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Texas Soul #1
Texas Rough
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B008P4LC14
For previous cover edition see here
Lane Daniels loves his job, working as a foreman on the south Texas ranch gives him the type of satisfaction he’s always craved, but the owner of Crazy Hills ranch, Gresh Hamilton Miller the third, has woven his way under Lane’s skin, leaving Lane crazy for the man’s touch. But doing the boss is out of the question.
Gresh wants more from Lane than his ability to handle livestock, he wants it all. Lane won’t give him the time of day so he forces the issue, setting up a date that Lane believes to be a business meeting. Alone together, Lane and Gresh ignite in a flash of passion.
Just when it feels like there could be something more between Lane and Gresh, the new doctor in town, Riley, sets his sights on Lane. Riley chases hard after him, insinuating himself in Lane’s life, highlighting Gresh’s faults. But Gresh won’t give up without a fight. Will Lane and Gresh be able to survive the intrusion, or will Riley be the one walking away with Lane's heart?
For previous cover edition see here
Lane Daniels loves his job, working as a foreman on the south Texas ranch gives him the type of satisfaction he’s always craved, but the owner of Crazy Hills ranch, Gresh Hamilton Miller the third, has woven his way under Lane’s skin, leaving Lane crazy for the man’s touch. But doing the boss is out of the question.
Gresh wants more from Lane than his ability to handle livestock, he wants it all. Lane won’t give him the time of day so he forces the issue, setting up a date that Lane believes to be a business meeting. Alone together, Lane and Gresh ignite in a flash of passion.
Just when it feels like there could be something more between Lane and Gresh, the new doctor in town, Riley, sets his sights on Lane. Riley chases hard after him, insinuating himself in Lane’s life, highlighting Gresh’s faults. But Gresh won’t give up without a fight. Will Lane and Gresh be able to survive the intrusion, or will Riley be the one walking away with Lane's heart?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2012
135 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Sara York
153 books567 followersSara York, the author of Colorado Wild, twists words together to create worlds where characters make good and bad decisions that don't always work out so well. Romance and books have been a part of Sara York's life since learning to read. Sara York is a trans-male author writing gay romance. Coming out is the best decision Sara York has made. Live your life out loud. Sara York encourages you to be yourself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
September 25, 2017
I was in the mood for a quick sexy cowboy read, and this seemed to fit the bill. I was a little put off by the author’s writing style. It was choppy, and the dialogue at times was cheesy. But the story and the MCs were interesting enough to hold my interest. I did roll my eyes at some of the soap opera drama, but I couldn’t stop reading. I loved that Gresh was so jealous and possessive of Lane. I’ll admit it’s one of my guilty pleasures when I read MMR.
I do intend to continue with this series, and I hope that writing improves. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve noticed a great improvement in an author’s writing with each installment to a series.
I do intend to continue with this series, and I hope that writing improves. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve noticed a great improvement in an author’s writing with each installment to a series.
January 27, 2014
***Almost DNF and skimmed through the last half of the book***
I won't do an in-depth review, because I would just be ranting and raving, and that doesn't do anyone any good. I know this is the first book in a series, so perhaps the plot redeems itself, but somehow I doubt it.
The underlying flaw is the writing. It's staccato, choppy, and amateurish. The characters act randomly and are bizarrely reactive. The dialogue felt wooden, and the relationship building was nonexistent. The final nail in the coffin was the love triangle between Lane/Gresh/Riley. The way Lane acted around Riley, letting Riley grope him, made me completely question his supposed love for Gresh.
This was like an 80s soap opera gone terribly wrong. Thank the gods I picked this up for free on Amazon.
I won't do an in-depth review, because I would just be ranting and raving, and that doesn't do anyone any good. I know this is the first book in a series, so perhaps the plot redeems itself, but somehow I doubt it.
The underlying flaw is the writing. It's staccato, choppy, and amateurish. The characters act randomly and are bizarrely reactive. The dialogue felt wooden, and the relationship building was nonexistent. The final nail in the coffin was the love triangle between Lane/Gresh/Riley. The way Lane acted around Riley, letting Riley grope him, made me completely question his supposed love for Gresh.
This was like an 80s soap opera gone terribly wrong. Thank the gods I picked this up for free on Amazon.
maybe-not
January 21, 2014Kindle freebie 1/20/14!
September 23, 2012
2.5 stars
I didn't really like this book... but then I did. I can't resist cowboys especially damaged cowboys and Lane is just that. After being burned by a past lover, joining the army and getting injured, he's now the foreman on a ranch. I liked that he was still broken up about all that happened to him and I liked that he lusted after the owner's son, Gresh.
I liked Gresh, too. I felt like his attraction was genuine and that he really did care for Lane. He's a bit forceful but Lane seemed to crave and enjoy that and it was kind of hot seeing that take place in the bedroom. Although there was way too much sex, IMO. Although I liked how their relationship developed because I found some moments very cute.
What I didn't like about the story was the whole love-triangle. Riley, a doctor, really annoyed me and I honestly hate him. He can't take no for an answer and keeps pushing and pushing Lane to test his 'love' for Gresh. I just grew annoyed with the direction this book took. I didn't like the constant occurrence of how Lane was attracted to Riley even though he loved Gresh. And I didn't like how Lane just let Riley grope and kiss him constantly. I didn't like that Riley kept pursuing Lane even after he knew Gresh and him were in a relationship. I also felt like the ending was way out of place. Gresh's father's reaction to it all just didn't add up to the chaos he caused in Gresh's life. I also felt like I was missing something in the epilogue.
All in all, not a bad story exactly. I loved the beginning but really hated the second half. It just went downhill after Lane met Riley, IMO. At this point, I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel or not. I'm just too annoyed at Riley.
I didn't really like this book... but then I did. I can't resist cowboys especially damaged cowboys and Lane is just that. After being burned by a past lover, joining the army and getting injured, he's now the foreman on a ranch. I liked that he was still broken up about all that happened to him and I liked that he lusted after the owner's son, Gresh.
I liked Gresh, too. I felt like his attraction was genuine and that he really did care for Lane. He's a bit forceful but Lane seemed to crave and enjoy that and it was kind of hot seeing that take place in the bedroom. Although there was way too much sex, IMO. Although I liked how their relationship developed because I found some moments very cute.
What I didn't like about the story was the whole love-triangle. Riley, a doctor, really annoyed me and I honestly hate him. He can't take no for an answer and keeps pushing and pushing Lane to test his 'love' for Gresh. I just grew annoyed with the direction this book took. I didn't like the constant occurrence of how Lane was attracted to Riley even though he loved Gresh. And I didn't like how Lane just let Riley grope and kiss him constantly. I didn't like that Riley kept pursuing Lane even after he knew Gresh and him were in a relationship. I also felt like the ending was way out of place. Gresh's father's reaction to it all just didn't add up to the chaos he caused in Gresh's life. I also felt like I was missing something in the epilogue.
All in all, not a bad story exactly. I loved the beginning but really hated the second half. It just went downhill after Lane met Riley, IMO. At this point, I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel or not. I'm just too annoyed at Riley.
January 23, 2013
After getting a not helpful vote on my last review of this book I looked at it more closely and realised it was quite flip and unfair in so much that I made fun of the story instead of just saying, in plain simple terms, why I didn't really enjoy it. So I've decided to rewrite it and give more solid reasons why I still rate it as a 2*. I will probably still get unhelpful votes but I'd rather get them for a more down to earth review.This actually had the makings of a decent cowboy romance but as the story progressed I found myself suspending belief more and more at the way these so called grown men where acting. In my first review I likened them to teenage girls and the way they would act, I still hold to that belief. Riley in particular and his weird jealousy, his possessiveness of Lane after only knowing him after so short a time after meeting him was ridiculous and a bit too creepy. In fact the whole Lane /Riley aspect of the story was a big part of my non enjoyment of the book . The misunderstandings were silly and could have been resolved if only as adults they had talked but no, again it was more like Kids being petty. There is a lot of pretty explicit sex too, but for me it got repetitive and boring after a while. It was like reading a m/m version of the more cheesy mills and boon romances that I read many years ago. In respect to the book it has an easy smooth writing style and for the price a decent length but the plot just got a little too silly and some of the dialogue did have me rolling my eyes.
August 11, 2012
Well....I suppose it was worth the $0.99 I paid for it. That's about the best I can say. The basic setup wasn't too bad, but the writing was awkward and amateur and the plotting threw in nearly every cliche it could think of, plus
"Everyone disbursed" -- no, they dispersed
"port cache" -- nope, that's a porte cochere
"bales of laughter" -- actually, that would be gales of laughter
One big gripe I had throughout -- there was way too much demeaning of Lane. He is repeatedly described by two other characters with words like "adorable", "cute", "beautiful", and "innocent". And "babe", "honey", "sweetheart", and so on are constantly flying right and left. Guys, he's a RANCH FOREMAN, not some kewpie doll! I guess this is the first time I've ever seen a ranch foreman treated like a chick-with-brick character. Oh, and: Yeah right!
"Everyone disbursed" -- no, they dispersed
"port cache" -- nope, that's a porte cochere
"bales of laughter" -- actually, that would be gales of laughter
One big gripe I had throughout -- there was way too much demeaning of Lane. He is repeatedly described by two other characters with words like "adorable", "cute", "beautiful", and "innocent". And "babe", "honey", "sweetheart", and so on are constantly flying right and left. Guys, he's a RANCH FOREMAN, not some kewpie doll! I guess this is the first time I've ever seen a ranch foreman treated like a chick-with-brick character. Oh, and: Yeah right!
January 24, 2019
This was the first book in a new series too me. Lane Daniels loves his job, working as a foreman on the south Texas ranch gives him the type of satisfaction that he craves. Gresh Hamilton Miller is the owner of Crazy Hills ranch and he has gotten under his skin. Gresh has always wanted Lane and he is tired of waiting so he sets up a date with him. Just when things begin to happen for these two the new doctor in town sets his sights on Lane and Riley is not taking no for an answer. This was a good read that I liked two hot cowboys. I wanted more backstory on both of these men and more of them getting to know one another but I guess since Lane has worked for Gesh for awhile he knew him. The sex scenes in this book were hot. This was a good read this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 19, 2012
It's a nice book by itself. However, I have to evaluate it as part of the trilogy as what happen later would seriously affect the way you see the characters in this book.
The following review covers the Texas Trilogy (as the author herself calls them). The reason is they're closely related, wrapped in the third book.
The following review covers the Texas Trilogy (as the author herself calls them). The reason is they're closely related, wrapped in the third book.
January 1, 2015
★★☆☆☆
Meh. Lane has had the hots for his boss, Gresh, not knowing his feelings are returned. However, Lane and Gresh are in the closet, Lane for probably good reason after but I don't know. You know when you're reading m/m and it almost feels like you're reading an m/f, they just switched the f to an m but it still reads as an m/f. That's how I felt about this story.
It was insta-love which I'm ok with - they had known each other for a while, but the 'baby/e', 'sweetheart', 'honey' got a little on my nerves (ironically I don't mind endearments in Sean Michael books but it irritated me here). I probably should have dnfed it but thankfully it wasn't too terribly long, (although it felt like it). Read at your own risk :)
Meh. Lane has had the hots for his boss, Gresh, not knowing his feelings are returned. However, Lane and Gresh are in the closet, Lane for probably good reason after but I don't know. You know when you're reading m/m and it almost feels like you're reading an m/f, they just switched the f to an m but it still reads as an m/f. That's how I felt about this story.
It was insta-love which I'm ok with - they had known each other for a while, but the 'baby/e', 'sweetheart', 'honey' got a little on my nerves (ironically I don't mind endearments in Sean Michael books but it irritated me here). I probably should have dnfed it but thankfully it wasn't too terribly long, (although it felt like it). Read at your own risk :)
July 12, 2018
Hated it so much. It was extremely predictable and the characters didn't behave like actual people would. The ending drama comes out of nowhere and matters exactly ZERO to the characters long term. All the anticipated drama with the father, happens between the last chapter and the epilogue....off page and already resolved. Just fail fail fail fail.
August 28, 2019
2.5 Stars
The positives in this book were really the characters individually. I actually liked Gresh and Lane as a couple. I liked the first half of the book of their coming together and finding each other in spite of being in the closet. Their's a lot of sex and this story leans very heavily towards the erotica side with a bunch of it, but it's pretty hot sex.
On the negative was all of the excess storylines that all felt very halfhearted. They were all started and not very well fleshed out so they kind of just existed and had things happen without ever being given enough attention. Too many ideas not enough attention to any one of them. Dad issues end up being pretty non-existantly solved. Strange "suspense" violence stuff, out of nowhere. Homophobic area, in the closet guys, but meh, it's cool. And I HATED the Riley elements. He was way to aggressive and not respectful of Gresh and Lane's relationship. Every time he showed up I had to grit my teeth and it made me like Lane less for how much freedom he allowed Riley with his person.
The strange thing is I remember liking this series and I own all the books. I'm hoping if I continue the re-read to track it all here on GR (read it before I discovered GR) that the series will get better.
The positives in this book were really the characters individually. I actually liked Gresh and Lane as a couple. I liked the first half of the book of their coming together and finding each other in spite of being in the closet. Their's a lot of sex and this story leans very heavily towards the erotica side with a bunch of it, but it's pretty hot sex.
On the negative was all of the excess storylines that all felt very halfhearted. They were all started and not very well fleshed out so they kind of just existed and had things happen without ever being given enough attention. Too many ideas not enough attention to any one of them. Dad issues end up being pretty non-existantly solved. Strange "suspense" violence stuff, out of nowhere. Homophobic area, in the closet guys, but meh, it's cool. And I HATED the Riley elements. He was way to aggressive and not respectful of Gresh and Lane's relationship. Every time he showed up I had to grit my teeth and it made me like Lane less for how much freedom he allowed Riley with his person.
The strange thing is I remember liking this series and I own all the books. I'm hoping if I continue the re-read to track it all here on GR (read it before I discovered GR) that the series will get better.
May 3, 2016
Okay, what the flying f#ck?
It started off okay. For the first half or so of the book, I was thinking 3 stars.
Then it started going down hill. To the point that I was hoping Lane tossed Gresh aside and went for the Doctor. So, then I was thinking 2 stars.
Then the ending....Killed it all.
REALLY!!!! Flying Flaming Monkey Shit, WTF? Ridiculous.
And the epilogue didn't help matters. Finally the scars have a resolution. Which was LAME! And what happened between Gresh and his father? Do either of them still have jobs?
The ending left me pissed that I hadn't dnf'd before it got out of hand. I just wasn't expecting it to drop from mildly entertaining, to making me want to scream.
It started off okay. For the first half or so of the book, I was thinking 3 stars.
Then it started going down hill. To the point that I was hoping Lane tossed Gresh aside and went for the Doctor. So, then I was thinking 2 stars.
Then the ending....Killed it all.
REALLY!!!! Flying Flaming Monkey Shit, WTF? Ridiculous.
And the epilogue didn't help matters. Finally the scars have a resolution. Which was LAME! And what happened between Gresh and his father? Do either of them still have jobs?
The ending left me pissed that I hadn't dnf'd before it got out of hand. I just wasn't expecting it to drop from mildly entertaining, to making me want to scream.
February 19, 2021
Ah Sara York. This author truly does have a way with words, and so far I've found all of their novels a bit on the 'rougher' side, if that makes sense? As in: I grew up with five brothers and the way York's characters relate reminds me so much of the way they communicated. Gruff and graphic and a little crass most of the time.
They have super raunchy sex too. The characters in York's novels, obviously, not my brothers.
Good, solid story with a real slice of life feel - closeted gay men trying to make it in South Texas.
I'm on a Kale Williams kick - he does a great job with this one. Four stars for him!
thank you to the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook
They have super raunchy sex too. The characters in York's novels, obviously, not my brothers.
Good, solid story with a real slice of life feel - closeted gay men trying to make it in South Texas.
I'm on a Kale Williams kick - he does a great job with this one. Four stars for him!
thank you to the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook
July 26, 2022
Overly sentimental cowboy friends to lovers story.
3.25 stars
While solid in theory, I found the overusage of flowery and repetitive prose quite distracting. No two gay men I've ever known, let alone cowboys, spoke to each other in the manner these two do. The heat level is off the rails, distracting from what otherwise would have been a much improved plot. Instead, the author chose to go with semi-masculine MCs that, when in close proximity to one another, resulted in them pawing each other or having sexual relations.
The story had minimal humor, too many swoonworthy moments and triggers of homophobia, past physical abuse, rage and jealousy.
I was hoping for more from this book, but was instead disappointed by the areas listed above.
3.25 stars
While solid in theory, I found the overusage of flowery and repetitive prose quite distracting. No two gay men I've ever known, let alone cowboys, spoke to each other in the manner these two do. The heat level is off the rails, distracting from what otherwise would have been a much improved plot. Instead, the author chose to go with semi-masculine MCs that, when in close proximity to one another, resulted in them pawing each other or having sexual relations.
The story had minimal humor, too many swoonworthy moments and triggers of homophobia, past physical abuse, rage and jealousy.
I was hoping for more from this book, but was instead disappointed by the areas listed above.
January 19, 2014
Une chaude et sexy romance dans l'univers des ranchs. Voilà deux hommes qu'à priori tout oppose, le cow boy contremaître d'un côté, le riche texan fils à papa de l'autre, que le désir et la passion vont embraser. En fait, ils se ressemblent beaucoup, ces deux hommes, sans le savoir. Ils sont tous les deux entravés par des chaînes dont ils peinent à se défaire, souvenir tragique pour l'un, père dominateur et manipulateur pour l'autre; Ils sont tous les deux dans le placard, ce qui est fréquent dans la vraie vie, mais assez rare dans les romances MM, et cette peur incessante d'être surpris ou devinés est bien rendue par l'auteur. Tous les deux également peu bavards et locaces, c'est le sexe et le désir qui leur sert essentiellement de langage. Et c'est par lui qu'ils communiquent et que leur amour s'exprime. Autant dire que les scènes de sexe sont omniprésentes ! Ne soyons pas hypocrites, on ne va pas s'en plaindre, d'autant qu'elles sont trés biens décrites et trés érotiques. Je regrette juste un léger manque de profondeur psychologique chez nos héros, qui auraient pu gagner en force et en justesse, et un coming out à mon sens un peu baclé et facile. Il aurait suffit juste d'un chapitre supplémentaire, pour "établir" le nouveau couple face aux ranchers et surtout, face à Hamilton. A part ce petit bémol, ce livre se lit d'une traite, avec bonheur. Comme on déguste un bon café, chaud, corsé, sucré, par un jour de pluie.
J'ai vraiment hâte de découvrir le tome II consacré au beau docteur !
Et un grand grand merci à Bénédicte et Valérie de nous offrir cette lecture en VF.
J'ai vraiment hâte de découvrir le tome II consacré au beau docteur !
Et un grand grand merci à Bénédicte et Valérie de nous offrir cette lecture en VF.
December 2, 2013
Yeah. This one was just not for me. The instalove was off the chart, the men acted more like cavemen then anything else, and the storyline was just unbelievable. There was no emotional connections (at least that I could see or feel as the reader) between any of the characters and there wasn't any depth to the story. I won't even begin to comment on the forced condom-less sex being excused, or the forced groping, fondling and kissing by Riley. This story hit every one of my "no thank you" buttons.
August 30, 2014
What can I say... The sex was hot? The insta love was crazy. Things went from unrequited lust to undying devotion without them knowing anything about each other at all. The guys wavered between cave men and teenaged girls, and Riley was a creepy, pushy douche. The plot was lacking. It still managed to be ok.
June 6, 2017
It was just ok. I feel like it was too much back and forth.
September 27, 2013
Note: This review is for the series and as such, does not contain a lot of detail about the plot because it would be way too spoilerish! If you want to know more about the specifics of each book, check out the blurbs.
The Texas Soul series consists of six books which I pretty much read back to back.
The series starts with Texas Rough which focuses on one couple, Lane and Gresham, and is largely set on Gresh's family ranch where Lane is the foreman. It also introduces another main character, Riley, who falls hard and fast for Lane. This first book is fast moving with lots of multiple storylines. There are themes of coming out and comfort/hurt with large amounts of drama and even larger amounts of sex!
The second book, Texas Hard, focuses more on Riley as he deals with his feelings for Lane but meets and falls for Connor who is a Texas Ranger. This story brings in some elements of bondage as Riley takes a more dominant role in his relationship with Connor. Falling in love happens so quickly, as in the first book, that it is hard to believe that Riley really knows his own heart and it is amazing how open these men are in discussing their feelings! Once again, lots of drama, largely driven by insane amounts of jealousy as the story and relationships get complicated. I liked the story but did find the edition of the book I was reading had some annoying editing/spelling issues. There was also reference to speaking "Brazilian" in Brazil. I thought they spoke Portuguese.
Texas Twist sees things get even more complicated. We are introduced to a new romance as Connor's Texas Ranger partner moves to the ranch to recover from the trauma of his abduction. He falls for Sterling, one of the ranch hands. Sterling finally acknowledges he may be gay as he has such as strong reaction to Erick. The believability is a bit lacking as his actions dont seem those of a relucant gay man. He is pretty physical with Erick, demonstrative and once again discussing feelings. This new relationship is not the primary focus of the book. The Lane/Gresh/Riley/Connor relationship plays a really key role in this book.
The soap opera feel continues as Jung-Hwa "Jump" joins the story in Texas Branded. Jump comes to the ranch in search of his father. He not only finds family but finds love with the local deputy. The love in the story is sweet and gushy with poetic language and once again this couple are very open with their emotions, articulating their feelings for each other. The relationship development also continues the theme of fast, fast, fast - love and proposals all happening really quickly. The relationships of all the previous couples continue to weave in and out of the book and things really ramp up with a cliffhanger ending! Luckily I didn't have to wait and could launch into the next book straight away. If I'd read this book when it was first released and had to wait for the next book I would have been really annoyed as I don't have the patience for this kind of thing!
Texas Desire is the fifth book in the series and the drama hit new heights. Lots of heartbreak and angst, hospitals and deathbeds, emotional declarations, rejection, pain and loss. The new couple, Kip and Jamie, play a role but largely take a backseat to the more emotional story line being played out between the original four characters.
And finally, Texas Legacy concludes the story. Once again, there is very much a soap opera feel to the story with the overlapping stories of each of the characters. There is lots of heartbreak but also happiness as new love is found and families started. It was nice to see the final conclusion and know what happens to each of the couples. The epilogue jumps ahead ten years and provides closure. My main issue with this final book was the resolution of the story line introduced in the prologue. The prologue deals with the previously unknown and unrelated Wild Bluff Ranch and then the character from the prologue turns up later in the book in a relatively stand alone fashion with a story line that is unresolved. I now understand from the author's blog that this will be a spin off series but when I first ended the book the inclusion of the story line seemed a complete mystery to me.
So overall I actually enjoyed the series. It was pure escapism and really over the top at times. I have mentioned a soap opera feel but I think I must have been in the mood for reading something like this and I quite enjoyed the drama, the romance and the complications. Probably my main complaint (not that it is really a complaint as such) was that it was too full of sex. There seemed to be sex on every second page! The guys just seemed to alternate between sharing deep emotions and then doing each other.
I was also totally impressed with the price point, each book in the series only being $0.99 from Amazon.
3.5 stars for the series
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
The Texas Soul series consists of six books which I pretty much read back to back.
The series starts with Texas Rough which focuses on one couple, Lane and Gresham, and is largely set on Gresh's family ranch where Lane is the foreman. It also introduces another main character, Riley, who falls hard and fast for Lane. This first book is fast moving with lots of multiple storylines. There are themes of coming out and comfort/hurt with large amounts of drama and even larger amounts of sex!
The second book, Texas Hard, focuses more on Riley as he deals with his feelings for Lane but meets and falls for Connor who is a Texas Ranger. This story brings in some elements of bondage as Riley takes a more dominant role in his relationship with Connor. Falling in love happens so quickly, as in the first book, that it is hard to believe that Riley really knows his own heart and it is amazing how open these men are in discussing their feelings! Once again, lots of drama, largely driven by insane amounts of jealousy as the story and relationships get complicated. I liked the story but did find the edition of the book I was reading had some annoying editing/spelling issues. There was also reference to speaking "Brazilian" in Brazil. I thought they spoke Portuguese.
Texas Twist sees things get even more complicated. We are introduced to a new romance as Connor's Texas Ranger partner moves to the ranch to recover from the trauma of his abduction. He falls for Sterling, one of the ranch hands. Sterling finally acknowledges he may be gay as he has such as strong reaction to Erick. The believability is a bit lacking as his actions dont seem those of a relucant gay man. He is pretty physical with Erick, demonstrative and once again discussing feelings. This new relationship is not the primary focus of the book. The Lane/Gresh/Riley/Connor relationship plays a really key role in this book.
The soap opera feel continues as Jung-Hwa "Jump" joins the story in Texas Branded. Jump comes to the ranch in search of his father. He not only finds family but finds love with the local deputy. The love in the story is sweet and gushy with poetic language and once again this couple are very open with their emotions, articulating their feelings for each other. The relationship development also continues the theme of fast, fast, fast - love and proposals all happening really quickly. The relationships of all the previous couples continue to weave in and out of the book and things really ramp up with a cliffhanger ending! Luckily I didn't have to wait and could launch into the next book straight away. If I'd read this book when it was first released and had to wait for the next book I would have been really annoyed as I don't have the patience for this kind of thing!
Texas Desire is the fifth book in the series and the drama hit new heights. Lots of heartbreak and angst, hospitals and deathbeds, emotional declarations, rejection, pain and loss. The new couple, Kip and Jamie, play a role but largely take a backseat to the more emotional story line being played out between the original four characters.
And finally, Texas Legacy concludes the story. Once again, there is very much a soap opera feel to the story with the overlapping stories of each of the characters. There is lots of heartbreak but also happiness as new love is found and families started. It was nice to see the final conclusion and know what happens to each of the couples. The epilogue jumps ahead ten years and provides closure. My main issue with this final book was the resolution of the story line introduced in the prologue. The prologue deals with the previously unknown and unrelated Wild Bluff Ranch and then the character from the prologue turns up later in the book in a relatively stand alone fashion with a story line that is unresolved. I now understand from the author's blog that this will be a spin off series but when I first ended the book the inclusion of the story line seemed a complete mystery to me.
So overall I actually enjoyed the series. It was pure escapism and really over the top at times. I have mentioned a soap opera feel but I think I must have been in the mood for reading something like this and I quite enjoyed the drama, the romance and the complications. Probably my main complaint (not that it is really a complaint as such) was that it was too full of sex. There seemed to be sex on every second page! The guys just seemed to alternate between sharing deep emotions and then doing each other.
I was also totally impressed with the price point, each book in the series only being $0.99 from Amazon.
3.5 stars for the series
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
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December 23, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/23/2019)! 🎁
January 30, 2019
Who can resist a hot cowboy – or two? I must admit that I have a hard time saying no, and Texas Rough didn’t disappoint. Using the inherent conflict between a foreman and the rich, obnoxious ranch owner's son to best advantage, this story revolves around finding love and holding on to it, even when the odds are against you. Not just the odds, actually, several people in both the main characters' lives have an issue with them being together and continually interfere.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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March 10, 2014I don't think I have ever really DNF'D a book....if I have it's been that rare.
I was struggling with the writing style but I was willing to push through it until I read the blurbs of the other books in this series and well 6 books is just going to be too much for me, I just couldn't do it.....I hate love triangles
I was struggling with the writing style but I was willing to push through it until I read the blurbs of the other books in this series and well 6 books is just going to be too much for me, I just couldn't do it.....I hate love triangles
December 24, 2019
I keep hoping to like a book by Sara York because I end up needing a Y book more often than I'd like. However, I just don't. It's too instant and the men just don't act in any way I find believable. Story lines start and then go nowhere. Dad issues - turns out to be no big deal. Homophobic cowboys - turns out not so much.
January 6, 2015
Meh. Nothing to keep me engaged and too much sex & I love yous with nothing to base them on. So, for me, this was just meh.
June 17, 2020
I’m reviewing the audio edition. This is the first story I’ve read/listened to by this author. WOW it sure is causing me to look into what else she has written. The heat between Lane and Gresh is really addictive. The romance is heartbreaking to watch develop but thankfully it ends heartwarming. The characters are well described and the story flowed at a fast pace. I feel there are a lot of story lines that are setting up for the rest of the series. There is plenty of emotion. The only part I felt should have been more about is Gresh’s dad’s opinion. Since he was so set on his son’s future and trying to set him up I feel there just should have been more of how he dealt with this surprise that his son is gay. I think the narrator Kale Williams did a great job. It made the story realistic and enjoyable. I was given a free copy and it gave me a chance to try a new author to me. I will be checking out the rest of this series.
March 19, 2019
RRRC 2019 Book Challenge
MM Romance 2019 Re-Read Challenge for March
No further then a few pages into the story I realized this was a re-read. So, I just settled into and enjoyed the ride; enjoyed it before and enjoyed even more now. Delightful contemporary western with just a smidgen of angst. The characters were strong, natural and captivating.
MM Romance 2019 Re-Read Challenge for March
No further then a few pages into the story I realized this was a re-read. So, I just settled into and enjoyed the ride; enjoyed it before and enjoyed even more now. Delightful contemporary western with just a smidgen of angst. The characters were strong, natural and captivating.
May 26, 2017
UGHHHHHHH! I did not like this one at all, I think I've read it before but seriously this just was not for me. The love triangle was just the end for me, completely unnecessary and really just made the whole LOVE STORY meaningless.
January 6, 2015
Lane Daniels is working as a foreman at a ranch in Texas. He loves his job, and he's good at it. The only problem is the crazy attraction he has to the owner of the ranch, Gresh Hamilton Miller the Third.
Gresh wants Lane too, and plans to gamble and try to seduce him, even though he's not sure if Lane feels the same. But even though both men are in the closet, and Lane is very hesitant against sleeping with the boss, they start sleeping together.
- Too much insta-love, their relationship moved way to quickly for my liking.
- Both Lane and Gresh seemed really worried to be found out, but they didn't act it, they were all over each other.
- Riley seemed like a real ass, trying to steal Lane away when he told him he was seeing someone else. But then Gresh and Lane seemed like asses too. Lane seemed weak, if you're in love with someone, it shouldn't be that hard to resist another man. Gresh was way to possessive, (there's good possessive and bad possessive, this was the bad kind) and extremely rude to Riley (who was an ass, so maybe it's understandable).
Gresh wants Lane too, and plans to gamble and try to seduce him, even though he's not sure if Lane feels the same. But even though both men are in the closet, and Lane is very hesitant against sleeping with the boss, they start sleeping together.
- Too much insta-love, their relationship moved way to quickly for my liking.
- Both Lane and Gresh seemed really worried to be found out, but they didn't act it, they were all over each other.
- Riley seemed like a real ass, trying to steal Lane away when he told him he was seeing someone else. But then Gresh and Lane seemed like asses too. Lane seemed weak, if you're in love with someone, it shouldn't be that hard to resist another man. Gresh was way to possessive, (there's good possessive and bad possessive, this was the bad kind) and extremely rude to Riley (who was an ass, so maybe it's understandable).
January 22, 2014
2.99 Stars. I'm rounding up with the stars listed above since it was free. I can't bring myself to two star it.
So, I actually did enjoy the book, but I never actually felt where the nearly instant & undying love was real. Yes, the hot & sweet cowboys told each other they loved each other almost from the start, but I just never felt it. It didn't jump off the page and grip my heart. I was also a bit bothered by all the back & forth with Riley. If that love with Gresh was so infinite and eternal why was he always letting Riley use his junk as a scratching post to pet on? That bugged me.
The Brokeback Mountain scene did seem a little recycled, but ultimately didn't bother me. What did bother me was Gresh shooting Lane down when he asked him to bottom. I mean, seriously? Lane isn't allowed his moment to top? Okay, so I'm not a gay male, but I would think if he was obsessively head over heals in love with his soul mate- he'd allow him a turn. Maybe not, but I felt bad for Lane being denied that one request. Gresh said his reason was the one time he tried it hurt. Hmmm... He's telling that to Lane who's walking, well like a cowboy bc he is still hurting from the night before. (That's cold)
Lastly, there was a LOT of sobbing cowboys. Do gay closeted hot cowboys on cattle ranches really sob publicly this much over hurt feeling? That just didn't seem to ring true to me.
Ok, so did I enjoy reading it? Yes, I did.
Would I recommend it? Not unless you're jonseing for hot gay crying closeted cowboys having lots of one way sex.
Was it worth the price? It was free so absolutely.
So, I actually did enjoy the book, but I never actually felt where the nearly instant & undying love was real. Yes, the hot & sweet cowboys told each other they loved each other almost from the start, but I just never felt it. It didn't jump off the page and grip my heart. I was also a bit bothered by all the back & forth with Riley. If that love with Gresh was so infinite and eternal why was he always letting Riley use his junk as a scratching post to pet on? That bugged me.
The Brokeback Mountain scene did seem a little recycled, but ultimately didn't bother me. What did bother me was Gresh shooting Lane down when he asked him to bottom. I mean, seriously? Lane isn't allowed his moment to top? Okay, so I'm not a gay male, but I would think if he was obsessively head over heals in love with his soul mate- he'd allow him a turn. Maybe not, but I felt bad for Lane being denied that one request. Gresh said his reason was the one time he tried it hurt. Hmmm... He's telling that to Lane who's walking, well like a cowboy bc he is still hurting from the night before. (That's cold)
Lastly, there was a LOT of sobbing cowboys. Do gay closeted hot cowboys on cattle ranches really sob publicly this much over hurt feeling? That just didn't seem to ring true to me.
Ok, so did I enjoy reading it? Yes, I did.
Would I recommend it? Not unless you're jonseing for hot gay crying closeted cowboys having lots of one way sex.
Was it worth the price? It was free so absolutely.
March 16, 2013
★☆ rounded up to ★★
This book started well but quickly deteriorated into a sophomoric, angst-ridden story about chicks with dicks. I was also disappointed by how shallowly the major issues of the plot were dealt with. Lane was freaked out about his health status after Gresh goes bareback...story line petered out without resolution. Lane has huge self-esteem issues about his scars...self esteem issues petered out without too much introspection. Lane was fearful of coming out in a small town...everyone was Pollyanna-ish in their acceptance (despite homophobia being evident in the early part of the book). Gresh has no control over his own destiny or finances yet is still wealthy after defying his father? WTF? And where was the big show-down between Gresh & his father over the whole engagement fiasco? And to top it off, there was this weird insta-love thing going on with Riley. W.T.F...This is an odd book...it almost felt like it was originally written as a m/f romance but the author changed the gender of Lane but left the rest of the story pretty much as it was...there are much better books out there.
This book started well but quickly deteriorated into a sophomoric, angst-ridden story about chicks with dicks. I was also disappointed by how shallowly the major issues of the plot were dealt with. Lane was freaked out about his health status after Gresh goes bareback...story line petered out without resolution. Lane has huge self-esteem issues about his scars...self esteem issues petered out without too much introspection. Lane was fearful of coming out in a small town...everyone was Pollyanna-ish in their acceptance (despite homophobia being evident in the early part of the book). Gresh has no control over his own destiny or finances yet is still wealthy after defying his father? WTF? And where was the big show-down between Gresh & his father over the whole engagement fiasco? And to top it off, there was this weird insta-love thing going on with Riley. W.T.F...This is an odd book...it almost felt like it was originally written as a m/f romance but the author changed the gender of Lane but left the rest of the story pretty much as it was...there are much better books out there.
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