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Forever Texas #2
Lone Star Legacy: A New Historical Texas Western
"Superb from start to finish. An instant classic." —New York Times Bestselling Author Marc Cameron on Forever Texas
Experience the gritty reality of life on the Texas frontier in this riveting historical adventure based on actual events and the true history of the legendary King Ranch, as one pioneering ranch family carves out their own piece of the American West…
South Texas, 1854. Regis Royle is determined to turn eighteen-thousand acres of raw prairie into the greatest cattle ranch in the world. But he can’t do it alone. The region is wilder than a herd of mustangs—and crawling with rustlers. Teaming up with the Cattlemen’s Justice Consortium, Regis hopes to stop the rustling and start laying tracks for a new railway. Problem is, the cattlemen—including Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, Regis’s own ranch manager—can’t help but lock horns with the Texas Rangers. And it doesn’t take long for this brewing pot of very bad blood to get a whole lot worse . . .
First blood is spilled in Corpus Christie. Regis’s reckless young brother Shep is wounded by the beautiful daughter of their fiercest enemies, the powerful Valdez family. The news of a possible rail line has divided the ranchers into warring factions. And Regis Royle has to keep the peace with McGraw, take a gamble with his business partner, and keep his wayward brother in one piece. But things really heat up when Regis learns that the Valdez family are claiming rights to the Royle Ranch’s land. And they’ll do anything to get it back. Even kill . . .
The brothers Royle may be newcomers but they’re no greenhorns. They’ve got what it takes to be Texans. And that means never stop fighting for your dream.
Experience the gritty reality of life on the Texas frontier in this riveting historical adventure based on actual events and the true history of the legendary King Ranch, as one pioneering ranch family carves out their own piece of the American West…
South Texas, 1854. Regis Royle is determined to turn eighteen-thousand acres of raw prairie into the greatest cattle ranch in the world. But he can’t do it alone. The region is wilder than a herd of mustangs—and crawling with rustlers. Teaming up with the Cattlemen’s Justice Consortium, Regis hopes to stop the rustling and start laying tracks for a new railway. Problem is, the cattlemen—including Jarvis “Bone” McGraw, Regis’s own ranch manager—can’t help but lock horns with the Texas Rangers. And it doesn’t take long for this brewing pot of very bad blood to get a whole lot worse . . .
First blood is spilled in Corpus Christie. Regis’s reckless young brother Shep is wounded by the beautiful daughter of their fiercest enemies, the powerful Valdez family. The news of a possible rail line has divided the ranchers into warring factions. And Regis Royle has to keep the peace with McGraw, take a gamble with his business partner, and keep his wayward brother in one piece. But things really heat up when Regis learns that the Valdez family are claiming rights to the Royle Ranch’s land. And they’ll do anything to get it back. Even kill . . .
The brothers Royle may be newcomers but they’re no greenhorns. They’ve got what it takes to be Texans. And that means never stop fighting for your dream.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
382 people are currently reading
4745 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 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 48 reviews
April 11, 2023
Lone Star Legacy by William W.Johnstone A New Historical Texas Western
Life on the Texas frontier adventure is base on true events. I usually don't read Western stories, but I found that this book might just might change my mind. I thought this book was pretty good. And I would recommend this book to adults.
Life on the Texas frontier adventure is base on true events. I usually don't read Western stories, but I found that this book might just might change my mind. I thought this book was pretty good. And I would recommend this book to adults.
April 7, 2023
I received this in a goodreads giveaway. I thank goodreads and the publisher. It would be nice to provide a favorable review. But, alas, I cannot do that.
There are typos on p. 82, 312 and one other place.
This seems to be structured as a saga. There are several plot points that are not resolved in this volume. It is overlong. Every decision made in the past by Bone and Regis is mulled over again and again. They are both very emotional and self-doubting. They both do impulsive, stupid things repeatedly. They have tantrums and ride off for days. Regis' brother is worse. They never assess a situation and then act. They always fly off the handle. They repeatedly ask for forgiveness later. They are not admirable characters.
I must say I am mildly interested in the next confrontation between Regis, Bone and Tull.
There are typos on p. 82, 312 and one other place.
This seems to be structured as a saga. There are several plot points that are not resolved in this volume. It is overlong. Every decision made in the past by Bone and Regis is mulled over again and again. They are both very emotional and self-doubting. They both do impulsive, stupid things repeatedly. They have tantrums and ride off for days. Regis' brother is worse. They never assess a situation and then act. They always fly off the handle. They repeatedly ask for forgiveness later. They are not admirable characters.
I must say I am mildly interested in the next confrontation between Regis, Bone and Tull.
February 10, 2023
Forever Texas is a new series about a man who dreams of building a successful ranching operation with his friend and his brother. Lone Star Legacy by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is the second book and it's not the best ever written by these guys. It has some new twists in a western but not really enough to keep it going. I do like westerns but I do think it would be better if they wrote fever with better quality. I know they can. Still it was a few hours of entertainment and I have read worse. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books
August 12, 2023
Great second book in this series.
August 22, 2024
When Regis Royal and his cattlemen association hang an innocent man for rustling he feels so guilty when his head foreman bone an ex ranger tells him he should start letting the law handled the rustlers of course Regis is going to stand his ground but at the next cattlemen get together we just bring up the idea to the rest of the men who aren’t so happy about letting the Rangers dish out the law. Regis cannot spend much time on that however his younger brother Shep is busy being Shep and when he gets his self stabbed on his birthday by the Mexican señorita who kidnapped in almost killed him years before Regis is out for blood. Regis and his foreman bone are still at odds through their argument but come together when it’s time to dish out justice can Regis save his brother from his self and will just plan to become the best ranch in Texas come true I love the story and although the beginning was very sad I really came to love the characters it’s all bad for poor ship who seems short on common sense but thank God he got someone like Regis to look out for him. This was a great book and a definite five star read by William Johnstone I know if him and Jay are the authors it’s going to be one riproaring western and he never disappoints. I received this book from NetGalley and Kensington books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 31, 2023
This entry #2 in the 'Forever Texas' series is very well written. Quite an involved series of threads of stories that encompass a large area of Texas. The tales are filled with the typical strong Johnstone characters.
This book differs from a large lot of the Johnstone library with illustrative writing that is more insightful than the bulk majority of the Johnstone books I've read, so far. This writer appears to be the same as the one who wrote the first entry, but seems, otherwise, new to the longtime series.
This book is better than the first involving the writing and various plots.
The troubles are the same as with the first book: There are far too many tales that don't connect well and chapters that abruptly leap from one set of circumstances to the next. As with the first, i get the idea that the book was written in sections and then attached. The central character has a series of startling revelations, but is written in the next chapter as if the situation meant little and the story slides to another plot. The beginning makes as little sense as the end. The coldness of the central character, despite being the only one somewhat sympathetic to what is written, is quite a turn from the first book.
Most disappointing is the ending. As the book meanders from plot to plot, some carried over from the first book, the story has no central plot. A plot trickled throughout is a mysterious character that doesn't make much sense. Near the end a clearer intent is introduced. Then the book ends after a very eventful situation is written in the last dozen pages.
Seems to me this book should've been 3 or 4 books and been better organized and have a beginning, middle and end.
Again, the book is very well written. Just disjointed in focus and unsatisfying in the end.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.
This book differs from a large lot of the Johnstone library with illustrative writing that is more insightful than the bulk majority of the Johnstone books I've read, so far. This writer appears to be the same as the one who wrote the first entry, but seems, otherwise, new to the longtime series.
This book is better than the first involving the writing and various plots.
The troubles are the same as with the first book: There are far too many tales that don't connect well and chapters that abruptly leap from one set of circumstances to the next. As with the first, i get the idea that the book was written in sections and then attached. The central character has a series of startling revelations, but is written in the next chapter as if the situation meant little and the story slides to another plot. The beginning makes as little sense as the end. The coldness of the central character, despite being the only one somewhat sympathetic to what is written, is quite a turn from the first book.
Most disappointing is the ending. As the book meanders from plot to plot, some carried over from the first book, the story has no central plot. A plot trickled throughout is a mysterious character that doesn't make much sense. Near the end a clearer intent is introduced. Then the book ends after a very eventful situation is written in the last dozen pages.
Seems to me this book should've been 3 or 4 books and been better organized and have a beginning, middle and end.
Again, the book is very well written. Just disjointed in focus and unsatisfying in the end.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.
April 11, 2024
I was fortunate enough to win this book on GoodReads but, at the time of submitting my name to win it, failed to notice it was #2 in a series. So I have taken a bit of time to get to it in order to read #1 first.
It started off with a variety of scenes, the hanging of an innocent, supposed cattle rustler and then the horrific death by coyote scene of a cattle wrangler boss. I enjoyed Bone’s love story with the woman he saved from the slave trader and Regis’s redemption arc as he is trying to recover from killing an innocent man he thought was a rustler. Also, Regis went behind his friend, Cormac’s back and bought up land that might not be rightfully theirs once all is said and done. He has to build back Cormac’s trust. This was left unfinished in book #2.
I thought there would be more of Valdez storyline where the heiress would try to take more vengeance on Regis for taking her land but we really only have one basic scene with her when she stabs Shep, Regis’s brother. A new bad guy is introduced who has a thirst for killing. He’s pretty creepy with his one cloudy eye, nasty hair, and broad frame. He seems pretty stout and set on doing what he wants. The book ends on a cliffhanger as Regis is determined to track down this guy and put him to justice, but dude’s not going to go easy.
So, I would say that if you’re into Westerns, this one has a pretty good storyline. Thank you to @kensingtonpublishing and @GoodReads for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #AForeverTexasNovel
It started off with a variety of scenes, the hanging of an innocent, supposed cattle rustler and then the horrific death by coyote scene of a cattle wrangler boss. I enjoyed Bone’s love story with the woman he saved from the slave trader and Regis’s redemption arc as he is trying to recover from killing an innocent man he thought was a rustler. Also, Regis went behind his friend, Cormac’s back and bought up land that might not be rightfully theirs once all is said and done. He has to build back Cormac’s trust. This was left unfinished in book #2.
I thought there would be more of Valdez storyline where the heiress would try to take more vengeance on Regis for taking her land but we really only have one basic scene with her when she stabs Shep, Regis’s brother. A new bad guy is introduced who has a thirst for killing. He’s pretty creepy with his one cloudy eye, nasty hair, and broad frame. He seems pretty stout and set on doing what he wants. The book ends on a cliffhanger as Regis is determined to track down this guy and put him to justice, but dude’s not going to go easy.
So, I would say that if you’re into Westerns, this one has a pretty good storyline. Thank you to @kensingtonpublishing and @GoodReads for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #AForeverTexasNovel
September 30, 2025
I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
Admittedly, I don't read as many Westerns as I could but when I do, it's almost always a book by the Johnstones. I really appreciate the attention to detail as well as the history I learn when I read one of their books. I also love Western culture and the way manners, law, etc all mattered then.
Regis owns a huge ranch and is always looking to add more cattle and land to it. He isn't usually a softie and doesn't mince words either. He also is part of the Cattlemen's Justice Consortium - a group of cattlemen who are trying to stop all of the thieving of their cattle. I don't give away spoilers but the first page of this book had me hooked and I read the whole book today.
Regis has a younger brother who is much more outgoing then he is - Shepley, a 17 year old. Shep isn't sure what he wants in life but he sure doesn't seem to want to be under Regis' thumb.
There were many characters to this book as well as many side stories. I think the Johnstones gave each character a good ending and tied up loose ends to blend all the stories together. I especially like Margaret and Bone. I'd love to read a book based on just the two of them.
There are many shoot-outs and so much justice being sought in Lone Star Legacy. There is also a lot of family, relationships, a tiny bit of romance.
My favorite part is how many of the main characters - especially Regis and Bone - all came to important self discoveries in this storyline.
Admittedly, I don't read as many Westerns as I could but when I do, it's almost always a book by the Johnstones. I really appreciate the attention to detail as well as the history I learn when I read one of their books. I also love Western culture and the way manners, law, etc all mattered then.
Regis owns a huge ranch and is always looking to add more cattle and land to it. He isn't usually a softie and doesn't mince words either. He also is part of the Cattlemen's Justice Consortium - a group of cattlemen who are trying to stop all of the thieving of their cattle. I don't give away spoilers but the first page of this book had me hooked and I read the whole book today.
Regis has a younger brother who is much more outgoing then he is - Shepley, a 17 year old. Shep isn't sure what he wants in life but he sure doesn't seem to want to be under Regis' thumb.
There were many characters to this book as well as many side stories. I think the Johnstones gave each character a good ending and tied up loose ends to blend all the stories together. I especially like Margaret and Bone. I'd love to read a book based on just the two of them.
There are many shoot-outs and so much justice being sought in Lone Star Legacy. There is also a lot of family, relationships, a tiny bit of romance.
My favorite part is how many of the main characters - especially Regis and Bone - all came to important self discoveries in this storyline.
April 7, 2023
There 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.
A new family line joins the Jensens. These brothers are determined to build their own legends through blood and hard work. They must face challenges that have stopped many men befor ethem. Will they succeed where others failed?
A new family line joins the Jensens. These brothers are determined to build their own legends through blood and hard work. They must face challenges that have stopped many men befor ethem. Will they succeed where others failed?
June 20, 2023
Experience the gritty reality of life on the Texas frontier in this riveting historical adventure based on actual events and the true history of the legendary King Ranch, as one pioneering ranch family carves out their own piece of the American West (from Google).
I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first. I love the character Margaret and her relationship with Bone and I absolutely loved that plotline. It was kind of difficult for me to get through, as I was disinterested in all of the other plots. Some of the business and fighting things were boring but I loved the female characters and what they brought to the story. I especially loved the veiled woman and thought that mini-plot was great. Overall, it was better than the first but isn't a book I am likely to pick up again.
I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first. I love the character Margaret and her relationship with Bone and I absolutely loved that plotline. It was kind of difficult for me to get through, as I was disinterested in all of the other plots. Some of the business and fighting things were boring but I loved the female characters and what they brought to the story. I especially loved the veiled woman and thought that mini-plot was great. Overall, it was better than the first but isn't a book I am likely to pick up again.
May 12, 2023
Okay….. soooooo I didn’t read the first book so I kinda just looked up what it was about and pieced things together but honestly I really enjoyed this book!!! I would highly recommend it. The ONLY reason it isn’t a 5 star is because it was my fault that I didn’t read the first so it took a little bit of getting used to. I thought the character development was good along with the imagery. It really made it seem like I was there with them in the story. I gave it to my mom to read and she is a hard critic… but so far she likes it too!
June 4, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
It's a very well written book about a man that wants to make the biggest ranch in the world - located in Texas - and what he goes through to try accomplish it.
The characters are realistic and the author describes the scenes in a way that you can picture them. If you are a western fan you'll really enjoy this book.
I'm looking forward to placing this book in our Little Free Library so others in the community can enjoy it!
It's a very well written book about a man that wants to make the biggest ranch in the world - located in Texas - and what he goes through to try accomplish it.
The characters are realistic and the author describes the scenes in a way that you can picture them. If you are a western fan you'll really enjoy this book.
I'm looking forward to placing this book in our Little Free Library so others in the community can enjoy it!
July 11, 2023
I won this in a giveaway. It is not something I would normally read.
This book was very hard for me to get into. The graphic descriptions of men dying and being killed was just too much for me. I feel as if there was too much going on with the main character, Regis, and there was not enough focus on the central conflict of the storyline. I read it through to the end, but would much rather have read anything else.
This book was very hard for me to get into. The graphic descriptions of men dying and being killed was just too much for me. I feel as if there was too much going on with the main character, Regis, and there was not enough focus on the central conflict of the storyline. I read it through to the end, but would much rather have read anything else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
I can across this book at my local library. At the time I did not notice that it was part of a series. Luckily I had no issue following along! yay!. I really enjoyed this. I grew up reading Dana Fuller Ross books and Lone Star Legacy had that same kind of vibe to it. I will be looking into the other ones on my next visit!
September 21, 2023
Regis Royle wants to own the biggest ranch in Texas. In his efforts to do so, he hurts some of the people he cares most about. Maybe there is still time to repair the friendships.
This book was filled with all the excitement from the old Western days. Rustlers, shoot-outs, and a little romance. I felt myself wanting to read every time I put the book down.
This book was filled with all the excitement from the old Western days. Rustlers, shoot-outs, and a little romance. I felt myself wanting to read every time I put the book down.
October 11, 2023
Another continuing story of Regis, Bones and Shep, "The Idiot."
Who the heck wrote this story? Didn't run at all like other Johnstone stories. I wasn't overly impressed. The first 50% of the story is boring. Yes, there are a few interesting things but still. The second half a little better, but still not good enough to give it a higher rating.
Who the heck wrote this story? Didn't run at all like other Johnstone stories. I wasn't overly impressed. The first 50% of the story is boring. Yes, there are a few interesting things but still. The second half a little better, but still not good enough to give it a higher rating.
March 21, 2024
After reading Demon Copperhead, I needed an easy to read book and saw this on our library’s shelf marked “ the most checked out books in 2023”. I don’t often read westerns and this one is nowhere near the writing of Lonesome Dove- my favorite Western. This book reminded me of the old Western movies that used to play on weekends on cable. Formulaic and simple…but I finished it.
May 8, 2023
Loved it!!
Non-stop action and danger as these ranchers try living and surviving in the harsh atmosphere of Texas, 1854. Gritty and intense, this is an exceptionally well written western that was a page turner from the first chapter. I cant wait for the next book! Highly recommend!!
Non-stop action and danger as these ranchers try living and surviving in the harsh atmosphere of Texas, 1854. Gritty and intense, this is an exceptionally well written western that was a page turner from the first chapter. I cant wait for the next book! Highly recommend!!
Want to read
May 12, 2023I'm not a huge western fan, but I found this book to have interesting characters, and a "keep your interest" story background. Recommended as a get away into Western USA storylines in the
good ol days.
good ol days.
June 14, 2023
This is a good story and definitely seemingly to me to be for men. It is a western that takes place in the late 1800's. The characters are good but the the descriptions of the battle have a lot of graphically describe gore.
August 19, 2023
This was not a bad read. But I felt it trying at times. I have my biases against these kind of books, I typically don't enjoy them. So my review may be swayed slightly. As far as an 1800 western it painted a good picture of what life was like for a rancher and the struggles they had to overcome.
August 28, 2023
This book was a goodreads win. Off and on I don’t mind reading a cowboy story. This story had the cowboys and ranchers trying to get the railroad into the Lone Star state to haul cattle. The rustlers were fighting the railway moving in.
November 4, 2023
A great new series
Book two was just as exciting as book one was and left you waiting for book three. Although I'm frustrated that the story is still going leaving me wanting to get book three to pick up where this tale ended.
Book two was just as exciting as book one was and left you waiting for book three. Although I'm frustrated that the story is still going leaving me wanting to get book three to pick up where this tale ended.
December 12, 2023
Wow! I’m nearly out of breath from this read. It is action, business and ranching, with good, bad and worse. This story is truly the description of the old west as people settle, rustlers take cattle and Texas Rangers do their best to solve mysteries. Regis Royle has turned his huge land into a cattle ranch; his old friend, “Bone,” is helping; his brother Shep is reckless, wounded and more. I love that Regis brought an entire desperate village from Mexico to his ranch where they can prosper. I love that a school is being built. I love that dreams are becoming reality with lots of work. Thanks for great writing and tremendous story-telling. I look forward to the next book.
April 4, 2025
Definitely a page turner and keeps you on your toes and guessing what will happen next. The ending is sad and some of the details are very gory and definitely would not let a younger kid read this, pg 13 rating.
October 18, 2025
The story was moving along great and then it hit a climax and ended for the next book. Yes, I need closure and have downloaded the 3rd book. Can’t wait to get into it. I love the characters and story lines.
November 4, 2025
What running in quicksand would feel like.
It’s obvious to Bill’s fans that his influence wasn’t at the heart of this book. Very little fluidity. A seemingly tedious read. Hard to compete with the quality that Bill’s fans are used to.
It’s obvious to Bill’s fans that his influence wasn’t at the heart of this book. Very little fluidity. A seemingly tedious read. Hard to compete with the quality that Bill’s fans are used to.
April 5, 2023
A western of no interest to me. Cattle and cattle rustlers. Texas, if I lived her or visit might be more enjoyable. Sorry texas -don’t care!
April 6, 2023
This is a exciting, intriguing Western telling the struggles of trying to make the best Cattle Ranch possible! It tells the heart and soul of the life they lead and everything in between!
June 1, 2023
Jumped around a lot, I thought. Have to admit it not my normal genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews