need of both physical and mental help. We also have a nurse, Shawn, whose recently gone through a divorce and has sworn to keep away from "bad boys". They come together at a time both are vulnerable due to their recent situations, but swear that they will not get together.But he talks her into helping him out secretly with his guest. I don't to spoilers so this will have to do, just let me say that things don't stay platonic. If you love reading about cowboys and the women in their lives, whether they be good or bad for each other, the humor, and the hot, sexy love, you really need to read this short but delightfully delicious story in the Texas Straight Up Volume 2 of Somewhere, TX.
Profile Image for Hannah Wooly.
149 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2015
A heart wrenching and suspenseful read :)
This review is for To Love a Mate, one of the stories in the boxed set :)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. I was enraptured in the storyline, the plot was suspenseful and kept my interest throughout. The characters are loveable and intriguing. I'll definitely be reading the other stories in the series along with other stories from this author :)
Profile Image for Angela Franklin.
76 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2015
Wow. Luke and Emma are electric together. She has grown up with money but very tough. He is a country guy who goes with the flow until she appears. After she accidentally sees him shift and stills his truck seems like things cant he any worse. Wrong so very very wrong. This is only the begin. If u want action and passion with some good old family drama well this is definately the book for you. Only read to love a mate so far. Im addicted to these books!!
347 reviews
September 8, 2015
I was grateful for a free copy of this book.. I enjoyed each story. The werewolf story was outside of my normal genre, but still good. I also struggled a little with the last story because two of the characters, Marcus and Murphy, were too similar, and I kept getting them confused. I would definitely recommend this book!
510 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2015
Great series

I loved this town and how all the authors stories all intertwine withy each other. You would think that we're all written by one author that they flow so seamlessly. I highly recommend Somewhere Texas it's a small town that is worth getting to know
Profile Image for Tanya Brown.
384 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2016
Jodi Vaughn's book is the first story in this set. Just finished reading it and I loved it! Jodi knows how to tell a story with the ups and downs that tug your heartstrings.
257 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2015
What a nice selection of stories. It is a continuation of Small town Texas. But all of the stories
are complete...no cliff hangers, and are lovely stories. I found several new authors as well.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,593 reviews22 followers
July 12, 2015
I just loved these stories and would love to live in somewhere texas. These people are great and the way the stories are woven together is heart warming. Highly recommended.
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