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Texas Rose Ranch #1
Texas Rose Forever
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that goes double at the Texas Rose Ranch, home to the Rose family through five generations of toil, sweat, and scandal. From the moment CanDee McCain is hired to write a history of the Roses’ empire, she’s bowled over by tall, sexy Cinco Rose. True, the man initially mistakes her for a stripper, but he certainly puts the man in manly. For the first time since her cheating ex left, stealing her novel-in-progress in the process, CanDee is ready to have a little fun. No woman has ever made Cinco feel both so at ease and so turned on. Since his divorce, he’s preferred a saddle and solitude to risking his heart again. Yet something draws him to the fast-talking, leggy redhead. CanDee’s not just sweet; she’s smart and brave too. But her research is uncovering long-buried secrets that could jeopardize everything the Roses prize most―and destroy a love that’s just begun to bloom.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
229 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Katie Graykowski
33 books410 followersKatie Graykowski is an internationally bestselling author of 25 novels.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 1, 2017
I thought this might be the book to break my 2-star slump, but instead it ended up being a DNF. I'd previously read Graykowski and really liked her, but this was a different series and I wasn't feeling this book at all. I should've known this book might not be for me from the very beginning when I saw that the heroine's name was CanDee. Yes...CanDee.
I started off liking it. There were elements of it that I liked, such as the heroine not being virginal and having a pretty healthy sex life from the four chapters I read. I was trying to continue through it simply for that since it's, sadly, such a rare characteristic to come across. She's also tall, which is a nice change from all the heroines who are short or of average height. I also liked Cinco's shyness. So. Good things. But that wasn't enough to keep me powering through this book.
These characters came off pretty...trailer trash-ish, which is the best way I can think of putting it. They make offensive jokes and comments but LOL SO FUNNY Y'ALL. Cinco, the male protagonist, is introduced to CanDee when he mistakes her for a stripper. He gets yearly surprise strippers from his brothers for his birthday, and since today was his birthday, he assumed that that surprise was CanDee. It's cleared up pretty quickly and he feels embarrassed about it. I thought it was a funny scene, but there were things that rubbed me the wrong way. He talks about how "last year [his] brothers got [him] a midget—excuse me, little-person—stripper." lol so funny, right? Never mind that "midget" is a derogatory word. And since he corrects himself, it's obvious he (and, by extension, the author) knows what the correct term is, so why even include this in here? It just made him look and sound like backwoods trash.
And to add to why I thought the characters in this book came off a bit trash is because of the name, and that's aside from CanDee. I know there are some place names that are popular as given names. That's fine with me (at times). Even Lorraine Heath's Texas Trilogy had characters by the names of Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Those, imo, can work as names. In this book, along with those, there are also characters by the names of San Antonio and Fort Worth. Seriously. Also, I'd like to note Cinco's ridiculous height. CanDee estimates that he's around 7' tall. I like tall heroes, but let's not be ridiculous here. And of course I know there are really tall men, even taller than this, out there, but with all the ridiculousness in this book, it just felt like another really ludicrous thing.
And CanDee just talks and talks and talks and runs her mouth and it's like, wow, has this girl ever been taught civilized conversation?
Do you see what I mean? Is this something you would say to someone about their ancestor? A someone you just met that very day? She's so rude! Girl needs lessons on how to act in company. And this is one of the reasons I DNF'ed. She's like this in the few chapters I read, and this is right after we're introduced to her, so I know it's only going to either remain the same or get worse as the book goes on.
I hope you're getting the picture. She's the type of person you absolutely can't take anywhere. She notes at one point that her ex, Phillip, was so totally horrible, but I couldn't help but find myself agreeing with him.
I mean...if the above is only a small helping of of what she said around Phillip, I'm 100% on his side. I did a ton of eye rolling every time she opened her mouth, too.
She's also the type of person who keeps a joke going long after it's dead. She starts going on about "Double Stuf Oreos" and just doesn't stop. She's legit the person you roll your eyes at because oh, here they go again with that "joke"... They're the person you want to blast by saying NO ONE LIKES YOUR JOKES EXCEPT YOU, OK because they just won't shut up about it. This was one of the other main reasons I DNF'ed. It felt like the author wanted to throw in every joke and quip that she could think of into every exchange. I don't mind jokes, especially not sexual innuendo laced into them, but the jokes start from the first page and didn't stop, probably continuing long after the point at which I DNF'ed.
Then there was the mention of Cinco's great-great-aunt Mel who, as it turns out, was a lesbian. And of course CanDee sympathizes with the family, wondering how it might have been "hard for the family to handle back in the day" that a lesbian was lesbianing rather than, you know, sympathizing with what a lesbian might've had to go through in the 1900s.
And this is another point when a joke is thrown in. When Cinco mentions that she died soon after her partner Edith did, CanDee immediately feels she died of a "broken heart," but is then told that “Nope. Lung cancer. She smoked something like fifty hand-rolled, unfiltered cigarettes a day. It was amazing she lived as long as she did.” This is why I had to DNF. The jokes were unbearable because it's like we couldn't even go a page without there having to be one.
I started off liking it. There were elements of it that I liked, such as the heroine not being virginal and having a pretty healthy sex life from the four chapters I read. I was trying to continue through it simply for that since it's, sadly, such a rare characteristic to come across. She's also tall, which is a nice change from all the heroines who are short or of average height. I also liked Cinco's shyness. So. Good things. But that wasn't enough to keep me powering through this book.
These characters came off pretty...trailer trash-ish, which is the best way I can think of putting it. They make offensive jokes and comments but LOL SO FUNNY Y'ALL. Cinco, the male protagonist, is introduced to CanDee when he mistakes her for a stripper. He gets yearly surprise strippers from his brothers for his birthday, and since today was his birthday, he assumed that that surprise was CanDee. It's cleared up pretty quickly and he feels embarrassed about it. I thought it was a funny scene, but there were things that rubbed me the wrong way. He talks about how "last year [his] brothers got [him] a midget—excuse me, little-person—stripper." lol so funny, right? Never mind that "midget" is a derogatory word. And since he corrects himself, it's obvious he (and, by extension, the author) knows what the correct term is, so why even include this in here? It just made him look and sound like backwoods trash.
And to add to why I thought the characters in this book came off a bit trash is because of the name, and that's aside from CanDee. I know there are some place names that are popular as given names. That's fine with me (at times). Even Lorraine Heath's Texas Trilogy had characters by the names of Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Those, imo, can work as names. In this book, along with those, there are also characters by the names of San Antonio and Fort Worth. Seriously. Also, I'd like to note Cinco's ridiculous height. CanDee estimates that he's around 7' tall. I like tall heroes, but let's not be ridiculous here. And of course I know there are really tall men, even taller than this, out there, but with all the ridiculousness in this book, it just felt like another really ludicrous thing.
And CanDee just talks and talks and talks and runs her mouth and it's like, wow, has this girl ever been taught civilized conversation?
She shook her head. “No wonder Brunhilda looks so angry in that tintype with her husband. He’d probably just told her about his grand plan to build her a dugout. She must have loved Lacy a lot. People do strange things for love. Personally, I draw the line at dugouts. It must be impossible to keep the floor clean with it being made of dirt and all. ... Then again, maybe it wasn’t love. Don’t take this the wrong way, but your however-many-times-great-grandmother was not a handsome woman. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that she’s the single ugliest person that I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing that men weren’t lining up to marry her.” She leaned against the counter next to the sink. “Come to think of it, was Lacy a sighted man? Apart from a mustache that was the size of a small dog, he wasn’t half bad looking. Maybe Brunhilda was from a really wealthy family or like you said, she made spectacular peach preserves.”
Do you see what I mean? Is this something you would say to someone about their ancestor? A someone you just met that very day? She's so rude! Girl needs lessons on how to act in company. And this is one of the reasons I DNF'ed. She's like this in the few chapters I read, and this is right after we're introduced to her, so I know it's only going to either remain the same or get worse as the book goes on.
“Looks like we’re back to square one.” He looked up at the night sky. “Nice stars tonight.”
She glanced up. Out here in the middle of nowhere, light pollution wasn’t a problem. The night sky was a black velvet cape studded with millions of rhinestones. “Beautiful.”
“Wanna see something really spectacular?” He slowed their pace.
“I don’t know.” She sucked in a breath. “This isn’t where you pull out your smartphone and show me creepy pictures of your penis, is it? Because . . . been there, done that. I met a guy online. On our first date, he took me to Cheddar’s and before our waters arrived, he pulled out his phone and showed me pictures of his new hobby—penis puppetry. It was disturbing.”
I hope you're getting the picture. She's the type of person you absolutely can't take anywhere. She notes at one point that her ex, Phillip, was so totally horrible, but I couldn't help but find myself agreeing with him.
She had to admit that made her heart go pitter-patter. Phillip had hated her chattiness and oddball sense of humor. He’d done a lot of eye rolling every time she’d opened her mouth, so she’d learned to bite her tongue.
I mean...if the above is only a small helping of of what she said around Phillip, I'm 100% on his side. I did a ton of eye rolling every time she opened her mouth, too.
She's also the type of person who keeps a joke going long after it's dead. She starts going on about "Double Stuf Oreos" and just doesn't stop. She's legit the person you roll your eyes at because oh, here they go again with that "joke"... They're the person you want to blast by saying NO ONE LIKES YOUR JOKES EXCEPT YOU, OK because they just won't shut up about it. This was one of the other main reasons I DNF'ed. It felt like the author wanted to throw in every joke and quip that she could think of into every exchange. I don't mind jokes, especially not sexual innuendo laced into them, but the jokes start from the first page and didn't stop, probably continuing long after the point at which I DNF'ed.
Then there was the mention of Cinco's great-great-aunt Mel who, as it turns out, was a lesbian. And of course CanDee sympathizes with the family, wondering how it might have been "hard for the family to handle back in the day" that a lesbian was lesbianing rather than, you know, sympathizing with what a lesbian might've had to go through in the 1900s.
And this is another point when a joke is thrown in. When Cinco mentions that she died soon after her partner Edith did, CanDee immediately feels she died of a "broken heart," but is then told that “Nope. Lung cancer. She smoked something like fifty hand-rolled, unfiltered cigarettes a day. It was amazing she lived as long as she did.” This is why I had to DNF. The jokes were unbearable because it's like we couldn't even go a page without there having to be one.
March 20, 2016
This is my favorite by this author. I loved her other books and this one is even better. The almost non-stop witty dialog started immediately and continued to the end. Considering the words Ms Graykowski puts to paper, I can't imagine what is in her head. What a marvelous sense of humor! The characters were very likable and the romance was good. I hope to goodness that Ms Graykowski is busy writing more books in this series!
no-way-jose
December 19, 2018Is this a joke?? ( A bad one btw)
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January 8, 2017Well shit. Another one that isn't working for me. I wasn't feeling the humor other reviewers mentioned. I also found it a little absurd that the hero, Cinco (a cool name which the character ruined by being goofy), is nearly 7 ft tall. I'm all for tall guys, but let's make it believable.
DNF at 30%
DNF at 30%
March 8, 2018
(narrator: Natalie Ross)
I am new to Katie's writing ... I found this read in my Romance Package on my Audible account ... such a great listen. Read by: Natalie Ross ... I really think if you are a writer and need a good narrator ... please pick a good one ... this is a great pick in my humble opinion ... such a great listen ... who doesn't love a good Texan read ... Love the cover too!! ( ;
I am new to Katie's writing ... I found this read in my Romance Package on my Audible account ... such a great listen. Read by: Natalie Ross ... I really think if you are a writer and need a good narrator ... please pick a good one ... this is a great pick in my humble opinion ... such a great listen ... who doesn't love a good Texan read ... Love the cover too!! ( ;
March 20, 2016
This book was stuck too my hands once I picked it up. It was by far one of the best comedy romances I have read in a long time. I laughed so hard I was crying and trying to catch my breath at the same time. Telling my hubby then just having to read it to him had us both laughing and crying out loud. This is a book you don’t want to miss.
There are some touching moments as well and some very serious moments that this author tackles with grace. Yet, she does not shy away from the uncomfortable subject at all. This family drama is a homerun for sure. Feeding my love of romance and family dramas for sure.
CanDee McCain an author by night a genealogist by day for families who hire her to come and trace their family’s lineage.
CanDee was not your average woman she was 6 feet tall in stocking feet. When she wore the sexy as hell shoes she loved to wear she was 6 feet 5 inches tall easy. She had long flaming red hair and golden brown eyes. Her legs went on forever but best of all now that her ex was out of her life her great sense of humor was back.
CanDee has been asked by Lucy Rose to research and write their family history. She would live at Texas Rose Ranch for the next 6 weeks. She really needed the money too. Her ex had left her with more bills than when she met him and he had stolen her last first draft for her mystery novel. Then he published it under his own name. Phillip, her ex, was below a bottom feeder.
As she waited for Dr. Lucy Rose at the family museum on property. She is met with by who she believed is a ranch hand. Things are going well for a while with the chit chat. Then it takes a terribly wrong turn when the man whom she is talking thinks she is a stripper. She later finds out it is Cinco Rose (Lucy’s oldest son.) Why does he think this well every year on his birthday his brothers get him a stripper out of the ordinary to surprise them and well he thought this year they were going for the librarian look? Before things could get to far out of hand Lucy walks in. CanDee takes it all in good fun teasing Cinco.
Making him all the more interested in her. Which surprises even his mother.
See how a relationship forms from this crazy encounter between Cinco and CanDee. I loved this couple and Lefty. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
There are some touching moments as well and some very serious moments that this author tackles with grace. Yet, she does not shy away from the uncomfortable subject at all. This family drama is a homerun for sure. Feeding my love of romance and family dramas for sure.
CanDee McCain an author by night a genealogist by day for families who hire her to come and trace their family’s lineage.
CanDee was not your average woman she was 6 feet tall in stocking feet. When she wore the sexy as hell shoes she loved to wear she was 6 feet 5 inches tall easy. She had long flaming red hair and golden brown eyes. Her legs went on forever but best of all now that her ex was out of her life her great sense of humor was back.
CanDee has been asked by Lucy Rose to research and write their family history. She would live at Texas Rose Ranch for the next 6 weeks. She really needed the money too. Her ex had left her with more bills than when she met him and he had stolen her last first draft for her mystery novel. Then he published it under his own name. Phillip, her ex, was below a bottom feeder.
As she waited for Dr. Lucy Rose at the family museum on property. She is met with by who she believed is a ranch hand. Things are going well for a while with the chit chat. Then it takes a terribly wrong turn when the man whom she is talking thinks she is a stripper. She later finds out it is Cinco Rose (Lucy’s oldest son.) Why does he think this well every year on his birthday his brothers get him a stripper out of the ordinary to surprise them and well he thought this year they were going for the librarian look? Before things could get to far out of hand Lucy walks in. CanDee takes it all in good fun teasing Cinco.
Making him all the more interested in her. Which surprises even his mother.
See how a relationship forms from this crazy encounter between Cinco and CanDee. I loved this couple and Lefty. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
July 27, 2019
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.
I didn’t like it at first, because the characters seemed out of whack and all over the place. But the evolution of the story and the resolution of the primary conflicts were satisfying.
It was an easy read, and the back-and-forth between CanDee & Lefty was heartwarming, even though they were constantly trying to one-up each other. (So this side story wasn’t distracting.)
Too bad Grannie didn’t get around to meeting any of the Rose family. 😄
I read a synopsis about Justus & Rowdy’s tale next ... so that’s the high-falutin’ wine tasting Rowdy has been attending year after year, huh? Is Justus’ son also Rowdy’s? I guess I should read to find out.
I didn’t like it at first, because the characters seemed out of whack and all over the place. But the evolution of the story and the resolution of the primary conflicts were satisfying.
It was an easy read, and the back-and-forth between CanDee & Lefty was heartwarming, even though they were constantly trying to one-up each other. (So this side story wasn’t distracting.)
Too bad Grannie didn’t get around to meeting any of the Rose family. 😄
I read a synopsis about Justus & Rowdy’s tale next ... so that’s the high-falutin’ wine tasting Rowdy has been attending year after year, huh? Is Justus’ son also Rowdy’s? I guess I should read to find out.
March 20, 2016
I enjoyed the book and the humor and fun among the characters. The main character's name, CanDee, did get on my last nerve. Every time I saw it, I thought it looked like a brand name on a canned vegetable. I can understand an author wanting an unusual name for a character, but the name "CanDee" was weird.
The other element I found annoying is that I'm not sure how things were settled with Phillip and the "secret.” Perhaps there are more books coming in this series about the Rose boys, and that "mystery" will be explored further?
The other element I found annoying is that I'm not sure how things were settled with Phillip and the "secret.” Perhaps there are more books coming in this series about the Rose boys, and that "mystery" will be explored further?
June 10, 2016
*I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways*
I didn't much care for this book. There's not much drama as far as the relationship goes--they start sleeping together almost immediately and get along famously--and the drama that does come in near the end is almost predictable. The conversations between Cinco and Rowdy feel unreal and drawn out, like the author was trying to put in every quip she could think of. Also, following the genealogy part of the story is a little confusing.
I didn't much care for this book. There's not much drama as far as the relationship goes--they start sleeping together almost immediately and get along famously--and the drama that does come in near the end is almost predictable. The conversations between Cinco and Rowdy feel unreal and drawn out, like the author was trying to put in every quip she could think of. Also, following the genealogy part of the story is a little confusing.
May 23, 2019
Won't be reading Texas Rose Ranch Book 2
Not sure why I even downloaded this book, but I gave it the old college try. I should have known that any novel with CanDee and Cinco as the main characters wouldn't be worth reading. If I could have given it zero stars i would have.
Not sure why I even downloaded this book, but I gave it the old college try. I should have known that any novel with CanDee and Cinco as the main characters wouldn't be worth reading. If I could have given it zero stars i would have.
April 5, 2018
So bad. I couldn’t even get through it! It was bad enough that I want my $3 back. And to add insult to injury, I bought the audible version. The narrator is 10x worse than the writing itself!
December 6, 2016
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless
Sometimes a story, or characters will grab me from the opening scene and take me on a fantastic roller coaster thrill ride. That’s what happened with Texas Rose Forever, I certainly wasn’t expecting it, but the good things usually do catch me by surprise.
CanDee is at the Texas Rose Ranch for a job – just not the one Cinco mistakenly gave her upon their first meeting. She may not be a stripper hired by his mischief making brothers for his birthday… but she’s got the moves and the sass to rival the best. In fact, she’s at the ranch to begin writing up the family history at his parent’s request. While her true career is writing mystery novels, or it would have been if her thieving ex hadn’t stolen her book and published it as his own work, her secondary job was a love of history and genealogy. CanDee is naturally outgoing, and has a curiosity and imagination that makes her perfect for both styles of writing. A less confident woman might have been offended at Cinco’s assumption that she was his birthday present being unwrapped before his eyes – the truth is that CanDee loves a good prank, and she’s gonna play this one out, for the moment at least. Why? Because the look on his face when he realizes his mistake is gonna be priceless.
I love the way CanDee was written. She’s confident, sassy, talented on the surface, but she has an underlying vulnerability that also shows. She’s made mistakes, taken a chance on the wrong men in the past and been burned badly by one. Yet, when push comes to shove, she takes life by the horns and lives it. I have to admit that CanDee is my new book BFF. Hands down.
Cinco has been soured by a very bad marriage with a greedy, lying little she witch who tried to take him for all he is worth. He’s not looking for love, he’s got his ranch, his work, his family. He isn’t afraid to open up his heart again, simply not expecting to any time soon. CanDee is proving to be just about everything he’d ever hoped to find in a life partner. Now all he has to do is convince her that together they make that perfect couple who could love, laugh and enjoy life together for a lifetime.
During her research of the Rose family CanDee finds some interesting oddities which turns into a mystery with long reaching repercussions.
While all of Cinco’s brothers and his parents are introduced in this first story in the series, it flows naturally and is in no way overpowering. Watch for Lefty to make his presence known. This older prankster and the ongoing prank battle with CanDee provides some truly inspirational moments.. if you’re a prankster in training. *grin* Their pranks are simply priceless and gave me more than a few chuckles.
I truly enjoyed CanDee and Cinco’s romance, the introduction to this amazing family and the mystery in their past. If you’re in the mood for a sexy couple, a little humor, a lot of pranks and an entertaining story – then you’ll love Texas Rose Forever.. This is definitely a series I’ll be following.
I read this story through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. For ten dollars a month you get access to thousands of really great stories across all genre, and the authors get paid for you reading the story through to the 100% mark. It’s a win-win. Probably the best 10 bucks I spend a month.
Available in a variety of formats and for the Kindle
Sometimes a story, or characters will grab me from the opening scene and take me on a fantastic roller coaster thrill ride. That’s what happened with Texas Rose Forever, I certainly wasn’t expecting it, but the good things usually do catch me by surprise.
CanDee is at the Texas Rose Ranch for a job – just not the one Cinco mistakenly gave her upon their first meeting. She may not be a stripper hired by his mischief making brothers for his birthday… but she’s got the moves and the sass to rival the best. In fact, she’s at the ranch to begin writing up the family history at his parent’s request. While her true career is writing mystery novels, or it would have been if her thieving ex hadn’t stolen her book and published it as his own work, her secondary job was a love of history and genealogy. CanDee is naturally outgoing, and has a curiosity and imagination that makes her perfect for both styles of writing. A less confident woman might have been offended at Cinco’s assumption that she was his birthday present being unwrapped before his eyes – the truth is that CanDee loves a good prank, and she’s gonna play this one out, for the moment at least. Why? Because the look on his face when he realizes his mistake is gonna be priceless.
I love the way CanDee was written. She’s confident, sassy, talented on the surface, but she has an underlying vulnerability that also shows. She’s made mistakes, taken a chance on the wrong men in the past and been burned badly by one. Yet, when push comes to shove, she takes life by the horns and lives it. I have to admit that CanDee is my new book BFF. Hands down.
Cinco has been soured by a very bad marriage with a greedy, lying little she witch who tried to take him for all he is worth. He’s not looking for love, he’s got his ranch, his work, his family. He isn’t afraid to open up his heart again, simply not expecting to any time soon. CanDee is proving to be just about everything he’d ever hoped to find in a life partner. Now all he has to do is convince her that together they make that perfect couple who could love, laugh and enjoy life together for a lifetime.
During her research of the Rose family CanDee finds some interesting oddities which turns into a mystery with long reaching repercussions.
While all of Cinco’s brothers and his parents are introduced in this first story in the series, it flows naturally and is in no way overpowering. Watch for Lefty to make his presence known. This older prankster and the ongoing prank battle with CanDee provides some truly inspirational moments.. if you’re a prankster in training. *grin* Their pranks are simply priceless and gave me more than a few chuckles.
I truly enjoyed CanDee and Cinco’s romance, the introduction to this amazing family and the mystery in their past. If you’re in the mood for a sexy couple, a little humor, a lot of pranks and an entertaining story – then you’ll love Texas Rose Forever.. This is definitely a series I’ll be following.
I read this story through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. For ten dollars a month you get access to thousands of really great stories across all genre, and the authors get paid for you reading the story through to the 100% mark. It’s a win-win. Probably the best 10 bucks I spend a month.
Available in a variety of formats and for the Kindle
June 5, 2020
Oh I really didn't want to do this, as Katie Graykowski is one of my favourite authors, but I just couldn't get into this book and I had to give up on it.
I think I started off on the back-foot anyway as I found it very hard to get used to the narrator. Where is Pam Dougherty?! I have read/listened to lots of Katie Graykowski's books (The Lone Stars series / The Marilyns series / The PTO Murder Club series) and they've ALWAYS been read by Pam Dougherty, who could read the phone book in my eyes and make it interesting, she's such a fabulous narrator. And then, maybe because of this and feeling 'off', the characters just started to irritate me too. I did try and I got to chapter 9, but unfortunately I decided it just wasn't worth the struggle.
All I can say it is just wasn't for me, but I'm sure other readers will feel differently. And of course the physical book is completely different to the audiobook as the correct narrator really does make such a lot of difference to audiobooks. Bring back Pam!!
I think I started off on the back-foot anyway as I found it very hard to get used to the narrator. Where is Pam Dougherty?! I have read/listened to lots of Katie Graykowski's books (The Lone Stars series / The Marilyns series / The PTO Murder Club series) and they've ALWAYS been read by Pam Dougherty, who could read the phone book in my eyes and make it interesting, she's such a fabulous narrator. And then, maybe because of this and feeling 'off', the characters just started to irritate me too. I did try and I got to chapter 9, but unfortunately I decided it just wasn't worth the struggle.
All I can say it is just wasn't for me, but I'm sure other readers will feel differently. And of course the physical book is completely different to the audiobook as the correct narrator really does make such a lot of difference to audiobooks. Bring back Pam!!
November 28, 2020
If you enjoy romances where the MCs continually inner monologue about not falling in love again and making the same mistakes as in the past then you’ll like this. It made me annoyed a few too many times. Authors take note: if you say it more than twice you’re doing it wrong.
This book wasn’t the worst, as far as that goes. But if you know about farming you’ll be very annoyed that one brother was wearing cuff links. I don’t care how fancy you are, hating in TX is not the place anyone would wear cuff links.
The conflict (ex stealing her book and blackmailing her for Rose family secrets) is a weird conflict that makes no sense. The family heir dies so the matriarchs basically adopt an orphaned kid and he’s the heir. His kids inherit the ranch. How that coming to light would mean his heirs no longer get to keep the ranch 100 years later is beyond me.
So she gives a second book to her ex and they live happily ever after?
This book wasn’t the worst, as far as that goes. But if you know about farming you’ll be very annoyed that one brother was wearing cuff links. I don’t care how fancy you are, hating in TX is not the place anyone would wear cuff links.
The conflict (ex stealing her book and blackmailing her for Rose family secrets) is a weird conflict that makes no sense. The family heir dies so the matriarchs basically adopt an orphaned kid and he’s the heir. His kids inherit the ranch. How that coming to light would mean his heirs no longer get to keep the ranch 100 years later is beyond me.
So she gives a second book to her ex and they live happily ever after?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
I loved this fun and quirky romance. I purchased the audio version on Christmas as I had a distance to drive. Up to this point I had not had much success with audio books, just couldn't get beyond the narrator's voice. Well, let me tell you that the two (? I think) they have reading for this book were awesome. This book had my LOL-ing nonstop. I must have looked like a crazy woman while I was driving alone, laughing or sporting the biggest smile while listening to the audio version of this book.
This book was a refreshing change from my normal doom and gloom romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series. There are quite a few brothers on the Rose Ranch, so I'm expecting more books to come. Sadly, I couldn't find the second book, Texas Rose Always, on audio.
I'm smiling right now thinking about this book. LOL!
This book was a refreshing change from my normal doom and gloom romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series. There are quite a few brothers on the Rose Ranch, so I'm expecting more books to come. Sadly, I couldn't find the second book, Texas Rose Always, on audio.
I'm smiling right now thinking about this book. LOL!
June 8, 2022
Hilarious with genuine characters!
A large, rich Texas ranch family looking to have their genealogy written up. A tiny matriarch, a bear of a patriarch, and five oversized grown sons. A lovely author with an ex who's not adverse to plagiarism, blackmail, or roughing up a lady. An old one-eyed ranch hand with a nasty temper and a heart of gold. Years of journals kept by a woman who did what needed doing even if she was told she couldn't do it.
Son number one has been more or less hibernating on the ranch since his divorce a few years ago. But when he meets up with the lady author, he seems to get a new perspective on life and everyone notices. He's talking, he's smiling, he's even laughing. What other changes could she bring to his life? Recommended.
A large, rich Texas ranch family looking to have their genealogy written up. A tiny matriarch, a bear of a patriarch, and five oversized grown sons. A lovely author with an ex who's not adverse to plagiarism, blackmail, or roughing up a lady. An old one-eyed ranch hand with a nasty temper and a heart of gold. Years of journals kept by a woman who did what needed doing even if she was told she couldn't do it.
Son number one has been more or less hibernating on the ranch since his divorce a few years ago. But when he meets up with the lady author, he seems to get a new perspective on life and everyone notices. He's talking, he's smiling, he's even laughing. What other changes could she bring to his life? Recommended.
December 20, 2018
Very good book!
The heroine has hilarious! You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. And our hero loved that about her too.
They both had a past which should have stopped them from making a life together but they made it work.
Since I am into genealogy, I loved that part of the book a lot. However, it was not so much that it would overwhelm someone who was not interested.
I loved Cinco's whole family. They were such a hoot!
However, the ending seemed rushed and I hated that there was no justice for her ex. I deducted a star for the ending.
Can't wait to read the next book!
The heroine has hilarious! You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. And our hero loved that about her too.
They both had a past which should have stopped them from making a life together but they made it work.
Since I am into genealogy, I loved that part of the book a lot. However, it was not so much that it would overwhelm someone who was not interested.
I loved Cinco's whole family. They were such a hoot!
However, the ending seemed rushed and I hated that there was no justice for her ex. I deducted a star for the ending.
Can't wait to read the next book!
October 24, 2017
Texas Rose Forever: Texas Rose Rance #1 - R
Violence: none
Language: <30 swears
Sex: descriptive kissing and then about 40% in there's full-on, not easily skipped, sex. It's a shame because the characters are super quirky and the h is brazen and says the funniest things. I got fooled because about 40% in the h kept trying to seduce the H (laughingly) and they'd kiss and nothing else would happen then WHAM. I returned it for content. Frankly, I didn't like it enough to even finish, which is rare for me.
Violence: none
Language: <30 swears
Sex: descriptive kissing and then about 40% in there's full-on, not easily skipped, sex. It's a shame because the characters are super quirky and the h is brazen and says the funniest things. I got fooled because about 40% in the h kept trying to seduce the H (laughingly) and they'd kiss and nothing else would happen then WHAM. I returned it for content. Frankly, I didn't like it enough to even finish, which is rare for me.
December 7, 2023
In the heart of Texas, where everything is larger than life, the Texas Rose Ranch stands as a testament to generations of hard work, passion, and scandal. Readers are invited into a world where family legacies entwine with newfound desire, and secrets threaten to unravel the very fabric of the Roses' empire. This is a wonderful start to a series that is told with a delightful blend of humor, passion, and the vibrant spirit of Texas.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.
March 20, 2018
It has taken me a long time to read this book. For some reason the blurb just didn't get me interested but after finally reading it I can say that I loved it. The history of the rise family had be gripped. Candee was a great character and had me in stitches. And Cinco was just so loveable. I did feel that there could have been more to the book and that it ended quite quickly but maybe some of my questions are answered in the next book. All in all a great read.
April 4, 2018
Best book I've read in a long.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The author took a familiar plot and made it so interesting I couldn't stressing
I loved the way the author took a familiar plot and made the story so interesting I couldn't stop reading. The characters were fascinating and there were laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The author took a familiar plot and made it so interesting I couldn't stressing
I loved the way the author took a familiar plot and made the story so interesting I couldn't stop reading. The characters were fascinating and there were laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2018
Too much foolishness.
The plot outlined in the overview had merit and would have been a good tale had it not been for all the foolishness. The names were ridiculous and nobody talks in one liners all the time. If not for the sex scenes and sexual innuendos I would have thought this was for giggling teenagers. I gave three stars for a nice try- and maybe it was just a bad purchase on my part.
The plot outlined in the overview had merit and would have been a good tale had it not been for all the foolishness. The names were ridiculous and nobody talks in one liners all the time. If not for the sex scenes and sexual innuendos I would have thought this was for giggling teenagers. I gave three stars for a nice try- and maybe it was just a bad purchase on my part.
November 20, 2018
I loved the story between CanDee and Cinco. He thinks she is the stripper for his birthday; she actually there to write the family history. The story is funny and heart warming. Candee go to get a golf cart to use at the ranch; the fellow minding the equipment tells her she was to take the test written and driving. The next date for this is in 2 years. She when he is not looking she takes a golf cart and starts a feud with the equipment manager.
December 13, 2019
Texas Rose Forever, book1: 5 stars
I had this book in my library for some time and I delayed the read. But I really enjoyed it. Wonderful book!!!
The dialogues are witty. I smiled almost throughout the story. Good writing and flowing storyline. I loved the characters. I didn't want to put the book down. This is the first time I read a book by this author, but I have not doubt that I will read more books of her. Wonderful. Recommended!!!
I had this book in my library for some time and I delayed the read. But I really enjoyed it. Wonderful book!!!
The dialogues are witty. I smiled almost throughout the story. Good writing and flowing storyline. I loved the characters. I didn't want to put the book down. This is the first time I read a book by this author, but I have not doubt that I will read more books of her. Wonderful. Recommended!!!
January 31, 2018
Cute
Some parts dragged, but this was a cute, quirky, and laugh out loud (at quite a few places). I really enjoyed CanDee's humor and one liners, lived the feud she had going on with Lefty (might use the Chewbacca prank myself!!) Might have rated 3 if out weren't for the humor and history!
Some parts dragged, but this was a cute, quirky, and laugh out loud (at quite a few places). I really enjoyed CanDee's humor and one liners, lived the feud she had going on with Lefty (might use the Chewbacca prank myself!!) Might have rated 3 if out weren't for the humor and history!
April 6, 2018
Funniest Book Ever
I loved this book. It is full of people who truly love each other although at times they have a strange way of showing it. I knew from the first chapter that it was going to be funny. I was reading it in bed and woke my husband up laughing. If a want to see true love and laugh until you're stomach hurts you must read this book.
I loved this book. It is full of people who truly love each other although at times they have a strange way of showing it. I knew from the first chapter that it was going to be funny. I was reading it in bed and woke my husband up laughing. If a want to see true love and laugh until you're stomach hurts you must read this book.
July 27, 2018
I’m so glad I didn’t put this book down because of a couple bad reviews. I found this book refreshing and packed with lol moments. I luv the names...CanDee and Cinco...and I enjoyed their budding relationship and all the genealogical information which was the basis of CanDee’s occupation. All in All an enjoyable book
December 25, 2018
There's really nothing wrong with the book per se, it's just not for me. I didn't like how she named her characters for one. I mean, really. Who names a child "Fort Worth"? That's too cute. And not in a good way. And the banter... Yes it was cute, but it just went on and on. Can't believe I'm saying it, but it makes me crave something that doesn't fall in the rom-com catagory. DNF at 15%
January 28, 2018
Love the rose family
Like many books I discovered thus author via KU books. I didn’t know what to expect but I have fallen live with her writing. This is the third series I’ve read of hers and I am nit disappointed.
Like many books I discovered thus author via KU books. I didn’t know what to expect but I have fallen live with her writing. This is the third series I’ve read of hers and I am nit disappointed.
February 14, 2018
Great find
Just ran across the Texas Rose Ranch books while surfing through contemporary western romances. First time reading anything by Katie, and definitely looking forward to more. Well written, fast paced, and definitely a keeper.
Just ran across the Texas Rose Ranch books while surfing through contemporary western romances. First time reading anything by Katie, and definitely looking forward to more. Well written, fast paced, and definitely a keeper.
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