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West #9

Tessa's Turn

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Geeky teen pushover Tracy Bracey is finally dead, replaced by the beautiful and confident Tessa. After years of bullying, the darkness hovering over her appears to be fading. She has at long last become the vibrant woman she truly wants to be. Well, there is one thing missing... but with a promising music career taking off, the last thing she needs is the incessant matchmakers in town trying to hook her up with every wannabe cowboy available.

Lucas James is hot as hell, but the cloud of mystery surrounding him is so thick, you can cut it. Who is this guy and where did he come from, anyway? He seems nice enough, but you definitely wouldn't want to mess with him. How does a guy like this come to land in sleepy Fairplay, Texas? Is he running from something or someone? Whatever it is, he's not talking.

Lucas just wants to be left alone to deal with his past, but now a sexy brunette songwriter thinks she has the answers to all his problems...Unlikely! But, at least she might be a pleasant distraction.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2016

80 people are currently reading
262 people want to read

About the author

Jill Sanders

197 books2,098 followers
Jill Sanders is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Sweet Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, and Paranormal Romance novels. With 100 books in eleven series, translations into several different languages, and audiobooks there’s plenty to choose from. Look for Jill’s bestselling stories wherever romance books are sold or visit her at jillsanders.com


Jill comes from a large family with six siblings, including an identical twin. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest and later relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career before discovering her talent for writing sweet and sexy page-turners. After Colorado, she decided to move south, living in Texas and now making her home along the Emerald Coast of Florida. You will find that the settings of several of her series are inspired by her time spent living in these areas. She has two sons and off-set the testosterone in her house by adopting three furry little ladies that provide her company while she’s locked in her writing cave. She enjoys heading to the beach, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, and pickleball with her husband, and of course writing. If you have read any of her books, you may also notice that there is a love of food, especially sweets! She has been blamed for a few added pounds by her assistant, editor, and fans… donuts or pie anyone?

https://www.tiktok.com/@jillsandersau...

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5 stars
159 (51%)
4 stars
107 (34%)
3 stars
35 (11%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,734 reviews525 followers
June 29, 2016
Tracy Bracey is all grown up and going by the name of Tessa now. You may remember her from prior books, she was the young girl that would sit on the bridge and would talk with Savannah and she always had the weight of the world on her shoulders. In Tessa's Turn we find out exactly what was going on with her during her teenage years and why she did the things she did.

Tessa is home because her mother had been ill and passed away, never did Tessa think she would stay in the small town (Fairplay, Texas) that brought her so much heart ache but after she meets Luke her thoughts begin to change.

Luke (Lucas) is fairly new to town and has kept to himself no one really knows anything about him, but everyone has their suspicions. Luke has had a rough year, a lot of pain and guilt are keeping him in hiding. NO ONE knows where he is, he's hiding from his family and friends. When I found out why he was in Fairplay my heart dropped, everything he thought and felt was so wrong for the events that had unfolded but he couldn't see past his part of the devastation.

As with all of the books in this series, this was a sweet romance with a HEA ending. Tessa and Jake both find the happiness they deserve. This was a great addition to the West Series


Tessa's Turn by Jill Sanders

Tessa's Turn by Jill Sanders


Nadine's ARC image
Profile Image for Mary McFarlane.
662 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2017
This one was cute but it wasn't the main group of people that we've known from the start. This felt more like someone's side kick, or the tag along little sister. I did like knowing more of both of their back stories which was nice. Over all a very good series which I inhaled I felt like.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews135 followers
Want to read
April 7, 2019
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
3,592 reviews41 followers
May 1, 2016
The story centers around Tessa and Luke. Tessa left her hometown to escape the bad memories of her childhood, but returned to spend the last few days of her Mom’s life with her and help her Dad during their loss. She has no plans of staying but life is never what you expect. Luke has left Austin after his own personal tragedy and wants to make his home in this delightful small town.
Once they meet , their journey leads them to personal discoveries ,their goals for the future and romance.
I found it enjoyable, but maybe because I am older, I didn’t feel totally engaged. Not the author’s fault. Also, due to the fact that I have not read the previous books in the series , I had some trouble connecting with the secondary characters.
If you enjoy a sweet romance with the main characters in their 20s , then this one is for you.

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,231 reviews
May 21, 2016
This review is from: Tessa's Turn (West Series Book 9) (Kindle Edition)
TESSA'S TURN is book 9 and a great addition to the West Series by Jill Sanders. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I happily recommend you buy a copy today of this awesome book. This's the story of Theresa "Tessa " Keys and Lucas "Luke" James and takes place in the charming small town of Fairplay, Texas. I loved the fact that reading this issue we catch up with old friends and meet new characters. The story has drama, conflict, humor, loss, steamy romance, personal discoveries and a bright future for the main characters. NO Spoilers here!! A sweet romance!!! I really recommend it!!!!
Profile Image for Suzanne.
823 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2018
Well it was lovely to hear the youngest of the West series got to tell her story. We first meet Tracy in Savannah's book (Wild Bride) as the young girl who was out of sorts. Tracy, who's real name is Theresa, had a hard time through school, and this book picks up several years later. She is back in town for her mother's funeral and to support her father with the aftermath.

It's at her mother's funeral that she first meets Luke who ends up there by chance - there is nowhere in town open as they are all at the funeral!

Tessa, as she is now known, is determined to have a better life. After Tessa and her dad decide the ranch is too much, both move into town, albeit separately, her new life begins.

Tessa and Luke have different ideas on how life should be, but surprisingly they both end up with the same ideas.

Lovely story with in a way more romance than usual. Loved it all the same ❤
Profile Image for Amor y otras ficciones.
56 reviews18 followers
December 3, 2024
Without a doubt, Jill Sanders has become one of my favorite authors.
Tessa's turn tells the story of Luke, a cowboy new to town with a mysterious past, and Tessa, a songwriter who has returned to the town she grew up in and fled after a turbulent childhood.
The story was short for me, I wish it had a thousand more chapters. The only part of the plot that got weird, imho, was
It isn't necessary to read the previous books in the series to enjoy this story, although it helps to understand some of the secondary characters, but I enjoyed it very much like a standalone.
Profile Image for Night Runner.
1,560 reviews36 followers
March 5, 2020
Overall opinion: 4.25 Stars

Another solid story which touches on childhood drama and the impact that trying to handle everything internally causes. Both MCs were excellent and generated an emotional connection to the reader.

Brief Summary: No need to expand on the author's summary.

Narrator(s) single - good

POV: dual

Overall Pace: fadt

Instalove: sort of

H Rating: 9/10

h Rating: 10/10

Sad/happy/thrill/Angst/TSTL all over the map

Heat Level: 4/10

Descriptive Sex: 4/10

OW/OM Drama: not really

Sex with OW/OM: no

Cheating: no

Separation: no

Triggers: childhood trauma and adult trauma

Closure (HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger): HEA

Additional Thoughts?
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
April 15, 2019
Tessa’s turn is a story of a young woman who as a child had a horrific experience with other people. Now she has to come home to the last place she wants to be and say good bye to her mother.

Luke has been on the run from his past mistakes and had found a place to make home. He just wants to be by himself and for the past year it’s worked until he meets Tessa. He just can’t stay away. These two fall hard and as Tessa is navigating her career and life options so is Luke.

It’s quite the journey for both of them and quite a good read. I enjoyed it a lot.
Profile Image for Christina Montminy.
2,174 reviews22 followers
May 1, 2019
What a wonderful story, it was a roller coaster ride of emotions. The emotions that this story brought were so strong. Tears, laughter, sadness & happiness were just a few of them, as I followed along the journey to life for Luke & Tessa. They both have painful pasts & secrets but music brings them closer together. I enjoyed the growth of both Luke & Tessa & learning of their past lives made me understand them more. The future awaits along with truths that will lead them to the love they deserve. Definitely recommend. I voluntarily reviewed this book through Net Galley.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2023
Texas's Turn (The West Series Book 9)

The love story of Tessa and Lucas "Luke". Luke was on the run from his life and his last stop Fairplay, Texas. Tessa has return home for her mother's funeral and all the sad and unhappy memories. They met and they make great music together. Learn all the secrets of Tessa and Luke. Great story.
65 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2017
The fact that I continue to read books by Jill should say it all ! Another wonderful series by Jill ! I love the way Jill brings family and small towns together. I have read several other series by this same author and can't say enough good things.
Profile Image for Janice Fisher Bowman.
81 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2018
Another wonderful series by Jill ! I love the way Jill brings family and small towns together. I have read several other series by this same author and can't say enough good things. Beautifully written !
Profile Image for Nicole.
178 reviews
July 16, 2019
This book in the series was the most emotional for me. Tessa's story hit too close to home to hold back the tears.

Like all books that are "music" heavy I sooooo wish I could hear what they were working on and recording!
Profile Image for Virna.
3,175 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2018
I wanted to like the story. This book was not what I expected, I was boring, I did not the characters and overall lacked depth.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,092 reviews
Want to read
March 31, 2025
Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews105 followers
October 6, 2016
Fairplay, TX. Theresa ”Tessa” Keys (daughter) had once lived with her parents: Carl Keys (40+, dad) & Leslie Keys (40+, mom).
Tracy had committed suicide by jumping off a bridge.
Leslie later passed away.
Tessa decided to stay for a while & started to work as a waitress at Mama’s restaurant.
Willard (cook), & Carol (waitress) work there also.
Lucas “Luke” James kind of has his eyes on Tessa.
Thursday night was song/dance night at the Rusty Rail.

Carl had asked Martha Cole (3rd. grade teacher), to go watch Tessa & a few of her friends sing/perform.
Tessa was quite the singer & song writer. Luke loved singing her songs with her.
Chase Graham (husband/father, vet clinic) & Grant Holton were going to take care of Luke’s ranch while he was gone.

Tessa & Luke were going to Houston to perform.
Luke was going to sell his herd to Wild Farms?”
Charles (agent) had hired a front band: Jeff (drums), Nick (bass), Dusty (slide steel guitar) & Keith (piano), for the duo.
Hello; Kenneth Richie (Comfort Records). He had a contract for Tessa to sign.
Greg is the producer. Grant later put the group on YouTube.
Lucky (Tessa’s dog), ws now their mascot.
Back in Fairplay, TX. Luke was back on the ranch & Tessa was back working at Mama’s.

Guess who came to visit the 2 of them; Luke’s folks: Robert (dad) & Clarissa (mom).

What did they let slip (reveal)?
How will Tessa & Luke’s lives turn out?

Warning: This book contains adult content, &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written western romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great western romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Steamy hot. To be continued. Not my normal read but it will touch your heart. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,159 reviews22 followers
June 25, 2016
You're My Music & I'm You're Freedom!!!

Tessa Keys formerly known as Theresa Keys and called Tracy Bracey by bullies when she was a teenager, she worked hard to get over what happened to her. She became confident no more trace of her former self. She was on her way of becoming a promising song writer when some bad news brought her back to her hometown of Fairplay, Texas.

Losing her mom was hard on Tessa and her father. Being in Fairplay was unsettling to her despite having her friends there with her. Tessa felt like something was lacking, or was it SOMEONE? ;). What was a woman to do?

Lucas James went through a terrible ordeal, he suffered a huge loss. He needed to get away from his past and the guilt he felt so he decided to go to the one place, he knew people wouldn't expect him to be. In Fairplay, Texas.

Tessa knew that Lucas was hiding something, she liked the brooding, handsome man. She wanted to get to know Luke much better. At first he thought Tessa was wasting her time but eventually, he enjoyed her company.

As they grew closer, they both were able to open up about their demons. Lucas had to admit to himself that Tessa was more than a friend to him, she was the light he needed to guide him out of the darkness. She saw and touched his soul in ways that no one never could.

TESSA'S TURN , what an exhilarating and beautiful venture this book has been. It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

If you believe in HEA or just love western novels, I recommend you guys grab yourselves a copy today. Excellent job by Jill Sanders.
413 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2017
Tessa's Turn was a really interesting book. A lot of things happen in the last quarter of this book, but it was nice to see how Tessa's story ended. This one really cannot stand alone. The first three books in the series and Wild Bride should be read before diving into this one to give you a little background on the town and Tessa's relationship to Savannah.

One thing I really liked about this book was that Tessa and Luke actually got to know each other before leaping to using the word 'love'. Reading about the things they did and the relationship they built was fabulous. As I said earlier, A LOT of stuff happens in the last quarter of this book, and it felt a little rushed to me, but I liked the story and the relationship between Luke and Tessa, so it wasn't hard to suspend reality and just enjoy the book for what it was.

I wish that Tessa had gotten a Strong Woman moment where the people who bullied her were concerned. *SPOILERS to end of paragraph* The one time she had a chance to stand up and be strong, Luke wound up having to save her. While that scene went a long way to making him a hero, it didn't give Tessa the chance to stand up for herself – she still looked weak, needing to be saved. At the very least I was hoping she'd get to stand up for herself at Mama's, but that didn't happen either.

Although nothing about this book stood out as overly spectacular, it was sweet and a nice way to wrap up this great series and I would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the other West books.

Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
July 16, 2016
OK book and OK narration..

This was a cute little story. All about secrets and finding love through music. I really liked Tessa and Luke, and I liked that there was no angst and no misunderstandings.

Whenever the words erection, arousal or cock don’t show up in a book I figure there’s no sex, and that’s OK if it’s a good novella. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. There were some searing kisses and some really explicit sex. Nothing that really lead up to it, no desire, no thoughts of wanting one another, no nothing, but sex just the same. And there was no swearing to speak of.

It was, like I said, cute but it was just a love story. No real drama, no mystery, just secrets and you knew they weren’t going to be earth shattering, no mayhem, no stalker, no OMG moments, no nothing, so it’s good that it only had 189 pages. I can’t read 300 or 400 pages of angst anymore. Too boring!

As to the narrator: He was OK. Nice reading voice but no emotions. Several times the book said someone laughed and Mr. Samuelson never did it. He, pretty much, just read the book. His voices were all OK, too.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,326 reviews39 followers
May 12, 2016
Tessa and Luke have a fresh, hot & steamy romance going wrapped in their love of music, but each holds a deep dark secret that may just shatter their new beginning before it gets too far off the ground. If you like a steamy romance story, this one is for you. The author did an excellent job of creating conflicts for each of the main characters that while completely different, are completely believable and justifiable issues. I completely empathize with Tessa's desire to be anywhere, but her hometown. The character development was quite good and really brought the characters to life. All in all, a great entertaining and spicy read!

The author provided me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend you give it and the other books in the series a try. I know I'm going to go and find the previous ones in the series that I have missed to catch up on all the characters in Fairplay, TX!
Profile Image for Angela M. Reed.
242 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2019
Jill Sanders is an amazing author. The stories she creates are beyond amazing. Jill Sanders has a gift for writing. Her stories are easy to read and easy to understand.
In Tessa's Turn we get Tessa's story. Tessa was once known as Tracy Bracey when she was a teenager. Tessa is no longer that girl.
Lucas James has fine through a rough time . Lucas is brooding and hot.
When Tessa and Lucas come together they have some serious chemistry.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa's Turn. I laughed and cried and had hearswooning moments. I love how I felt as if I were a part of the story rather than reading it. I loved watching both Tessa and Lucas overcome their struggles. I enjoyed catching up with other character's. Tessa's Turn was beautifully written. Grab a copy a fall in love with Tessa and Lucasas I have.
Profile Image for Laura.
144 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2016
Tessa returns home for her mom's funeral with no plans to stick around afterwards. Lucas happens to stumble upon the funeral luncheon and that was when he met Tessa. They hit it off immediately. I think because they were both trying to run away from their pasts. It's a sweet evolution of friendship and love. Tessa learned that coming back home and staying there isn't such a bad thing, especially when you have someone to share it with. Great addition to the West Series. I did not put 2 and 2 together until further into the book of Tessa's association with Susannah. A very deep and emotional storyline between the 2 of them.
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alison Davies.
391 reviews
May 22, 2016
A sweet story of coming out the other side, of vicious bullies!!
Tessa had a very hurtful past, being bullied broke her and she couldn't wait to leave her hometown... Years later she's back, for her mother's funeral, she's hoping to spend a bit of time with her father, then leave...
Luke has also run from a heart breaking past, he just packs up and leaves.. A year later he finds himself at a funeral and meets the beautiful Tessa and his life is never the same... I felt for them both, with their own heartbreak.. I love the West series and this is another great addition!!!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,437 reviews142 followers
June 29, 2023
Tessa's Turn by Jill Sanders.
Geeky teen pushover Tracy Bracey is finally dead, replaced by the beautiful and confident Tessa. After years of bullying, the darkness hovering over her appears to be fading. She has at long last become the vibrant woman she truly wants to be. Well, there is one thing missing… But with a promising music career taking off, the last thing she needs is the incessant matchmakers in town trying to hook her up with every wannabe cowboy available.
Really good read. Great story. 4*.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,530 reviews26 followers
July 4, 2017
Tessa had been bullied when she was younger and did not want to return to her hometown. Her mother was dying and so she went home to be with her during her final days. Then she stayed on to help her dad. She is a very gifted song writer and everyone expected her to leave town. Luke had come to Fairplay the year before. He was hiding from his old life and had a boat load of guilt. Tessa and Luke are drawn to each other but they both have to let go of old hurts to move on with each other.
Profile Image for Shirley.
846 reviews
August 25, 2022
Another great read

Another great read from Jill. Aww Tessa (Tracy) and Luke's story is really sweet and also bittersweet for what they both have gone through they deserve loving one another, this is a beautiful story of two broken souls becoming one and it’s really sad to read some of this but the happy bits bring you through to the end. Can’t wait to read more from this series
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,007 reviews71 followers
May 11, 2016
What a sweet romance! I loved Tessa and Lucas and their story. They both have painful memories from their past, but find healing and happiness together. Jill always creates such great characters in her books that you just love. Enjoyed this book very much! I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tracey Warren.
633 reviews
August 1, 2016
Jill Sanders has a way of capturing the reader and getting them lost in the story. Characters are so believable, setting so gorgeous, and an amazing series. Great edition in the West series, telling Tessa's story, bringing in Lucas with his own issues and the story follows their journey. A brilliant, captivating love story, heartache, and sunshine in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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