Bigger

Bad Boys of Texas #2

by Tory Baker

Trace McCray wants Dove Hopkins for his own.
She’s about to find out that everything is definitely bigger in Texas.

Trace is a cowboy, but not one that got the glory.
He worked the circuit in his crazily painted overalls and make-up, protecting the riders and keeping them safe.

He never thought his life would shift in a single glance, but one look at Dove and it did exactly that.
Now, all he can think about is Dove.

She’s going to be is. He may have to prove himself to her, but that’s fine by Trace.
His only goal is going to be protecting his woman and making her life better.

Howdy, partner! Tory is back and she hopes you’re saddled up for a brand new adventure. She has another cowboy on hand for you and he’s ready to take you on one long, hard ride. As always with a Tory book you’ll get an over the top alpha, a safe read and a hot and sweet epilogue to give you a happily ever after to make you smile.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Family, Erotica, Contemporary, Novella

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2021

About the author

Tory Baker is a mom of two teenagers and a dog mom to one wild and active Weimaraner, Remi. She lives in a small coastal town on the east coast of sunny Florida. Oftentimes you’ll find her outside soaking up the rays with at least three drinks surrounding her, a wandering imagination, and a notebook in hand where she’s jotting down a plot for her next story. She’s a lover of writing happily ever afters with Alpha heroes and sassy heroines.

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Reviews

[Anika Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why, but I feel Tory is in her element in this series! The lingo/phrases are so distinctly unique from the cowboy romances I have read so far, I so am loving it. Takes me back to my 'cowboy dream guy' phase :)

"Till my last breath on this earth, she will be my end all and be all."

I mean, dreamy eyes and deep sigh..! Trace and Dove are a love at first sight, no drama, no cheating love story. Trace is absolute swoon max, but I really loved Dove's character. Especially the maturity with which she deals with unpleasant memories and people, and her approach towards dealing with the same, not by exacting revenge, but by helping others deal with similar experiences in her own way, with hope and optimism!

[Gsmitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bigger by Tory Baker is the second book in the Bad Boys of Texas series, and bad boys have never been oh so good to read about! Trace and Dove are a sheer and utter delight!

Dove is sweetness personified. Cute and shy and endearing and having experienced a lot, and having had to grow up a lot, but still retaining that innocence which allows her to blossom as the story develops.

And Trace? Such a charming, affable, dedicated and driven, and he's a go-getter, not letting anything stand in his way when he sees what he wants, instantly attracted and drawn to her inner and outer beauty. His deliciously dirty imagination and mouth definitely heats up the pages in the best possible way!

The story is fast paced, chock-a-block of instant attraction, and grafting to get in there, whilst also beautifully touching on how acceptance and personal growth and pride in one's self is always a good thing. I'm sure you'll fall head over cowboy boots for Trace and Dove!

P. S. I adore how feisty Trace's mom is!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexy and sweet

I liked the characters and the premise. They were sweet, sometimes sickly so. I thought Trace's career was going to play more of a role since it was mentioned in the blurb, but it's hardly mentioned. The story moved fast then slow, fast then slow. There were a lot of cheesy moments and a lot of dialogue that people wouldn't say in real life. Over the top, if you will. But I read it to the end, so there is that.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace McCray is the joker of the two boys. There is Knox, 35, who we met in the last book, who was finally wrangled in by, Blakely. Now, we are on to, Trace, 27, no not an afterthought at all. His parents had trouble conceiving, but very much wanted him. Trace, aside from working on the family's large ranch, was a rodeo bullfighter, but the night he saw his brother sustain a career-ending injury, he knew it was now time to, set his life in a different direction. All the money he saved, from his earnings, needs to be put to, good use. One day, when he goes into the hardware store, he encounters a clerk he doesn't know. She's gorgeous, and when he uses his natural charm on her, she doesn't fall for it. He tries again, and she ignores him. He is so frustrated he, finally asks, Blakely for her advice. She tells him to act like himself and then ask her out. Low and behold, she says, yes. He does overhear someone call her, Dove, but the name does not compute. She writes down her name, phone number, and address. It doesn't dawn on him, that she is the daughter of the hardware owner, that he helped from some mean girls, a couple of times. She was a freshman, and he a senior. He feels horrible that he didn't know her. To his credit, she tells him, Dove is a nickname. Also, that she doesn’t look the same. She is no longer with bright red hair it's turned a deep Auburn. She’s no longer is, a bean pole with no boobs, but a full hourglass shape for sure. Not to mention, her glasses have been replaced with, contacts and no more braces. These are real people with everyday issues and fun and laughter. You will fall in love with the strong women of the town and the men that love and support them as much as the women do it for them. Hot and steamy read too.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!

Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
So fat the series is amazing I will continue reading each one that comes out however, keep in mind each book reads as a standalone but why read only one when you can read them all. Trace sexy as all get out usually pleasant to all and has his eyes on the girl working in the hardware store. Dove is sweet, shy, self esteem due to being bullied daily in school now she is back in town years later and no one recognizes her from the girl they bullied daily. Although, Trace was usually treated her okay while in school he was her crush for years, but he never noticed her. Trace definitely notices her now and wants to have a relationship maybe friendship but she barley says a word to him each day. The chemistry is instant and intense for Trace and for Dove it is just a build up from her crush on him so when he asked her out it just feels right thanks to fate. Will he remember her, where are the mean girls from her school and can they find happiness?

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Dove has returned home after graduating college, she had never really intended to return to the small town after spending years at school being bullied to the point that she left and was home schooled. But after her mother had a heart attack there was only one place she wanted to be and that’s by her mother’s side. Which is how she is now working in her parent’s hardware store receiving more attention from her teenage crush than she ever thought was possible, but will Trace recognise her, she is no longer the girl he once knew?

Trace has finally found the one who is meant for him, in the very last place he expected to find her, but she is different than any of the other women. She doesn’t try to get his attention and she isn’t falling for any of his usual tricks but he knows this girl is something special. Trace sets out to win her heart because he has already given her his. Will the mystery of who this girl is and that they have met before be revealed?

This is the second book of this series and I thoroughly enjoyed Trace and Dove’s journey to love. Dove was such a great heroine she survived her school bullies and really did come back stronger than even she expected and Trace was adorable with a heart of gold. Highly recommended series. 4 super star read.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bad Boys of Texas series. In this book, Trace has found the girl of his dreams in Dove, but he doesn't even know her name. Trace has been going into the hardware stare where she works in hopes of learning more about her and trying to get the courage to ask her out. Dove knows Trace from when they were in school, but he doesn't remember her. Dove was geeky and bullied enough she left school, being homeschool instead. Now after college, she has matured and is no longer the geeky girl. Trace is very attracted to Dove and when he finally asks her out, she agrees to go with him. Trace knows Dove is the one, but he knows it will take time to convince her of his feelings. Trace also wants to protect Dove from the bullies she faced in high school who still want to bully her now. Dove was working at the hardware store to help her parents while her mother recovered from a heart attack, but she really want to be an author. Trace wants to help her reach her dreams and tells her she can write at his house on the ranch. I really liked Trace. I liked how protective he was of Dove. I also liked how Trace's family embraced Dove and was also protective of her. Another good one in this series.

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dove returns home to work at her families hardware store when her mother becomes sick. She had left town as a teen to avoid the relentless bullying by the mean girls in high school. She’s returned a beautiful, strong, confident woman. Trace is ready to build his home and start his own ranch operation, need for some parts sends him to the hardware store where he sees Dove. He is instantly smitten and asks her out. He doesn’t recognize Dove, she remembers him, she had a crush on him in high school. He was an upperclassman and had defended her from the mean girls before. He puts two and two together when he picks her up at her parents house for their date. They get along so well and enjoy their time together. When Dove runs into the mean girls, they don’t recognize her either. I loved how she handled them with grace, poise, and confidence. (I also liked when Berkley told them off.) Trace helps her realize her dream of writing. He continues to build their house and they move in together. Pregnancy , I love yous, marriage proposal. Cute epilogue a year later with their baby boy and a wedding, years later with a possibility of another baby.

[Debbie Zarate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace has found her. He's found the woman that he can't stop thinking about, and this woman doesn't succumb to his witty charm, he doesn't even know her name. He has gone to the hardware store she works at ever day but the conversation between them has been minimal. That goodness for Blackey is sister-in-law, she puts him and the right path, that woman will be his! Dove has changed over the years from the girl who was horribly bullied as a teen, no on recognizes her, not even those bullies. She has a crush on Trace all those years ago, she is younger than him so even though he was pleasant to her back then, she didn't think he even noticed. Now, he's constantly around, and when he askes her for that 1st date everything just falls into place. Trace's mom and family are a force to be reckoned with, and his momma was more females on around. Now Trace and Dove will work on that Happy Ever After. The next story is going to be interesting, Trace's best friend Wolf seems not to be interested in settling down, I excited to see what woman captures his heart.

[Auro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Trace and Dove´s story. The storyline is incredibly well developed, with amazing characters that you can´t help but connect with. Dove is back home after colege, helping out her parents. She´s such a strong character... a self-sufficient and kind woman. She suffered with bullying throughout her childhood, but has grown stronger and tougher. She won´t be easily intimidated anymore. I loved that she truly values herself and knows her worth... knows that she deserves better and won´t let others put her down. Who doesn´t love a strong and fierce girl?! Trace had always been kind to her before, although he doesn´t remember her much. He might have forgotten her from before, but he knows without a doubt that she´s special and is meant to be his.... and is absolutely determined to show her just how much she means to him. This story is incredibly sweet... filled with love, sexy times, and no mayor drama. A fun and easy read!

I received a free copy of this and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of Tory Baker's Bad Boys of Texas series, we get Trace and Dove's story. We met Trace in the first book, Harder, and it is impossible not to fall in love with the former rodeo clown and cowboy. His is a strong, possessive alpha with a super sweet and overprotective side, and after walking into the town hardware store a time or two, he knows that he wants the beautiful woman behind the cash register. Dove had a rough time in high school that led to her finishing by being homeschooled, then she fled town for college. But after her mom has a heart attack, she swiftly returns to town to help her dad out at their hardware store. She crushed on Trace back in high school, but he was three years older and never knew her name. But now he is determined to make her his. This is a high heat-low drama love story with a melt-your-Kindle index of 10 and a promise to leave your smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Trace and Dove's story

Trace McCray is a fun loving cowboy and rodeo clown. With his big brother Knox finally settled down with Blakely, he is ready. He has taken an interest in the new girl working at the hardware store. His no nonsense sister in law Blakely tells him to just ask her out, so he does.
Dove Hopkins crushed on Trace in high school, though 3 years older than her, he was always nice to her and came to her rescue a few times. An only child and late bloomer, Dove's high school years were filled with bullying. She never eexpected to find herself back in her home town working in her parents hard ware store. Only in her fantasies did Trace McCray ask her out.
One date, one kiss and Trace knows Dove is his. Now he has to convince his girl they belong together.
Sweet and steamy romance. A nice one and five year epilogue to wrap up their story. Looking forward to Wolf's story.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 2 of the Bad Boys of Texas series and is all about Trace and Dove. Dove and Trace went to high school together but he was a bit older than her. Dove was bullied to the point that she chose to be homeschooled her last year. Now she's back after 6 years away and catches the attention of Trace. Trace is consumed with Dove and immediately knows she's his, he just has to convince her to take a chance on him. Thankfully Trace is no quiter and finally gets a date with Dove. I loved how Trace and Dove were together and how Trace was all in without reservations! He knew she was his woman and did whatever he could to make her happy. Trace was seriously swoon worthy! I CANNOT wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo gotta love those hot cowboys and Trace fits up in the category and a hot pair of blue jeans but when the new girl at that the hardware store catches his eyes he can't stay away but when he realizes it's Dove who has been gone for 6 years he knows that he wants her to be his but will the mean girls destroy that? Dove was the ugly duckling in school and was bullied until high school where she ended up finishing home schooling and move away. Now she is back and helping her parents out and trace is been coming in everyday to see her .will he ask her out or will he remember who she was but he was always nice to her but you never know if the mean girls in this town. Can they finally both find a happy ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This addition to the Bad Boys of Texas series is all about Trace and Dove. They grew up in the same town with a few years difference in their ages. Dove did not have an easy time growing up and left as soon as she could. She also had a crush on Trace. Years later, she is back in town looking really different from when she left. Trace has an instant attraction to her that he cannot turn away from. These two finally get their chance together. I liked the characters and the story. I am looking forward to what comes next in the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dove comes back to town to help care of her mother. She was horribly bullied as a child and ended up getting homeschooled before moving away. Trace was three years ahead of her and didn't remember her, especially after her flourishing away from home. While she is running the hardware store for her parents, Trace keeps making excuses to see her. I loved these two together - Trace did eventually realize who she was and became so protective of her. His family jumped on the protection train as well and everyone closed ranks around her. There was plenty of heat and dirty talk, the chemistry between them was fire. Great book, I liked this one just as much as Trace's brother Knox's book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dove had problems with the mean girls growing up, to the point she was home school for the last year and then she left. When her family needed help she was happy to return home and she had grown up. Trace was a couple of years older than Dove, but that did not stop him from being nice to her at school. when he walked into the hardware store, he did not realize who the woman was that took his heart.

This was a good story, I loved how not only Dove, but Blakely and Mrs. McCray handled the women being mean to Dove. Dove is a strong character and did not let her past stop her from getting what she wanted in her future. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes coming home is needed to move forward

I really liked this short story. It was entertaining and enjoyable although I wanted a little bit more. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. Regina and Amanda needed to get some comeuppance for the way they were and are. Dove was sweet, kind, and caring but also strong and sassy. Trace was protective, determined, and amazing. It was sad but understandable that Trace didn’t recognize Dove with all of the changes that she had been through. The way they moved past it - by communicating - was what anyone would think is the best way forward. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Trace even more than his brother, Knox! The fact that he had to come up with reasons to go to the hardware store to see Dove, talk about swoon worthy. He doesn't know who she is and she won't tell him her name. He keeps trying, hoping to get her to go out with her. Dove was younger than Trace so they didn't have a lot of interactions in high school. She didn't plan on ever coming back to town but her parents needed her help. Never in a million years did she think that Trace would be asking her out. She finally agrees to the date and they just click. It is obvious from that moment on, that they were definitely meant for each other. I loved every minute of their story!

[Vinessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not get the meaning of the Title.
But the storyline was cute.

Dove is back in town, her mother took I'll and their family business needed help while she was recovering.

Trace keeps going back to the hardware store for this that and nothing in particular.  It's the girl behind the counter that has him coming back.

Back in High school Dove had the biggest crush

Back in high school Dove was miserable
With a carrot top, glasses and braces she was the butt of the mean girls jokes.

All these years later....

A horse...

A plan..

A house...

Commitment

Family

Love

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously LOVE Trace, Dove, and this book!!! Trace is an alpha male cowboy who knows what he wants and he wants Dove to be his woman. What he doesn’t realize is that they knew each other in high school but we’re a few years apart. Dove had a rough high school experience because of bullies but Trace was always really nice to her. Trace is your next book boyfriend! He works to woo Dove and is crazy about her from the start. These two together are seriously adorable and steamy!! They can’t get enough of each other and I couldn’t get enough of their story!!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an awesome book. Trace and Dove were great together. I loved the connection, chemistry, banter, and the pull that these two had for each other. I thought it was awesome that Dove was able to rise above her past and just move forward. Trace has finally met his match but little does he know, she is a girl from his past that he never really thought much about. I thought that Trace and Dove were perfect together and I can't wait to see what happens with Wolf! I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Tory as an awesome author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace and Dove were in high school together, but being older, he did not notice her while she had a crush on him. Years later, he is a rodeo clown, protecting the cowboys in the ring. He is struck by Dove, working in the hardware store. When these two connect, the skyrockets fly. The characters and storyline are fantastic, with so much depth and intense feelings and emotions. Loved how the two form a relationship as well as support to become stronger. She goes from shy to being happy with herself and more assertive. Loved the ending. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trace met shy Dove at the hardware store, not realizing that it wasn't the first time they met since she has changed so much since he last saw her. Dove is 3 years younger than Trace and went to high school with him, when the mean girls wouldn't let up with the bullying Trace stepped in but it wasn't enough so she left town as soon as she could. She's back in town when her mom is sick to help out and never forgot Trace. He asks her out and finally realizes who she is. Trace and Dove were so good together which kept me reading to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Trace walks into the hardware store and sees the girl working the register, he knows she’s the one for him, but he doesn’t recognize her. Dove was 3 yrs behind him in school, she wore braces, her hair was carrot top red and she was thin and gangly, but he was nice to her when the “mean girls” in school bullied her. It was so bad, that she ended up home schooled. Now 6 yrs later, she is the beautiful swan that captures his heart. A well written storyline and wonderful characters you can’t help falling in love with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace and Dove: this was such a wonderful book! If you love over the top alpha male who just happens to be sexy, funny and knows what he wants and go for it! This book is for you! Trace sees Dove and well he had to make her his! This is the second book in Bad Boys of Texas and WOW so dang good! I love this family and how they have each other backs. Tory has such a great way to tell a story, her characters are always strong, and you always get a HEA , which are my favorite! I love over the top sexy protective alpha males!! Absolutely fantastic, loved everything about this book!!!

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trace and Dove are the sweetest couple! I loved how Dove was the sweet/shy woman who had crushed on Trace when they were still in school, but he doesn’t automatically recognize her because she has become even more beautiful. If you like the realizing that you actually kind of know each other trope then this is the book for you!

Trace was all in for Dove from beginning to end and it was adorable that he felt so drawn to her that he would just show up every day to see her at work. Bigger was safe, cute, steamy, funny, family oriented, and had an HEA! Pick this one up!

[Nini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Para ser un libro corto, es un libro con una historia muy bonita, la historia del “patito feo” que mejora, me pareció muy lindo este libro por como se comportan los personajes, tanto los protagonistas como los secundarios.

Esta historia habla sobre Dove y Trace, ambos personajes muy bien construidos, me parecen personajes que han tenido una buena construcción de su historia. Este libro está muy recomendado porque tiene todo lo que me gusta, romance, drama, familia tanto de sangre como por escogencia.

🌶️2/5
⭐️4.3/5

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet short romance of the nicest most popular boy falling for the shy, younger girl from high school years later. I liked the characters as they were genuine and caring, the whole McCray family takes care of their own. Nice in how Dove gained the confidence to not let her past bullies bother her and know she has the love and support of the people who love her.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Mandi Garivn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going after what you want.

Trace is the possessive cowboy you are looking for and Dove while shy at first blossoms under the confidence that Trace gives her. Their relationship is fun, full of adventure and in the end exactly what they both need. I love Tory’s ability to draw you in and never let you go until the story ends and even then your heart feels warm from the story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series of the first two are any indication.