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Forever Texas #1
Forever Texas
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY.
No one knows better than the American masters of epic Western fiction that forging a new life on the frontier takes hope, drive, and plenty of ammunition.
The war is over. But a new battle is on the horizon. Based on true events.
It’s 1852. The wounds of the Mexican War are healing. Regis Royle, co-owner of a steamship fleet, has made it out alive, relatively unscarred and with enough profit and foolhardy ambition to envision a new life in south Texas. With the help of his crack-shot kid brother Shepley, his glad-handing riverboat partner Cormac Delany, and his old friend, raw-edged former Texas Ranger Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, Regis is laying claim to the prime jewel in a magnificent rolling prairie: the Santa Calina range teeming with wild mustangs, cattle, and eighteen-thousand acres of lush promise.
But all dreams have a price. For Regis, it’s hell to pay—and the fire is coming at him from all directions. On one side of the border, it’s banditos and a vengeful Mexican heiress with a passionate hatred for greenhorn gringos. Especially those who have their eye on land once owned by her family. On the other side, the Apaches, slave traders, and outlaws have Santa Calina in their sights. And none of them are going to walk away from the bloody battle.
The brothers Royle and their partners have the most to lose—including their lives. They made a pledge to themselves to build the greatest ranch in America. To see it through to the end, they’ll have to ride hard and learn the bitter necessity of violence and bloodshed.
No one knows better than the American masters of epic Western fiction that forging a new life on the frontier takes hope, drive, and plenty of ammunition.
The war is over. But a new battle is on the horizon. Based on true events.
It’s 1852. The wounds of the Mexican War are healing. Regis Royle, co-owner of a steamship fleet, has made it out alive, relatively unscarred and with enough profit and foolhardy ambition to envision a new life in south Texas. With the help of his crack-shot kid brother Shepley, his glad-handing riverboat partner Cormac Delany, and his old friend, raw-edged former Texas Ranger Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, Regis is laying claim to the prime jewel in a magnificent rolling prairie: the Santa Calina range teeming with wild mustangs, cattle, and eighteen-thousand acres of lush promise.
But all dreams have a price. For Regis, it’s hell to pay—and the fire is coming at him from all directions. On one side of the border, it’s banditos and a vengeful Mexican heiress with a passionate hatred for greenhorn gringos. Especially those who have their eye on land once owned by her family. On the other side, the Apaches, slave traders, and outlaws have Santa Calina in their sights. And none of them are going to walk away from the bloody battle.
The brothers Royle and their partners have the most to lose—including their lives. They made a pledge to themselves to build the greatest ranch in America. To see it through to the end, they’ll have to ride hard and learn the bitter necessity of violence and bloodshed.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2022
1232 people are currently reading
6229 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 16, 2024
I read the sample and came across these:
"He had three shots left in his gun. Fresh ammunition rested snugly in his saddlebags on the ass end of the horse he’d likely never see again."
"Now he was more annoyed than afraid for himself. He’d known, of course, of the danger of brigands out here, and had even been reminded of the cautions he should take when friends at the docks learned he was riding inland alone, on his way to Corpus Christi to visit other friends."
Warned but still too stupid to carry extra ammo on his person. This is a ridiculous main character. DNF.
"He had three shots left in his gun. Fresh ammunition rested snugly in his saddlebags on the ass end of the horse he’d likely never see again."
"Now he was more annoyed than afraid for himself. He’d known, of course, of the danger of brigands out here, and had even been reminded of the cautions he should take when friends at the docks learned he was riding inland alone, on his way to Corpus Christi to visit other friends."
Warned but still too stupid to carry extra ammo on his person. This is a ridiculous main character. DNF.
May 22, 2022
Based on true events and true history of the King Ranch in South Texas enjoyed reading all about the King Ranch. Won this book on Goodreads giveaways and from the Author Williams W. Johnson
December 10, 2025
This was an enjoyable story of building the largest ranch in Texas. Unfortunately the story just abruptly ends, obviously to be continued but it seems like it could have had a more satisfactory conclusion.
March 25, 2022
It was hard to get into and once I did I found it very slow and underwhelming. The characters were very one demensional. I would not recommend this book.
February 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
We are here because my brother is into Western books and he wanted me to read this one. And I enjoyed it. A lot and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
The story is well-plotted and the author made me care for the characters and root for them when they encounter the crazy lady who I can't seem to remember to her name, but I remember how crazy she is 😂. The Royle brothers and their friend, Bone, are the best trio, and their endeavors to have the largest and most successful ranch in Texas or, heck, America. I think the infamous King Ranch inspired this story, but I'm all here for it.
I will add, though, that there is a mention of prostitution and being talked about in a degrading manner, but there is no explicit sexual content. Just seduction on the crazy lady's part.
Anyway, this book was great and I can't wait to read more westerns. 🤠
We are here because my brother is into Western books and he wanted me to read this one. And I enjoyed it. A lot and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
The story is well-plotted and the author made me care for the characters and root for them when they encounter the crazy lady who I can't seem to remember to her name, but I remember how crazy she is 😂. The Royle brothers and their friend, Bone, are the best trio, and their endeavors to have the largest and most successful ranch in Texas or, heck, America. I think the infamous King Ranch inspired this story, but I'm all here for it.
I will add, though, that there is a mention of prostitution and being talked about in a degrading manner, but there is no explicit sexual content. Just seduction on the crazy lady's part.
Anyway, this book was great and I can't wait to read more westerns. 🤠
March 31, 2022
*Thanks to Goodreads and Kensington Books for this ARC*
I always enjoy a good western novel and this piece of historical fiction did not disappoint! A great read and I’ll be looking forward to the next installment!!
I always enjoy a good western novel and this piece of historical fiction did not disappoint! A great read and I’ll be looking forward to the next installment!!
March 2, 2022
Forever Texas is a brand new series from William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, we get to follow Regis Royle as he with friends and family is trying to start a cattle ranch. It is a well told story although I found some dubious details about the arms involved. I like it when the details are there. It is maybe not the best book by these authors but we will see when the next installment is out where it will go. Still I found it entertaining as I always do with a western. It usually is rather black and white when it comes to good and evil and the justice system is rather straight forward. I am thankful that @kensingtonbooks @netgalley and #Pinnacle gave me this advance copy and @williamw.j.a.johnstone for writing it. #NetGalley #Kensington #ForeverTexas #WilliamWJohnstone #JAJohnstone
July 26, 2022
"It was okay." - 2 out of 5 star rating.
The book opens up with the not so gripping start of a guy on a trip to Corpus Christi to visit a friend... umm, okay. It's funny, friend being the key word, I couldn't help thinking about the popular sitcom TV show Friends, a show literally about everyday life. Except Forever Texas doesn't have Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe to look at, or Ross, Chandler, and Joey to make you laugh. Instead, it has some random guy on a horse you could really care less about, with less backstory than the ingredients list on a candy wrapper.
That is pretty much what you get here. The not so thrilling twist around the mid-way point is when a visit to meet friends, turns into cattle ranching hopes and dreams. I mean, cattle ranching in Texas was a thing for sure back then, but this was just too lackluster and remarkable dull overall to be any sort of fun.
The highlight of this whole book is probably a card game within the first ~25% or so.
When it comes to William Johnstone... from what I've read so far, stick to the Will Tanner series. It's a heck of a lot more fun and actually enjoyable wild west content.
The book opens up with the not so gripping start of a guy on a trip to Corpus Christi to visit a friend... umm, okay. It's funny, friend being the key word, I couldn't help thinking about the popular sitcom TV show Friends, a show literally about everyday life. Except Forever Texas doesn't have Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe to look at, or Ross, Chandler, and Joey to make you laugh. Instead, it has some random guy on a horse you could really care less about, with less backstory than the ingredients list on a candy wrapper.
That is pretty much what you get here. The not so thrilling twist around the mid-way point is when a visit to meet friends, turns into cattle ranching hopes and dreams. I mean, cattle ranching in Texas was a thing for sure back then, but this was just too lackluster and remarkable dull overall to be any sort of fun.
The highlight of this whole book is probably a card game within the first ~25% or so.
When it comes to William Johnstone... from what I've read so far, stick to the Will Tanner series. It's a heck of a lot more fun and actually enjoyable wild west content.
December 1, 2022
This was just too spaghetti western for me. I got this because I thought it was historical fiction on the founding of Kings Ranch. But instead I got a pretty basic western. It wasnt bad but I'll have forgotten about it almost immediately after I write this review.
Just Okay.
Just Okay.
April 2, 2022
If you enjoy movies or novels of American frontier westerns, then you will certainly enjoy this epic struggle of men forging a life on the Texas frontier after the Mexican War. Forever Texas is based on the true history of the King Ranch in South Texas. Wiliam Johnston strategically emphasized the real-life ambitions, spirit, and struggles of the fictional owners of the ranch while keeping a realistic theme to portray the times. Johnstone has filled the epic western with plenty of action with apache attacks, banditos from the borders, slave traders, and just plain old wild west outlaws. While I typically do not read this type of novel since there is no romance or psychological suspense involved, I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive prose and the action-packed details of Forever Texas. I look forward to the sequel to see what happens next at the Royle Ranch. Thank you Kensington and Between the Chapters for this delightful ARC.
June 22, 2022
Excellent
February 20, 2022
I thought I would be giving this a better review as I rounded the last quarter of the book, but the ending was extremely disappointing. This is really less of a cohesive book and more of a collection of stories with characters that get connected involving creating and building a ranch. Some chapters connect a bit. Others start as if an unexplained amount of time had passed. I'd write there's a bad "guy" here, but, in the end, that's all rather irrelevant.
The characters are strong as is normal coming from the Johnstone Clan of writers. There are a LOT of characters introduced. Each are so well presented that though each chapter is nearly a story in itself, the stories still work very well.
As a collection of stories, this all would be fine. But this isn't labelled as such. Considering the large amount of writers that the Johnstone stable has corralled, seems to me a collection of short stories, western-wise, is a terrific idea. Moreover, a title of 'Forever Texas' works for a story collection.
I can't recommend this as an actual book to read as a one-off. I guess there is a second to come to make more sense of many, many loose ends left. I hope there is, because there's are a lot of good characters and the semblance of a story to better plot.
I can recommend just as a series of stories, well written with good characters. I have no idea which, if any, might continue into a second installment. Especially is ghost writers are switched out.
This is the second really quirky Johnstone novel I've read in the past two weeks. Each clearly written by different ghost writers. Both nabbed through Net Galley. Of the 200+ Johnstone books I've read, this and the new Will Tanner entry, 'Violent Storm' are loosely written and lacking cohesive focus. As the 20th anniversary of Johnstone's death approaches, these two are dim oddities I hope aren't precursors of what is to come. So happy to write there are rays of light as the outstanding other new Jackals entry, 'Dead River'.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 5 out of 5 points.
The characters are strong as is normal coming from the Johnstone Clan of writers. There are a LOT of characters introduced. Each are so well presented that though each chapter is nearly a story in itself, the stories still work very well.
As a collection of stories, this all would be fine. But this isn't labelled as such. Considering the large amount of writers that the Johnstone stable has corralled, seems to me a collection of short stories, western-wise, is a terrific idea. Moreover, a title of 'Forever Texas' works for a story collection.
I can't recommend this as an actual book to read as a one-off. I guess there is a second to come to make more sense of many, many loose ends left. I hope there is, because there's are a lot of good characters and the semblance of a story to better plot.
I can recommend just as a series of stories, well written with good characters. I have no idea which, if any, might continue into a second installment. Especially is ghost writers are switched out.
This is the second really quirky Johnstone novel I've read in the past two weeks. Each clearly written by different ghost writers. Both nabbed through Net Galley. Of the 200+ Johnstone books I've read, this and the new Will Tanner entry, 'Violent Storm' are loosely written and lacking cohesive focus. As the 20th anniversary of Johnstone's death approaches, these two are dim oddities I hope aren't precursors of what is to come. So happy to write there are rays of light as the outstanding other new Jackals entry, 'Dead River'.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 5 out of 5 points.
August 20, 2022
Let me preface this by saying that westerns aren't my usual genre. I entered the give away on Goodreads because this was listed as historical fiction. Which I guess it is. I found the "based on real events" part intriguing as well. But the book itself I did not finish. I could not get into it. The repeated use of dated, not historically accurate terminology and the shoot out for the sake of a shoot out in the first chapter nearly did me in, though I understand those are tropes which are completely hard wired into the western genre. It was the completely awkward, frankly annoying dialog that made me tap out completely. Thanks, Goodreads and Kensington for the free book, but I have to turn this one loose.
December 8, 2023
Typical eastern city slicker business man wanting to play rancher/cowboy story
Only reason I read this book is because I discovered the book I had heard good reviews of was actually number 2 in this series, so figured I'd read the first one first. I found most of the book dull, unimaginative and non suspenseful, wishing it would just end. After reading this I don't think I will even read the second book as I initially wanted to
Only reason I read this book is because I discovered the book I had heard good reviews of was actually number 2 in this series, so figured I'd read the first one first. I found most of the book dull, unimaginative and non suspenseful, wishing it would just end. After reading this I don't think I will even read the second book as I initially wanted to
Read
June 8, 2022Forever Texas is a page-turning pleasure, enticing the reader to one to keep reading and become immersed in the history and evolution of Southwest Texas in its nascent days as a State. Obviously thinly-based on the actual life and legacy of Captain Richard King (“Regis Royle”), founder of the legendary King Ranch (“Royale Ranch”), it is nevertheless a compelling tale of hope, determination, character, and adventure in the settlement and development of Southwest Texas from near the Mexican border on up northward.
The Forever Texas characters are subtly developed and breathe life into that history from their various perspectives, whether eager for new adventure; settling down to start a family; merely earning wages for sustenance; or making a fortune. Most has a dream, whether articulated or held within and a few cynical, yet their differences gives birth to a committed group with a dedicated, yet flexible, committed teamwork, most likely depicting the actual life and times of that era and location.
Despite some anachronistic language and items which I shall attribute to “poetic license”, which do not distract from the overall excellence of the story-telling, Forever Texas is a wonderful and compelling read. Travel back to a time of hard times; challenging adventures; tough men and women, with a disguised streak of compassion; and a considerable dose of violence and survival. Get yourself a copy and sit by the campfire with some hot, thick coffee and enjoy a real, really good read.
The Forever Texas characters are subtly developed and breathe life into that history from their various perspectives, whether eager for new adventure; settling down to start a family; merely earning wages for sustenance; or making a fortune. Most has a dream, whether articulated or held within and a few cynical, yet their differences gives birth to a committed group with a dedicated, yet flexible, committed teamwork, most likely depicting the actual life and times of that era and location.
Despite some anachronistic language and items which I shall attribute to “poetic license”, which do not distract from the overall excellence of the story-telling, Forever Texas is a wonderful and compelling read. Travel back to a time of hard times; challenging adventures; tough men and women, with a disguised streak of compassion; and a considerable dose of violence and survival. Get yourself a copy and sit by the campfire with some hot, thick coffee and enjoy a real, really good read.
July 18, 2022
This book is based on the King Ranch in Texas. I found parts of it interesting, but a lot of it too violent and gory for my tastes. Plus, it’s part of a series and didn’t reall conclude. Still, that was the way of the old west in the 1850s. Violence was (and still is in some places) a way of life.
The book centers around the Royle family – Regis and Shepley — and their friends as they move from a prosperous steamship franchise to an 18000 acre ranch in southern Texas. To survive and prosper, they have to face down slave traders, Apaches, outlaws (banditos), and vengeful Mexicans. It’s full of action (a lot), adventure, violence, and even some compassion as the Royle family struggles to survive in this land.
Recommendation: If you love westerns, you’ll enjoy this one. Not one of my favorites as I haven’t read a western since sharing Zane Grey with my dad years and years ago. But it is a good story with vivid writing.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp. and the Between the Chapters Bookclub for my copy. #ForeverTexas. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The book centers around the Royle family – Regis and Shepley — and their friends as they move from a prosperous steamship franchise to an 18000 acre ranch in southern Texas. To survive and prosper, they have to face down slave traders, Apaches, outlaws (banditos), and vengeful Mexicans. It’s full of action (a lot), adventure, violence, and even some compassion as the Royle family struggles to survive in this land.
Recommendation: If you love westerns, you’ll enjoy this one. Not one of my favorites as I haven’t read a western since sharing Zane Grey with my dad years and years ago. But it is a good story with vivid writing.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp. and the Between the Chapters Bookclub for my copy. #ForeverTexas. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
August 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I carried it everywhere so I could read it whenever I had some spare time.
Learning about how a man's dream of building the largest ranch is Texas which became the King Ranch is very interesting. All I knew about this ranch is that in collecting cookbooks, so many of them have a recipe time in Texas and for King Ranch casserole!
We see the beginning when Regis Royale starts to buy up land with a few friends and his young brother. The land is lush with wild mustangs and cattle. It has a water source and an ideal area to start building corrals, pens, bunk houses, etc.
However, there are others that want the land as well as a woman who who feels she is entitled to the land from an old Spanish land grant. She's not beyond shooting them or even kidnapping Royale's brother. They must also deal with squatters who hold captive women and bring them into the area.
There is just so many interesting things about this early period in Teas and the events are true.
There's a little note at the end letting the reader know that the sagw aill continue with a following book! Can't wait to get that one.
Learning about how a man's dream of building the largest ranch is Texas which became the King Ranch is very interesting. All I knew about this ranch is that in collecting cookbooks, so many of them have a recipe time in Texas and for King Ranch casserole!
We see the beginning when Regis Royale starts to buy up land with a few friends and his young brother. The land is lush with wild mustangs and cattle. It has a water source and an ideal area to start building corrals, pens, bunk houses, etc.
However, there are others that want the land as well as a woman who who feels she is entitled to the land from an old Spanish land grant. She's not beyond shooting them or even kidnapping Royale's brother. They must also deal with squatters who hold captive women and bring them into the area.
There is just so many interesting things about this early period in Teas and the events are true.
There's a little note at the end letting the reader know that the sagw aill continue with a following book! Can't wait to get that one.
June 6, 2022
Wow I just loved this book. I absolutely love western books and this one was just out of this world. The story line was utterly brilliant and I could not put this book down. I was definitely binge reading it, I couldn't get enough. I can tell you there was a very late night as I just needed to know what was going to happen next. I just loved all the action and adventure in this story. I became emotionally involved in the story and the characters. I just loved all the twists and how I never knew what was going to happen next. This will be a very exciting series of books and I just can't wait to read more books by this amazing author. I really do recommend this book to all those western/ cowboy fans and all those who love intense action that you don't see coming. It was a very thrilling fast paced novel that you will not be able to put down.
Only the highest of praise to the author and publishers for creating such a gripping story-line that im positive you will love just as much as I did.
Only the highest of praise to the author and publishers for creating such a gripping story-line that im positive you will love just as much as I did.
April 1, 2023
It's 1852. The wounds of the Mexican War are healing. Regis Royle, co-owner of a steamship fleet, has made it out alive, relatively unscarred and with enough profit and foolhardy ambition to envision a new life in south Texas. With the help of his crack-shot kid brother Shepley, his glad-handing riverboat partner Cormac Delany, and his old friend, raw-edged former Texas Ranger Jarvis "Bone" McGraw, Regis is laying claim to the prime jewel in a magnificent rolling prairie: the Santa Calina range teeming with wild mustangs, cattle, and eighteen-thousand acres of lush promise.
But all dreams have a price. For Regis, it's hell to pay--and the fire is coming at him from all directions. On one side of the border, it's banditos. On the other side, the Apaches, slave traders, and outlaws have Santa Calina in their sights. And none of them are going to walk away from the bloody battle.
The brothers Royle and their partners have the most to lose--including their lives. They made a pledge to themselves to build the greatest ranch in America.
But all dreams have a price. For Regis, it's hell to pay--and the fire is coming at him from all directions. On one side of the border, it's banditos. On the other side, the Apaches, slave traders, and outlaws have Santa Calina in their sights. And none of them are going to walk away from the bloody battle.
The brothers Royle and their partners have the most to lose--including their lives. They made a pledge to themselves to build the greatest ranch in America.
July 8, 2022
Talk about an intense book! I hadn't read a western for a while and I thought I would change up my usual reading material so I chose Forever Texas. It was a serious book with odd humor and period-specific language that took a little getting used to.
Regis Royle has a vision of building a huge ranch in Texas. He partners up with a few select men who he trusts and can rely on, and sets out to work toward his dream. Regis finds the perfect tract of land, but there are lots of people (Indians, bandits, vengeful people) who constantly fight him for the land.
Fortunately Regis is able to gather great group of men to help him, including his little brother Shepley who ends up causing a ton of problems for everyone and Bone, a Texas Ranger with a ton lf experience. I loved that each man has a purpose and contributes something that makes him valuable. The trials and situations they endure definitely give me a new respect for pioneers!
Forever Texas felt longer than 360 pages to me because of all of the details included. The extra information made it easier to visualize the places and situations, but it made the book drag in places for me. I realize that there will be another book in the series so the story was left open to be continued, but I would have liked a little more closure in this one.
I will keep an eye out for the next book because I am invested in the characters and their story now. The author made sure that the reader was familiar with each man's history and their personalities and this drove me to stick with the story and want to know more.
Regis Royle has a vision of building a huge ranch in Texas. He partners up with a few select men who he trusts and can rely on, and sets out to work toward his dream. Regis finds the perfect tract of land, but there are lots of people (Indians, bandits, vengeful people) who constantly fight him for the land.
Fortunately Regis is able to gather great group of men to help him, including his little brother Shepley who ends up causing a ton of problems for everyone and Bone, a Texas Ranger with a ton lf experience. I loved that each man has a purpose and contributes something that makes him valuable. The trials and situations they endure definitely give me a new respect for pioneers!
Forever Texas felt longer than 360 pages to me because of all of the details included. The extra information made it easier to visualize the places and situations, but it made the book drag in places for me. I realize that there will be another book in the series so the story was left open to be continued, but I would have liked a little more closure in this one.
I will keep an eye out for the next book because I am invested in the characters and their story now. The author made sure that the reader was familiar with each man's history and their personalities and this drove me to stick with the story and want to know more.
Want to read
April 7, 2023There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone western. Each series is built around main characters whose belief in the law and family is absolute, even if they've had to be reformed to get there. From Preacher, the original mountain man to the Jensen family to Perly Gates, to.....well, you get the point. Many times, characters from one series will show up in another as supporting hands. The communities are true to the era, clothing, guns, food and troubles are all what you'd find if you looked them up in the history books. No two stories are the same, each character or set of characters is unique and so are their stories. The writing is skillful, readers are pulled into the story and you will laugh and cry right along with the characters. I made the mistake of picking up a Johnstone western my uncle was reading. Ive been hooked ever since. Now I share them with my reading family and will continue as long as new Johnstones are released.
April 10, 2022
I loved reading this book. This is an author that I have read in the past but this is my favorite yet. This is a story that is full of adventure and action. If you look closely you might even find some romance in there as well. This is a well written story about Regis and his determination to start a ranch on property that many do not want him to have especially one family. I enjoyed how fast paced and engaging this story is. The characters are connectable and really made the story pop. I enjoyed the twists and turns that had me coming back for more. This is a story that is hard to put down and you don't want to miss what happens. I enjoyed the authors writing style as well as their attention to details that made this story realistic. I really enjoyed reading this book, easy and entertaining. I highly recommend this book.
April 20, 2022
This book by the Johnstones contains much of the violent side of the Old West in the form of gunfights, fistfights, and hand to hand combat with knives. As the book begins, it’s 1852 and the Royle brothers, Regis and Shepley, and partners are trying to build a ranch on 18,000 acres of lush rolling prairie in southern Texas. They are not finding it easy with Apaches, slave traders, outlaws, and a vengeful Mexican woman to deal with who feels the land is hers.
This is a fast paced book that will keep you in suspense wondering who will attack whom and what will happen next to keep the brothers from achieving their goal. Since there is a sequel coming, you will have to wait until the next book to find the answer to many questions.
I thank Kensington Publishing Corp. and the Between the Chapters Bookclub for my copy. #ForeverTexas.
This is a fast paced book that will keep you in suspense wondering who will attack whom and what will happen next to keep the brothers from achieving their goal. Since there is a sequel coming, you will have to wait until the next book to find the answer to many questions.
I thank Kensington Publishing Corp. and the Between the Chapters Bookclub for my copy. #ForeverTexas.
June 15, 2023
Based on real events and the true history of the legendary King Ranch in South Texas, this riveting historical adventure evokes the reality of life on the Texas frontier, as one pioneering family battles to forge a new life and carve out their own piece of the American West (from google).
This isn't the normal genre that I go for, it's definitely different for me and I stepped out of my comfort zone for this book. Some parts of the book were interesting and I was invested in certain aspects of the plots. However, the plots felt sort of choppy, like it was one problem to another to another and there was no flow. It was a bummer that the one plot I was interested in stopped a third of the way through but I hope it continues in the next book. The book was hard for me to get through because the writing style and genre is so different for me.
This isn't the normal genre that I go for, it's definitely different for me and I stepped out of my comfort zone for this book. Some parts of the book were interesting and I was invested in certain aspects of the plots. However, the plots felt sort of choppy, like it was one problem to another to another and there was no flow. It was a bummer that the one plot I was interested in stopped a third of the way through but I hope it continues in the next book. The book was hard for me to get through because the writing style and genre is so different for me.
May 29, 2023
Sometimes good writing, sometimes cringe-worthy writing
I received a digital copy of this book grin Goodreads and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Initially the book was difficult to stick with. While sometimes I find the writing well crafted, other times it seemed simple and cringe worthy. It bothered me that Spanish words were missing their proper accents. The story line was fine overall and kept me reading, although I almost stopped halfway through when discussing an interaction with native Americans. Either the writing got a little better as it got father along or I just got used to it, but I don't plan to read other books in this series by this author team.
I received a digital copy of this book grin Goodreads and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Initially the book was difficult to stick with. While sometimes I find the writing well crafted, other times it seemed simple and cringe worthy. It bothered me that Spanish words were missing their proper accents. The story line was fine overall and kept me reading, although I almost stopped halfway through when discussing an interaction with native Americans. Either the writing got a little better as it got father along or I just got used to it, but I don't plan to read other books in this series by this author team.
September 21, 2025
I grew up on Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey and I would put this book right up there with them.
I’ve read the Mountain Man series and knew the writer… I was certain I would like this series!
I truly like the cast of characters and their personalities… The descriptions of the vastness of Texas late 1800’s is awesome to try to imagine. The way land deals were dealt with is hard to believe.
Regis Royle trying to bring a little order in a land of lawlessness full of Indians, Bandits and generally bad intentioned people.
I enjoy learning to story of the King Ranch and how it became so big. Considering all the dangers it’s surprising anyone survived on a land that was not friendly to anyone… man nor beast!
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
I’ve read the Mountain Man series and knew the writer… I was certain I would like this series!
I truly like the cast of characters and their personalities… The descriptions of the vastness of Texas late 1800’s is awesome to try to imagine. The way land deals were dealt with is hard to believe.
Regis Royle trying to bring a little order in a land of lawlessness full of Indians, Bandits and generally bad intentioned people.
I enjoy learning to story of the King Ranch and how it became so big. Considering all the dangers it’s surprising anyone survived on a land that was not friendly to anyone… man nor beast!
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 18, 2023
When I was a kid books were hard to come by. Most of my reading was Westerns and Sci Fi. I diversify now. But I always up for a good Western. I rated this as one of the best I have read as an adult. I liked and resonated with all the characters but one. Slimy, smelly slave trader. The story was very good. It keep making me think of history of the region and what is today the King Ranch. The largest in Texas. The characters are not glorified or goody two shoes. They speak and act as if they are real people. Highly recommend. I lost a lot of sleep reading the second half of the book. We were left hanging at the end.
January 1, 2025
This is the first of a series of books by W.W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone. Regis Royle is a businessman who with his mentor, Cormac Delany, run a shipping business out of Brownsville. Regis while out on a trip into the wilds of Texas, runs into a group of bandits that try to kill him. While he is pinned down his brother, Shep, charges in to save him from them. They return to Brownsville and Regis lets his brother know that he plans to start a ranch in the part of Texas where they met up. This book leads us through bandits, slavers, and all kinds of characters that were part of the old west. If you enjoy westerns, you will enjoy this book, and the series.
January 1, 2025
This is the first of a series of books by W.W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone. Regis Royle is a businessman who with his mentor, Cormac Delany, run a shipping business out of Brownsville. Regis while out on a trip into the wilds of Texas, runs into a group of bandits that try to kill him. While he is pinned down his brother, Shep, charges in to save him from them. They return to Brownsville and Regis lets his brother know that he plans to start a ranch in the part of Texas where they met up. This book leads us through bandits, slavers, and all kinds of characters that were part of the old west. If you enjoy westerns, you will enjoy this book and the series.
April 21, 2022
I'm between a 3 star and a 4 star on this Texas frontier story with a man's dream of owning land and ranching. There is a she devil, gringos, Indians and plain old bad people who want nothing better then to claim it as their own while killing or maiming whomever they can. Its a very tough hard life but the main man Regis has heart and tries to look out for his brother, friends and hired hands. This is not unlike times now with those who want control and will do anything to get it. Things never change.
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