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Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #5
Texas Tough
When a city girl meets a Lone Star lover, can she resist temptation?
He's the kind of cowboy even big-city women dream about…
The only reason artsy Abby Carmichael is way out in Royal, Texas, is to shoot a documentary film. But to get it right, she needs a cowboy. And fifth-generation Texas Cattleman’s Club member Carter Crane is it. His slow drawl, blue eyes and swagger say he’s the real deal… Their sparks ignite like wildfire. But when her work reveals big-money secrets that could bring down Royal, Abby must choose between the film that could make her career or riding into the sunset with Carter…
He's the kind of cowboy even big-city women dream about…
The only reason artsy Abby Carmichael is way out in Royal, Texas, is to shoot a documentary film. But to get it right, she needs a cowboy. And fifth-generation Texas Cattleman’s Club member Carter Crane is it. His slow drawl, blue eyes and swagger say he’s the real deal… Their sparks ignite like wildfire. But when her work reveals big-money secrets that could bring down Royal, Abby must choose between the film that could make her career or riding into the sunset with Carter…
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 19, 2021
17 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
539 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 8, 2021
4.5 stars
Janice Maynard’s Texas Tough is the standalone fifth book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series. The series is about the Edmond family, who are a wealthy family in Royal, Texas. Lead by patriarch Rusty Edmond, the family plans to put on an event called Soiree on the Bay on their private island, Appaloosa. The food, art, and wine festival is capturing a lot of attention thanks in part to Lila Jones, who works for the Royal Chamber of Commerce, and her social media influencer fiance Zach Benning.
One of the people Lila has reached out to is up-and-coming documentary filmmaker Abby Carmichael. Texas is the last place New York-born Abby wants to be. But she can see the appeal of filming the festival and the town of Royal. Abby gets more than she bargains for when Carter Crane, a cowboy God on horseback captures her attention and the interaction isn’t necessarily friendly. “You won’t believe what happened to me earlier tonight. Some crazy tourist lady threatened me with Mace. On my own property.” As far as opening scenes and meet-cutes go, that scene was beyond superb. Abby and Carter’s first interaction might not have been filled with Texas charm, however, their second was fun and playful.
I loved Abby and Carter immediately. There is a ten-year age gap between them, which for me wasn’t a big deal. Abby has maturity and grace on her side. They are a couple who seem to not have anything in common. Yet, they share this intense attraction to one another that borders on love at first sight. In fact, their feelings for one another are so intense that they worry they can’t be trusted.
I'm one of those people who likes realism in their romance books. Everything about Texas Tough seemed real. There's so much to love about this story. As a reader of this series, things with the mystery are heating up. I am super excited about that. Janice did a really good job of catching new readers up on what has happened in previous books. I can not wait to find out what’s really happening in Royal and with the Edmond family. I have this feeling readers are going to be a little shocked.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“Sometimes people come into our lives for a season."
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
Janice Maynard’s Texas Tough is the standalone fifth book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series. The series is about the Edmond family, who are a wealthy family in Royal, Texas. Lead by patriarch Rusty Edmond, the family plans to put on an event called Soiree on the Bay on their private island, Appaloosa. The food, art, and wine festival is capturing a lot of attention thanks in part to Lila Jones, who works for the Royal Chamber of Commerce, and her social media influencer fiance Zach Benning.
One of the people Lila has reached out to is up-and-coming documentary filmmaker Abby Carmichael. Texas is the last place New York-born Abby wants to be. But she can see the appeal of filming the festival and the town of Royal. Abby gets more than she bargains for when Carter Crane, a cowboy God on horseback captures her attention and the interaction isn’t necessarily friendly. “You won’t believe what happened to me earlier tonight. Some crazy tourist lady threatened me with Mace. On my own property.” As far as opening scenes and meet-cutes go, that scene was beyond superb. Abby and Carter’s first interaction might not have been filled with Texas charm, however, their second was fun and playful.
I loved Abby and Carter immediately. There is a ten-year age gap between them, which for me wasn’t a big deal. Abby has maturity and grace on her side. They are a couple who seem to not have anything in common. Yet, they share this intense attraction to one another that borders on love at first sight. In fact, their feelings for one another are so intense that they worry they can’t be trusted.
I'm one of those people who likes realism in their romance books. Everything about Texas Tough seemed real. There's so much to love about this story. As a reader of this series, things with the mystery are heating up. I am super excited about that. Janice did a really good job of catching new readers up on what has happened in previous books. I can not wait to find out what’s really happening in Royal and with the Edmond family. I have this feeling readers are going to be a little shocked.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“Sometimes people come into our lives for a season."
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
September 10, 2021
Good opposites attract story. Abby arrived in Royal to film a documentary about the Soirée on the Bay arts festival. All city-girl, Abby feels like a fish out of water in a place that doesn't even have a Starbucks, but she's determined to do her best with her film. Out exploring the first evening she's there, Abby spots a cowboy riding with the sunset as a backdrop and immediately wants him for her film. Their face-to-face encounter doesn't go so well, and she high-tails it back to town, only to meet him again that evening.
Carter is a born and bred country boy and Royal native. He took over the family ranch when his father retired, and it consumes most of his life - by his choice. His encounter with Abby disrupts that focus with unexpected intensity.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Abby and Carter. Their first encounter was amusing with the way Abby's city experience caused her to react and Carter's somewhat ill-conceived response. They certainly made an impression on each other. When they meet again later that evening, Carter's apology goes a long way toward repairing his reputation. Sparks fly over drinks as neither can deny their attraction. Carter wants Abby in his bed, and she wants Carter in her film.
Abby's beauty, confidence, and wit intrigue Carter, but he's been burned by a city girl once before. He doesn't intend anything more than some mutually agreed on fun. Abby knows getting involved with a man with deep roots is a bad idea, but mixing a little pleasure with business should be okay. Neither expected the speed and depth of their connection and were wary of believing their feelings were real. Even when they acknowledge that there is something there, neither can see a way to make it work. When Abby's plan for her film drives a wedge between them, both she and Carter have some soul searching to do. I liked the ending and seeing how they came to realize that their love was more important than where they live.
Preparations for the Soirée on the Bay is a theme that runs through the series. In earlier books, we've seen the building of the venue and the beginnings of the publicity. At the end of the previous book, The Trouble with Bad Boys, organizer Rusty Edmonds dropped the bombshell that money is missing from the festival funds. When Abby learns of it, she wants to make it part of her documentary. Carter wants her to leave it alone, especially when he overhears someone all but threaten her. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books to see if my suspicions are correct.
Carter is a born and bred country boy and Royal native. He took over the family ranch when his father retired, and it consumes most of his life - by his choice. His encounter with Abby disrupts that focus with unexpected intensity.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Abby and Carter. Their first encounter was amusing with the way Abby's city experience caused her to react and Carter's somewhat ill-conceived response. They certainly made an impression on each other. When they meet again later that evening, Carter's apology goes a long way toward repairing his reputation. Sparks fly over drinks as neither can deny their attraction. Carter wants Abby in his bed, and she wants Carter in her film.
Abby's beauty, confidence, and wit intrigue Carter, but he's been burned by a city girl once before. He doesn't intend anything more than some mutually agreed on fun. Abby knows getting involved with a man with deep roots is a bad idea, but mixing a little pleasure with business should be okay. Neither expected the speed and depth of their connection and were wary of believing their feelings were real. Even when they acknowledge that there is something there, neither can see a way to make it work. When Abby's plan for her film drives a wedge between them, both she and Carter have some soul searching to do. I liked the ending and seeing how they came to realize that their love was more important than where they live.
Preparations for the Soirée on the Bay is a theme that runs through the series. In earlier books, we've seen the building of the venue and the beginnings of the publicity. At the end of the previous book, The Trouble with Bad Boys, organizer Rusty Edmonds dropped the bombshell that money is missing from the festival funds. When Abby learns of it, she wants to make it part of her documentary. Carter wants her to leave it alone, especially when he overhears someone all but threaten her. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books to see if my suspicions are correct.
June 30, 2021
Abby Carmichael is 10 years his junior and from New York. So NOT Carter Crane's type. Except. When he sees her on his ranch taking photos and videos, Carter scares Abby off. When they happen to end up in the same hotel bar that night, he can't help but be intrigued by her confidence, wit, and undeniably good looks. Abby knows that getting involved with Carter is a terrible idea. She has no desire to lay down roots anywhere, much less a town like Royal, Texas. But still, who said you can't mix business with pleasure? She should be able to have a little fun while she's working on her documentary, right?
Abby and Carter are an unlikely pair, especially given their age difference, but not even cross-country trips can keep them apart. They are lovable, sexy, and as with all of Maynard's novels, you're rooting for them until the very end. As part of the Heir Apparent series, there's mystery hanging over the adventures of Abby and Carter, which make me want to check out the first four books in the series and keep following along after Texas Tough, too. This novel stands alone, but I'm guessing you'll be like me and want to start at the beginning of the series, too!
Abby and Carter are an unlikely pair, especially given their age difference, but not even cross-country trips can keep them apart. They are lovable, sexy, and as with all of Maynard's novels, you're rooting for them until the very end. As part of the Heir Apparent series, there's mystery hanging over the adventures of Abby and Carter, which make me want to check out the first four books in the series and keep following along after Texas Tough, too. This novel stands alone, but I'm guessing you'll be like me and want to start at the beginning of the series, too!
June 30, 2021
This is book 5 in the “Texas Cattlemen’s Club: Heir Apparent Series” I am so enjoying this series.
Abby Carmichael is a city girl and she has arrived in Royal Texas to film a documentary about the Soiree on the Bay that will take on Appaloosa Island and she is in need of a cowboy and she has her sights on Carter Crane who is the blued alpha male. When she first encounters Carter, she is on his private property words are exchanged and Abby states she has her mace and Carter is sitting on his big stallion and states he has his rifle. Abby high tails it out of their and is so shaken that she is sitting in the bar at the Miramar Hotel. When Carter arrives at the bar he apologies for their earlier encounter. There is instant chemistry between the two.
Abby and Carter have things to work out they are from two places, city for Abby and Royal Texas for Carter, with they get their HEA, pick up your copy today; you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Abby Carmichael is a city girl and she has arrived in Royal Texas to film a documentary about the Soiree on the Bay that will take on Appaloosa Island and she is in need of a cowboy and she has her sights on Carter Crane who is the blued alpha male. When she first encounters Carter, she is on his private property words are exchanged and Abby states she has her mace and Carter is sitting on his big stallion and states he has his rifle. Abby high tails it out of their and is so shaken that she is sitting in the bar at the Miramar Hotel. When Carter arrives at the bar he apologies for their earlier encounter. There is instant chemistry between the two.
Abby and Carter have things to work out they are from two places, city for Abby and Royal Texas for Carter, with they get their HEA, pick up your copy today; you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
June 27, 2021
Opposites attract in the next addition to the Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent series! TEXAS TOUGH by Janice Maynard brings a big city filmmaker to Royal, Texas to connect with a local cowboy. Passion overwhelms the differences they might possess and teaches them to reach for their dreams no matter the obstacle. I enjoyed Abby & Carter!
Abby has big city dreams, but is down to earth and quick to enjoy country life in Texas.
Carter has a bad taste for city folk, but Abby quickly has him realizing that they aren't always looking down their nose at the rural beauty of Texas.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dip into Texas where drama is high and passion comes to life at the TCC.
Abby has big city dreams, but is down to earth and quick to enjoy country life in Texas.
Carter has a bad taste for city folk, but Abby quickly has him realizing that they aren't always looking down their nose at the rural beauty of Texas.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dip into Texas where drama is high and passion comes to life at the TCC.
August 9, 2021
Superb!!! What a fun ride with THIS STORY!! This was the perfect example of when a COVER SELLS !! In all honesty , you can’t go wrong with a Janice Maynard but THIS ONE??? I was hooked from the opening pages & literally couldn’t put this down ! The sparks & banter between them were pure fun!! And talk about the brutal honesty between them from the get go! There were NO mincing words between these two & a whole lotta sparks & heat!! I loved the ambiance of the Texas area & the actual plot ( with research ) was clever & fun. This one is SURE to sit with me for some time !! Highly recommend this one ! Bravo Janice !
June 29, 2021
Texas Tough by Janice Maynard is the fifth book in The Texas Cattleman’s: Heir Apparent series. I was hooked from the opening scene when Carter and Abby first meet. Even though both characters come from wealth, their backgrounds are so different. It was heartwarming knowing how much Carter loves his life running the ranch and seeing the decision he makes to keep Abby in his life. In the end, they both realize what is important in life. This is a standalone book that I highly recommend. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
June 30, 2021
The 5th in the Texas Cattleman's series from Harlequin. Janice Maynard delivers an excellent opposites-attract romance. Our heroine, big city girl, and film-maker Abby becomes entangled with Texas cowboy and rancher Carter and speaks fly. Here in Royal, Texas to film a documentary, Abby wants to feature Carter as the tough cowboy to add to the story. A little mystery is thrown in was Abby uncovers some long hidden secrets about Royal along the way. You won't be disappointed with this book as it is full of chemistry and a great HEA ending.
June 30, 2021
This installment of the Texas Cattleman's Club does not disappoint. Abby and Carter come from two different worlds. She's a city girl and he's a ranch man. Abby has come to Texas to film a documentary for a big event in the area. She meets Carter and the sparks fly! The more time they spend together the stronger the feelings get-and romance naturally takes its course. Will they ride off into the sunset together? Grab a copy of this must read and find out!
July 6, 2021
City girl Abby Carmichael, is in rural Royal, Texas to film a documentary. Carter Crane is a fifth-generation member of the Texas Cattleman’s Club. They meet under tense circumstances but upon their second meeting, they realize that there is a lot of chemistry between them. Can these two who grew up wealthy but with different backgrounds come together and get what they want?
August 3, 2021
Love at first sight? Neither Abby Carmichael or Carter Crane think their intense feelings can be trusted. She’s from New York and spends time in California, he’s a hometown Royal boy.
She’s just arrived in town that day to start working on a documentary on the upcoming Soirée on the Bay when she stops to admire a spectacular sunset. As she takes in the beauty, alone rider comes into view. She’s struck by the entire scene and jumps out of her car to video it. The rider notices her and informs her she’s on private property. She quickly jumps in her car and leaves.
Later in the hotel bar, she mentions the encounter to the bartender. Little did she know she was just a shot time from having her second encounter of the evening with that same cowboy. She decides she wants to use him in her documentary.
He shows up the next day when she’s touring the venue for Soirée on the Bay and ends up driving her back to Royal. The long drive just allows them to both become even more attracted to each other. Carter agrees to be interviewed for her documentary.
The more they see of each other the more attracted they are to one another. They each think they’re falling for the other one but don’t trust their feelings to be real. They end up pushing the other away. They eventually work their way back to each other and their HEA.
I definitely recommend this book. One more in a long line of great books from Janice Maynard.
She’s just arrived in town that day to start working on a documentary on the upcoming Soirée on the Bay when she stops to admire a spectacular sunset. As she takes in the beauty, alone rider comes into view. She’s struck by the entire scene and jumps out of her car to video it. The rider notices her and informs her she’s on private property. She quickly jumps in her car and leaves.
Later in the hotel bar, she mentions the encounter to the bartender. Little did she know she was just a shot time from having her second encounter of the evening with that same cowboy. She decides she wants to use him in her documentary.
He shows up the next day when she’s touring the venue for Soirée on the Bay and ends up driving her back to Royal. The long drive just allows them to both become even more attracted to each other. Carter agrees to be interviewed for her documentary.
The more they see of each other the more attracted they are to one another. They each think they’re falling for the other one but don’t trust their feelings to be real. They end up pushing the other away. They eventually work their way back to each other and their HEA.
I definitely recommend this book. One more in a long line of great books from Janice Maynard.
May 1, 2021
Another story in the TCC series. Abby has come to Royal to film a documentary about the soiree on the Bay. Her first night there while riding around taking pictures she us threatened. Later she runs right into Carter. There are instant sparks. This story was so well written and so good. There are more hints as to who is behind things going on with the soiree. I loved Abby's passion and Carter being who he is! You are going to love this story!
June 15, 2021
this opposites attract story is so fun and Abby and Carter have some issues with him being so deeply rooted in Texas and her basically having no true family life since her parents divorce of almost 20 years - I read a paperback copy and freely leave my review!
February 4, 2022
This is part of Texas Cattlemen's series Heir Apparent. This is Abby and Carter's story. Carter has been running his ranch and his parents have moved to Florida. Abby is in town to do a documentary on the Festival she is developing her angle. They meet and things start to happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 2, 2021Categories
Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book #5)
Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent (Book #5)
June 4, 2021
Love the story between Abby and Carter. Love how Abby found her place and how Carter figured out what was important.
Kind of disappointed that we didn't get an end to the documentary.
Kind of disappointed that we didn't get an end to the documentary.
June 19, 2021
Love it
June 29, 2021
Great storyline, great characters.
Loved this opposites attract story.
Abby is in Royal, Texas to shoot documentary film, but she gets more than she was expecting.
Loved this opposites attract story.
Abby is in Royal, Texas to shoot documentary film, but she gets more than she was expecting.
July 2, 2021
A fun and amazing read! This story has it all! A sexy Texas cowboy, steamy chemistry and some mystery. I was hooked from the beginning it’s entertaining and heartwarming story. It’s a must read!!!
July 7, 2021
Things are always bigger in Texas. 😊 The secrets, the festivals, the egos and the relationships. Abby and Carter are 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
July 8, 2021
This is a great book for getting back to reality! Forgotten is the men who have manners and morals! Carter has it all! True gentlemen and great character! Love this story!
April 3, 2024
Great book great series!
June 30, 2021
This is book 5 in the series. I enjoyed reading Carter and Abby's story. Abby is a woman living in today's world, and she has a strong character. Carter thankfully puts all the cards out on the table in what he is and isn't looking for. The intimate scenes are a little steamy so I would recommend this to the 18+ reader.
July 26, 2021
I am really having trouble with the heir apparent series. I used to not be able to wait to get to the next book to seed what was happening in Royal and the Texas Cattleman Club.
We are getting more opposites meet, lot of sex, and not much deep family background.
Abby and Carter have chemistry but you can’t live on chemistry alone.
We need more nitty gritty. How are they going to make this love work .
We are getting more opposites meet, lot of sex, and not much deep family background.
Abby and Carter have chemistry but you can’t live on chemistry alone.
We need more nitty gritty. How are they going to make this love work .
July 25, 2021
What happens when a city girl goes country??? She finds herself a cowboy to keep. Janice Maynard writes a beautifully told story of the city girl out of her element in the country and how she comes to love it. Not to mention the cowboy who's not afraid to change if he had to for love. I loved the way the characters meet and how Carter keeps Abby on her toes. Great story.
June 30, 2021
I love the cover of this book!
Abby Carmichael arrives in Royal, Texas to film a documentary about the upcoming Soiree on the Bay event soon to take place on nearby Appaloosa Island. Her first encounter with Carter Crane doesn't end well but when they meet again in the bar of the Miramar Hotel in Royal sparks fly. Instant chemistry! I enjoyed reading about these main characters' backgrounds and personalities. I appreciate how this author's descriptive prose painted lovely pictures of the Royal and Appaloosa Island areas. Texas Tough by Janice Maynard is the fifth book in the Harlequin continuity series The Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but this story sure whet my appetite to check them out.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Abby Carmichael arrives in Royal, Texas to film a documentary about the upcoming Soiree on the Bay event soon to take place on nearby Appaloosa Island. Her first encounter with Carter Crane doesn't end well but when they meet again in the bar of the Miramar Hotel in Royal sparks fly. Instant chemistry! I enjoyed reading about these main characters' backgrounds and personalities. I appreciate how this author's descriptive prose painted lovely pictures of the Royal and Appaloosa Island areas. Texas Tough by Janice Maynard is the fifth book in the Harlequin continuity series The Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but this story sure whet my appetite to check them out.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 24, 2021
Texas Tough continues the opposites attract theme in the Texas Cattlemen’s Club current series. Once again Janice Maynard has written a great book be prepared to find it hard to put down. Carter Crane runs his family’s ranch and is a Texan through and through. He meets documentary/filmmaker Abby Carmichael. She is in Royal to make a documentary on the Soirée on the Bay taking place on Appaloosa Island. She wanted to add a human touch to her work and asks Carter if she can film his ranch. The sparks between the two of them is off the scale. Carter has been burned before and Abby is a city girl! Throw in secrets that come out as she is filming and you get one great book. Do the two of them have a chance if they compromise? Only time will tell!
June 30, 2021
Loving this book in the Heir Apparent Series. I have over 80 of the Texas Cattlemen books and the Carter is right up there amongst my favourites. Once again a worthy contribution by Janice Maynard.
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