Is he her shelter from the storm… Or her biggest mistake?
Valencia Donovan’s plan to dazzle the wealthy investor she needs for her horse rescue start-up takes an unexpected turn when a tornado strands her with Lorenzo Cortez-Williams. Giving in to attraction in a desperate moment only makes them hungry for more. After they've blown away all boundaries, Valencia’s treacherous feelings for the guarded ranching heir could jeopardize her lifelong dream. But closing the deal—while walking away from their intimate affair—could cost her even more…
Joanne 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.
The sixth book in a series by multiple authors, Valencia and Lorenzo’s story stands alone. Again, the overarching of the festival is unresolved but easy to follow.
Valencia is her own woman, owner of a horse rescue, and needs funding to grow. Lorenzo’s family foundation is where she has applied and has an interview. There is an immediate attraction between them. But can they keep it professional?
Mother nature has other ideas about them being apart and challenges their willpower. Will mistrust be the downfall?
As with most Harlequin books, we get a quick, light story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series for some answers.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Trapped with the Texan was a fantastic read featuring a romance that uses the forced proximity trope very well.
Valencia Donovan plans to take her horse rescue to the next level, but in order to do so she needs an influx of cash. Her plan is to dazzle wealthy investor Lorenzo Cortez-Williams at their meeting as the man is known for donating to causes in the area. When a tornado cuts their final meeting short, Valencia heads home to secure her horses with Lorenzo offering assistance. As the two seek shelter, the attraction that has been brewing between them overwhelms them. Valencia can't afford to let her feelings get in the way of seeing her dream realized, but walking away from Lorenzo may be the hardest thing she ever has to do.
Valencia and Lorenzo had instant chemistry when they met but neither of them wants to mix business with pleasure. For Valencia, she needs the donation from Lorenzo's family to expand her rescue and she doesn't want to jeopardize those plans. Lorenzo was previously engaged to a woman who was only after his family's money, so he has made a point to never get involved with someone he does business with. Both of their reasons were valid, but I loved how their attraction got the better of them as they were sheltering from the tornado. The connection between these two is fantastic and I loved how quickly things developed between them. When issues inevitably pop up, I liked that they were ones that actually made sense in terms of causing problems rather than some contrived reason just to drive them apart. Ultimately I was happy with the way they resolved everything and I enjoyed their romance overall.
The Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent series is a sub-series of the larger Texas Cattleman’s Club series that in total includes over 100 books. Each story works as a standalone with the connection between them being the club and side characters. In Trapped with the Texan, the couple's first meeting was at the club with a few other scenes there throughout the rest of the book. A number of side characters showed up that make up the rest of this series and I definitely plan to pick up other books in the series in the future.
Overall Trapped with the Texan was a very enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it if you're a fan of the forced proximity trope.
Good addition to the series. Valencia owns a horse rescue farm and plans to expand into providing equine therapy for children. For that, she needs extra funds and applies for a grant from the Cortez-Williams family's foundation. She's ready to give her presentation to the elder board member when she discovers that he's turned over vetting applicants to his grandson, Lorenzo the Third. Taken aback by her attraction to him, Valencia struggles to remain professional.
Lorenzo takes his job of vetting organizations very seriously. Burned by his ex-fiancée, who used their relationship for her own gain, Lorenzo doesn't trust easily. He vowed then that he would keep personal and professional relationships separate. His attraction to Valencia makes that problematic.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Lorenzo and Valencia. The sparks between them are evident from the moment they met, yet they manage to get through their meeting with their professionalism intact. That doesn't mean that either forgets about those sparks. Lorenzo invites Valencia to dinner to tell her the results of her application, and the attraction still simmers in the background. When their dinner is cut short by a tornado warning, Lorenzo accompanies her back to her ranch to help prepare, and they end up taking shelter in her storm cellar. Because of a childhood trauma involving a tornado, Valencia is understandably nervous. While the storm rages outside, the flaring attraction between them provides an unexpected distraction. When the storm passes, they can't resist giving in, creating complications.
Baggage from the past, and a secret from the present, keep Lorenzo and Valencia from fully trusting each other. Finding out Lorenzo's secret devastates Valencia and breaks her heart. I ached for Lorenzo, also, because his boneheaded move drove a wedge between them. I loved Lorenzo's realization of his feelings for her and his determination to make things right. His big moment at the end put their pasts to rest and looked to the future together.
The overarching story of Soirée on the Bay continues to heat up. Valencia has a vested interest in its success as one of the proposed charitable beneficiaries. The news of the missing money hits her hard because of its impact on her plans. The blows to the Soirée continue when the tornado damages some of the site days before the projected start, and Asher Edmond is arrested on suspicion of embezzlement. I personally believe that he is innocent and still suspect a different player in the drama. I can't wait to see if I am right.
I am a huge fan of Harlequin Desire’s Texas Cattleman’s Club series. I love that each series is a continuity and tells a new story while ranging from five to eight books. This allows readers the opportunity to read some favorite authors and be introduced to some new ones.
Joanne Rock’s Trapped with the Texan is the sixth book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series. More details involving the main series arc are being discovered. For this series, I don’t think this is a standalone read. If you haven’t already been reading this series and care about the mystery of the series arc, then I suggest starting with book four, The Trouble with Bad Boys by Katherine Garbera. However, if you are just reading for the romance and a happily-ever-after, then Joanne definitely has you covered.
Valencia Donovan has secrets but her passion for horses and her belief in equine therapy are very much real. When Valencia learns from Asher Edmond that some of the proceeds from Soiree on the Bay, a luxury food, art, and wine festival being held on Edmond family-owned Appaloosa Island, will be donated to her Donovan Horse Rescue she’s ecstatic. With a little more funding, Valencia plans to expand her facility and open a summer camp for kids, focusing on equine therapy, because she knows the benefits it provides. Valencia plans on wowing retired rancher Lorenzo Cortez-Williams with her pitch, and is sure the generous philanthropist will back her.
To her surprise, Lorenzo’s grandson Lorenzo the Third has taken over the duty of vetting charitable organizations. Lorenzo who has also taken over the family ranch from his father has a history of allowing a pretty face and his personal life to interfere with business. After events involving his former fiance, Lorenzo doesn’t trust easily. Not only does he plan to meet with Valencia and tour her horse rescue, he also has a PI look into her background.
Neither Valencia nor Lorenzo are prepared for the instant awareness they have for each other. They both acknowledge to themselves that they shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. But that doesn’t stop them from having a “non-date” to celebrate the family foundation agreeing to grant her money. Things take an interesting turn during dinner when it’s discovered several tornadoes have been spotted in the immediate area. Lorenzo rushes Valencia home so they can secure her ranch and the horses. Valencia has a well-stocked storm shelter that she and Lorenzo stay in during the storm. The storm outside isn’t the only thing that’s raging. Inside the storm shelter, things heat up between the two. Something seems to be off, but for the life of him, Lorenzo can’t put his finger on it. Luck seems to be on their side because the storm and tornadoes pass over the ranch without any real damage. While Donovan Horse Rescue was spared, the same can not be said for Appaloosa Island. The damage to the festival grounds is significant, and the festival is scheduled to start in a matter of days. It’s soon discovered that the rumors of missing money are true and not a single Edmond nor family friend Billy Holmes seems to be around.
Valencia and Lorenzo are great characters. They share the same passion and drive. They have tender moments and are forced to confront and come clean about their past. Their first kiss is perfect in every way.
The plot of the series arc is definitely heating up and revealing surprises. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, How to Catch a Bad Boy by Cat Schield.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“Sometimes people only show you what they want you to see.”
“Sometimes it’s better to walk away than to keep making the same mistakes.”
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
This is one in a series of books by different authors centered around an overarching storyline. I was a little confused at times since several characters from previous books made appearances but it didn’t complicate understanding Lorenzo and Valencia’s story. I liked that their situation was straightforward and simple which made for a quick and seamless read. Although the overarching storyline about a festival embezzlement wasn’t resolved, I do wish there’d been more of a quick glimpse into Lorenzo and Valencia’s future beyond the last scene where they make up. I’m sure they’ll make brief appearances in future books.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Valencia and Lorenzo. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with all the emotions coming off the pages. She brings the heat with their hot chemistry , throws in a few obstacles along the way and delivers a terrific story. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Rock knows how to turn turbulence into temptation. Trapped with the Texan is hard to resist but not necessarily an easy love. Lorenzo and Valencia takes emotions by storm with their present drama and past baggage. Trust is the sticking point in this topsy-turvy rollercoaster ride. It's a messy road to solid ground, but I wouldn't change a thing about it.
This is a really good addition to the Texas Cattleman’s Club Heir Apparent series. This is Lorenzo and Valencia’s journey to romance and HEA. Joanne did an awesome job with her addition to the series. The characters were awesome, believable, mystery surround missing funds, apologies, emotions and highly charged sexual emotions making this an awesome read.
Valencia was adopted when her mother failed to return to their home for her after a tornado. She constantly thinks about it and has flash backs. Valencia runs a horse rescue ranch. Lorenzo is a wealthy rancher and he and his family grant money to business. Valencia is in need of funding and she goes to Lorenzo and there is an instant attraction. Lorenzo is a fixer and he wants to fixed everything for Valencia and he and his family approved the funding that Valencia needs. Lorenzo is really falling for Valencia he wants to be there for her and wants more than a friendship.
Will Valencia give into to her feelings and trust Lorenzo, will Lorenzo back up just a tad and let Valencia ask for help when she needs, can the two forge a relationships and both get what they want and need and HEA, what happened to the missing funds. Interesting questions. Pick up your copy today and you will enjoy this addition to the Texas Cattleman’s series just as much I have.
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Valencia needs Lorenzo’s family’s money for her horse rescue operation. Her attraction to Lorenzo isn’t a complication she needs – but it might be everything she wants, if they can open their hearts to each other.
Trapped with the Texan is a sweet, emotional story, and is a good sixth tale in the Texas Cattleman’s Club Heir Apparent series. The ‘trapped by a storm’ aspect of the story is well done, with the threat of tornadoes hitting Royal, Texas becoming a perfect backdrop for Valencia and Lorenzo to get to know each other better, as well as cutting through the barriers keeping them from acting on their immediate attraction. I very much enjoyed the slow coming-together of the characters as they learned to trust each other enough to really believe that happiness could be theirs. The book had a fun ‘Texas’ feel to it, and the way that the overall Heir Apparent story continued in this volume was both personal to the characters and added to the overall development of the series. Despite all the delicious details tucked in the book, I somewhat felt that the end of the book felt a bit forced, though the actual ending was heartwarming and romantic. Readers who haven’t read any of the Heir Apparent stories will have no problem enjoying the story, but Trapped with the Texan is definitely a tale that series readers will want to pick up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book six in The Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent Series and it is Valencia and Lorenzo's story and it is a must read. Valencia needs money to help with her start up which is a horse rescue centre that help young children and she has applied to Lorenzo's family to help her. When Valencia and Lorenzo meet they are both shocked by there instant attraction and chemistry between them but they tried really hard not to give into it. When a tornado strands them together all bets are off as they give into how they feel but when feeling start to get involved things get even more complicated between them and then money goes missing and trust issues start that could read them apart so they both have decisions to make about how or if they can go forward with everything. I loved this book so much with all it's twists and turns along the way and it is a real page turner and the story takes you in right from the first page and you have to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next between them and it is a must read and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve jumped around a bit in this series and have only read a couple of the other books in it. That being said, this book stands well on its own and the common characters in the series and the overarching plotlines are give enough page time to carry those threads forward and leave enough room for the plot of this particular book to breathe. I really liked Valencia. Her history and the pain she still dealt with because of it nearly brought me to tears. Lorenzo was a bit of tougher sell for me. I could understand that a previous bad relationship caused his hesitancy, and I loved his devotion to his family, but I wanted to smack him when he hurt Valencia because of those things. I was so happy when they were able find common ground in spite of their past traumas. Their chemistry together was pretty irresistible. I adored the love and attention that the author showered on the animals in this book, and I almost think they stole the show. Now I want to go back and pick up the books in this series I missed, because what looks like is coming next has me dying to find out what’s really going on. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Valencia Donovan came from a tough background being left by her parents and going into foster care to eventually finding wonderful adoptive parents. She even worked in the corporate world for a while before starting her dream career of a horse rescue ranch with the hopes of one day having horse therapy for children. That was where Lorenzo Cortez-Williams came in with his family's charitable foundation. She had applied for funds from their organization and was due to interview with the patriarch, but when she arrived it was the grandson. When they laid eyes on each other there was an electrical shock of mutual attraction. They both managed to keep the interview on a professional level, but it was extremely difficult. Lorenzo had been taken in by a woman in the past so he had trust issues when it came to women. Valencia had all kinds of issues as she felt inferior because of her biological parents. Would these two find a way to overcome their fears to be together? A wonderful story of a couple leaving to except each other and their fears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Valencia goes to Lorenzo's family for a donation for her horse rescue start-up. Lorenzo has it investigated and the donation is approved. During dinner to inform her of the approval, tornado warnings have both of them returning to her place to help secure it. Forced to take shelter, they start to fall for each other despite Lorenzo's wariness. The attraction is strong and they keep connecting up. When Valencia's learns about the personal investigation into her, she leaves Lorenzo. Lorenzo realizing he loves her does a grand gesture to win her back. Valencia forgives him and they are now together. I love the plans Valencia has for her business and I'm sure Lorenzo will help when he can. The one loose thread in the story is expected in the series and I hope to find out how it ends.
Valencia approaches Lorenzo's family for a donation to help fund the start-up of a horse rescue. He doesn't give her a decision right away but when he is ready they have dinner so that he can share that she will get the donation. The weather intervenes and they are forced to shelter together as tornado warnings have been sounded. Their chemistry takes advantage of the situation and they find themselves drawn to one another. But Lorenzo is wary and it seems that it was easier for her to secure funding than his being open to their attraction to one another. His actions hurt her and she leaves opening his eyes to the fact that he loves her and needs to do something bold to get her to forgive him. Their story is lovely, and the thread that runs through this line of stories continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Valencia manages a horse rescue and therapy ranch which she wants to grow so that she can continue to help both the horses and the children. A donation from Lorenzo’s family is exactly what she needs to continue her work but when she arranges to meet him to discuss the details the attraction she feels for him was a surprise she didn’t see coming.
There is no denying the attraction that Lorenzo feels for Valencia, but he is also cautious due to his past. He had no intention of giving into the chemistry between them until a tornado stranded them together but will their time together be enough to overcome their pasts especially with the suspicious happenings going on?
The characters draw you in, their chemistry is intense and there is just enough intrigue and surprises to keep you entertained.
Sensually scandalous! With book six in the ongoing Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent series Joanne Rock brings us Valencia and Lorenzo's story. The characters are easy to like and the saga surrounding Soiree on the Bay continues to be interwoven into each story. I connected well with the characters, but the ending was rather abrupt. I enjoyed the story as a whole and look forward to the last couple of books yet to come in the series.
Valencia is kind-hearted and devoted to her horse rescue.
Lorenzo is a tad pretentious but he's wears it well and won me over regardless.
I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story filled with lush backgrounds, connectible characterization and lots of sensual appeal.
Trapped with a Texan is one very hot captivating read. Valencia is hoping her investment interview with Lorenzo Cortez-Williams to expand her horse rescue operation will be successful. She was expecting an older gentleman and what she got was a dark, handsome young rancher that stole her breath away. Lorenzo was as affected by her as she was with him, but he had been burned badly by his ex-fiancé and had major trust issues. He would never combine business and his personal like again. When the two are trapped together during a tornado, they give into the lust that will forever change their lives. I loved the storyline and fell in love with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What another great edition of the TCC series. I loved it from beginning to end. This time we get to read about Valencia and her waiting for the money from the Soiree on the Bay to help with her horse rescue and the school to help young kids..In strolls Lorenzo who she has applied for help from his family to get things rolling. They are both gob smacked by attraction from the get go. Things are going good with them but everything is falling apart otherwise with the Soiree..It is getting intriguing and money is disappearing fast..I still think I know who is behind all this and hopefully we find out soon! A page turner!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series and there is an underlying theme throughout the series, you really don't have to read them to fully understand and enjoy this book.
This is written in a dual POV format. I love getting the couple's thoughts during or after a scene. That helps me to better understand the characters and to connect to them for a more enjoyable experience.
This is part of the Desire line at Harlequin so a word of warning that it is a sexy read.
Seeing how these characters come together and over come the issues that haunt them, made for a very enjoyable and believable read.
I felt that Valencia and Lorenzo's story was a very enjoyable read. The book offers up plenty of heat, emotion and heart and those are all things that are important to me when I read. The tension, turmoil and sparks are easy to feel here; as is the pull of attraction. I thought the book read smoothly and it captured and held my attention well. I thought the forced proximity angle worked really well with the story being told and I liked it because it didn't seem contrived. This is my frank, freely posted review.
First of all: You've got to love the very original names Valencia and Lorenzo! They are both very successful people but committed to charitable causes. When they get trapped during a tornado they are forced to confront their deepest fears - both going back years, both routed in other people letting them down. But a force of nature has a way of clearing one's head and in the end they find their HEA. This is light, entertaining reading material as you'd expect from Harlequin and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joanne Rock delivers another stunning Texas Cattleman's book. I love the way Valencia hesitates to let people in but Lorenzo knows she's meant to be. He works his magic and just wants to make things right for Valencia when a scandal threatens her horse rescue and dreams. Joanne's wonderful development of Valencia's back story and how both she and Lorenzo deal with adversity just adds to the characters. It made me want to read the next in the series, even if it wasn't written by Ms. Rock.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story, I am a huge fan of M&B/Hqn books, especially if they are in series format. Joanne Rock is a new-to-me author, but one I will be looking to read more from in the future.
I loved Valencia & Lorenzo, and the forced proximity trope is one of my favourites too, add in animals as well and this book was a winner for me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this new "Texas Cattleman’s Club" story! It is the sixth "Heir Apparent" story in a multi author series of stand alone reads. This is Valencia and Lorenzo’s story. Mother nature helps these two along. This story is a fairly quick read that is well written and very intriguing. I love the characters and the plot is nicely developed. The story has some drama, off the charts chemistry, romance and good twist in this story.
Valencia needs help to keep her rescue farm going. When she thinks she has it, the bottom drops and now she needs Lorenzo's family to choose her to help. Lorenzo is torn between helping Valencia and trying to start a more personal relationship with her. They are trapped together during a storm and when it ends, Lorenzo does not know how to act. He must prove to Valencia that she is worth more than them being good only when trapped together.
Valencia was always a mystery. She was there for everyone, devoted to her rescue. She went through a lot as a youngster. Horses saved her back then. Lorenzo and Valencia git off on the wrong foot. A Tornado brought them together but his lack of trust due to a bad experience with a fiancé almost destroyed them. The Soiree on the Bay disaster and money disappearing can’t be as it seems. Can the Edmonds really be thieves. Will someone save all the charities. We will see.
Valencia is meeting investors for her horse project but gets caught in a storm with Lorenzo and he helps her through it. Lorenzo has been burned before and is leery. After the storm things are anything but calm. The characters were believable and likable. The story flowed and it was interesting to see how they evolved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trapped with the Texan: A sexy western romance by Joanne Rock. I recommend this author and story to others looking for a contemporary western drama filled with flirty characters, heated passion, and swoon worthy moments that make me want to get swept up in their drama searching for the HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Valencia goes to Lorenzo’s family looking for a donation for her horse rescue start up. They have an instant which neither was expecting. They are forced to spend time together after a tornado warning. Will they give in to their attraction? Will Valencia get her start up going?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.