I didn't have time to read this book before release so I will not be leaving a review. If I choose to read this book at some point I will grab a finished copy from my public library and post a review to my Goodreads account.

So, I am a bookcover whore. If a book has a bad cover I’m very unlikely to pick it up. I know you can’t judge and all that. Being the visual person I am, the cover really makes or breaks a lot of purchases for me! I was drawn to Kari Lynn Dell because of Sourcebooks awesome covers. JUST LOOK AT THEM (collective sigh) I follow a very popular Western Romance author, and so I’m always watching the Western Romance books in the market, however I don’t actually read very many outside of my go to favorite authors. Well, I can say these covers, had me reading the blurbs, and the blurbs had me buying the books, and you know how goes from there: Brand new Go To Author! 😉

Kari’s style is a departure from the books I usually read. All three books in the series are heavily spent in the world of rodeo, and rural life in Texas. Many times an author will style a hero be it musician, cowboy, billionaire, biker- you know the drill- in a book but the occupation is just window dressing to the story. Well that’s not the case, this woman knows Cowboys, and the western way of life backwards and forwards and it shines in every scene. While the heat level for this contemporary series is more a slow burn and doors often shut situation, I didn’t miss being in the room for every missing sex scene. These characters stand on their own and the romantic tension is plenty for me to come away fulfilled in my HEA and so engrossed in the secondary characters I can’t wait to pick up the next book.

While I loved all the books in this series, TOUGHER IN TEXAS is really a unique story with a setup I have never read, and thoroughly enjoyed. Cole Jacobs is extremely set in his ways, he’s a tough, difficult hero to understand, and that makes the payoff so much sweeter. Shawnee is the brash, in your face, loud and proud Texas Roper from book 2 and I could not get enough of her. If anyone could shakeup Cole’s orderly way of things it’s this firecracker. She’s awesome, and peeling away her layers made for an excellent story. Even Cole’s dog Katie, and Shawnee’s horse Roy hold a special place in my heart after this book. Plenty of cameo’s from the previous books to keep us up to date on what’s goin’ on at the Jacob’s ranch and Wyatt’s shenanigans.

Kari Lynn Dell is probably a new to you author, but I seriously cannot recommend her authentic Texas Rodeo series enough. I’d love to hear what you think of this western romance because it knocked me off my boots. – Ava

Slow burning 'enemies' to lovers

I know nothing about rodeo (and to be honest, I still know nothing about rodeo though the author does her best to make it understandable). What I know are books, and this one is a good ‘un.

I loved the main characters. Cole has a big heart, an inability to express himself, and a stubborn will that is akin to a bolder rolling downhill. His autism has made relationships difficult, though we are more told than shown this.

Shawnee is feisty and smart, a cancer survivor who knows that cancer doesn’t go away, it just goes into hiding. She is wary of long-term relationships because she doesn’t want anyone else hurt when the other shoe drops. She is prickly and sweet and so wonderfully real.

Their slow burn romance was satisfying and funny, and for a nice change, Shawnee did not double back from pursuing her dreams at the last moment. She kicks ass and gets the guy, and does not forgo kicking ass to get the guy, either. I really appreciated this.

Not having read any of Ms Dell’s earlier books, I did not understand the initial animosity between the two, nor could I really keep track of the rather large list of characters, most of whom only appear for a scene or two. I could tell some were from past books and others were possibilities for future ones, but all in all it was a bit much. This is a failing of longer romance series but this one is only the third book so there isn’t so much of an excuse.

Despite this, it was an enjoyable read with two fantastic leads and I might track down other books by the author. If rodeo / road trip romances are your thing, or slow burning enemies to lovers, or well-written people with flaws who still come out on top, then give this book a go.

Cole Jacobs is a rodeo producer and has a certain way of doing things his way, and he does not like change. This all falls apart for him when his cousin cannot make the trip for the rodeo season because she is pregnant. She calls him after he fires the third person and says really it’s not his fault he told the guy what he had to do and he did not do it. Of course he does not think he should have to tell someone what they have to do and then on top of that this person used a prod on a bull that he should not haves used. She tells him that there are no more people and so she has to call Shawnee. He acts like calling Shawnee is worse than having your teeth pulled. When Shawnee gets the call she goes but she is not looking forward in seeing or dealing with Cole. You then find out when she shows up that they have known each for years but neither one has seen the other one in a while. She cannot help herself but find Cole attractive, but Shawnee is a free spirit and because life has kicked her around a bit she is not looking for long term happiness, she does not believe it is even out there. Cole on the other hand likes the way she takes care of business in the ring and out and he does not need to tell her another thing. It is like they have been working together for years. When he finds out that she cooks is also about the same time you find out about his autism which makes sense for some of his habits. It is also after a few meals that they decide to carry on together but she tells him only until the end of the season, she will not go any further and she makes doubly sure he understands for she has been around him most of her life. The problem enters when she is more attracted to him than she was expecting and that scares her. At the end he is at his family ranch not doing so well and is given choices to make not many really just go after her or let her go. She is given choices to makes whether to continue to run scared or to take a chance. The last two chapters are really good and the way the story ends is just perfect for this story. a wonderful book and very good characters.

In short, this is a special book. Anna over at Herding Cats and Burning Soup is always gushing about her cowboys, and that made me realize that I haven't read many cowboy books. So I set out to rectify that situation, and I decided to start with a new-to-me author, Kari Lynn Dell. I think I am glad I started with this story because I definitely want to pick up her other books now. While there was some character crossover from earlier books, I didn't feel lost or confused with the story. So I think you are fine starting w/ this book if you haven't read the others. I also think you will want to go back and read the earlier books (like me) once you finish this one.

Our cowboy, Cole Jacobs, was such a unique hero. A six-and-a-half foot stoic and awkward cowboy, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in the years leading up to this current story. I think this is the first hero that I have read on the autism spectrum, and the author handled the situation very well. Cole was relatable and his issues were realistic, and I was able to empathize and engage with him as a reader. He was somewhat wholesome, but had some steamy thoughts that worked with his idiosyncrasies to make him an all-around cute and lovable guy.

Shawnee Picket is a tough-as-nails rodeo chick. I wasn't sure I was going to like Shawnee at first. I thought her attitude and lifestyle were just going to be too hard and loose for me. But all of Shawnee's bravado is a mask for her own insecurities and difficult childhood. While I didn't relate to her as well as Cole, I still liked her as a heroine. I thought she was a good match for Cole, sort of the yin to his yang, that complimented him in every way.

Cole and Shawnee made a great team on the rodeo circuit, and I loved reading that aspect of the story. You can tell the author is familiar with the activity and lifestyle, and I really enjoyed all of the detail she included about the gear, the animals, and the job. It made me feel like I was there, and taught me a few things in the process!

Dell did a good job at drawing the reader into this story. I felt like I was part of the rodeo, and I was drawn into Cole's desires and dreams for his life. The last bit of the story got me a bit teary eyed, which is always a good sign. I love being emotionally invested in the characters. I will definitely be reading more of Kari Lynn Dell in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.

I read this book a couple of weeks ago and I've been struggling ever since to find the words to express just how UTTERLY FANTASTIC it is.
I'll start off by saying that I know absolutely nothing about rodeo. Fortunately, Kari Lynn Dell knows LOTS about rodeo (her bio says she is 'a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer, and rodeo competitor-as well as the 2013 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association Breakaway Roping Champion') and she breaks everything down gently and simply for those of us who are completely ignorant about the sport.
At its heart, though, this is a book about two seriously amazing people. I wasn't too sure about Cole at the start of the book - his desire for a wife to basically feed him and look after him bothered me - but when I realized that he was autistic and struggling to express his emotions, the light dawned and I fell quite thoroughly in love with him.
Not quite as much as I fell in love with Shawnee, though, who we first meet getting out of the bed of a Brazilian rodeo rider 12 years her junior after a night of unashamed, no-strings sex - hardly the standard introduction for the heroine of a romance novel!
Shawnee's got her issues, not least of which is her inability to have children after a childhood struggle with cancer, and her knowledge that you don't really survive cancer. You just wait for it to come back and get you. The former issue leads to absolutely the most romantic line I've read in the last few years, when Cole, after coming to terms with his dreams of a family with Shawnee being dashed, tells her
"That's okay. If I can't have both, I choose you."
SWOON.
Everything about this book is perfect. Everything. Both hero and heroine are strong and flawed, dealing with mental issues and difficult situations, somehow finding a way to each other without diminishing the other in the process. One of my BIGGEST pet hates in romances is one person giving up their dream for the other; the EXACT OPPOSITE of that happened in this book (without further spoilers). It genuinely made me so happy I'm still thinking about it two weeks later. Go read it. You really, seriously won't regret it.
Five stars, and I'd give it more if I could.

COWBOY UP
Third generation rancher and rodeo competitor Kari Lynn Dell returns readers to the world of professional rodeo in Tougher In Texas, the third book in her Texas Rodeo series. Independent, sassy and tough, beautiful rodeo competitor Shawnee Pickett is the opposite of tall, dark and intense rodeo producer Cole Jacobs. He has his hands full keeping Jacobs Livestock horses and bulls performing at top level for contracted rodeos. The last thing Cole wanted was to deal with Shawnee as his pickup rider. Shawnee has known Cole and his family for years, and has always enjoyed teasing the stoic cowboy. Now that they’re working closely on a daily basis, however, she learns there’s much more to him than a hard body and a handsome face. Should she give in to the lure of temptation and sleep with Cole? They both have trust issues from traumatic events in their pasts, and given how close their family ties are, hooking up could damage those relationships if it ended badly. But despite both of their efforts to keep the other at arms’-length, they’re irresistibly drawn together. When Cole learns the truth about the big secret she’s been keeping, however, will he still want her?

The rodeo setting rings with authenticity and vibrant color, and the hero and heroine are layered and well-developed, their relationship romantic and realistic with lots of sexual tension. This latest in a unique, stellar series is sure to send readers racing to download the other novels in the series, Reckless in Texas and Tangled in Texas.

Tougher in Texas is a unique romance that will capture your attention and your emotions very quickly. I doubt this story will let go of your heart until the very ending… and even then it might linger on a bit.

Cole and Shawnee have known each other for years. They are about as opposite in personality and routines as two people could possibly get. Cole needs routine, he’s methodical, precise and his routines, schedules calm him, focus him – they are as necessary as breath to live. Shawnee is brash, outspoken, lives by her own rules and will never ever settle down in one place for long. She’s seen too much, she won’t wait for tragedy to touch her again because she’s outta there before anything can even think of getting to her. Right up until she encounters Cole again as a “pickup man” for the rodeo. They’ve got one season to get through without tearing each other apart. The more she’s around Cole the less she believes that’s going to be possible. Because this man isn’t supposed to get to her, and she isn’t supposed to be thinking of staying and taking a risk.

I have to give Ms Dell a moment outside of this story. You see, Cole has Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism. There are thousands of people in the world today, some rather famous, who also have Asperger’s. Usually they are highly intelligent people who don’t do well in social situations, especially without their routines as a calming agent. Their minds are constantly moving, thinking, experiencing – it’s the getting those thoughts out in social interactions that is somewhat difficult. In giving us Cole, all aspects of Cole, she’s given us a peek inside of an amazing mind, and one sexy cowboy. I know people with Asperger’s, two who are close friends, and I’d like to believe that they’d approve of Cole’s portrayal in Tougher in Texas. So I’d like to say thank you to Ms Dell for giving us reality, not everyone fits in the same silhouette… and wouldn’t it be boring if they did.

If you’re in the mood for a really good romance, one sexy cowboy and one hot-headed cowgirl – then Tougher in Texas should be on your reading radar. I’d recommend this story and the entire series to any reader who simply loves a good romance.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Tougher in Texas, by Kari Lynn Dell is an entertaining contemporary western romance, which incorporates drama and humor, while focusing on horses, family, and love.

Cole Jacobs is a rodeo producer and currently in charge of Jacobs Livestock. When he needs a new pickup man for the company, his relatives send Shawnee Pickett, who is his last choice. Cole and Shawnee have to learn to work together, which leads to a friendship and a temporary relationship. Of course, Cole wants a wife and family, especially kids of his own, yet Shawnee is determined to only have flings and no children.

Throughout the story, Cole struggles autism, which was a fairly recent diagnosis, and his inability adapt to social situations, particularly involving conversation. However, Cole doesn't have a problem with conversing with Shawnee, yet she's dealing with her own issues, including her absentee self-centered father and personal health concerns. Their individual issues affect their tentative relationship, which provides plenty of drama, romance, and humorous situations.

Since it's the third book in the Texas Rodeo series, it's ideal to start with the first book, Reckless in Texas, in order to meet the extensive list of secondary characters. However, it's a stand-alone book, so it's not necessary to read the series in order.

Tougher in Texas is geared towards those who enjoy reading western contemporary romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kari Lynn Dell has done it again with Tougher In Texas. Shawnee Picket is prickly, sassy, and determined to live life on her own terms. She keeps her heart locked up tighter then a drum determined to never open her heart to anyone. Never pitting down roots, not making lasting friendships are falling in love. Cole Jacobs likes his routine, things done a certain way every single time. Predictable and safe. He would like to have a wife and family but is not really sure now to do it. Shawnee Picket is going to rock his world when Violet send her to be a "pickup" man for the summer. If these two can let go and open themselves up, they could both end up with everything they both ever wanted. Love. This was Me. Dell's most emotional book in this series. Not just once, but more then once I was reading through tears. The raw emotions in certain parts of this book made my heart just ache. If you haven't read this series you really need to. This is one of the best cowboy, rodeo romances I have read in a long time. I will be added the print copy to my library even through i received a e-copy through net-galley.

Kari Lynn Dell has quickly carved out a place for herself on my bookshelf. Her ability to create stories that are heartbreakingly realistic and deliver them with power and grace is refreshing. Her stories help you breathe through the pain with laughter and an optimistic point of view. Tougher in Texas blends courageous with outrageous to put a smile on our face as we hand over a tiny piece of our hearts. We laugh, we learn, we enjoy. Well done, Ms. Dell.

I really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did! And I really did! I loved that Cole was autistic. The romance was really cute as well.

Breathless anticipation! Nervous tension! Exhilaration and heart breaking disappointment….that’s Rodeo!

And no one knows rodeo better than Cole Jacobs. He is completely focused on protecting the sensational bucking horses and bulls in the Jacobs string…and every single piece of equipment. In fact, he’s a little obsessive. Okay, he’s really, really obsessive and focused. There’s a reason for that. We found out in earlier books that Cole is autistic. He has a little trouble communicating with some people, but he is terrific at his job. He’s one of the best pickup men in the business…and intense about how well his partner in the arena follows his lead. He is not a happy man when he sees that Shawnee Pickett will be Violet’s replacement. He’s pretty sure that his cousin, Violet, is the only woman capable of doing that risky job as well as any man.

Shawnee is determined to prove him wrong! And, boy, does she ever! She really needs and wants this job, and since Violet is one of her best friends, she’s learned from the best. She’s had a pretty rough life, never enough money and a smart mouth and attitude that keep her mostly on the outside. Her finances have been a good bit better since she started team roping with Tori Patterson in Tangled In Texas. Her job puts a serious crimp in the time she has for roping. Then Cole steps in, and a few sexy hook-ups later…things start to change.

Shawnee is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is…sassy! She knows what she wants and goes for it. She likes sex…a lot…but is picky, picky, picky! There could never be a better man for her than Cole. He can focus! And does. Like so many autistic people, he is very smart, and never forgets anything. Psst…he learned about sex from the internet and is determined to get it right. And does! This is a great couple, individually and together. I love them! Get your copy today and…

Enjoy!

2shay

The scenario for this book was very intriguing. Who can resist a cowboy especially when it also includes a rodeo! Full of promise, the author leads the reader on a thrilling "ride" of the dangers and rewards of being part of the rodeo circuit. Though I enjoyed the growth of the relationship between two people with serious disabilities, the author dragged this part of the book and therefore could not fully enjoy the ending.

TOUGHER IN TEXAS was incredibly emotional and I balled my frickin’ eyes out. A lot.

First off, I want to applaud the author for creating an autistic hero. Cole has Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that affects a person’s ability process information and to communicate and interact with others. Asperger’s is a form of autism located higher up in the spectrum. This means people with Asperger’s are highly intelligent, but have difficulties with social and communication skills.

My review is going to be a little different because this story really hit home for me… because I have a son with autism. It was difficult for me to just sit back and read this one because as the story went along, I kept seeing my son in Cole. It was often times a little TOO real for me. I will say though that Ms. Dell did an excellent job with Cole’s character and the story. It’s an amazing book and I’d recommend it to anyone. The whole series is awesome.

It’s tough to review the story without being completely biased so I won’t even try it. I will say though, that all the elements of a true romance are here. I always learn something new from these Texas Rodeo books. Ms. Dell shares her love for the rodeo circuit with us and it’s a joy to read.

Thank you Kari Lynn Dell for creating this wonderful character. It gives me hope that maybe one day, my son will be able to see his own dreams come true, not by accepting his limitations, but because his courage is limitless.

a good read

Even after having finished this book, I am still in awe of how "real" the characters were. This is one gifted and talented writer...one who all but transported me into the world of rodeo. The rodeo play by play was heart bounding and gripping, told in such a fashion that I could've been right there as a participant, riding right along side Cole and Shawnee. As heart pounding action goes, I'd give this author exceptionally high marks for believability.

I have yet to encounter characters, so believable in meeting their individual challenges head on, not letting them be the reason they couldn't be exactly who they worked to be, and be at the top of their game. Because of these challenges, or actually in spite of, here in Cole and Shawnee are individuals who found each other to work through each day together...gaining strength from each other in doing so. I've been left with a sense of pride for these two in how they helped each find their HEA together.

This is not the first book by Ms Dell I read, I know it won't be the last...In her I have found an author to add to my FictFact list of authors to watch for new releases.

This ARC book was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.