Wednesday, June 7, 2017

[Pat's Review]: "The Toughest Cowboy in Texas"

contemporary romance, romance novel covers, The Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown
The Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Forever (May 30, 2017)
Series: Happy, Texas, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance


The Spark of an Old Flame

Last time Lila Harris was in Happy, Texas, she was actively earning her reputation as the resident wild child. Now, a little older and wiser, she's back to run her mother's café for the summer. Except something about this town has her itching to get a little reckless and rowdy, especially when she sees her old partner-in-crime, Brody Dawson. Their chemistry is just as hot as ever. But he's still the town's golden boy-and she's still the wrong kind of girl.

Brody hasn't had much time lately for anything other than ranching. Running the biggest spread in the county and taking care of his family more than keeps him busy. All that responsibility has him longing for the carefree days of high school-and Lila. She may have grown up, but he still sees that spark of mischief in her eyes. Now he's dreaming about late-night skinny dipping and wondering how he can possibly resist the one woman he can never forget... 



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Reviews of Brown's Previous Books:

Billion Dollar Cowboy (#1) -- Kame
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby (#2) -- Kame
How to Marry a Cowboy (#4) -- Kame

The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride (#3) -- Kame
Cowboy Seeks Bride (#7) -- Kame

Cowboy Boots for Christmas (#1) -- Kame
The Trouble with Texas (#2) -- Kame



Pat's Review:





This is a sweet southern romance (Happy, Texas) with lots of family, some of whom are very irritating, and a second chance romance. It has lots of "Southernisms " and cowboy charm.



Delilah (Lila) has returned for the summer to help out at the Happy Cafe while her mom tries to sell it. She lives in Florida now and is a teacher. As a teenager, Lila was known as a Wild Child and lived up to the name. In Florida she is known as Dee, the quiet, calm teacher. She was in love with a boy back then, his name was Brody Dawson. He loved her wild and crazy ways, loved her, but turned his back on her and broke her heart when she had to move away. Now she's back and one look at Brody makes it all come back. "Well crap. So much for time, distance, and a broken heart erasing all the old feelings for that cowboy." The biggest problem is that Brody's mom and grandmother don't like her, and her mom doesn't like him. But they're 30 years old, able to make their own decisions.



Brody is now owner and manager of his family's ranch, Hope Springs. He loves ranching (most of the time) and except for an ornery old bull named Sundance, it's pretty routine. His sister Kelsey recently lost her husband in Afghanistan, and is struggling, trying to keep up with three kids. Brody and his brother, Jace, try and help.


Kacey had always liked Lila so she is definitely in their corner. There is lots of banter and slow build up to the romance, and a few good laughs. Kelsey's kids are adorable. Brody does his best to convince Lila he's serious. Lila has fallen right back under his charms. The question is, can they make it this time?



This was an enjoyable read, but something just felt missing to me. Fun characters, lots of heat, and an HEA, just can't put it into words. I enjoy reading Carolyn Brown and I'm sure I'll read another.




3 STARS! 


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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Thanks for the review, Pat! I hate when that happens -- when you just can't explain why the elements were there but the execution fell a bit flat for you. Oh well, still sounds like a nice read!



Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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