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Dynasties: Mesa Falls #2
The Rival
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
They both have something to hide,
but their chemistry can’t be contained…
Media mogul Devon Salazar wants Regina Flores, but his desire is tempered by suspicion. With sibling rivalry and his father’s secrets threatening the family empire, Devon can’t afford to trust Mesa Falls Ranch’s nosy new hire. This won’t stop him from seducing her. He looks forward to seeing Miss Flores exposed… Until the tables turn and Regina reveals their surprising connection…
A Dynasties Novel
Where family loyalties and passions collide…Visit Mesa Falls
They both have something to hide,
but their chemistry can’t be contained…
Media mogul Devon Salazar wants Regina Flores, but his desire is tempered by suspicion. With sibling rivalry and his father’s secrets threatening the family empire, Devon can’t afford to trust Mesa Falls Ranch’s nosy new hire. This won’t stop him from seducing her. He looks forward to seeing Miss Flores exposed… Until the tables turn and Regina reveals their surprising connection…
A Dynasties Novel
Where family loyalties and passions collide…Visit Mesa Falls
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 14, 2019
22 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Rock
567 books1,439 followersJoanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 21, 2019
The Rival by Joanne Rock is the second romance in her Dynasties: Mesa Falls series. While the story arc of the overall series will continue throughout, this is a standalone romance for two characters first introduced in The Rebel – Devon Salazar (brother of the hero in book 1) and Regina Flores, a woman hired as a ranch hand but operating with her own agenda.
Devon has come to the Mesa Falls resort to meet with his brother Marcus, the co-owner of their media empire. While he and Marcus have had a bit of conflict and haven’t always agreed on the future of the company, they’ve called a truce and Marcus has left Devon with the task of managing a contract proposal for the resort. Devon is also trying to figure out what to do with the information he and his brother have recently learned – that their father anonymously authored a book based on a real life Hollywood couple that caused a big scandal when it was released. News of his authorship could cause a paparazzi frenzy for his mother who is about to be married to her new partner and Devon wants to avoid that at all costs.
Regina was directly impacted by the publication of Alonzo Salazar’s book, as it featured her parents who ended up divorced in the fallout, and she herself was disowned by the man she’d always thought was her father until the book revealed otherwise. She’s gotten a job as ranch hand at Mesa Falls to determine who knew what about the book and its author. She especially wants to know if Marcus and Devon Salazar profited from the book deal. She gives some trail rides to Devon as a way of getting closer to him which works marvelously. But Devon can tell that something isn’t quite right and he’s determined to find out the truth about Regina. This happens quickly and then Regina is left with a dilemma. Should she continue with her plans for revenge or trust Devon to be on her side in finding out the truth?
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Rebel, which is a great introduction to the series and the main characters who will be featured. However you don’t have to read The Rebel to follow along with this one as the author gives a quick rundown of what’s happened so far (and presumably will continue this trend with each book in the series).
Regina comes across as a strong character who has been hurt quite badly by the revelations in the book and it’s no surprise that she wants revenge. But her attraction to Devon and his empathy for what she has gone through thwart her plans. She and Devon quickly succumb to that attraction in some passionate and sexy scenes. I appreciated that her secret identity didn’t last overly long and that Devon knew whom he was dealing with fairly quickly.
Devon is equally interested in the mystery of why his father wrote this scandalous book under a pen name, and wants to help Regina in her quest for the truth while at the same time protecting his mother from any fallout should news of his father’s involvement surface. He hires a private investigator to look into where the money from the book sales ended up and it looks like she’ll play a role in a future book in the series as well.
Regina and Devon may have chemistry but it takes a while for them to really trust each other even after sleeping together. They will have to figure out where their loyalties lie. The setting is lovely, the ranch and rural Montana countryside making for an attractive series background. The couple work through their issues and get their happy ending, though there are still some mysteries yet to be solved. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Devon has come to the Mesa Falls resort to meet with his brother Marcus, the co-owner of their media empire. While he and Marcus have had a bit of conflict and haven’t always agreed on the future of the company, they’ve called a truce and Marcus has left Devon with the task of managing a contract proposal for the resort. Devon is also trying to figure out what to do with the information he and his brother have recently learned – that their father anonymously authored a book based on a real life Hollywood couple that caused a big scandal when it was released. News of his authorship could cause a paparazzi frenzy for his mother who is about to be married to her new partner and Devon wants to avoid that at all costs.
Regina was directly impacted by the publication of Alonzo Salazar’s book, as it featured her parents who ended up divorced in the fallout, and she herself was disowned by the man she’d always thought was her father until the book revealed otherwise. She’s gotten a job as ranch hand at Mesa Falls to determine who knew what about the book and its author. She especially wants to know if Marcus and Devon Salazar profited from the book deal. She gives some trail rides to Devon as a way of getting closer to him which works marvelously. But Devon can tell that something isn’t quite right and he’s determined to find out the truth about Regina. This happens quickly and then Regina is left with a dilemma. Should she continue with her plans for revenge or trust Devon to be on her side in finding out the truth?
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Rebel, which is a great introduction to the series and the main characters who will be featured. However you don’t have to read The Rebel to follow along with this one as the author gives a quick rundown of what’s happened so far (and presumably will continue this trend with each book in the series).
Regina comes across as a strong character who has been hurt quite badly by the revelations in the book and it’s no surprise that she wants revenge. But her attraction to Devon and his empathy for what she has gone through thwart her plans. She and Devon quickly succumb to that attraction in some passionate and sexy scenes. I appreciated that her secret identity didn’t last overly long and that Devon knew whom he was dealing with fairly quickly.
Devon is equally interested in the mystery of why his father wrote this scandalous book under a pen name, and wants to help Regina in her quest for the truth while at the same time protecting his mother from any fallout should news of his father’s involvement surface. He hires a private investigator to look into where the money from the book sales ended up and it looks like she’ll play a role in a future book in the series as well.
Regina and Devon may have chemistry but it takes a while for them to really trust each other even after sleeping together. They will have to figure out where their loyalties lie. The setting is lovely, the ranch and rural Montana countryside making for an attractive series background. The couple work through their issues and get their happy ending, though there are still some mysteries yet to be solved. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
October 26, 2019
Very good story. Great characters. I loved the chemistry between Devon and Regina. Can't wait for the next book.
Read
October 21, 2019This book is so good. I loved Marcus and Lily and they way the communicated with each other. Some books you get couples tip-toeing around what they want to say or feel but these two say how it is. Marcus has trust issues because he feels Lily is spying for his brother Devon. I loved the line at the end when Lily asked him if she hadn’t answered the door for 3 days....she needed him and he wasn’t there. Joanne delivers stories that feel so real.
January 19, 2020
This series is just so good. I feel Joanne just keeps writing such good romance books that are actually page turners. She puts her heart in the stories and continues to want the reader to really feel the story. She hit a home run with this!
December 28, 2019
The Rival unfolds the story of media mogul Devon Salaza and the new hire to the Mesa Falls Ranch, Regina Flores. Picking up where book 1 of the series left off you are pulled back into the beautiful surroundings of the great outdoors and ranch life of Mesa Falls. Devon and Regina, are they enemies, lovers, or allies? That is the question of the growing attraction between the two.
Regina has been through a lot since the release of the book, discovered to have been written by Devon’s father under a pseudonym and determined to be based on her parents resulting in a scandal that destroyed her life. She is finally at the brick of finding answers, closure and revenge. However, a task that she once was sure and clear about now becomes blurred and has her questioning her motives the more she let her guard down with Devon.
Devon is determined to discover the backstory and more details of his father’s book while protecting his family, legacy and media empire. Devon is super attracted to Regina but giving in to his desires is blocked by deep suspicion, trust, and a strong notion that she is holding back and keeping secrets of her own.
The two find themselves in a tailspin quest to discover the truth surrounding the book penned by Devon’s father and trusting their innermost intimate feelings when it comes to each other. When truths are discovered can the shaky foundation of their evolving relationship stand, or will it end any chance they have at forever?
This suspenseful read with its measure of twist and turns and newfound discoveries keeps you on edge and turning the pages. Love, lies, secrets, and trust mixed with fiery hot chemistry between Devon and Regina heat up the pages creating a great read.
Regina has been through a lot since the release of the book, discovered to have been written by Devon’s father under a pseudonym and determined to be based on her parents resulting in a scandal that destroyed her life. She is finally at the brick of finding answers, closure and revenge. However, a task that she once was sure and clear about now becomes blurred and has her questioning her motives the more she let her guard down with Devon.
Devon is determined to discover the backstory and more details of his father’s book while protecting his family, legacy and media empire. Devon is super attracted to Regina but giving in to his desires is blocked by deep suspicion, trust, and a strong notion that she is holding back and keeping secrets of her own.
The two find themselves in a tailspin quest to discover the truth surrounding the book penned by Devon’s father and trusting their innermost intimate feelings when it comes to each other. When truths are discovered can the shaky foundation of their evolving relationship stand, or will it end any chance they have at forever?
This suspenseful read with its measure of twist and turns and newfound discoveries keeps you on edge and turning the pages. Love, lies, secrets, and trust mixed with fiery hot chemistry between Devon and Regina heat up the pages creating a great read.
December 8, 2019
The Rival is the second book in the Mesa Falls series. It's the story of the other Salazar brother, Devon. He has stayed behind at Mesa Falls after his brother Marcus and Lily left (The Rebel) and has met the intriguing trail guide Regina. He knows that something isn't quite right with her story but that hasn't lessened his attraction to her. Regina does have a story to tell but she is at Mesa Falls looking for answers and the very handsome and charming Devon is hopefully the key she has been looking for. I cannot give away any more without spoiling the story but I will say that Devon and Regina have both been wounded by their childhoods through no fault of their own and if they trust each other they can heal together. While this story stands alone I recommend reading The Rebel first due to the ongoing timeline and connected characters. I am looking forward to reading more about the secrets in Mesa Falls!
January 17, 2020
4 1/2 STARS!
Fast paced, attention grabbing and embroiled in scandal! With the second book in her Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, Joanne Rock continues to expose secrets as we get the second Salazar son's story in THE RIVAL.
Devon came across as easier to like than I was maybe expecting after reading about him from Marcus's point of view in book one of the series. He was authentic and took it well when faced with the fact that Regina was wrapped up in lies.
Regina was a bit of an enigma. You can understand once you hear her story why she's intrigued with finding answers, but she never really tells us what type of revenge she was planning, so that plot of hers was left a bit up in arms.
I really enjoyed Devon's story and getting to touch base with Marcus and Lily from the first book. I recommend this book and this series in general to anyone who likes a power-driven story of lies and intrigue that revolve somewhat around a scandal in Hollywood. Looking forward to more to come!
Fast paced, attention grabbing and embroiled in scandal! With the second book in her Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, Joanne Rock continues to expose secrets as we get the second Salazar son's story in THE RIVAL.
Devon came across as easier to like than I was maybe expecting after reading about him from Marcus's point of view in book one of the series. He was authentic and took it well when faced with the fact that Regina was wrapped up in lies.
Regina was a bit of an enigma. You can understand once you hear her story why she's intrigued with finding answers, but she never really tells us what type of revenge she was planning, so that plot of hers was left a bit up in arms.
I really enjoyed Devon's story and getting to touch base with Marcus and Lily from the first book. I recommend this book and this series in general to anyone who likes a power-driven story of lies and intrigue that revolve somewhat around a scandal in Hollywood. Looking forward to more to come!
December 19, 2019
The Rival is book #2 is the Mesa Falls series, my favorite so far. I loved the chemistry between Devon and Regina.
Devon is at the ranch to plan a party and find the answers to the answers to all the questions that have come to light in the letter his late father left for him and his brother. He will protect the family name at all costs.
Regina is at the ranch to get close to Devon and his brother so she can learn how much they knew about the book their father wrote that changed her life. She'll do anything to find out the truth. Even if she has to play nice with Devon.
They each have trust issues but find they enjoy spending time together. But what will happen when they learn what the other's motives are for wanting to spend time together. Will they help one another find the answers they'relooking for? Or is the truth too much for them to handle?
Devon is at the ranch to plan a party and find the answers to the answers to all the questions that have come to light in the letter his late father left for him and his brother. He will protect the family name at all costs.
Regina is at the ranch to get close to Devon and his brother so she can learn how much they knew about the book their father wrote that changed her life. She'll do anything to find out the truth. Even if she has to play nice with Devon.
They each have trust issues but find they enjoy spending time together. But what will happen when they learn what the other's motives are for wanting to spend time together. Will they help one another find the answers they'relooking for? Or is the truth too much for them to handle?
December 2, 2019
Who do you trust... Devon or Regina, I mean you know Regina isn't who she says she is but are her intentions nefarious or just a woman needing answers and what does Devon really want with the information about his fathers book that ruined lives. There is plenty of emotions, trepidation, doubt, secrets and of course some great attraction between Devon and Regina. Getting to know Devon more after meeting him in The Rebel was great as there is a lot more to him and Regina boy has that women had a rough go of it so you hope against hope her feelings towards Devon are true and its a bit of a nail biter towards the end!
December 15, 2019
In “The Rival”, book 2 of Joanne Rock’s miniseries, Dynasties: Mesa Falls, we follow Regina Flores as she tries to find the truth about the man who ruined her family.
Devon Salazar’s mission is to make sure the launch of Mesa Falls Ranch goes off without a hitch. He doesn’t count on seeking the truth with Regina by his side. Nor does he expect to give his heart to the woman who could ruin his carefully laid plans.
The attraction between Devon and Regina is marred with their lack of trust for each other, but as their attraction grows, so does their trust.
Ms. Rock pens a romance with revenge and betrayal that leads to trust and love.
Devon Salazar’s mission is to make sure the launch of Mesa Falls Ranch goes off without a hitch. He doesn’t count on seeking the truth with Regina by his side. Nor does he expect to give his heart to the woman who could ruin his carefully laid plans.
The attraction between Devon and Regina is marred with their lack of trust for each other, but as their attraction grows, so does their trust.
Ms. Rock pens a romance with revenge and betrayal that leads to trust and love.
December 5, 2019
The Rival by Joanne Rock is the second book in the Dynasties: Mesa Falls series! If you enjoyed shows like Dynasty and Dallas then you definitely don't want to miss out on this series.
Nothing makes for a better drama than sibling rivalry, family secrets and seduction and this story has it all.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Nothing makes for a better drama than sibling rivalry, family secrets and seduction and this story has it all.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
December 1, 2019
Regina is working at Mesa Falls Ranch, but she has hidden agenda. Davon is visiting ranch to meet and talk to his brother. He meets Regina and they start spending time together, but he can feel, that something is off.
With the secrets in the past, will they build the future?
Wonderful story and great characters.
With the secrets in the past, will they build the future?
Wonderful story and great characters.
December 5, 2019
An intriguing book full of choas, intrigue, drama, and romance full of chemistry. This all takes place in Montana in the winter. Regina is who she says she is and Devon trusts no one. Ms. Rock keeps your attention the entire time.
December 12, 2019
A great story. It’s intriguing and suspenseful. It will suck you in as the unraveling of secrets and obstacles are overcome. You will fall in love with the characters. I enjoyed the connection and the sparks fly between the characters. It’s an entertaining story.
January 21, 2020
Devon was not my favorite brother in The Rebel, first in this series, however, Rock quickly redeemed him. Regina is his perfect match and he definitely gets his own. A fast paced scorcher of a read, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
January 29, 2020
Love Joanne Rock books . She has you hooked from the very first page. Love her stories. i ve read many of Joanne's books. Great writer, Her books are so well written you cant put them down. I read this is 2 hours.
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December 1, 2019Categories
Western Romance, Holiday Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Dynasties: Mesa Falls (Book #2)
Western Romance, Holiday Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Dynasties: Mesa Falls (Book #2)
December 7, 2019
Love it
December 5, 2019
Rated 3.5 Stars
The Rival is a cute story. It's also sweet, sexy and predictable but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of it. What took away from it was a few issues I had with the hero and heroine which I won't post because I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone.
The Rival is a cute story. It's also sweet, sexy and predictable but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of it. What took away from it was a few issues I had with the hero and heroine which I won't post because I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews