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The Champions #3
Quicksand
The rugged, exciting new story from the New York Times bestselling author tells the tale of an Arizona family ranch in trouble, as the Champion sisters fight to keep their legacy bull-rearing operation strong, going head-to-head —and heart to heart—with some of the toughest men on the rodeo circuit.
Tess Champion knows better than to trust Brock Tolman, the rancher who once swindled her late father in a land deal. But with the Alamo Canyon Ranch in foreclosure, Tess is forced to accept Brock’s offer of a partnership. Brock claims he only wants to breed the Champion bloodline into his own herd. In exchange, he offers Tess one of his own young bulls. Soon enough, Quicksand is the rising star of the rodeo circuit, which only proves Tess is better at picking bulls than she is men. Because she’s way too tempted to surrender to her attraction to Brock, despite her certainty he’s only out to steal her family ranch.
It’s not until the tycoon’s private plane crashes in the wilderness, stranding him with Tess, that the truth of their relationship will come out. The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she’s fallen for the wrong man.
Tess Champion knows better than to trust Brock Tolman, the rancher who once swindled her late father in a land deal. But with the Alamo Canyon Ranch in foreclosure, Tess is forced to accept Brock’s offer of a partnership. Brock claims he only wants to breed the Champion bloodline into his own herd. In exchange, he offers Tess one of his own young bulls. Soon enough, Quicksand is the rising star of the rodeo circuit, which only proves Tess is better at picking bulls than she is men. Because she’s way too tempted to surrender to her attraction to Brock, despite her certainty he’s only out to steal her family ranch.
It’s not until the tycoon’s private plane crashes in the wilderness, stranding him with Tess, that the truth of their relationship will come out. The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she’s fallen for the wrong man.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2022
424 people are currently reading
8009 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
395 books1,849 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
April 16, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Champions series. I have read and reviewed the other two books in this series before picking up this book, and I really think this series is one you need to read in order. This book is Brock's backstory, and I really never loved his character. I had a lot of trouble getting into this book, but about 30% into this book I was pulled into this book. By the end of this book I understand Brock's character more, but I still do not love his character. I really loved the sisters side story updates. The suspense in this book was so good, and the romance was a hate to love thing. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing) or author (Janet Dailey) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 25, 2022
Bull riding, a mystery to find a blackmailer, finding a son, and romance all in one!
I liked how so many plot lines were woven into this book and they were placed perfectly so that they were easy to follow. I also felt like I got to know more about how bulls are raised and trained before placed in a rodeo.
The blackmail plot involving Brock really developed as a mystery to figure out who was behind all of the threatening acts(many were very creative since done by an expert). I liked how this brought out his past and helped him get closer to Tess, fueling a natural romance.
One of the side plots was heartwarming since it was Casey and Val trying to find their son that was given up for adoption years ago. Even though they weren't the main focus, their story tied into the family and feel of the ranch.
Of course we can't forget about fiesty Quicksand that was the focus of Tess training to get him ready to shine. This book kept me on my feet and was just overall good writing.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I liked how so many plot lines were woven into this book and they were placed perfectly so that they were easy to follow. I also felt like I got to know more about how bulls are raised and trained before placed in a rodeo.
The blackmail plot involving Brock really developed as a mystery to figure out who was behind all of the threatening acts(many were very creative since done by an expert). I liked how this brought out his past and helped him get closer to Tess, fueling a natural romance.
One of the side plots was heartwarming since it was Casey and Val trying to find their son that was given up for adoption years ago. Even though they weren't the main focus, their story tied into the family and feel of the ranch.
Of course we can't forget about fiesty Quicksand that was the focus of Tess training to get him ready to shine. This book kept me on my feet and was just overall good writing.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this series!! All three books were great…I had to laugh though - here they are complaining they can’t afford the ranch etc etc yet when the step mom is killed they hire a cook to takeover cooking the meals for the family because that’s what you do when you’re broke?!? 🤣🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
Quicksand, the third book in Janet Daily’s The Champions series, is a time bomb of a suspenseful romance. An edge of your seat tension filled and dangerous mystery drives Tess and Brock’s story. The oldest of the Champion sisters, Tess is the glue that has held the Champion family together through a myriad of family tragedies. The challenges and frustrations she faces as a bull breeding Contractor while at the same time fending off her nemesis/love Brock’s attempts at taking over her family’s ranch stretches her resolve to a near breaking point.
Tess’ determined belief in a non pedigreed rank bull, Quicksand, gives this story the multi-layers that keeps the reader engrossed and invested from beginning to end. With devastating peril to human and livestock mounting as his past comes back to haunt him, Brock’s singular focus on Tess and Alamo Canyon Ranch is sorely tested.
The pages could not turn fast enough as Tess and Brock are tormented and still persevere, while at the same time all strings of their past are tied up for Val and Casey, and then finally Lexie and Shane settle where they belong. All in all a very satisfying ending to a riveting series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Tess’ determined belief in a non pedigreed rank bull, Quicksand, gives this story the multi-layers that keeps the reader engrossed and invested from beginning to end. With devastating peril to human and livestock mounting as his past comes back to haunt him, Brock’s singular focus on Tess and Alamo Canyon Ranch is sorely tested.
The pages could not turn fast enough as Tess and Brock are tormented and still persevere, while at the same time all strings of their past are tied up for Val and Casey, and then finally Lexie and Shane settle where they belong. All in all a very satisfying ending to a riveting series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
June 21, 2022
This is book #3 in the Champions series by Janet Dailey and let me just say each one is better than the one before. Wow! So Good! Could not put this one down. You find yourself rooting for the bulls, you hope for the happy ever after romance and you want success for the Alamo Canyon Ranch. This is a romantic mystery. Someone is committing murder and Tess is a target. Can Brock keep her safe and give her his heart? Tess isn't so sure he has a heart. Fabulous 3 book series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
December 8, 2022
This book was very difficult to get through. I skimmed over a lot of each chapter because everything was so repetitive, including the dialogue. There seemed to be a lot of choppiness between the characters which led to gaps in the story and caused things to not flow super coherently. I was a little annoyed by the recap from a different character about the same event, expressing the same emotions just using different words.
I didn't really feel the passion between Tess and Brock either. Things were so sporadic that I couldn't get into their romance. The book seemed to faintly build anticipation but everything was kind of taken away from that by all the extra fluff. The most exciting things all happened within the last 2 chapters and the epilogue and I would have loved to feel a little bit more anticipation while reading.
I didn't really feel the passion between Tess and Brock either. Things were so sporadic that I couldn't get into their romance. The book seemed to faintly build anticipation but everything was kind of taken away from that by all the extra fluff. The most exciting things all happened within the last 2 chapters and the epilogue and I would have loved to feel a little bit more anticipation while reading.
March 12, 2023
Another good story narrated by Graham Winton.
This book features the life of Tess Champion, the eldest sister, and her relationship with Brock Tolman and takes place just outside of Tucson. All 3 in The Champions series are good, but this one rises to the top because of the suspense and intricacies of the story.
This book features the life of Tess Champion, the eldest sister, and her relationship with Brock Tolman and takes place just outside of Tucson. All 3 in The Champions series are good, but this one rises to the top because of the suspense and intricacies of the story.
July 3, 2022
Tess is going through some tough times and accepts Brock's help grudgingly. Sparks start to fly when they both get together,but Tess is unsure if she can trust him.
July 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I wasn't lost. I loved being in Arizona on a ranch. There was drama and romance. Great reading experience!
October 14, 2022
I love the family and rodeo storyline.
September 18, 2023
I really liked all three books. I thought Tess was a little to independent and stubborn. She made some bad decisions for the family and never said sorry when it turned out to be the wrong decision.
October 8, 2022
Third book in the series and probably the weakest one. I enjoy this author, but her portrayal of the rodeo/ranching world is not very accurate. And the fire scene really made me cringe!
May 20, 2022
The next in the Champions family series. With foreclosure looming, Tess must accept her rival rancher Brock’s offer of a partnership. With Brock having his own problems with someone from his past trying to destroy him, circumstances are uniting the two of then to discover who is responsible. Will Tess be able to fight her attraction to Brock?
Thanks to Janet Daily and Kensington for the book
Thanks to Janet Daily and Kensington for the book
August 6, 2022
Third book in a series but totally able to read as a stand alone. Good thing, because this is the first book I read. I enjoyed the setting and the knowledge or ranching and bull riding that was included as the part of the storyline. I enjoyed the story. I won my ARC through Goodreads.
April 27, 2025
The suspense was amazing! This is a series I would read again.
May 17, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Janet Dailey and Kensington Books for the ARC of Quicksand. This is my personal review.
This is book three in the series The Champions.
I am a huge fan of this great series. This one focuses on Tess and Brock.
The story of the relationship between Tess and Brock has so many layers and as each layer is peeled away, I got deeper and deeper into the story and found myself lost in the story.
The story also has other stories unfolding that I never saw coming. I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last.
This is book three in the series The Champions.
I am a huge fan of this great series. This one focuses on Tess and Brock.
The story of the relationship between Tess and Brock has so many layers and as each layer is peeled away, I got deeper and deeper into the story and found myself lost in the story.
The story also has other stories unfolding that I never saw coming. I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last.
June 15, 2022
Love this book! Who doesn’t love a good story about Cowboys?? Janet Dailey’s books have always pulled me in with the close knit families that she writes about-she makes you want to belong to those families. I have been reading her books for many years and have continued even after her passing because the people that are continuing her stories are definitely doing her legacy justice. The Champion family is no different, I loved following the journey of Tess and Brock in this story. The rodeos make me long for the time I lived in Texas. I will continue to read her stories as long as they are written. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
I’m rating “Janet Dailey’s” QUICKSAND three stars, but in full disclosure for readers who like romance novels, the Goodreads readers’ rating is an excellent 4.54; and 74% of readers on Amazon.com give it five stars (another 20% rate it 4 stars). I’m not a fan of romance novels. This one in particular is too formulaic for me, and way, way, too repetitive. The unnamed author may be constrained more than Janet Dailey would have been by trying to emulate Janet Dailey’s style. (Janet Dailey died in 2013.)
“Quicksand” is the third in the Champions series. The Champions own a struggling rodeo-bull raising ranch in Arizona. By this third book, the remaining Champions are three sisters. Each sister gets a storyline.
The main one is Tess Champion. She runs the ranch, takes the bulls to the rodeos, etc. (Quicksand, by the way is the name of her latest acquired bull). The last sentence of the promo on the back cover reads, “The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she’s fallen for the wrong man . . .” Spoiler alert: She doesn’t.
Tess’s sister Lexie’s first child is due any time. She and her husband must decide whether to stay at the struggling family ranch or go live and work at the neighboring ranch owned by a wealthy rancher. The neighboring rancher promises a secure future for them and their upcoming baby. Their dilemma is making a decision. Other than a bunch of handwringing and what-should-we-do’s, their story doesn’t get much development.
Tess’s sister Val gave up her baby son for adoption 15 years or so ago when she was a teenager. Casey, the love of Val’s life, learns he is the boy’s father. Casey wants to find the boy just to see him. That causes stress between him and Val (who thinks it’s a terrible idea). I wondered how it would turn out, and hoped the writer wouldn’t take the easy way out. But Arrrgghh, he/she took the easy way out. To that person: Be a better writer than that.
Two more characters with plotlines. The rich neighboring rancher and Tess’s love/distrust interest is Brock Tolman. Someone is out to make his life beyond miserable before having him killed. This was the only real interesting part of the novel.
Finally, there’s Quicksand, the one-horned black rodeo bull. The reader sees how Tess acquired him, how they trained him, and how he performed at various rodeos. He plays no role in the other storylines except giving Tess and Brock opportunities to cross paths. (Brock also enters his bulls in the rodeos).
It took me forever to plod through this book, even though it’s only 261 pages.
My rating: Three Stars
“Quicksand” is the third in the Champions series. The Champions own a struggling rodeo-bull raising ranch in Arizona. By this third book, the remaining Champions are three sisters. Each sister gets a storyline.
The main one is Tess Champion. She runs the ranch, takes the bulls to the rodeos, etc. (Quicksand, by the way is the name of her latest acquired bull). The last sentence of the promo on the back cover reads, “The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she’s fallen for the wrong man . . .” Spoiler alert: She doesn’t.
Tess’s sister Lexie’s first child is due any time. She and her husband must decide whether to stay at the struggling family ranch or go live and work at the neighboring ranch owned by a wealthy rancher. The neighboring rancher promises a secure future for them and their upcoming baby. Their dilemma is making a decision. Other than a bunch of handwringing and what-should-we-do’s, their story doesn’t get much development.
Tess’s sister Val gave up her baby son for adoption 15 years or so ago when she was a teenager. Casey, the love of Val’s life, learns he is the boy’s father. Casey wants to find the boy just to see him. That causes stress between him and Val (who thinks it’s a terrible idea). I wondered how it would turn out, and hoped the writer wouldn’t take the easy way out. But Arrrgghh, he/she took the easy way out. To that person: Be a better writer than that.
Two more characters with plotlines. The rich neighboring rancher and Tess’s love/distrust interest is Brock Tolman. Someone is out to make his life beyond miserable before having him killed. This was the only real interesting part of the novel.
Finally, there’s Quicksand, the one-horned black rodeo bull. The reader sees how Tess acquired him, how they trained him, and how he performed at various rodeos. He plays no role in the other storylines except giving Tess and Brock opportunities to cross paths. (Brock also enters his bulls in the rodeos).
It took me forever to plod through this book, even though it’s only 261 pages.
My rating: Three Stars
October 19, 2022
Quicksand is an exciting, suspenseful western with rodeo scenes, inexplicable deaths, uncertain romances, and characters with secret pasts. Janet Dailey created intertwining plots involving people connected to the Alamo Canyon Ranch in Arizona and the professional bull riding circuit.
Tess Champion, who owns the nearly bankrupt ranch, lives with her two sisters, Val and Lexie, running a bull-riding operation. Tess, tough and determined, competes with fearless men on the highly competitive rodeo circuit to cover ranch expenses. The rivalry for the purse is intense. This foreshadows trouble. Val’s boyfriend, who may have to leave ranching, and Lexie’s husband, who left Brock’s ranch, complicate the family undercurrents with their personal goals.
Brock Tolman, the wealthy rancher who lives next door to Tess and a fellow competitor, gave Tess a bull named Quicksand. Tess thinks the bull will be a winner. Brock believes Quicksand is an uncontrollable loser. Brock and Tess travel to the same competitive rodeos and face challenges in protecting their prize bulls. Someone is out to get one of the team members. Someone attacks a bull and appears to be moving on to high crimes.
The connection between Tess and Brock seems like a love-hate relationship. The trust level runs hot and cold. Still, they rely on each other. But why did Brock change his name? And why is his past so shadowy?
One drawback for me was the frequency of sudden moments of passionate electricity. They were a bit adolescent, unbelievable, and distracting. A more mature approach would have been credible. Determining the person behind the crimes was a challenge for me because of the absence of clues.
Learning about bull riding and the circuit was an education for me. The descriptions were full of action and authenticity.
The novel embraces the love and friendship of family and friends and questions of loyalty. Life and death decisions must be made. The crimes committed involve getting justice and good versus evil.
Karen Miller
October 19, 2022
Tess Champion, who owns the nearly bankrupt ranch, lives with her two sisters, Val and Lexie, running a bull-riding operation. Tess, tough and determined, competes with fearless men on the highly competitive rodeo circuit to cover ranch expenses. The rivalry for the purse is intense. This foreshadows trouble. Val’s boyfriend, who may have to leave ranching, and Lexie’s husband, who left Brock’s ranch, complicate the family undercurrents with their personal goals.
Brock Tolman, the wealthy rancher who lives next door to Tess and a fellow competitor, gave Tess a bull named Quicksand. Tess thinks the bull will be a winner. Brock believes Quicksand is an uncontrollable loser. Brock and Tess travel to the same competitive rodeos and face challenges in protecting their prize bulls. Someone is out to get one of the team members. Someone attacks a bull and appears to be moving on to high crimes.
The connection between Tess and Brock seems like a love-hate relationship. The trust level runs hot and cold. Still, they rely on each other. But why did Brock change his name? And why is his past so shadowy?
One drawback for me was the frequency of sudden moments of passionate electricity. They were a bit adolescent, unbelievable, and distracting. A more mature approach would have been credible. Determining the person behind the crimes was a challenge for me because of the absence of clues.
Learning about bull riding and the circuit was an education for me. The descriptions were full of action and authenticity.
The novel embraces the love and friendship of family and friends and questions of loyalty. Life and death decisions must be made. The crimes committed involve getting justice and good versus evil.
Karen Miller
October 19, 2022
August 16, 2022
This book gives me everything I want in a great book. A growly alpha hero who is used to being in control meets a spirited, confident woman who not only stands her ground, but challenges him at every turn. Then add in a some danger and suspense as well as some family angst and turmoil to make the book so enthralling I couldn’t put it down.
At first, Brock appears to be more villain then hero…..a controlling, greedy and arrogant man with a plan to claim the neighboring ranch for his own. Tess and her family make claiming their ranch difficult, but Brock is now a partner in the ranch after keeping it from foreclosure. Tess may be forced to work with him, but she refuses to lower her guard and trust him. She definitely doesn’t take orders and is reluctant to accept his help. Brock respects her knowledge of bulls and how to train them for the rodeo circuit. He finds her confidence and feistiness to be a turn on, but he is determined to keep his personal and professional life separate, so getting involved with his spicy partner is a no go. Tess tells herself it is irritation not attraction that causes the constant tension between them. A stolen kiss seems to be impossible to forget. Passion flares between them, but then the dangerous and threatening incidents start. This is when I started to see that Brock was more hero than villain, that he has a well hidden heart under his tough, growly exterior. Someone is targeting Brock, his animals, his land and anyone close to him. Suddenly, he doesn’t know who to trust. Is the perpetrator someone from his past, a business rival or perhaps his beautiful partner next door? Even as it becomes clear she is not the enemy, Brook is torn on whether to push her away or draw her closer than ever to keep her safe. Read this gripping book to see how their story concludes and discover what is store for her family.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
At first, Brock appears to be more villain then hero…..a controlling, greedy and arrogant man with a plan to claim the neighboring ranch for his own. Tess and her family make claiming their ranch difficult, but Brock is now a partner in the ranch after keeping it from foreclosure. Tess may be forced to work with him, but she refuses to lower her guard and trust him. She definitely doesn’t take orders and is reluctant to accept his help. Brock respects her knowledge of bulls and how to train them for the rodeo circuit. He finds her confidence and feistiness to be a turn on, but he is determined to keep his personal and professional life separate, so getting involved with his spicy partner is a no go. Tess tells herself it is irritation not attraction that causes the constant tension between them. A stolen kiss seems to be impossible to forget. Passion flares between them, but then the dangerous and threatening incidents start. This is when I started to see that Brock was more hero than villain, that he has a well hidden heart under his tough, growly exterior. Someone is targeting Brock, his animals, his land and anyone close to him. Suddenly, he doesn’t know who to trust. Is the perpetrator someone from his past, a business rival or perhaps his beautiful partner next door? Even as it becomes clear she is not the enemy, Brook is torn on whether to push her away or draw her closer than ever to keep her safe. Read this gripping book to see how their story concludes and discover what is store for her family.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
November 9, 2022
“No matter where Tess’s thoughts took her, they always led back to him. Her rival. Her antagonist. Her partner.”
Tess Champion knows better than to trust Brock Tolman, the man who swindled her late father in a land deal. With her ranch in foreclosure, Tess is forced to partner with the rancher. When Tess is offered his young bull Quicksand in the deal, she is surprised to find he is the rising star of the rodeo circuit. So when Brocks’s plane crashes in the wilderness with Tess onboard, the truth of their relationship will come out. The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she has fallen for the wrong man.
Buckle up because there is bull riding, love, redemption, and so much more in book 3 of The Champions series by Janet Dailey. I was so happy to rejoin this family at the Alamo Canyon Ranch! I am sure this book could be read as a stand-alone, but there are quite a few storylines that continue from the first two books.
Although not my favorite of the series, this book focuses on Brock and his backstory. Sometimes, when I enjoy a series enough, reading the next installment is a bit like coming home. That is how I feel about the Champion family. I love these strong women and the men that compliment them. The bull riding aspect is so interesting and I fly through these books every. Single. Time. Here’s to hoping that there is more to come from the Alamo Canyon Ranch! 🤞🏻
Thank you to @btc_books @kensingtonbooks and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted copy!
Tess Champion knows better than to trust Brock Tolman, the man who swindled her late father in a land deal. With her ranch in foreclosure, Tess is forced to partner with the rancher. When Tess is offered his young bull Quicksand in the deal, she is surprised to find he is the rising star of the rodeo circuit. So when Brocks’s plane crashes in the wilderness with Tess onboard, the truth of their relationship will come out. The Champion family’s future is on the line, but it’s Tess’s heart that will take the hit if she has fallen for the wrong man.
Buckle up because there is bull riding, love, redemption, and so much more in book 3 of The Champions series by Janet Dailey. I was so happy to rejoin this family at the Alamo Canyon Ranch! I am sure this book could be read as a stand-alone, but there are quite a few storylines that continue from the first two books.
Although not my favorite of the series, this book focuses on Brock and his backstory. Sometimes, when I enjoy a series enough, reading the next installment is a bit like coming home. That is how I feel about the Champion family. I love these strong women and the men that compliment them. The bull riding aspect is so interesting and I fly through these books every. Single. Time. Here’s to hoping that there is more to come from the Alamo Canyon Ranch! 🤞🏻
Thank you to @btc_books @kensingtonbooks and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted copy!
May 1, 2022
Janet Dailey brings us back to the Champions. She brings us the story of Tess and Brock. Tess is wary of Brock and his intentions when everyone knows that he wants to expand his holdings and would love to add her ranch to his portfolio, especially when he bailed them out before when she had no other options. In exchange, Tess gets to choose a bull from his ranch. Turns out, Quicksand is exactly what she needs and wants for her family. When accidents start happening around Brock, Tess is drawn in to help especially when it involves the men who work for him and the animals in his care. When they are involved in a plane crash, they are both made to confront their feelings. But, will the past tear them apart, or will it bring them together to fight an unknown enemy?
Janet Dailey brings us back to the Champion women and where they are in their lives. While the story centers around Tess, we do get to see what her sisters are up to and what challenges they are against. It was nice visiting them and seeing what was going on in their lives while seeing where life would take Tess. You keep turning the page to see where events will lead our two characters and how it will impact their lives and their respective ranches. I look forward to reading what comes next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this privilege.
Janet Dailey brings us back to the Champion women and where they are in their lives. While the story centers around Tess, we do get to see what her sisters are up to and what challenges they are against. It was nice visiting them and seeing what was going on in their lives while seeing where life would take Tess. You keep turning the page to see where events will lead our two characters and how it will impact their lives and their respective ranches. I look forward to reading what comes next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this privilege.
August 30, 2022
Brock Tolman has been the nemesis of the Champion family since he bought some land out from under their late father. But now Alamo Canyon Ranch is in financial trouble and Tess is forced to partner with him. Brock wants to breed with the Champion bull bloodline and offers one of his young bulls for her pro riding circuit. Everyone, even Brock, warns her against taking the impulsive bull with the dangerous attitude, but she sees something special in him. The attraction between Tess and Brock is still there, but she knows she can't trust him. Especially when strange things start happening and his secret past comes back to haunt him, threatening his business, his life, and the lives of anyone close to him.
This is definitely a series you need to read in order. I really enjoyed this book by the end, but not having read the previous two books, I started out feeling so lost. I enjoyed reading the behind the scenes of the rodeo life and preparing a new bull for the professional bull riding circuit. Brock's backstory and the hitman after him gave the story more depth and excitement with a mystery to solve. I had trouble feeling the chemistry between Tess and Brock though.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
This is definitely a series you need to read in order. I really enjoyed this book by the end, but not having read the previous two books, I started out feeling so lost. I enjoyed reading the behind the scenes of the rodeo life and preparing a new bull for the professional bull riding circuit. Brock's backstory and the hitman after him gave the story more depth and excitement with a mystery to solve. I had trouble feeling the chemistry between Tess and Brock though.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
March 27, 2023
I want to preface my review by saying that this is just not my kind of book, so if you're a big fan of this type of romance novel, take my review with a grain of salt.
This is the third book in the series about the Champion women finding love. Though I haven't read the previous installments, I didn't find it difficult to follow. At times, the book focused on continuing the stories of the other sisters, which I wasn't particularly invested in, but it wasn't such a large part of the book as to be an issue.
In this story, Tess Champion battles love/hate feelings for a man she doesn't trust but must rely on. As they run in the same bull riding circles, they can't avoid each other, and things become increasingly complicated as someone from Brock's past begins to blackmail him.
I didn't care much for the romance in this story and I didn't feel particularly interested in the characters. I did find it interesting that the setting for this book was on a ranch and included many rodeos, as these are very foreign concepts to me. I did notice a review that said it wasn't an accurate portrayal of this life, but as someone who is completely ignorant of it, it was fun to read about, regardless.
Thank you to Goodreads/the publisher/the author for providing me with this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway. Thoughts are my own.
This is the third book in the series about the Champion women finding love. Though I haven't read the previous installments, I didn't find it difficult to follow. At times, the book focused on continuing the stories of the other sisters, which I wasn't particularly invested in, but it wasn't such a large part of the book as to be an issue.
In this story, Tess Champion battles love/hate feelings for a man she doesn't trust but must rely on. As they run in the same bull riding circles, they can't avoid each other, and things become increasingly complicated as someone from Brock's past begins to blackmail him.
I didn't care much for the romance in this story and I didn't feel particularly interested in the characters. I did find it interesting that the setting for this book was on a ranch and included many rodeos, as these are very foreign concepts to me. I did notice a review that said it wasn't an accurate portrayal of this life, but as someone who is completely ignorant of it, it was fun to read about, regardless.
Thank you to Goodreads/the publisher/the author for providing me with this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway. Thoughts are my own.
August 9, 2022
Quicksand by Janet Dailely is the third book in the series about Alamo Canyon Ranch and the bulls they raise for the rodeo. Each story includes the Champion Family and how they want to hang onto their ranch. This particular novel focused on Tess and Brock. Brock Tolman is not a good guy. He takes every advantage he can in business deals and in doing so he has ended up with a partial ownership of the Alamo Canyon Ranch - much to the chagrin of Tess Champion.
Tess has chosen a new bull from Tolman’s ranch as she was promised. Her new bull Quicksand is going to be a winner with all the work of the ranch. Meanwhile, a number of incidents have been happening to Brock including blowing up his mailbox, killing one of his show bulls. When Brock tries to help Tess by getting her to her sister, his plane crashes with both of them and that’s when some things become more evident.
Tess and Brock are both such strong characters, so reading about their growing relationship is interesting. I read the last two of the three books and found the storylines interesting. I also liked how everything wrapped up at the end for all three daughters. Quicksand by Janet Dailey is a quick read with lots of interesting situations.
Tess has chosen a new bull from Tolman’s ranch as she was promised. Her new bull Quicksand is going to be a winner with all the work of the ranch. Meanwhile, a number of incidents have been happening to Brock including blowing up his mailbox, killing one of his show bulls. When Brock tries to help Tess by getting her to her sister, his plane crashes with both of them and that’s when some things become more evident.
Tess and Brock are both such strong characters, so reading about their growing relationship is interesting. I read the last two of the three books and found the storylines interesting. I also liked how everything wrapped up at the end for all three daughters. Quicksand by Janet Dailey is a quick read with lots of interesting situations.
August 12, 2022
This was... fine? I'm not familiar with this author, so I can't compare it against her other works. Luckily this is totally understandable to a newbie, as the returning characters are introduced well enough. In some ways these fringe characters were much better than the leads, because they had more concrete backstories, and therefore clearer motivations. I never really connected with Tess or Brock, and was instead more invested in Val and Casey's story.
My biggest criticism is the pacing. The teaser on the back covered more than half the book, and the promised "plane crash" was a near non-event. The story plodded along, with very little action or chemistry, and then everything seemed rushed to wrap up at the end.
I also couldn't quite accept the irrational choices made by many of the characters. I enjoy silly romance novels as much as the next person, but when there's murder and other assorted crime involved, but characters deliberately avoiding the police is too far even for me.
If you're a fan of Western contemporary romances, but don't mind plot holes or mediocre pacing, you might enjoy this. But if you're looking for a tight, well-placed suspense/thriller romance, there are better options out there.
My biggest criticism is the pacing. The teaser on the back covered more than half the book, and the promised "plane crash" was a near non-event. The story plodded along, with very little action or chemistry, and then everything seemed rushed to wrap up at the end.
I also couldn't quite accept the irrational choices made by many of the characters. I enjoy silly romance novels as much as the next person, but when there's murder and other assorted crime involved, but characters deliberately avoiding the police is too far even for me.
If you're a fan of Western contemporary romances, but don't mind plot holes or mediocre pacing, you might enjoy this. But if you're looking for a tight, well-placed suspense/thriller romance, there are better options out there.
August 14, 2022
I was a little concerned since this is book 3 in the Champion series. Would there be any reference to a event or events that happened in book 1 or book 2? Would I need to read both books 1 and 2 before reading this one? Having read Janet Dailey before I should have known that I could read this book and not be lost at all. Tess Champion along with her sisters Lexie and Val live on the Alamo Canyon Ranch. Lexie is married and her husband Shane used to work for Tess's neighbor Brock Tolman. The man that Tess can not trust since he conned her late father out of some land. The ranch is losing money, their bulls while winning championships are not bringing in enough money.
Tess is forced to accept Brock offer to be partners. Brock has his own set of problems a past that he wants to stay hidden but someone does not want it to stay that way, It starts with a news clipping about his past, than his champion bull is found dead/murdered. Than someone who he is close to on his ranch gets killed doing something that Brock always does. As Brock and Tess fall in love with each other he worries will he be able to protect Tess from someone in his past. Thank you Between The Chapters and Kensington Books for sending me this ARC.
Tess is forced to accept Brock offer to be partners. Brock has his own set of problems a past that he wants to stay hidden but someone does not want it to stay that way, It starts with a news clipping about his past, than his champion bull is found dead/murdered. Than someone who he is close to on his ranch gets killed doing something that Brock always does. As Brock and Tess fall in love with each other he worries will he be able to protect Tess from someone in his past. Thank you Between The Chapters and Kensington Books for sending me this ARC.
November 21, 2022
I loved this series! Strong, heart filled women with strong family ties. They pulled together to get the job done all through the series. This book wrapped it all up, the story line of all the characters from the first 2 books, and I didn’t want it to end!
This books main story characters are Tess the oldest of the sisters. The one who makes the calls on the ranch and Brock the guy who stole the land from their father many yrs back, but has shown a softer side lately. He is now partners with the ranch, Tess and Brock have to make the decisions together, Tess goes to Brock’s ranch to pick a bull in exchange for whiplash. She picks a one horned feisty bull that they’d had only problems with, but Tess saw something. After Ruben sings and burns Sage he calms down and becomes a top bull. During this time someone is trying to kill Brock. At a rodeo one of his best bulls is found dead, then cattle found in Bob wire, then the mailbox blows up, and his plane is tampered with, then Tesses hotel room is bombed. Brock is trying to keep her safe. He figured out who it was and went after them.
Shane and Lexie have a baby. Val and Casey find out their son is alive and they go after him. Tess and Brock are now together. Perfect!
This books main story characters are Tess the oldest of the sisters. The one who makes the calls on the ranch and Brock the guy who stole the land from their father many yrs back, but has shown a softer side lately. He is now partners with the ranch, Tess and Brock have to make the decisions together, Tess goes to Brock’s ranch to pick a bull in exchange for whiplash. She picks a one horned feisty bull that they’d had only problems with, but Tess saw something. After Ruben sings and burns Sage he calms down and becomes a top bull. During this time someone is trying to kill Brock. At a rodeo one of his best bulls is found dead, then cattle found in Bob wire, then the mailbox blows up, and his plane is tampered with, then Tesses hotel room is bombed. Brock is trying to keep her safe. He figured out who it was and went after them.
Shane and Lexie have a baby. Val and Casey find out their son is alive and they go after him. Tess and Brock are now together. Perfect!
August 19, 2022
The last of the Champions sister, Tess is the oldest and boss of running their small ranch. Still not happy about the partnership they formed with Brock, a fellow rancher, but on the mega scale. There has been bad blood between the two for many years, but to save a beloved bull Tess grits her teeth and tries to make nice.
Brock made a huge mistake in his past and the past is returning to haunt him, no matter how he has tried to hide it. When it seems like it’s not blackmail but revenge the mysterious person is after and things that mean something to Brock are in danger, including Tess. He steps up to figure out why and who is behind it all.
The story also continues with the other two sisters. A HEA and finding a child given up for adoption, so one definitely should read in order. Another fast paced story that had me up late to finish reading and confirm my guess of who is behind Brock’s troubles. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #Quicksand #KensingtonBooks #TheChampionsRomance
Brock made a huge mistake in his past and the past is returning to haunt him, no matter how he has tried to hide it. When it seems like it’s not blackmail but revenge the mysterious person is after and things that mean something to Brock are in danger, including Tess. He steps up to figure out why and who is behind it all.
The story also continues with the other two sisters. A HEA and finding a child given up for adoption, so one definitely should read in order. Another fast paced story that had me up late to finish reading and confirm my guess of who is behind Brock’s troubles. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #Quicksand #KensingtonBooks #TheChampionsRomance
April 6, 2023
I received this ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the Champions series. I read the previous books in preparation for this title, but it could be a stand alone. The characters are described and fully developed in each additional book.
Its a story about a ranch family who raise bucking bulls for the Professional Bull Riders championships that earn money for the successful bulls and riders.
Three Champion sisters are running the ranch after their father, stepmother and brothers deaths.
The oldest daughter Tess has been on the ranch and making decisions since her birth. The love of her life was killed in the military at an early age and she has not had time or inclination to date or pursue a love interest.
Brock Tollman is the neighboring rancher who would like to control the ranch and Tess. They have a love/hate relationship which develops into something else.
Secrets are revealed, threats to property and precious bulls and their lives bring the two closer together.
Descriptions about the rodeo, riders, terminology and the background landscape are very detailed and interesting.
This is the 3rd book in the Champions series. I read the previous books in preparation for this title, but it could be a stand alone. The characters are described and fully developed in each additional book.
Its a story about a ranch family who raise bucking bulls for the Professional Bull Riders championships that earn money for the successful bulls and riders.
Three Champion sisters are running the ranch after their father, stepmother and brothers deaths.
The oldest daughter Tess has been on the ranch and making decisions since her birth. The love of her life was killed in the military at an early age and she has not had time or inclination to date or pursue a love interest.
Brock Tollman is the neighboring rancher who would like to control the ranch and Tess. They have a love/hate relationship which develops into something else.
Secrets are revealed, threats to property and precious bulls and their lives bring the two closer together.
Descriptions about the rodeo, riders, terminology and the background landscape are very detailed and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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