Whirlwind

The Champions #1

by Janet Dailey

At the Alamo Canyon Ranch in the desert foothills of Southern Arizona, the Champion women carry on the family legacy of breeding bucking bulls for the rodeo. In a world where bloodline is everything, love is the only risk worth taking...

Everyone's talking about Whirlwind at this year's Professional Bull Riders' Competition. But the promising young bull is the last thing on Shane Tully's mind once he lays eyes on the lady responsible for bringing Whirlwind to the arena. Beautiful, smart, and sexy as hell, Lexie Champion has this rodeo man hungry for more than the thrill of his next competition. But the daughter of bull rancher Bert Champion wants nothing to do with a daredevil, despite the powerful attraction between them...

Lexie is no stranger to the dangers of rodeo life. Resisting Shane's rugged allure should have been easy, but nothing is simple about her reaction to the handsome cowboy, from their first kiss, to the terrifying moment Lexie watches Shane go down in the ring. Faced with a devastating decision, will Lexie make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of love?

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 25, 2020

About the author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cowboy Suspense Romance, and this is the first book in the Champions series. This book as a little suspense/mystery going on as a side story. I love that this book main character was a strong will woman that raised/own Bulls. I have never read a Cowboy romance that the ranch had Bulls, and I love that this book was different in that way. I also really loved the characters of this book. I did guess the twists in this book because I guess the big twist the ending did not have the Wow figure for me. I still really enjoyed this book, and the storyline/character where really good. I cannot wait to get the second book in this series. I won a kindle edition of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway, but this review is my own feelings about the book.

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

WHIRLWIND (The Champions Book #1) by Janet Dailey is the first book in a western romance/romantic suspense trilogy featuring the three Champion sisters of the Alamo Canyon Ranch set in southern Arizona. They are carrying on the family legacy of raising and breeding bucking bulls for the professional rodeo circuit.

Lexie Champion has been invited to bring Whirlwind, her promising young bull to participate in the PBR. This could radically change the money problems their ranch has been having since the death of both their father and brother. Whirlwind is the talk of the circuit and brings the unwanted attention of family competitors interested in buying the talented bull and even their ranch and with that come threats and accidents that just might not be accidents.

Shane Tully is a ranked bull rider who is sent to offer Lexie an offer on Whirlwind from the man he works for who is scheming to take not only the bull, but the sister’s ranch. Shane is immediately taken with the intelligent and beautiful young Lexie, but she wants nothing to do with him not only because he works for a family enemy, but also because she refuses to be involved with a professional bull rider. Neither can resist the emotional pull of the other, but when Shane is trampled in the ring, both need to find their way in this new reality, but will it be together or apart?

This story pulls you right in. Lexie and her sister are working so hard to keep their ranch going and Whirlwind just may be the bull that brings them financial stability. Lexie is a wonderful heroine with her love of Whirlwind and the ranch, her intelligence in wanting to advance ranch practices to help them in the future and her loving and caring heart. Shane is a hero who goes through very difficult life changes and fights for what he wants in his future. The two of them together make a powerful couple despite Shane’s physical disabilities. The author’s descriptions of the ranch’s Arizona landscape and the arenas where the bull riding competitions take place are so vivid that you feel you are there. The suspense plot was intertwined well throughout the story, but I was surprised by the lack of law enforcement involvement.

I am happy this is a trilogy because I did not want this story to end, and I am looking forward to the other sister’s stories.

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whirlwind is my first read by Miss Dailey. I have to say, I am not a big fan of cowboy romance. Although I read some a bit of cowboy romance, I never really click with the lifestyle.

Whirlwind is not that bad though. It has some interesting introduction of cowboy and rodeo lifestyle. How dangerous the lifestyle etc. Miss Dailey not just bringing the romance but also a self discovery.

Overall, I enjoy the book OK.

3 stars

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Goodreads Giveaway, Janet Dailey estate, and Kensington Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I have enjoyed Janet Dailey's work for many years. I am grateful to her family for keeping us entertained with her work. She is greatly missed.

Janet Dailey writes prose that flows from scene to scene, always moving, always entertaining. Whirlwind is a tale of Arizona bull ranchers, those who provide livestock for rodeos in the southwestern U.S. It is an interesting family story as are they all, one that will keep you entertained from cover to cover. The mystery is perhaps not as hidden as it could be, but the scenic trips through the Sonoran Desert and the jaunts into Tucson are true visits to places that I love. Thanks for the memories.

Goodreads Giveaway
Pub date August 25, 2020.
Kensington Press
Reviewed on Goodreads on July 16, 2020. Reviewed on AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, Bookbub, Kobo, and GooglePlay on August 28, 2020.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 Stars!!
Review:
It's been a few years since ive read a Western Novel or Series so i figured i'd give this one as a try since it was listed as a Contemporary Romance Western but sadly it was hard to get into since only parts of it were enjoyable to me.

The Characters were interesting to read about. None of them really grabbed me as a favorite tho.

The Setting was very well described which made me feel like i was actually in Arizona while reading especially when the scenery was described.

Overall an OK Book 1 in this Contemporary Western Romance!! I will check out other books by Janet but i hope all the others arent like this one was.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say I am not a fan of pure romance novels. Now, this was not a romance novel but a well written adventure and education in modern bull riding. Okay, so there is little, well maybe more than a little romance but it was also such an interesting book to read.

I have come to this author very late but here I am enjoying a book that attracted me because I admit, put a cowboy on the cover and you got my attention except there was no cowboy on the cover but there was in the description. You see, when I was five I was going to grow up and be a cowboy, yes, cowboy, not cowgirl because cowgirls didn’t get to do all the good stuff. My heroes were Gene, Roy, Hoppy and the Lone Ranger and I guess in my heart they always will be, so I just love stories with cowboys.

I so enjoyed this book with the well developed characters, the enlightening information about the raising and training of bulls and how bull riding actually works. The storyline was solid and the mystery was not an overdone distraction but a definite component of the story. You know it will all end well but getting to the end was just so enjoyable that I plan on reading more by this author who sadly has passed on but has left her own legacy for her readers.

I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Books and the family of Janet Dailey.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a family sage type of story with a romance woven through. It's all about bull riding and it's fairly interesting, although not what I would choose to read too much about so I admit I skimmed some sections. The book is well written and the romance is pretty much sweet and only a small part of the story. There are a couple of brief sex scenes that are not described too much. There are multiple points view by all the main characters and each sister will have her own book I assume. There's a bit of mystery and the story is all drama with not many light moments. A solid read. My thanks got to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my opinion.

[C (one.chapteratatime) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been told to try out a cowboy romance sometime.

This is my first. Probably not a typical cowboy romance. Whirlwind does have romance, but. the main focus is the mystery. of who is sabotaging Lexie's ranch. (The answer wasn't a surprise for me, but since I didn't expect a mystery I wasn't bothered by this.).
Information dump is a term writers/ editors use when a sentence or paragraph has too much detailed information on a subject. Information that isn't necessary for the story, but does show that the author did lots of research. I understand how after spending countless hours researching for a book, it is extremely tempting for an author to squeeze in everything learned. However, info dumps slow down the story and ideally avoided. I found this story to be full of info dumps on the bull riding industry. At times, the book began to read like an instruction manual. This may be. extremely interesting for some readers. It was too much for me.
The romance between Lexie and Shane was sweet.
The book is the first of a series and what lies ahead may be very interesting.
While this wasn't the right fit for me, I have no doubt there are readers who. will. love it.

[Savsandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long time Dailey fan I was happy to discover the new Champion series and settled in with Book One, "Whirlwind" which is a romantic mystery/thriller set in Arizona. Lexie Champion has high hopes for her bull, aptly named Whirlwind. His debut rodeo performance is the hot topic of the pro bull riders association and Lexie knows it will breath new life into her family's reputation as a premier stock breeder. But professional bull rider Shane Tulley develops a deep interest in the bull's owner that proves to be a distraction he can ill afford and Lexie is already wary of an emotional attachment to a man in a high-risk profession. But sometimes the heart takes precedence over the head and throws caution to the wind. The heart wants what the heart wants and you can either get out of its' way or get run over by it. And when Lexie sees Shane go down in the ring it's as if her premonition has come true and their entire future is now in question. Is their love strong enough to withstand the strain?

"Whirlwind" is more a romantic thriller than just a western romance. In the complex storyline Lexie receives anonymous threats, her surrogate mother dies under questionable circumstances and the wealthiest guy in the area is trying to buy up her family's ranch, only she's not interested in selling. All this in addition to the relationship between Lexie and Shane. The plotline is credible and well developed but I couldn't seem to connect with any of the characters, especially Lexie. She simply doesn't engender any depth of emotion. Added to that the writing is stilted and the dialogue is contrived. It's just not up to the high standards previously set by Dailey and it made me wonder if this was some of her unpublished early writing that has been revived and updated for the mass market. I dunno' but I do know that I have no plans to follow this series. Three and a half stars.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Janet Dailey and Kensington Books for the ARC of Whirlwind
Professional Bull Rider’s Competition is what is important to Lexie and her bull Whirlwind. The fate of the ranch that was left to the sisters after the death of their father depends on how well Whirlwind does on the circuit.
Along the way Lexie meets Shane and he is a bull rider and the last type of man she wants in her life after losing her brother in a riding accident. But that does not stop her from falling for Shane.
Go into the world of PBR competition and you will feel so many emotions you will not be able put this one down until the last page is turned.
Whirlwind is the first in a new series The Champions by Janet Dailey. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Dailey always delivers. From the 1st Calder book I read (such an epic Saga), to the most recent Tyler’s In Texas Series..... I have been a huge fan.
Well get ready for her newest Series.
The Champion’s will weave themselves into your heart, the mystery incorporated in this storyline is phenomenal, and then there are the Bulls, one in particular: Whirlwind!
If you love rodeo, ranching, and family bonds, dusted with drama, mystery, and romance....
Wait no longer, Whirlwind will not disappoint!

[Owl._. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I’ve read by Janet Dailey in a while and it did not disappoint. It definitely wasn’t a lighthearted cowboy read but I read it one sitting from start to finish. From the beginning, you find yourself rooting for the characters and just wanting good things to happen for them. Good start to a new series and I look forward to the next in the series. 3.5/5

Thank you @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the eARC.

[Moshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about professional bull competition and ranch life. Professional bull riders are prone to injuries and it takes a lot of grit to survive a fall. The romance between Chase and Lexie is simple but the mystery person behind all the threats was quite enjoyable.

[Valerie - Cats Luv Coffee Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey is almost a nostalgia read for me. I remember in my teen years my mom kept buying her Americana series—one book for every state. While her books are pretty simplistic in nature, I love them and it’s probably due to the fact that I read them during my formative teens. My mom also loved watching the PBR so this really was a double doozie for me. It brought back a lot of memories, especially while she was talking about Bodacious the bull. Even people who didn’t follow the PBR seem to know who Bodacious was! Obviously, these books are being released after Dailey’s death. I wonder if they were drafts somewhere that the estate is releasing or whether they are being ghostwritten. Either way, Whirlwind definitely still has the Dailey flare.

Whirlwind is a different kind of cowboy romance read. It’s not quite a ranch-style romance but somewhere between the two. Lexie and her sisters are running the ranch raising bulls after the death of their father. Their brother also died quite horribly after the bull he was riding trampled him. There’s a lot to unpack here though. Shane is not only a bull rider, he also works for the “enemy”, a big shot rancher who has a habit of buying what he wants in life and he has his eyes set on Whirlwind. Someone is also sabotaging the ranch. Is it the duplicitous ranch owner Brock or maybe someone closer to home?

Dailey has never shied away from the difficult and emotional topics and Whirlwind is no different. There’s some rough stuff here. Not only did her brother die from being trampled, but a friend’s bull riding husband also gets stepped on by a bull and ends up paralyzed from the waist down. The wife can’t handle it and she decamps and divorces him. The friend’s husband commits suicide. It’s tragic but it sets up for Lexie having to watch Shane go down in the ring.

I enjoyed the mystery of the sabotage. While it wasn’t super difficult to figure out who-dun-it, it still made for an interesting read. There’s a lot of action in and out of the bull riding ring. A downside to the book was that a lot of the info about bull riding was in complete info dumps. I don’t always mind that and in this case, if you don’t know much about PBR or bull riding, I think it would be necessary to get a feel for what is going on. Still, info dumps aren’t always the most fun to read through. The romance was pretty much instalove but eh, you can’t have it all. It’s not entirely believable either. Shane set Lexie up in the first few pages in a faux-dangerous situation at the instruction of do-anything-to-get-his-way Brock. I’m not sure that I could forgive someone who did that, much less as easily as Lexie seems to. Still, there is eventually a HEA for Shane and Lexie and I’m sure future Champions books will be touching on the sisters.

I give Whirlwind 3.5 out of 5 propellers

Review at Wicked Cool Flight

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whirlwind bull and bull riding love story

I won a free kindle copy of the novel from Goodreads Giveaway. I have not read a Janet Dailey book in a long time and had forgotten how well she spins a good story and holds your attention. Highly recommend reading.
The book was well written and based in Arizona on bull riding with adventure and romance. The story revolves primarily around the bull, Whirlwind, that is owned by the Champion family on their ranch Alamo Canyon Ranch and the romance between Lexie Champion and bull rider Shane Tully who works for Brock on his ranch. There was several adventures that involve the ranch and Whirlwind that effects Champion family and their bulls. The adventures center around Whirlwind winning, survival of the family ranch, bull riding, and murder. Lexie is the baby sister with two older sisters, Tess the eldest who runs the ranch and Val who is Hollywood. The love story was easy flowing initially between Lexie and Shsne , but there was a hiccup in the romance that revealed each strong character to not settle for less of themselves and prove that they (he) is man enough to takeoff his woman. Lexie is determined not to get involved with a bill rider after the death of her brother in the ring. But she is drawn to Shane. Shane is drawn towards her right out of the gate, actually before he can sit a bull for the gate to be opened.

I did not like how the story ended though. I hope the sequel for Tess and Val provide some closure to some open ended comments about their past relationships and future of the ranch. There was a brief discussion about their mother and father, Bert Champion who died from cancer. As well as how Whirlwind did in championship bull riding and if Brock Holman stoped trying to get his hands on Whirlwind and Alamo Canyon Ranch.

[Amy Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Whirlwind in exchange for an honest review. I've always enjoyed Janet Dailey's novel, and this did not disappoint. The bull riding aspect was completely foreign to me, but Ms. Dailey did a great job of immersing the reader into uncharted territories making it easy to read. Lexie and Shane's story was unique, and the bull riding accident and injuries sustained from the accident definitely added an element to this novel that I haven;t see before. Overall, this was a well written novel that I would recommend to friends and family.

[Stacey Houllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a Janet Daily book in a long time. This her lastest series The Champions. It is the of Lexi Champion a young woman who is living on a ranch with her sister Tess and step mom Callie. Lexi and Tess bread bulls that they take to Rodeos for bucking off cowboys. LEXI and Ruben take Whirlwind to Rodeo where she meets Shane Tully a rodeo bull rider who also works for Brook Tilman who doesn't have a good reputation with Tess and Lexi. Shane offer a price for Whirlwind for his boss. Lexi finds a threat to her family on the windscreen of her truck. Her brother was also a bull rider who died at rodeo earlier, her dad died of cancer.
Janet Daily write about not only about the life of bull rider, the dangers, family, relationships, romance and suspense/drama.
I recommend this book so much.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaway Amazon Kindle. It took me a while to read it because I have won several and have other books to read. I really, truly enjoyed reading this. The suspense was killing me until the end and I found who what happened! I am not used to reading about Rodeos but really liked reading about this prospective from the owner of the bulls and the riders who ride them. It is more interesting than you might think! Love the description of the ranch! I can see me reading more about The Champions!

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whirlwind is an action packed ride through the world of competitive bull riding and cattle ranching. I never know what to expect when I read a new author of cowboy romances and Janet Dailey did not disappoint. I enjoyed the suspense and drama of what was happening to the Champion family. The emotional pull of the relationship between Lexie and Shane kept the pages turning and kept me up way too late! It's a fast paced, fast to read ride that you don't want to miss.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings before reading this so I started out wondering if I really wanted to read it. Well, I loved it. Romance, mystery and a lot of questioning as the pages continued to turn. Loved Lexie and her family with all the problems and heartache. Loved Shane with his love of the rodeo and all it had to offer. Loved Lexie and Shane as they faced the many problems life gave them.
I certainly hope to find following novels with the Champion Family because there is much more to read and enjoy. So many unanswered questions that I hope to find with the sequels.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Janet Dailey is a wonderful author and she has written another great book! Wonderful storyline with ver indepth characters. She drew me right into this book from the very first page and made me feel as I was right there with the characters!!!! Do yourself a favor and grab this book and enjoy it!

[Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I choose this book because of the Bull Riding setting, it was new to me and I was interested in knowing more.
And on that regard I did, and it was interesting, it took us into the bull side of it and the ranchers and I liked it.
And I wanted more of it.

The book also had this mystery going on the side and that was pretty well written.

What I had a problem with is the development of the main story.
Lexie meets Shane in a not so ideal situation, but there is attraction there and it develops when they keep seeing each other in different situations.
The problem is things happen too fast, on the first week they meet, a friend has a bull fighting accident and the next week they are deciding if they want to continue their relationship and the week after there is the exact same accident that the friend had.
I wish the author had given us more time with them to make it more believable when we read things like “He knows her too well” and “ I love him too much”.

But I did like the three sisters and their ranch life and would continue on with the series.

This review is for a free copy courtesy of Netgalley.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book I came across by chance, that sat on my shelf for 2 years, the least I can say was what a delightful read. Deep family bonds, romance, suspense, and mystery. The storyline is wonderful and Janet Daily sure know's how to paint a movie. Although old and not popular, this book has reminded me that most of the best books don't have to be current bestseller, but ones that you would normally never think twice about picking up.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars overall

Whirlwind is an engaging western romance set in the contemporary American Southwest. It's filled with brilliant descriptions of the Sonoran Desert and life on a working ranch. And as a self-proclaimed country girl at heart, I so appreciated the author's commitment to authenticity regarding the lifestyle. Things like stock contracting and rodeo... And the fact that she so carefully explained the difference between PRCA and PBR... I loved that!

Now, having said all that, make no mistake - this book is heavy on the romance. The primary love scene is quite a bit more descriptive than I personally care for, but it's not out of place in the greater context of the narrative, and it's in line with the overall genre. To me, it just doesn't add any substantive value... the book would be just as good, or, in my humble opinion, better without it.

Nonetheless, I really liked the main character, and I appreciated her emotional development throughout the story. Even though she is quite young, she's mature for her age (very early twenties). She's also intelligent, strong, hardworking, and soft-hearted. The book centers on her family, her relationship with her sisters, their business, and her first real experience with grown-up love. When distilled to its core, Whirlwind isn't about one-night-stands or hot cowboys. (No, really!) It's about love, for better or for worse.

[Ariail Heath · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book if you understand stubborn women, put family before anything else, and an unexpected rival romance.

The Champion family name is known in the bull riding industry as a staple. Despite losing their brother in a bull riding accident and their mother and father, the remaining sisters are convinced to make their name shine with pride. When Whirlwind, their youngest bull, hits riding age; Lexie packs him up to make his debut in the ring in hopes to provide some much needed financial stability to her home. What Lexie does not expect is a friendship with Shane, her top rival's rider and apprentice. Struggling between growing feelings and her commitment to her family, Lexie navigates keeping Whirlwind at the front of the pack and following her heart.

This book was barely okay for me, I'm not sure if it's because Lexie was so stubborn or if there was not enough backstory provided to the reader to understand her stubbornness. The character development seemed more surface level than relatable to me and the different plot lines just fell short to me. This book is a duology and I think I will give the second book a chance to see if it changes my mind now that I have the back story on this!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly 40 years ago I read my first Janet Dailey book. She was still writing for Harlequin but was also writing longer contemporary romance for Pocket Books. In the years since Dailey passed away, the name has become a pseudonym -- not a bad thing -- and the name has experienced a renaissance as the titles published under the Dailey name have featured the romance and adventure fans of Janet Dailey have come to expect. But . . .

You knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you?

But for some reason I am disappointed with WHIRLWIND, the first book in The Champions series. Not the characters so much as the story itself. I expect the romantic tropes to follow a pattern: girl meets guy, dislikes him to some extent even though she's attracted to him, gradually falls in love, and they live happily ever after. However, the setting -- small ranch on the brink of financial disaster faces ruin from outside forces -- had me feeling that I was reading another entry in The Tyler of Texas series, but set in Arizona and the bull riding/rodeo circuit instead of Texas and cattle ranching. There are even echoes of Dailey's Calder Saga, though Calder novels are bigger in several ways -- more land, more history, and just plain more.

It is perhaps unfair to invoke either of Dailey's previous series, but I can't give WHIRLWIND more than 3 stars.

I received an eARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lafourche Parish Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whirlwind, book one of Janet Dailey’s Champions series, is a must read. It’s filled with romance, suspense, and dangerous adventures.

Lexie, Tess, and Val are the Champion sisters. Lexie and Tess live and raise bucking bulls on the Alamo Canyon Ranch in Ajo, Arizona while their estranged sister, Val, is chasing her dreams of stardom in Hollywood. The Champion sisters have experienced a great deal of hardship over the past year with the deaths of their brother and father. Now, several suspicious events: a threatening note, two dead bulls, a blown out truck tire, and a mysterious death of a family member are putting the Champion sisters on high alert. Is this all a coincidence, or is someone behind these suspicious events? Why would anyone want to harm the Champions?

To get the whole story, read Whirlwind by Janet Dailey. This page turning romantic adventure will keep you reading late into the night. P.S.—After reading Whirlwind, the adventures continue with Whiplash, the second book in Dailey’s Champions series.

Availability: Book; Large Print Book
Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Crystal, Technical Services Librarian

ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH?
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GENRE: Contemporary Romances; Western Romances
LOCATION: Arizona
SUBJECT: Bull Riders; Cowboys; Family Businesses; Loss; Men/Women Relations; Ranch Life; Rodeo Performers; Sexual Attraction

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whirlwind, the first book in Janet Dailey’s The Champions series is a dramatic and suspenseful romance providing an immersion in the gripping sport of Professional Bull Riding (PBR)…both in the breeding and riding of the magnificent bulls at the highest level of competition.

This first story is of the youngest of the Champion sisters, Lexie, and her journey in getting her prized bull Whirlwind to the National Finals in Bull Riding in Las Vegas, Nevada…along the way she does what she swore she’d never do a second time, fall in love with a Bull Rider. Lexie and Shane story is sure to touch the reader’s heart on many levels…through the couple’s experiences and actions as they traverse this most captivating journey towards their HEA.

Rife with thrilling play by play rides…where through excruciating and exciting details the reader is given a glimpse into the experiences of both the Contractors (breeders) and Bull Riders of what is considered the most dangerous sport. Also setting the stage for further into the series, the Bullfighters…also known as Rodeo Clowns (the brave men who keep the riders safe from the bulls after the ride is over) role is spotlighted for more edge of your seat action.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Flora · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must preface my reviews of Janet Dailey's books by saying that she was one of my top favourite authors for a very very long time when I was a young girl. I went to the public library after school almost everyday to scour the shelves hoping that there would be a new-to-me book by her on the shelves. Over the years I have read many many that I enjoyed.

You probably know what I am going to say next about this particular title. Granted, there is a sweet relationship between Lexie and Shane, one that is able to overcome the sad circumstances that came their way. But how does one overlook what Shane did to try to get what his boss was after. And that in the first few pages. I'm afraid it just totally put me off the book. I prefer heroes that rescue heroines, not potentially harm her or scare her out of her wits...

I also found that there was too much focus on bulls and bull riding. It might interest some of you but not really for me, I'm afraid.

Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review. I haven't given up by any means. I'm still ready for a Janet Dailey book anytime!

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turning romantic suspense novel! It caught my attention from the start and took me away to a world of ranch living and bull riding! This is such a powerful story of perseverance, determination, love, and sacrifice. Meet Lexie, Tess, and Val. They are sisters that inherited their mother’s family ranch where their livelihood is raising bucking bulls. This book primarily focuses on Lexie’s story. She spends a lot of her time at bull riding events with her potential top bull, Whirlwind. The last thing she expects is to meet Shane. You’ll see their relationship develop and change as they endure heartbreaking life tragedies. The chemistry and tension between Lexie and Shane is as sizzling hot as the desert.

While Lexie is away, life seems to be falling apart at the ranch as one disaster after another occurs. The threats continue to become more dangerous and deadly. Intense moments throughout that will have you holding your breath in anticipation of what’s next! Will the ranch survive? Will Lexie and Tess be able to figure out what’s going on before more tragedy strikes?