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Texas Rodeo #2
Tangled in Texas
It took 32 seconds to end his career.
But it only took 1 to change his life.
Thirty-two seconds. That’s how long it took for Delon Sanchez’s life to end. One minute he was the best bronc rider in the Panhandle and the next he was nothing. Knee shattered, future in question, all he can do is pull together the pieces…and wonder what cruel trick of fate has thrown him into the path of his ex, the oh-so-perfect Tori Patterson.
Tori’s come home after her husband’s death, intent on escaping the public eye. It’s just her luck that Delon limps into her physical therapy office, desperate for help. All hard-packed muscle and dark-eyed temptation, he’s never been anything but a bad idea. And yet, seeing him again, Tori can’t remember what made her choose foolish pride over love…or why, with this second, final chance to right old wrongs, the smartest choice would be to run from this gorgeous rodeo boy as fast as her boots can take her.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
282 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Kari Lynn Dell
11 books274 followersKari Lynn Dell is a native of north central Montana, a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer and rodeo competitor, most recently the 2017 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Breakaway Roping season champion. She attended her first rodeo at two weeks old and has existed in a state of horse-induced poverty ever since. She currently resides on the family ranch on the Blackfeet Reservation, loitering in her parents’ bunkhouse along with her husband, son and Max and Spike the Cowdogs, with a tipi on the front step, a view of Glacier National Park from her writing desk and Canada within spitting distance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
November 22, 2021
DNF
I like the blurp. I really do. A second chance romance. I am also aware this is a slow burn story. So it is not going to be short. I dived into the audiobook untuk about 4th hours. The audiobook is more than 11 hours long in total. I lost my interest around 2nd hour.
The plot is too confusing. Miss Dell is building too many plot over a small things. Too many secondary characters, too many unnecessary drama, too many misunderstanding. And I do not have patience to understand it all. Sadly after 4th hour mark, I give up.
2 stars
I like the blurp. I really do. A second chance romance. I am also aware this is a slow burn story. So it is not going to be short. I dived into the audiobook untuk about 4th hours. The audiobook is more than 11 hours long in total. I lost my interest around 2nd hour.
The plot is too confusing. Miss Dell is building too many plot over a small things. Too many secondary characters, too many unnecessary drama, too many misunderstanding. And I do not have patience to understand it all. Sadly after 4th hour mark, I give up.
2 stars
August 7, 2018
Oh man;
Tangled in Texas.
The title says it all.
These two have a past, but neither one put their desirers out their and in the end she splits. Fast forward several years and Tori is back in Texas trying to move on with her life after the death of her husband. Delon is trying to deal with the injury that has all but ended his career as a bronc rider.
Toni and Delon both are a bit messed up emotionally, stubborn, and lost. I liked Delon and Tori. I liked seeing them deal with personal issues: loss and family, injury and family, and their past. Their romance is a slow build and it works. They have a lot to work through and get past before they can find that special place in each others life. Two broken halves of a whole!
We get a lot of the rodeo aspect, the life and how it runs. We see how hard they practice, mess up, and conquer to win. I really liked seeing Tori make a friend in Swannee. It was nice to see them connect as a team for the rodeo and off as friends.
Family was a big element in this novel. Both have issues with their families. It was nice to dig deeper into Delon and Tori’s families. To see them work through those issues they have and become stronger.
Tangled in Texas was perfect. I had a delightful time and am looking forward to reading more in the Texas Rodeo series. Sexy cowboys, fiery cowgirls, and thrilling rodeos.
Rated: 4 Stars
These two have a past, but neither one put their desirers out their and in the end she splits. Fast forward several years and Tori is back in Texas trying to move on with her life after the death of her husband. Delon is trying to deal with the injury that has all but ended his career as a bronc rider.
Toni and Delon both are a bit messed up emotionally, stubborn, and lost. I liked Delon and Tori. I liked seeing them deal with personal issues: loss and family, injury and family, and their past. Their romance is a slow build and it works. They have a lot to work through and get past before they can find that special place in each others life. Two broken halves of a whole!
We get a lot of the rodeo aspect, the life and how it runs. We see how hard they practice, mess up, and conquer to win. I really liked seeing Tori make a friend in Swannee. It was nice to see them connect as a team for the rodeo and off as friends.
Family was a big element in this novel. Both have issues with their families. It was nice to dig deeper into Delon and Tori’s families. To see them work through those issues they have and become stronger.
Tangled in Texas was perfect. I had a delightful time and am looking forward to reading more in the Texas Rodeo series. Sexy cowboys, fiery cowgirls, and thrilling rodeos.
Rated: 4 Stars
May 8, 2025
Rodeo is a jealous bitch. You gotta give her your whole heart.
Not only the characters were tangled in Texas, the author also got tangled—in her plot. The second chance romance between Tori and Delon was totally lost in between too many subplots, namely: Delon's problems with his brother, with his ex and her new partner, with his son. Delon's adjustment to the family business, Sanchez Trucking (dispatching freight). Delon’s health and his troubles with recovery after a riding accident. Then Tori's problems with her family, Tori overcoming her grief over her deceased husband, and Tori's roping training. Add in all the details about psychotherapy, rodeo and riding styles (basically interesting, but just too extensive and too technical for those unfamiliar with the subjects), and you can barely find the love story.
Tori was a little pale but a likable heroine overall, Delon came across as a rather pathetic character with a slight tendency toward pessimism and whining. He avoids problems and always tries to take the easy, safe route (and still manages to fucks things up). That's not his true character, though. Deep down he is dark and passionate or something. (Don't ask. I have no idea). However, only Tori and his brother Gil recognize this well-hidden side of Delon, which breaks through in the end, and Tori embraces it. I really didn't care what happened to them, tbh.
By far the best scene in the book is Delon's comeback ride near the end (chapter 43). It was the only time when I felt it—the atmosphere, the vibe, the excitement, the adrenaline. I really wanted it for him, wanted him to succeed, to have his triumph after all the hard and frustrating work. Unfortunately, this doesn't change my overall impression of this book, which wasn't good enough to grab another book in this series/by this author. There are for sure better and less boring rodeo/cowboy romances out there.
Overall rating: 2
Story: 2/5
Emotion: 2/5
Delon: 2/5
Tori: 3/5
Delon straightened and took off his hat, but instead of bowing his head he let his gaze run across the packed house. His already overstimulated senses opened up, drinking in every sight and smell, all the faces, the buzz of expectation. He took a deep breath and sucked their energy into his lungs, felt it burn through his veins like a shot of whiskey. Rising adrenaline puts his heart in perfect time…
Delon bowed his head over his rigging and stared at the initials burned into the leather. G.A.S. He slid his hips up snug against the rigging and, without thinking, pressed two fingers to the initials, then to his heart. Screw careful.
He cocked his free arm back, nodded for the gate, and let the storm break.
December 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and this town! You can read this as a standalone but note that it is book 2 in a series. You now know who ends up with who from book 1, but I am intrigued enough to where I may go back and read their story This is a second chance romance with a dash of not good enough vibes.
Delon has been on the rise in the bull riding world until an accident that leaves him unable to ride and unsure about the future. At his first appointment for his knee he runs into Tori, the woman that disappeared without a trace along with his heart seven years ago. The good thing that came out of Tori leaving is his son who he had with his best friend after wallowing about Tori leaving. The bad thing that came out of it are his insecurities about why she left. He knows that he could have handled what they had differently. He was the guy who called when he was back from an event. He never checked in in between with her even though he really wanted to. He never thought to ask for more or to see what she wanted. He didn't fully realize what she meant to him until she was gone. Now she is back and willing to give him another chance, but is she here to lay down roots? Or will she dash away into the night like she did before?
Tori is going through the stages of grief since her husband passed away unexpectedly. Instead of staying and being strong for the family, she runs back "home." Home for her is a little different though since her dad is a senator. Her life has an added element of publicity that she can't stand. A part of her thinks she came back to town for the man she left all those years ago. The man who failed the test she setup for him without even telling him what it was. The man who is now on the broken side too with an unknown future. She is determined to help him get on the other side of this. She is the only one besides his brother who really sees the real man behind the mask. They decide to rekindle their old flame and she is all in making it clear she wants to see where this goes. But Delon has pulled back. He doesn't seem to want to mix her with the other part of his life- his world before she got there. How can she show him that she is where she wants to be?
I really liked the depth of these characters and how they were both broken and found the light together through it. Tori was dealing with the grief of her husband, and Delon is dealing with the grief of his career maybe being over as well as this idea of a perfect family in his head now over since his son's mother is engaged to someone else. This was a little on the slower side which is why it took me a minute to finish, but once I got invested I was in. I am looking forward to reading more about these characters and especially Gil's story!! Of course he is the last one LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Delon has been on the rise in the bull riding world until an accident that leaves him unable to ride and unsure about the future. At his first appointment for his knee he runs into Tori, the woman that disappeared without a trace along with his heart seven years ago. The good thing that came out of Tori leaving is his son who he had with his best friend after wallowing about Tori leaving. The bad thing that came out of it are his insecurities about why she left. He knows that he could have handled what they had differently. He was the guy who called when he was back from an event. He never checked in in between with her even though he really wanted to. He never thought to ask for more or to see what she wanted. He didn't fully realize what she meant to him until she was gone. Now she is back and willing to give him another chance, but is she here to lay down roots? Or will she dash away into the night like she did before?
Tori is going through the stages of grief since her husband passed away unexpectedly. Instead of staying and being strong for the family, she runs back "home." Home for her is a little different though since her dad is a senator. Her life has an added element of publicity that she can't stand. A part of her thinks she came back to town for the man she left all those years ago. The man who failed the test she setup for him without even telling him what it was. The man who is now on the broken side too with an unknown future. She is determined to help him get on the other side of this. She is the only one besides his brother who really sees the real man behind the mask. They decide to rekindle their old flame and she is all in making it clear she wants to see where this goes. But Delon has pulled back. He doesn't seem to want to mix her with the other part of his life- his world before she got there. How can she show him that she is where she wants to be?
I really liked the depth of these characters and how they were both broken and found the light together through it. Tori was dealing with the grief of her husband, and Delon is dealing with the grief of his career maybe being over as well as this idea of a perfect family in his head now over since his son's mother is engaged to someone else. This was a little on the slower side which is why it took me a minute to finish, but once I got invested I was in. I am looking forward to reading more about these characters and especially Gil's story!! Of course he is the last one LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
March 30, 2017
I really liked this second chance romance and really liked how Delon and Tori really had to get to know each other this time around. It wasn't all lust and they really started to see who the other person really was.
Some of the details around the roping etc were completely outside of my interest group, but the author conveyed this aspect of the characters nicely.
This was my first book by Kari Lynn Dell and I would read more from her.
Some of the details around the roping etc were completely outside of my interest group, but the author conveyed this aspect of the characters nicely.
This was my first book by Kari Lynn Dell and I would read more from her.
February 10, 2017
2.5 stars
I am always looking for sorbet, so when I saw this synopsis I was sold on the idea of a rekindled romance. The cowboy part was a bonus.
I liked Tori and Delon well enough. They're both a little head shy and a lot stubborn. There's a lot of history between them and it took a really long time to work it out. There's a pretty large cast of characters here, but the stand out was Shawnee. I would seriously read a book of hers.
The writing was a bit dense and it seemed to get a little repetitive. There was a lot of miscommunication and that drives me crazy. Eventually I just stopped caring about Tori's roping or Delon getting back on a horse. I wanted more of them talking and more sweetness between them.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but not everything. I am mildly interested in future books, but it would depend on who it focused on.
**Huge thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
I am always looking for sorbet, so when I saw this synopsis I was sold on the idea of a rekindled romance. The cowboy part was a bonus.
I liked Tori and Delon well enough. They're both a little head shy and a lot stubborn. There's a lot of history between them and it took a really long time to work it out. There's a pretty large cast of characters here, but the stand out was Shawnee. I would seriously read a book of hers.
The writing was a bit dense and it seemed to get a little repetitive. There was a lot of miscommunication and that drives me crazy. Eventually I just stopped caring about Tori's roping or Delon getting back on a horse. I wanted more of them talking and more sweetness between them.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but not everything. I am mildly interested in future books, but it would depend on who it focused on.
**Huge thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
August 21, 2020
Kari Lynn Dell is truly weaving her way into becoming one of my most favorite contemporary authors, ever. She nailed it!! When she quoted what I have always said all my life " Bareback Riders Get ready", when I read that in this book, it was like déjà vu. This book is really an outstanding, very entertaining book and so many of the things she talks about, I'm so familiar with, the rodeos in specific towns, equipment used, roping lingo, even professional rodeo Cowboys that I've known and one who actually lives in my hometown, Stephenville. This book is so spot on with the rodeo world. It's truly a treat for someone like me to read, Kari Lynn Dell is someone who gets it, understands it, because she lives it.
The book delves into the lives of two individuals who are brought back together to face the pain staring them in the face.
Delon is wounded not only physically but mentally. After suffering a horrific bareback riding accident that crippled up his knee, punctured his lung, and ended his season career as the world champion contender. He's trying to just keep his head above the water.
Tori has returned home to the Texas Panhandle to try and reclaim her life back after her husband's death. She's wounded, hurt, and trying to patch her life back together, without her prestigious Daddy's name getting in the way.
Can these two lost wounded souls find their way back into each other's lives and rekindle a romance that once tore them into shreds?
Absolutely a phenomenal book that will pull you in, have you cinching up, and holding on tight for the riveting conclusion.
The book delves into the lives of two individuals who are brought back together to face the pain staring them in the face.
Delon is wounded not only physically but mentally. After suffering a horrific bareback riding accident that crippled up his knee, punctured his lung, and ended his season career as the world champion contender. He's trying to just keep his head above the water.
Tori has returned home to the Texas Panhandle to try and reclaim her life back after her husband's death. She's wounded, hurt, and trying to patch her life back together, without her prestigious Daddy's name getting in the way.
Can these two lost wounded souls find their way back into each other's lives and rekindle a romance that once tore them into shreds?
Absolutely a phenomenal book that will pull you in, have you cinching up, and holding on tight for the riveting conclusion.
February 20, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2li2IUy
Oh yes. I'll be reading more from Kari Lynn Dell. Tangled in Texas left me hankering for a trip to Texas to hunt down a cowboy of my very own.
The quick of it is that years ago these two had a fling but neither was willing to put their desires for more out there and one day she just up and left for another state to make a life for herself. But now years later she's recovering from losing her husband and comes home only to run into Delon. The one man who could get her feeling again and maybe moving on. But oh they have to get past some resentment and all kinds of other hurdles that get tossed in their way.
These two. Man. I was real glad for her pseudo-friend Swannee who on ocassion would have enough-- just like me-- and make the two sit down and figure their shit out. They were both a bit messed up emotionally, both a bit stubborn and both a bit lost so it could take them a spell to come around. But I really liked them. On their own and together. I liked seeing them deal with their personal issues-- loss and family on her part, injury and family on his part. And with their past. They were sexy and fun and made me laugh more than once and swoon a couple times, too. And whew they could heat things up. Noms!
You get a lot of rodeo talk since both are involved in different ways. I still can't quite figure out how their activities look and will probably end up on Youtube to figure that out but I didn't mind reading about it. Their hard work practicing, messing up and conquering the things holding them back.
Family was a big element, too. Man both of them had some issues with their families and it was heartening to see them work through those and become stronger units in the end.
All in all, Tangled in Texas was the perfect taste of Texas-- sexy cowboys, fierce cowgirls, the thrill of the rodeo--and the 'everything is bigger in Texas' attitude. Including the romance.
December 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and this town! You can read this as a standalone but note that it is book 2 in a series. You now know who ends up with who from book 1, but I am intrigued enough to where I may go back and read their story This is a second chance romance with a dash of not good enough vibes.
Delon has been on the rise in the bull riding world until an accident that leaves him unable to ride and unsure about the future. At his first appointment for his knee he runs into Tori, the woman that disappeared without a trace along with his heart seven years ago. The good thing that came out of Tori leaving is his son who he had with his best friend after wallowing about Tori leaving. The bad thing that came out of it are his insecurities about why she left. He knows that he could have handled what they had differently. He was the guy who called when he was back from an event. He never checked in in between with her even though he really wanted to. He never thought to ask for more or to see what she wanted. He didn't fully realize what she meant to him until she was gone. Now she is back and willing to give him another chance, but is she here to lay down roots? Or will she dash away into the night like she did before?
Tori is going through the stages of grief since her husband passed away unexpectedly. Instead of staying and being strong for the family, she runs back "home." Home for her is a little different though since her dad is a senator. Her life has an added element of publicity that she can't stand. A part of her thinks she came back to town for the man she left all those years ago. The man who failed the test she setup for him without even telling him what it was. The man who is now on the broken side too with an unknown future. She is determined to help him get on the other side of this. She is the only one besides his brother who really sees the real man behind the mask. They decide to rekindle their old flame and she is all in making it clear she wants to see where this goes. But Delon has pulled back. He doesn't seem to want to mix her with the other part of his life- his world before she got there. How can she show him that she is where she wants to be?
I really liked the depth of these characters and how they were both broken and found the light together through it. Tori was dealing with the grief of her husband, and Delon is dealing with the grief of his career maybe being over as well as this idea of a perfect family in his head now over since his son's mother is engaged to someone else. This was a little on the slower side which is why it took me a minute to finish, but once I got invested I was in. I am looking forward to reading more about these characters and especially Gil's story!! Of course he is the last one LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Delon has been on the rise in the bull riding world until an accident that leaves him unable to ride and unsure about the future. At his first appointment for his knee he runs into Tori, the woman that disappeared without a trace along with his heart seven years ago. The good thing that came out of Tori leaving is his son who he had with his best friend after wallowing about Tori leaving. The bad thing that came out of it are his insecurities about why she left. He knows that he could have handled what they had differently. He was the guy who called when he was back from an event. He never checked in in between with her even though he really wanted to. He never thought to ask for more or to see what she wanted. He didn't fully realize what she meant to him until she was gone. Now she is back and willing to give him another chance, but is she here to lay down roots? Or will she dash away into the night like she did before?
Tori is going through the stages of grief since her husband passed away unexpectedly. Instead of staying and being strong for the family, she runs back "home." Home for her is a little different though since her dad is a senator. Her life has an added element of publicity that she can't stand. A part of her thinks she came back to town for the man she left all those years ago. The man who failed the test she setup for him without even telling him what it was. The man who is now on the broken side too with an unknown future. She is determined to help him get on the other side of this. She is the only one besides his brother who really sees the real man behind the mask. They decide to rekindle their old flame and she is all in making it clear she wants to see where this goes. But Delon has pulled back. He doesn't seem to want to mix her with the other part of his life- his world before she got there. How can she show him that she is where she wants to be?
I really liked the depth of these characters and how they were both broken and found the light together through it. Tori was dealing with the grief of her husband, and Delon is dealing with the grief of his career maybe being over as well as this idea of a perfect family in his head now over since his son's mother is engaged to someone else. This was a little on the slower side which is why it took me a minute to finish, but once I got invested I was in. I am looking forward to reading more about these characters and especially Gil's story!! Of course he is the last one LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
August 4, 2019
5 stars
Delon and Tori were sweethearts (sex partners, since sweethearts connotes a relationship outside of sex?) years ago, and then she left without a word. Since that time, Delon has fathered a child, become more famous for riding broncs, and been bucked off and had a potentially career ending injury. Tori has been married, widowed, and has come back home to get away from the scrutiny that followed her after her husband's death. Even though she grew up in the public eye, since her father is a senator, she just can't deal with the type of judgemental attention that is afforded to her after that event.
Delon walks in to find out his new physiotherapist is none other than the woman who walked away and left him reeling. So along with him dealing with having a life changing injury, Delon also has to deal with Tori, and the feelings that he never dealt with before.
Tori is back in the area where she grew up, determined to make a life for herself, and to start team roping again, in spite of the fact that everyone knows her as a spoiled little rich girl. She is determined to keep things civil between herself and Delon, in spite of their history, and is still trying to get over the death of her husband.
As Delon and Tori get to know one another again, or for the first time, really, they realize that the other person has issues that they are dealing with, not just from their past, but with what they are going through in the present, too.
I really, truly don't understand how this author is not more popular. Her books are well written, with interesting characters.
It has been well documented, or I've lamented it long and loudly enough that it *should* be well documented, that I cannot really write a review for books that I really love. Basically, when I go to write a review, the only words that come to mind are along the lines of "me love book. Book good."
So, with that in mind, let me just say this: if you want a cowboy romance about real cowboys and cowgirls, to understand the mindset and what they go through, read this. The love, pain, frustration, determination, fortitude, sacrifice, heartbreak, training that they go through every day is in this book. The amount of commitment that they have to their job and to their sport is phenomenal, as is the strain it puts on their families and friends, and it is in this book.
There are friendships developed, romances rekindled, and family ties strengthened in this story. The small community with both the pros and cons are present. I cannot iterate enough how good the writing is, how clearly each and every character comes across, and even if you don't necessarily see anything from their perspective, you know why they are doing what they are doing. Everything makes sense in a "real world person" kind of way, which means that everyone has their foibles and their annoyances, but they actually have to figure out how to get along, just like they would in the real world.
Seriously. Read the book.
Delon and Tori were sweethearts (sex partners, since sweethearts connotes a relationship outside of sex?) years ago, and then she left without a word. Since that time, Delon has fathered a child, become more famous for riding broncs, and been bucked off and had a potentially career ending injury. Tori has been married, widowed, and has come back home to get away from the scrutiny that followed her after her husband's death. Even though she grew up in the public eye, since her father is a senator, she just can't deal with the type of judgemental attention that is afforded to her after that event.
Delon walks in to find out his new physiotherapist is none other than the woman who walked away and left him reeling. So along with him dealing with having a life changing injury, Delon also has to deal with Tori, and the feelings that he never dealt with before.
Tori is back in the area where she grew up, determined to make a life for herself, and to start team roping again, in spite of the fact that everyone knows her as a spoiled little rich girl. She is determined to keep things civil between herself and Delon, in spite of their history, and is still trying to get over the death of her husband.
As Delon and Tori get to know one another again, or for the first time, really, they realize that the other person has issues that they are dealing with, not just from their past, but with what they are going through in the present, too.
I really, truly don't understand how this author is not more popular. Her books are well written, with interesting characters.
It has been well documented, or I've lamented it long and loudly enough that it *should* be well documented, that I cannot really write a review for books that I really love. Basically, when I go to write a review, the only words that come to mind are along the lines of "me love book. Book good."
So, with that in mind, let me just say this: if you want a cowboy romance about real cowboys and cowgirls, to understand the mindset and what they go through, read this. The love, pain, frustration, determination, fortitude, sacrifice, heartbreak, training that they go through every day is in this book. The amount of commitment that they have to their job and to their sport is phenomenal, as is the strain it puts on their families and friends, and it is in this book.
There are friendships developed, romances rekindled, and family ties strengthened in this story. The small community with both the pros and cons are present. I cannot iterate enough how good the writing is, how clearly each and every character comes across, and even if you don't necessarily see anything from their perspective, you know why they are doing what they are doing. Everything makes sense in a "real world person" kind of way, which means that everyone has their foibles and their annoyances, but they actually have to figure out how to get along, just like they would in the real world.
Seriously. Read the book.
February 9, 2024
This is fast becoming an addictive series.
This book features Delon Sanchez, the father of Beni from the first book. He has been badly injured at a rodeo and generally feeling sorry for himself. He also can't believe that he is following in his older brother Gil's footsteps even now. Learning to bronc ride, falling for a rich girl way out of his league, and destroying a promising career with a stupid accident. Now he's working for the family trucking business and realising that Gil has taken control.
Tori Patterson was the rich girl that got away, the shiny daughter of the state Senator, now she's back but a whole lot different. Gone is the bronco Barbie with the bleached blonde hair and electric blue eyes, now she's quieter, less dramatic looking and Delon's new physiotherapist.
But as the mistakes of the past are brought to light can Delon and Tori make a new future under the spotlight of the press, or will pride and prejudice keep them apart once more?
I didn't think much of Delon in the first book, nothing bad, just not much personality but ho-boy he comes into his own now. I loved his drive and determination and love for his son.
Recommended for anyone who likes a slow-burn romance with lots of rodeo-style action (even though Delon can't compete because of his injury), great characters and believable storylines.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Bumped for release at other outlets.
This book features Delon Sanchez, the father of Beni from the first book. He has been badly injured at a rodeo and generally feeling sorry for himself. He also can't believe that he is following in his older brother Gil's footsteps even now. Learning to bronc ride, falling for a rich girl way out of his league, and destroying a promising career with a stupid accident. Now he's working for the family trucking business and realising that Gil has taken control.
Tori Patterson was the rich girl that got away, the shiny daughter of the state Senator, now she's back but a whole lot different. Gone is the bronco Barbie with the bleached blonde hair and electric blue eyes, now she's quieter, less dramatic looking and Delon's new physiotherapist.
But as the mistakes of the past are brought to light can Delon and Tori make a new future under the spotlight of the press, or will pride and prejudice keep them apart once more?
I didn't think much of Delon in the first book, nothing bad, just not much personality but ho-boy he comes into his own now. I loved his drive and determination and love for his son.
Recommended for anyone who likes a slow-burn romance with lots of rodeo-style action (even though Delon can't compete because of his injury), great characters and believable storylines.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Bumped for release at other outlets.
February 7, 2017
***4.5 “I seem to have run out of f*cks to give” Stars***
~ 4 Stars for Delon & Tori’s journey, .5 Stars for Shawnee, Beni, Fudge and Muella ~
After finishing Reckless in Texas there was no doubt in my mind that I’d be picking up the next book in the series. I loved the writing and characters that populated it. Admittedly I wanted Wyatt to be next up on the chopping block because, well, it’s Wyatt, but was more than happy to see what Fate would throw Delon’s way after what happened to him and I wasn’t disappointed. Tangled in Texas is more than a simple second chance romance, it’s about two people coming to terms with what Fate has thrown at them and deciding if they will take make a concerted effort to live the life they want or not.
With his bronc riding future up in the air, the family he’s made with the Jacobs clan changing it’s composition and his uncertainty of his place at Sanchez Trucking, the family business, Delon feels as if his entire world is crashing down around him and turns him into someone even he doesn’t recognize. It took me a while to warm up to Delon, I understood and empathized with the uncertainty he felt about where he was in his life, but man could he hold on to a funk like a pro. Thankfully he does pull his head out of his ass with a little help from outside forces, it’s a slow and painful process, but it happens and what is uncovered is a sweet, thoughtful, sexy man who will go that extra mile for those he cares about.
Tori has spent the majority of her life being viewed through the lens of those she is connected to instead of for who she is on her own. She has accepted that fact and rolled with it, but has also made sure to march to the beat of her own drum when she could. With the unexpected death of her husband, she has decided that it is finally time to truly stand on her own two feet and live the life she wants. I adored Tori. She was sweet, outspoken and I loved how she was doing the things that made her soul happy as she works to figure out just who she is and where she wants to be.
This is a second chance romance, but if you are expecting, and wanting, any sort of insta-ness to happen then you’ll be sorely disappointed. What goes on between Delon and Tori falls firmly on the slow burn side of the coin and I quite frankly loved that fact. They both had things they needed to sort through and were in no way ready for a romantic relationship, but thanks to their professional relationship they have the opportunity to get to know who the other is now and find that the connection they felt all those years ago hasn’t disappeared and that they really like who the other is now. But as with their first go around, communication is not their strong point, thankfully they have quite a few people ready to step in and kick some sense into them when they didn’t know they needed it. They both make mistakes and end up doing stupid things, but I loved how things worked out in the end.
As with the first book, I loved the supporting cast of characters, but my favorite this time around was Shawnee (I really do want to be her when I grow up, though I think we’ll leave the roping to her). Her lack of edit button and telling it like it is was a breath of fresh air and I am thrilled that we’ll be getting her book next. Beni was precocious as ever and Fudge and Muella’s antics had me chuckling. Wyatt, who was my favorite from Reckless, does get a little page time in this one and yet still made an impact. I loved getting to know Gil better, spending time with the Jacobs clan, and meeting Tori’s family.
The writing was engaging and though the pacing at times dragged a bit due to the inner monologuing of the characters, I can’t help but respect the author’s dedication to giving the characters time to grow and figure things out in a realistic way. While I’m not well versed in all that goes into the various rodeo events and will admit that some things went right over my head, but it’s obvious Ms. Dell knows her stuff (check out her FB page if you don’t believe me) but also knows how to bring it to vibrant life on the page. If you’re looking for a slow burn, character driven cowboy romance with well developed characters that you won’t want to say goodbye to when the book ends, then give this series a go because you won’t be sorry
~ Copy provided by the author via NetGalley ~
~ 4 Stars for Delon & Tori’s journey, .5 Stars for Shawnee, Beni, Fudge and Muella ~
After finishing Reckless in Texas there was no doubt in my mind that I’d be picking up the next book in the series. I loved the writing and characters that populated it. Admittedly I wanted Wyatt to be next up on the chopping block because, well, it’s Wyatt, but was more than happy to see what Fate would throw Delon’s way after what happened to him and I wasn’t disappointed. Tangled in Texas is more than a simple second chance romance, it’s about two people coming to terms with what Fate has thrown at them and deciding if they will take make a concerted effort to live the life they want or not.
With his bronc riding future up in the air, the family he’s made with the Jacobs clan changing it’s composition and his uncertainty of his place at Sanchez Trucking, the family business, Delon feels as if his entire world is crashing down around him and turns him into someone even he doesn’t recognize. It took me a while to warm up to Delon, I understood and empathized with the uncertainty he felt about where he was in his life, but man could he hold on to a funk like a pro. Thankfully he does pull his head out of his ass with a little help from outside forces, it’s a slow and painful process, but it happens and what is uncovered is a sweet, thoughtful, sexy man who will go that extra mile for those he cares about.
Tori has spent the majority of her life being viewed through the lens of those she is connected to instead of for who she is on her own. She has accepted that fact and rolled with it, but has also made sure to march to the beat of her own drum when she could. With the unexpected death of her husband, she has decided that it is finally time to truly stand on her own two feet and live the life she wants. I adored Tori. She was sweet, outspoken and I loved how she was doing the things that made her soul happy as she works to figure out just who she is and where she wants to be.
This is a second chance romance, but if you are expecting, and wanting, any sort of insta-ness to happen then you’ll be sorely disappointed. What goes on between Delon and Tori falls firmly on the slow burn side of the coin and I quite frankly loved that fact. They both had things they needed to sort through and were in no way ready for a romantic relationship, but thanks to their professional relationship they have the opportunity to get to know who the other is now and find that the connection they felt all those years ago hasn’t disappeared and that they really like who the other is now. But as with their first go around, communication is not their strong point, thankfully they have quite a few people ready to step in and kick some sense into them when they didn’t know they needed it. They both make mistakes and end up doing stupid things, but I loved how things worked out in the end.
As with the first book, I loved the supporting cast of characters, but my favorite this time around was Shawnee (I really do want to be her when I grow up, though I think we’ll leave the roping to her). Her lack of edit button and telling it like it is was a breath of fresh air and I am thrilled that we’ll be getting her book next. Beni was precocious as ever and Fudge and Muella’s antics had me chuckling. Wyatt, who was my favorite from Reckless, does get a little page time in this one and yet still made an impact. I loved getting to know Gil better, spending time with the Jacobs clan, and meeting Tori’s family.
The writing was engaging and though the pacing at times dragged a bit due to the inner monologuing of the characters, I can’t help but respect the author’s dedication to giving the characters time to grow and figure things out in a realistic way. While I’m not well versed in all that goes into the various rodeo events and will admit that some things went right over my head, but it’s obvious Ms. Dell knows her stuff (check out her FB page if you don’t believe me) but also knows how to bring it to vibrant life on the page. If you’re looking for a slow burn, character driven cowboy romance with well developed characters that you won’t want to say goodbye to when the book ends, then give this series a go because you won’t be sorry
~ Copy provided by the author via NetGalley ~
February 7, 2017
The biggest risk in life is heeding the heart's call. Pride tore them apart years ago, can loss bring them full circle? Tangled In Texas reads like a country song. The road of broken hearts and shattered dreams leads right to a second chance for lovebirds Deion and Tori. If the egos and pain of the past don't terminate any chance they have at a future. Will they take the chance? I volunteered to read a copy of Tangled in Texas in exchange for an honest review. This is my second time reading a Kari Lynn Dell romance and I am swept away by her display of sentiment and hope in her deeply emotive stories. She balances it out with a little light humor and how can a heart walk away from such sweet tales.
March 30, 2018
How does one give an author even higher praise with each book read for Kari Lynn Dell has truly knocked my damn socks off with this my 2nd book I’ve read by her..?? I can’t sing this author’s praises high enough!!! Kari Lynn Dell is just a flipping amazing author. I wanted so bad to hate Delon in the first book but Kari Lynn Dell has me loving and cheering this Cowboy on in book 2 Tangled in Texas of this Amazing series. I can’t say that I’ve ever been this excited over a book series before!! Thank you Kari Lynn Dell from the bottom of this book lovers heart you Rock lady!!!
November 29, 2023
This was a fantastic second-chance romance between Delon and Tori!
I fell in love with Delon from the start. A rodeo guy who had a career-ending knee injury. He is trying to decide if he can heal and get back out there, while trying to deal with his family, the mother of his son, and his new physical therapist, Tori.
This was my first book by Kari Dell and it definitely won't be the last!
I fell in love with Delon from the start. A rodeo guy who had a career-ending knee injury. He is trying to decide if he can heal and get back out there, while trying to deal with his family, the mother of his son, and his new physical therapist, Tori.
This was my first book by Kari Dell and it definitely won't be the last!
December 26, 2021
My re-listen to the Texas Rodeo series is going well. In that I am not doing a thing, just listening, sniffling, smiling. The heart ache was as acute with this one as when I read it for the first time. What great story, what great characters! And you can watch them deal with shit in the most realistic way. With friends and family at their side, being there when it is needed. Both Tori and Delon have to deal with loss, and it was heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time. Also Gill came into much better focus, and the reader realizes along with Delon, that his brother is much more than just a sarcastic a... Love that guy and look forward to his book. And Shawnee is an instant favorite. So glad she gets to be her badass self and also vulnerable and soft in her own book. The next one!
Original review from September 2019:
This was amazing! Not as many Rodeo scenes as in the first book, but those that were in there were worth while.
I enjoyed the romance, and the family stuff made me tear up again and again. I am so glad how it all worked out, and will love spending more time with these people. I am especially taken with Tori‘s new roping buddy. She had me in stitches.
This time the difficult way to the HEA did not „only“ relate to the romance, but to Delon‘s career. Will he compete again after his horrible accident?
Tori being his therapist made the situation complicated, but I felt it was handled in a way I could accept. They knew each other from before, and did decide on working together regardless.
I also really liked how her first husband was clearly a great guy whom she loved dearly.
Both main characters have to process some dramatic life changes and loss, and it was all so well written and realistic.
All the characters are well fleshed out and very different from each other. The differences between the couple from the first book to this couple even played a part in the story.
I am learning so much about the sport in this series, it is like getting the inside scoop.
I was very sad for her wonderful horse being kept by himself. The author made some jokes about it, and the descriptions were funny, but horses should never ever have to live alone. They need other horses to be content and healthy. Luckily he got his HEA too.
This series is world class. And the narration was again very, very good.
Original review from September 2019:
This was amazing! Not as many Rodeo scenes as in the first book, but those that were in there were worth while.
I enjoyed the romance, and the family stuff made me tear up again and again. I am so glad how it all worked out, and will love spending more time with these people. I am especially taken with Tori‘s new roping buddy. She had me in stitches.
This time the difficult way to the HEA did not „only“ relate to the romance, but to Delon‘s career. Will he compete again after his horrible accident?
Tori being his therapist made the situation complicated, but I felt it was handled in a way I could accept. They knew each other from before, and did decide on working together regardless.
I also really liked how her first husband was clearly a great guy whom she loved dearly.
Both main characters have to process some dramatic life changes and loss, and it was all so well written and realistic.
All the characters are well fleshed out and very different from each other. The differences between the couple from the first book to this couple even played a part in the story.
I am learning so much about the sport in this series, it is like getting the inside scoop.
I was very sad for her wonderful horse being kept by himself. The author made some jokes about it, and the descriptions were funny, but horses should never ever have to live alone. They need other horses to be content and healthy. Luckily he got his HEA too.
This series is world class. And the narration was again very, very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
Delon and Tori had this thing in College. But she thought he only wanted a good thing, and he thought a princess like her would not want a guy like him. Oh you silly children!
Now Delon's future is at stake after an accident. He has some issues to deal with there cos he wants to ride again but can't. I say that is a good thing, cos that sport sounds way too dangerous for my taste. Stay away from the broncos Delon! Anyway, he was a nice sweet guy.
Tori is the daughter of a senator, but she wanted to go her own way and that way takes her to Delon since he needs psychical therapy. I liked her, even if her story was sad. She was a widow and well it was just sad. But it was good to see her work through it and try to move on.
There is tension, romance, and family. Her family, his family, his extended family, they all have their parts to play (oh and his brother should get a book.)
I enjoyed the ride.
Narrator Johanna Parker
I liked how she did the voices, she had a nice low voice for the men and it never felt strange. And her women voices were good too. She got the Texas thing right, well at least in my head it sounded good ;) I liked listening to her and that is all I need.
Now Delon's future is at stake after an accident. He has some issues to deal with there cos he wants to ride again but can't. I say that is a good thing, cos that sport sounds way too dangerous for my taste. Stay away from the broncos Delon! Anyway, he was a nice sweet guy.
Tori is the daughter of a senator, but she wanted to go her own way and that way takes her to Delon since he needs psychical therapy. I liked her, even if her story was sad. She was a widow and well it was just sad. But it was good to see her work through it and try to move on.
There is tension, romance, and family. Her family, his family, his extended family, they all have their parts to play (oh and his brother should get a book.)
I enjoyed the ride.
Narrator Johanna Parker
I liked how she did the voices, she had a nice low voice for the men and it never felt strange. And her women voices were good too. She got the Texas thing right, well at least in my head it sounded good ;) I liked listening to her and that is all I need.
September 7, 2017
A book sure to find a place in your heart. Nothing is worse than a rodeo star getting hurt and having to sit idle. The rodeo is really all he has and to take that away thrusts Delon Sanchez into depression. His worst fear is realized and he has to face the possibility he may never ride or compete again. Enter a former flame he never got over. Tori Patterson gets him on the road to recovery and in the process finds the spark is still there and their love still burns. While this is a little darker than the first book Reckless in Texas, it has lots of humor scattered throughout. Shawnee Pickett is priceless! I love that woman. She's loud and a bit rough around the edges but she's hiding softness underneath. You'll love this book and when it's over, you'll reach for the third one as I did. Way to go, Kari Lynn Dell!
January 26, 2017
4.5 stars.
Tangled in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell is a delightfully charming second chance at love romance between an injured bronc rider and a physical therapist. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Texas Rodeo series, it can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend the previous novel as well.
With his rodeo career hanging in the balance, Delon Sanchez is determined to do whatever it takes to regain mobility in his injured kneee. Stunned to discover that his new physical therapist is Tori Patterson, the woman he had a fling with seven years earlier, he tries to put aside his reservations in order to achieve his goals. At the same time he is trying to rehabilitate his knee, Delon is trying to come to terms with the fact that Violet Jacobs, the mother of his son, Beni, is involved in a serious relationship with bullfighter Joe Cassidy. Watching his dream of the three of them eventually becoming a family disappear, Delon is already angry and bitter as he tries to understand where he fits in his family-owned trucking business. With so many difficult changes occuring his life, is Delon in any position to act on his still simmering attraction to Tori?
The daughter of a well-liked Texas Senator, Tori managed to escape the limelight when she married Wyoming roper, Willy Hancock. A year and a half after Willy's death, she moves back to the TX Panhandle in order to live a quiet life out of the public eye while she still continues grieving his loss. In her years away from Texas, Tori has really come into her own and she is now a little outspoken and a whole lot more confident. Still a little numb from the sudden death of her beloved husband, she is shocked out of her comfortable and rather sterile life when she becomes reacquainted with Delon. Tori is no longer content to sit back and quietly accept whatever he is willing to give but is Delon ready to stop playing it safe and risk his heart?
Although both Delon and Tori have moved on since their relationship abruptly ended years earlier, they are both quite stunned to discover their burning hot desire has not waned. However, when they first meet again, neither of them is ready to do act on their passion. Tori is still picking up the pieces of her life, but emotionally, she is in a much better than Delon is at this point. He is not much for introspection so Delon ignores his feelings about the things that are bothering him. However, with so many changes in his life out of his control, his anger is eating away at him. Unwilling to concede that his expectation of becoming a "real" family with Violet and Beni has always been unreasonable, Delon is feeling displaced and out of sorts as Violet's relationship with Joe continues.
Meanwhile, an unexpected situation with Tori's family thrusts her back into the public eye just as she and Delon begin dating. As they find themselves falling back into a familiar pattern, Tori continues to coast along without making too many changes to her life. She is much more outspoken about what she wants but her inertia is doing just as much harm to their fledgling romance as Delon's unconscious decision to play it safe is. Their unresolved issues, individual insecurities and an unwillingness to honestly and openly discuss their needs and desires eventually becomes a huge obstacle. Will Tori and Delon be able to repair the damage to their relationship before it is too late? Or will their emotional baggage prevent them from making the changes they need to live happily ever after?
Tangled in Texas is another well-written and charming addition to the Texas Rodeo series. Once again, Kari Lynn Dell pairs up two emotionally wounded and somewhat vulnerable characters with realistic problems to overcome. Flawed yet immensely appealing, Delon and Tori are endearing protagonists that are easy to like and root for. Old and news fans are going to absolutely love this sweet yet very sensual contemporary Western romance.
Tangled in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell is a delightfully charming second chance at love romance between an injured bronc rider and a physical therapist. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Texas Rodeo series, it can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend the previous novel as well.
With his rodeo career hanging in the balance, Delon Sanchez is determined to do whatever it takes to regain mobility in his injured kneee. Stunned to discover that his new physical therapist is Tori Patterson, the woman he had a fling with seven years earlier, he tries to put aside his reservations in order to achieve his goals. At the same time he is trying to rehabilitate his knee, Delon is trying to come to terms with the fact that Violet Jacobs, the mother of his son, Beni, is involved in a serious relationship with bullfighter Joe Cassidy. Watching his dream of the three of them eventually becoming a family disappear, Delon is already angry and bitter as he tries to understand where he fits in his family-owned trucking business. With so many difficult changes occuring his life, is Delon in any position to act on his still simmering attraction to Tori?
The daughter of a well-liked Texas Senator, Tori managed to escape the limelight when she married Wyoming roper, Willy Hancock. A year and a half after Willy's death, she moves back to the TX Panhandle in order to live a quiet life out of the public eye while she still continues grieving his loss. In her years away from Texas, Tori has really come into her own and she is now a little outspoken and a whole lot more confident. Still a little numb from the sudden death of her beloved husband, she is shocked out of her comfortable and rather sterile life when she becomes reacquainted with Delon. Tori is no longer content to sit back and quietly accept whatever he is willing to give but is Delon ready to stop playing it safe and risk his heart?
Although both Delon and Tori have moved on since their relationship abruptly ended years earlier, they are both quite stunned to discover their burning hot desire has not waned. However, when they first meet again, neither of them is ready to do act on their passion. Tori is still picking up the pieces of her life, but emotionally, she is in a much better than Delon is at this point. He is not much for introspection so Delon ignores his feelings about the things that are bothering him. However, with so many changes in his life out of his control, his anger is eating away at him. Unwilling to concede that his expectation of becoming a "real" family with Violet and Beni has always been unreasonable, Delon is feeling displaced and out of sorts as Violet's relationship with Joe continues.
Meanwhile, an unexpected situation with Tori's family thrusts her back into the public eye just as she and Delon begin dating. As they find themselves falling back into a familiar pattern, Tori continues to coast along without making too many changes to her life. She is much more outspoken about what she wants but her inertia is doing just as much harm to their fledgling romance as Delon's unconscious decision to play it safe is. Their unresolved issues, individual insecurities and an unwillingness to honestly and openly discuss their needs and desires eventually becomes a huge obstacle. Will Tori and Delon be able to repair the damage to their relationship before it is too late? Or will their emotional baggage prevent them from making the changes they need to live happily ever after?
Tangled in Texas is another well-written and charming addition to the Texas Rodeo series. Once again, Kari Lynn Dell pairs up two emotionally wounded and somewhat vulnerable characters with realistic problems to overcome. Flawed yet immensely appealing, Delon and Tori are endearing protagonists that are easy to like and root for. Old and news fans are going to absolutely love this sweet yet very sensual contemporary Western romance.
February 15, 2024
*3.5 Stars rounded up to 4*
As a girl who loves rodeo and lived in Texas for a little while, I was so excited to get approved for this NetGalley ARC and for the most part, I enjoyed the story: a small-town romance, a second chance at love, FWB to lovers (not a trope I read often). Tangled in Texas is a slow burn standalone romance that had a lot of depth and was both character- and plot-driven. Throughout the story, we see a lot of emphasis on working on personal issues and moving on from past mistakes. Tori and Delon each must work through their own problems of loss and grief, family drama, and injuries that could mean hanging up your boots for good.
I chose to rate it 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars because it was just too much of a slow burn for me. There was a ton of backstory, which adds to the relationship aspect of the plot and shows that it isn’t just lust in our main characters’ eyes, but the book took longer for me to read because it was so slow. I was hoping for something a little faster-paced. One thing I beyond loved about the book was the rodeo focus where readers are almost taught about the ins and outs of rodeo – how it works, the practice that goes into the sports, how high the stakes are, the potential injuries, etc. Kari Lynn Dell made it a point to not only touch on rodeo but really give readers a front row view into the rodeo sports and how these riders depend on rodeos as their livelihood.
Something I Noticed: At the end of the book, it’s mentioned that it was Delon’s first-time having sex without a condom, but he has a son and it’s implied that the son isn’t from a “the condom broke” situation but from a “there was no condom” event. This isn’t a huge deal but was an inconsistency I noticed and I was wondering if anyone else noticed it too.
Recommend?
While it was a slower burn romance for me, I definitely recommend it if you love rodeo or are interested in rodeo, like a slow romance, and don’t want a lot of spicy romance. It was an overall cute read and I plan on going back and reading the other five books in the series.
As a girl who loves rodeo and lived in Texas for a little while, I was so excited to get approved for this NetGalley ARC and for the most part, I enjoyed the story: a small-town romance, a second chance at love, FWB to lovers (not a trope I read often). Tangled in Texas is a slow burn standalone romance that had a lot of depth and was both character- and plot-driven. Throughout the story, we see a lot of emphasis on working on personal issues and moving on from past mistakes. Tori and Delon each must work through their own problems of loss and grief, family drama, and injuries that could mean hanging up your boots for good.
I chose to rate it 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars because it was just too much of a slow burn for me. There was a ton of backstory, which adds to the relationship aspect of the plot and shows that it isn’t just lust in our main characters’ eyes, but the book took longer for me to read because it was so slow. I was hoping for something a little faster-paced. One thing I beyond loved about the book was the rodeo focus where readers are almost taught about the ins and outs of rodeo – how it works, the practice that goes into the sports, how high the stakes are, the potential injuries, etc. Kari Lynn Dell made it a point to not only touch on rodeo but really give readers a front row view into the rodeo sports and how these riders depend on rodeos as their livelihood.
Something I Noticed: At the end of the book, it’s mentioned that it was Delon’s first-time having sex without a condom, but he has a son and it’s implied that the son isn’t from a “the condom broke” situation but from a “there was no condom” event. This isn’t a huge deal but was an inconsistency I noticed and I was wondering if anyone else noticed it too.
Recommend?
While it was a slower burn romance for me, I definitely recommend it if you love rodeo or are interested in rodeo, like a slow romance, and don’t want a lot of spicy romance. It was an overall cute read and I plan on going back and reading the other five books in the series.
Read
May 3, 2019I thought I had already written a review for this one (since I'm now on Book 5), but I guess I didn't. I don't remember a whole lot about the book other than it was a decent read.
Tori and Delon were both stubborn, although Tori had a lot more to lose than Delon it seemed. Tori was the daughter of a popular U.S. Senator and her husband had died a year or so before she moved back to Texas. She was guarded, and rightfully so. Delon was injured during a rodeo in the previous book and he's back home licking his wounds and trying to recover - he was feeling pretty sorry for himself and it was really sad to see him go into that depressed state. He and Tori had a fling when they were college-age and that ended abruptly. Then Delon got Violet pregnant and now the cute Beni is in the picture. So when he discovers that Tori is his new physical therapist, he's not sure what to think, but she's his only chance at recovery and getting back to his old rodeo self.
They have chemistry and it's obvious that their feelings never went away despite all the years between. They were each other's first heartbreak it seems, but they both try to keep their distance and not get too attached. Eventually they come to their senses and get their HEA and it's cute to see how Tori plays a role in Beni's life.
I loved Tori's dad - he turned out to be an awesome guy (and proves himself useful in later books in the series).
Tori and Delon were both stubborn, although Tori had a lot more to lose than Delon it seemed. Tori was the daughter of a popular U.S. Senator and her husband had died a year or so before she moved back to Texas. She was guarded, and rightfully so. Delon was injured during a rodeo in the previous book and he's back home licking his wounds and trying to recover - he was feeling pretty sorry for himself and it was really sad to see him go into that depressed state. He and Tori had a fling when they were college-age and that ended abruptly. Then Delon got Violet pregnant and now the cute Beni is in the picture. So when he discovers that Tori is his new physical therapist, he's not sure what to think, but she's his only chance at recovery and getting back to his old rodeo self.
They have chemistry and it's obvious that their feelings never went away despite all the years between. They were each other's first heartbreak it seems, but they both try to keep their distance and not get too attached. Eventually they come to their senses and get their HEA and it's cute to see how Tori plays a role in Beni's life.
I loved Tori's dad - he turned out to be an awesome guy (and proves himself useful in later books in the series).
January 30, 2024
My sweet country heart exploded!
This second chance love story was too sweet to let go of.
A little slow in the beginning as we got to know Delon and Tori. Their dynamics, their damage and especially their hearts.
Delon is a prickly one having torn his knee apart in a horrific rodeo accident. Tori is coming home heartbroken after her “normal” husband died saving a group of school children. Coming back together after years apart they need to find more than just the magic. They need to find the staying power.
Add a 6 year old given a whistle, a best-friend turned coparent, her new man, a surely brother, an ambitious mother and a senator dad that just wants the best for his babies and you’ve got a recipe for meddling, needling, and sweet sweet love.
This book was a little slow off the hop. But once it moved, I couldn’t put it down. The writing was beautiful, the imagery was simply stunning and the characters were naturally loveable. Even the damned barn cat!
If you love rodeo and cowboys and broken men (and women) who just need fixing… this is the story for you!
This second chance love story was too sweet to let go of.
A little slow in the beginning as we got to know Delon and Tori. Their dynamics, their damage and especially their hearts.
Delon is a prickly one having torn his knee apart in a horrific rodeo accident. Tori is coming home heartbroken after her “normal” husband died saving a group of school children. Coming back together after years apart they need to find more than just the magic. They need to find the staying power.
Add a 6 year old given a whistle, a best-friend turned coparent, her new man, a surely brother, an ambitious mother and a senator dad that just wants the best for his babies and you’ve got a recipe for meddling, needling, and sweet sweet love.
This book was a little slow off the hop. But once it moved, I couldn’t put it down. The writing was beautiful, the imagery was simply stunning and the characters were naturally loveable. Even the damned barn cat!
If you love rodeo and cowboys and broken men (and women) who just need fixing… this is the story for you!
February 19, 2018
Wow, Kari Lynn Dell, draws you in and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. Not only does she know rodeos front to back, she knows relationships and emotions. Just when you think it can't get any better it does.
Relationships are hard when things are going right, but put in a hurt cowboy, his son, his son's mother and the changes in her life, old girlfriends, nosy neighbors, small town gossip, Jealousy, old loves that have become current loves, family, rivals that become friends and you have one awesome book. I have been left wanting more and more.
Relationships are hard when things are going right, but put in a hurt cowboy, his son, his son's mother and the changes in her life, old girlfriends, nosy neighbors, small town gossip, Jealousy, old loves that have become current loves, family, rivals that become friends and you have one awesome book. I have been left wanting more and more.
May 4, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up.
🤠I really liked this one. Two adults having a second chance after a miscommunication, or rather lack of communication, separated them for 7 years? Plus dealing with their own personal journeys and struggles? Mostly acting like adults?
I’m here for it. Definitely be delving more into this series.
It was “long” (400 pages) but I never had a moment where I was begging them to get to the point. This is very very slow burn though so you gotta be in it for the long haul. The tension. The boundaries. I loved it.
🤠I really liked this one. Two adults having a second chance after a miscommunication, or rather lack of communication, separated them for 7 years? Plus dealing with their own personal journeys and struggles? Mostly acting like adults?
I’m here for it. Definitely be delving more into this series.
It was “long” (400 pages) but I never had a moment where I was begging them to get to the point. This is very very slow burn though so you gotta be in it for the long haul. The tension. The boundaries. I loved it.
November 14, 2023
I cannot get enough of the Western/rodeo romance story. Dell's latest triumphant work doesn't help this new obsession at all. Delon and Tori's romance was perfectly paced. I wasn't shaking my head is judgement during this read which makes it better than the average romance. Good time read.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
this book is 451 pages long, and I never felt bored during this love story. Second chance love story done perfectly. Loved the setting and everything surrounding Delon’s return to the rodeo. Also, the author died of ovarian cancer after writing this series so I feel like I need to read the other 5 books.
February 23, 2018
A lovely tale of lack of communication, insecurity, bad advice, dysfunctional families and love that won't go away. Throw in rodeo riders, wealth and media to make it even more interesting. This one is a 4.5. Now I need to buy the first, which I missed.
June 27, 2025
Once they both got their heads mostly out of their asses at 50% it picked up for me. Great character development all around.
September 30, 2025
this author has such a knack for making me forget i’m reading. these characters are so real - their problems relatable - their resolution deeply satisfying. and man alive does she nail rodeo.
February 6, 2017
There were times in this book when I got so angry and frustrated on Delon’s behalf that I almost had to give up. Yes, he’s not always acting in a mature fashion, but after everything he’s recently lost, there were a few people who could have been a bit more understanding. Or more thoughtful. I stuck with it, because I cared about Delon and I wanted him to find a way through his accident to happiness. And I’m so glad I did, because while it wrung me out emotionally at times, I really enjoyed this book.
Delon has gone through life being the good guy, the calm, quiet one who never makes a fuss. Because he knows making a fuss doesn’t get him anywhere. He has his plans and while his dreams might not be as wild and great as some, he’s happy with his life. Until a rodeo accident takes it all away from him in one fell swoop. The family he once made himself a part of doesn’t have room for him anymore, the future job he always planned to take now belongs to his brother, even his son thinks his mom’s new boyfriend is more fun than his dad these days. And on top of all of this, Delon’s injury might well have ended his rodeo career.
To say he’s dealing with a lot in this book would be an understatement. He’s been put through an emotional wringer and is badly wounded by all of it. He’s no longer the person he used to be and he’s struggling to adjust. True, others around him have their own troubles – and perhaps if I’d read the previous book I might have been more sympathetic (towards Violet in particular, because I really didn’t like her most of the time) – but there were times I wanted several people to just stop, think about things and give Delon a little bit of a break. Yes, he behaves badly, but there are provocations throughout. Violet in particular knows just what buttons to push.
Then there’s Tori, who has her own tricky history with Delon, but who has seen sides of him he’s never dared to show anyone else. On the surface there are many differences between them, not least because she comes from a wealthy family, but they have plenty of similarities too. She has spent her whole life longing to be part of something, while Delon has always hidden who he really is in order to fit in. They’re both troubled and guarded, emotionally wounded and not looking for anything deep and meaningful, yet they’re also a perfect match. They understand each other better than anyone else and connect so easily.
I loved reading about their relationship, even if there were times when I wanted them both to relax and let go a little further. They don’t make things easy for themselves, and nor do certain people in their lives, but it made everything so much more satisfying when they worked.
There’s also a wider cast of characters keeping things interesting around them. I particularly loved Delon’s son, but I liked his brooding older brother too and found Tori’s father and sister quite intriguing.
In all I enjoyed this. It isn’t always easy emotionally and it made me feel angry on several occasions, but that’s because I was so invested in the characters and cared about what happened to them. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this series. I can’t wait to see who is up next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Delon has gone through life being the good guy, the calm, quiet one who never makes a fuss. Because he knows making a fuss doesn’t get him anywhere. He has his plans and while his dreams might not be as wild and great as some, he’s happy with his life. Until a rodeo accident takes it all away from him in one fell swoop. The family he once made himself a part of doesn’t have room for him anymore, the future job he always planned to take now belongs to his brother, even his son thinks his mom’s new boyfriend is more fun than his dad these days. And on top of all of this, Delon’s injury might well have ended his rodeo career.
To say he’s dealing with a lot in this book would be an understatement. He’s been put through an emotional wringer and is badly wounded by all of it. He’s no longer the person he used to be and he’s struggling to adjust. True, others around him have their own troubles – and perhaps if I’d read the previous book I might have been more sympathetic (towards Violet in particular, because I really didn’t like her most of the time) – but there were times I wanted several people to just stop, think about things and give Delon a little bit of a break. Yes, he behaves badly, but there are provocations throughout. Violet in particular knows just what buttons to push.
Then there’s Tori, who has her own tricky history with Delon, but who has seen sides of him he’s never dared to show anyone else. On the surface there are many differences between them, not least because she comes from a wealthy family, but they have plenty of similarities too. She has spent her whole life longing to be part of something, while Delon has always hidden who he really is in order to fit in. They’re both troubled and guarded, emotionally wounded and not looking for anything deep and meaningful, yet they’re also a perfect match. They understand each other better than anyone else and connect so easily.
I loved reading about their relationship, even if there were times when I wanted them both to relax and let go a little further. They don’t make things easy for themselves, and nor do certain people in their lives, but it made everything so much more satisfying when they worked.
There’s also a wider cast of characters keeping things interesting around them. I particularly loved Delon’s son, but I liked his brooding older brother too and found Tori’s father and sister quite intriguing.
In all I enjoyed this. It isn’t always easy emotionally and it made me feel angry on several occasions, but that’s because I was so invested in the characters and cared about what happened to them. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this series. I can’t wait to see who is up next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
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