When I saw that this book was going on tour, I knew I had to get on board. I’d read and enjoyed the first two books in the series. I went into this book thinking it was book three…. oops! A couple chapters in, something was mentioned and I suddenly realized I was missing something. This is book four in the series. It does stand alone, but there will be these random moments where you’ll want more information that can be found in the prior books.

Wyatt has been a secondary character in this series since book one. I know that I was intrigued and want to know more about Wyatt. He’s been shrouded in mystery and I couldn’t wait for him to finally get his story and find love. And enter Melanie. I’ll admit, that if she was in the prior books (that I’ve read), I didn’t remember her. But this book starts with a prologue that is pretty much Wyatt and Melanie’s meeting at a wedding of mutual friends and sparks are flying. But because of those mutual friends, they decide not to act on those sparks. Fast forward a couple years, and they’re thrown together.

Both Wyatt and Melanie are headstrong and therefore they dance around each other. It was quite the interesting dance. Both also had some major issues they had to overcome in order to allow themselves to have their happily ever after. Ms Dell took me on a roller coaster ride filled with laughter and even a couple tears.

I have to go back to read book three, but for a contemporary western romance series, this one has been added to my auto-buy list. Fearless in Texas is a great read and I definitely recommend it to western romance fans… especially if you’d like a slightly different look at the rodeo.

From the moment I started reading the advance reader copy of this title that I'd requested, I was totally at sea, and remained that way for the most of the novel. I'd obviously missed the notation at the end of the blurb that this novel was the fourth in a series, and because of that, for most of the novel, I had no idea what was going one or why. My issues all started Melanie, the heroine, who finds out too late that she's in an affair with a married man, and that her boss knew all about it, set her up, and said nothing. I was in her corner until she pulled the idiotic and spiteful stunt that cost her her hard-earned career. I didn't understand her previous willingness to be trod upon by her smarmy boss, and once she'd tanked her job and fled to the ranch with Wyatt, I was utterly clueless about what the familial relationships were among the entire cast of characters.

When I next encountered the mysterious animosity/attraction between Melanie and Wyatt, one that had been going on for years, I didn't understand that either, nor did I understand the reasons why Wyatt attached himself to this particular family like grim death. Add to that the secrets, the lies, the spite, the bitchy low blows, and the love/hate relationship between the Melanie and Wyatt, the two main characters, who have been clearly attracted to one another for years but have left that attraction on the back burner, the reasons for which may have been mentioned in previous novels in this series, which I'd not read. Also there are the issues with Melanie's missing brother, Hank, not to mention the secret child who shows up more than halfway through the novel, or the fact that this novel takes place in Oregon, not Texas as the title suggests, and the fact that we learn that Wyatt is a bullfighter, not a cowboy, as pictured on the cover, and I found myself desperately wanting to close my Kindle and walk away, but I stuck it out to the end, and because of all the aforementioned issues, I still could not give this confusing and slow moving novel more than a 2.5-star rating.

While I'll admit that some of my issues stem from not realizing I was entering a series nearly at its end, I also had problems with the cover photo (again, Wyatt isn't a cowboy and can't even ride a horse using a Western saddle), and while I liked Wyatt and admired his commitment to helping others, I really had zero patience for Melanie. I found her behavior childish, her personality irritating and downright bitchy, and, aside from her looks, I simply couldn't understand what Wyatt found to like about her.

While this novel isn't badly written, it desperately needed a prologue or at least a "family" tree for the uninitiated newcomers to this series, because trying to figure out who was who, what their relationships were, and how Wyatt even latched onto his family took way too much time and energy, and by the time I figured it out, I simply no longer cared. If you're new to this series, I strongly suggest that you start at the beginning, or you may end up as lost and frustrated by his novel as I was.

As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

You can take a girl out of Texas, but you cannot take Texas out of the girl! Native Texas Melanie Brookman had to leave her hometown to work as a consultant for Wyatt Darrington. They have a history together but because of a promise made a long time ago, they have to remain friends.

But, fate had other plans for them. Their original plan of just working together became so muddled, (thanks to the chemistry between them), that they did not know when work ended, and intimacy began.

A story of starting over and finding a way home, “Fearless in Texas” tugs at your heartstrings. Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

Fearless in Texas is just as good a book as the first three in the Texas Rodeo series. This is Wyatt and Melanie's story and it was a fun one to read.

This book can be read without reading the other books in the series but I think it is better if you have read the first three.

In the past books I didn't dislike Wyatt, but I found him a little bit off putting. He is someone who seemed to think he always knew best and he didn't care if you disagreed with him, he'd just manipulate the situation until it turned out the way he wanted it. In this book, he is much more likable. He is not really someone who sees himself as infallible in his judgement, as much as someone who cares deeply for the people around him and is unable to stop himself from trying to help if he can.

Melanie is likable from the past books and is very likable in this book too. She is someone who has worked hard for her success and keeps driving herself, even when she is unsure that it is all worth it in the end. She has spirit and cares deeply for her family and friends as well.

I enjoyed the relationship development between the characters and I loved the secondary characters as well. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about the story. Wyatt and Melanie are always at odds with each other throughout most of the book. It was very exhausting but I couldn’t put the book down. I desperately wanted these two to quit fighting each other and their feelings and just embrace their happiness. There’s bad blood, secrets, guilt and miles between where they are and where they are desperate to be.

I really liked the secondary characters and I loved getting more page time with Violet (Reckless in Texas) since she’s BFFs with Melanie. I did enjoy the story and I love the author but it was an enduring read.

Even though I was deep in my feelings about this story, I would absolutely recommend any books by Kari Lynn Dell.

~~Reviewed by Monique~~

What a wonderful feeling to discover an author who charms you with her exquisite writing, her outstanding storytelling abilities, and utterly unforgettable characters!

Melanie Brookman and Wyatt Darrington had last met five years ago while attending a wedding. The air surrounding them crackles with their attraction, and what might have happened if Wyatt had let them if he didn’t live in Oregon, she in Texas, if it weren’t for her brother Hank … Melanie was a champion roper who drifted into a marketing career, and doing right by her brother Hank has defined the paths she has chosen all her life. She is fierce, driven, and when her legendary temper gets the best of her, Wyatt offers her a temporary job in exchange for providing her with answers as to Hank’s whereabouts.

Wyatt is a fabulous hero: he is pushing forty, a golden boy who has succeeded at almost everything he does, except his personal life, and his backstory was unlike any I have read before. He exudes charm, yet he is a man of few words who has a tendency to retreat into himself when cornered. He is burdened by secrets and stuck in all sorts of convoluted relationships. Melanie must have been a very difficult heroine to write; a touch more and she would have been unpleasant, but Ms. Dell’s mastery made it so that she wasn’t. Melanie is incredibly real, flawed, and ever so relatable with her short fuse and sharp tongue; she is also somewhat older than we are used to: she is thirty-four.

What amazed me almost immediately was the exceptional quality of the writing: Ms. Dell’s uniquely descriptive voice bring every setting into sharp focus: I could see that blue sky, the chill in the air, the rodeo life, the animals, images crystal-clear in my mind. The dialogues seem to originate naturally from the characters themselves, seemingly without any outside intervention. Every word was perfect, every sentence enchanting, every paragraph riveting; the whole narrative infused with intelligence and genuine emotion. FEARLESS IN TEXAS is as intricately crafted as the best murder mystery, with a plot twist towards the end I never expected. It was a very daring move from the author, whom I applaud for this realistic turn of even. FEARLESS IN TEXAS is such relief from the banality of most contemporary romances these days. Although it is book four in the Texas Rodeo series, as you can see, it stands perfectly on its own, but when I think of what I missed prior to FEARLESS IN TEXAS, I could just cry! And to say that I cannot wait for the next book in this series would be a major understatement because it will be epic!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In my review of Tougher in Texas, I said this about waiting for Fearless in Texas:

"...since the stories keep getting more entertaining, I *know* it'll be worth the wait."

And guess what? Dell DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Seriously, this series just gets better and better! I think I'm suffering from a book hangover. Dell delivered another compelling story with characters that are brilliantly brought to life. I'm chomping at the bit for the next installment!

Highlights:

*Character Development
Dell excels here and this might be her best yet in this department. (it's a toss up between Melanie/Wyatt and Shawnee/Cole) With Melanie, we have this extremely intuitive gal who makes an art out of reading people. But she isn't so good at turning that talent on herself. With a little help, she does and she isn't all that fired up at what she sees. She does become introspective whenever she's sorting things out so to see her use that introspection on herself, be along with her as she decides on what to change and how to change it and then watch her execute was inspiring. In Wyatt, we have a man who yearns for a connection...a community...a family. Learning his backstory made his behavior and his actions understandable. But it saddened me that despite having the community and family he longed for with Joe and Violet, the Jacobs family, and the rodeo, he still felt like an outsider. Witnessing Melanie give him his heart's desire was...well, heartwarming.

*Secondary Characters & Side Plots
Dell has crafted quite a colorful cast and they along with the side plots add depth and complexity to the story. They also make me debate with myself over who I hope to see in the next installment. From Louie and Gordon, Helen and Rowdy, Grace...gosh! There's so many wonderfully drawn characters and then I get to spend time with some whom I've already met as well. *sigh* I love them all.

*Setting
Up to this point, this series has spent most of its time in West Texas and as I've said, Dell captures life in West Texas well. This installment, due to Melanie's need to "get the hell out of Dodge", was spent in and around Pendleton, Oregon. What are the odds Dell would pick another place I'm familiar with? And she nailed the description of the town and the landscape. She's really about to put you there and I love that. Also, the rodeo took a bit of a back seat here but it still had its place and we get to spend time with the horses, cows, and rope. =)

*Thought-provoking
I mentioned this in my review of Tougher in Texas but this I'm mentioning it again because it's worth saying. The Texas Rodeo series is romance but the romance is secondary to the story, in my opinion. I like that Dell has her characters take deeper looks at themselves, consider their mistakes and learn from them, figure out what they want in life and how to go about making that happen. And a common theme seems to be never, ever denying yourself love.

I suppose Fearless in Texas had a little different tone since the rodeo wasn't front and center but it was every bit as riveting as its predecessors. Dell wove together a cast of characters I couldn't help by love with a story that kept me captivated.

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
KARI LYNN DELL has written a true gem. This novel is long but not cumbersome nor is the storyline rushed. It unfolds at a good pace with a descriptive narrative that creates mental pictures of the surroundings. The author has taken the time to develop characters that you can relate to as you immerse yourself into their stories. The interactions between Wyatt and Melanie are both humorous and poignant. The plot is believable and leaves you satisfied with the ending. Although there is one issue not fully resolved in this book, it does not take away from the HEA ending nor leaves you unsatisfied. There was romance, family drama and low-key sex scenes which I found refreshing in its context.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series – and I have to admit the first that I have read. I did not feel the lack of the previous books, but I am also sure that I would have understood some of the other relationships better if I had. I may also have known Wyatt and Melanie's natures sooner. I have added them to my to-be-read pile, so that I can catch up.

The suspense or twist in this book is all based around one event, which has lasting ramifications. It is a while until we find out what it is, and also why it is such a big issue. I love how Mel reacts and how she rationalises everything. As we get to know more about Mel and Wyatt, we can see how suited to each other they could be. As they allow themselves to enjoy each other physically, but continue to hold back on their feelings, it is incredibly frustrating – but Ms. Dell ensures we know just how they both really feel!

There are some great insights into the world of rodeo, and unusually from a female competitor's viewpoint at times. The school and training regime are also a good at bringing the world that these two live in to explain what is important to them. And the bordello bar is an inspired way of getting the two of them to spend more time together.

I will definitely be looking out for more in this series.

It’s always great fun to dig into a cowboy rodeo romance, and Keri Lynn Dell writes some of the best. Add to that the phenomenal editing and practically perfect finished product from Sourcebook Casablanca, and this book is a delight to read in every aspect. I've been a fan of this author since I read the first book in this series, so I was excited to get an advance copy of this one to read. It was great to catch up with familiar characters from the previous books and finally read Melanie and Wyatt’s story.

After leaving her PR/marketing job with a bang, Melanie still needs to make money while she decides what to do next. She and Wyatt have had sizzling chemistry since day one, but neither have acted on it in order to avoid complications with their mutual friends should things not work out. When Wyatt offers her a job promoting the bar he purchased and giving it a makeover, Melanie fully intends to keep things professional. She’s probably better off that way, because if she ever learns the secret he’s keeping, it’s an easy bet that she’ll never forgive him.

This was such a phenomenal read! From the well-meaning, interfering friends, to the charming, quirky small-town characters, and Wyatt and Melanie trying to pretend that they hadn’t been in love with each other for the past five years, every step of their journey was endearing and entertaining. Wyatt and Melanie were very realistic, each with their own flaws, and they worked to improve themselves while still helping each other. I loved every part of their story and wholeheartedly recommend this book as well as the others in the series!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

Melanie and Wyatt have been dancing around each other for the last 5 years. Attracted but constantly butting heads and arguing. "Though if she were honest, it was usually her taking the shots and Wyatt deflecting them - but he did have a killer backhand return."

Melanie use to be a roping rodeo champion but got sidetracked by a marketing career. She is headstrong, outspoken, and has a very poor brain to mouth filter. Her latest outburst was responsible for the loss of her reputation, job and career. Her friends send Wyatt to make sure she doesn’t doing anything else stupid and he ends up offering her a job. He wants her to use her marketing skills to make his newest acquisition, a bar, a successful venture.

Wyatt is much more than he appears. He’s not your typical bull fighter. He is not a cowboy hat, jeans and boots guy, preferring ironed dress shirts, dress pants and tasseled loafers. He comes from a wealthy, religious family that he left behind due to their blatant hypocrisies. He has strived to make his life mean something by helping others and giving back. He is well connected.

As Wyatt and Melanie spend time together, their attraction goes from smoldering to exploding. I just loved Wyatt. He was a friend to everyone but didn’t feel he was worthy of their friendship in return. He had been in love with Melanie for years but just knew she would never return the feeling, so he "...continued to live off the crumbs she tossed..." and helped her behind the scenes whenever possible. Melanie irritated me at times with her attitude but she eventually figures it all out.

The one complaint I have is that the cover model in no way reflects Wyatt’s description.

This is the fourth book in the series and another hit. I really enjoy this author's ability to pull out your emotions and get you invested in the characters right from the beginning. I’m already anticipating the next book in the series!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a story of friendship, family, and love. But with a host of errors and secrets to keep you on your toes. We have Melanie Brookman the daughter of world famous and most respected tie-down roper and horseman, on the professional circuit, Johnny Brookman.
As an infant all the way through her young adult life she lived the horse woman’s life. Then working for Jacobs Livestock. Before moving on to college to become a marketing for the good old boy network. Who thought they could treat her like a second-class citizen. Not only working her more hours but giving her their work then taking the credit.
The final straw comes when she knew she was giving up all her precious time and once again having to cancel dinner plans amongst other things to stay to work. But when her boss pawned her off on a client. When after several meetings being single adults they start seeing each other she finds her boss holding it over her head, her so-called affair with him.
You see he was married. He boss knew it and arranged the setup and never tells her he knew Michael Miller’s wife. Being who she is she gets even causing trouble for herself. But when all her friends come into play they even her play the field on her behalf even though she’s out of there on a grand exit plan.
She is offered a job by the most unlikely person she could ever think of. But everyone agrees it will be good for her to leave home for a while. Since this is a consulting job to help Wyatt with Darrington’s the World famous pro bullfighter’s new bar. Who has become a part of the Brat pack like she has?
You see they’re part of the Brat Pack ~ The Brookman siblings (Melanie & Hank), The Sanchez brothers (Gil & Delon), The Jacobs sisters (Violet & Shawnee), and their cousin Cole-dragging in Wyatt with him (Joe’s BFF). I give this: 5 ++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

No matter how much I read, I just couldn’t like the character Melanie. I understand her angst as all but her one friend throw her under the bus. But really... get over it. Wyatt wasn’t much better. This enemies to lovers theme was severely lacking in depth. The other characters didn’t support the main two like they should.

It was a slow read. Not the good kind of slow burn either. Just annoyingly slow with a plot line that didn't interest me much. Maybe someone else would like it more, but as for me, I just couldn't get into it.

Wyatt and Melanie have been on the edges of the Texas Rodeo series for some time now, Wyatt from the start. Finally, in Fearless in Texas we get their complete story and yeah, it’s complicated. Wyatt is a quiet man, a man more likely to be on the fringe of things not pushing his way to the front, a man of secrets and, at times, a keeper of others’ secrets as well. Melanie is hot tempered and not afraid to speak her mind – which often and currently has gotten her into some very hot water. While Wyatt has been attracted to Melanie for years but kept his distance and silence, Melanie is slower to get to that point but when she does she is a power to contend with.

There are unexpected twists and turns in Fearless in Texas. Some that I suspected, others that came out of left field for me. But that’s okay, life is never easy and smooth it’s usually more like a lake with the wind whipping up choppy waters. There are answers to questions in Wyatt and Melanie’s story but since there is another story to come around Christmas time – I’m hoping that we still have some surprises in store for us. I liked this couple and it was fun to run into other old friends as well. I suppose you “could” read Fearless in Texas on its own, but there are a few threads woven throughout the series that I believe makes this a more enjoyable, complete reading experience if you’ve read from the start… but that’s my opinion. I would easily recommend this story and the entire series to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys a tight plot, a look into the behind the scenes of the rodeo world, interesting characters and just some really good stories. Kari Lynn Dell just keeps getting better with each book, I cannot wait to see where she takes us next.

*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.*

I really had trouble getting into the book initially and getting caught up in the emotions of the characters. The storyline was good, but it just didn’t stand out in my mind amongst other books in the genre. The blurb was great, but overall the book just fell flat for me.

Fearless in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell
The air sizzled during the first few pages of Fearless in Texas as Melanie Brookman and Wyatt Darrington dance at a friend’s wedding. The couple acknowledges their attraction but decides not to give into it. An affair would only lead to complications. Kari Lynn Dell’s descriptive writing and smart dialogue immediately drew me into this superbly written character driven story.

Five years later…..
Melanie let her temper guide her and as a result her career and her love life has taken a tailspin. She accepts a job offer from Wyatt and leaves Texas for Oregon. There is so much more to Wyatt- he’s not your typical bullfighter. I adored reading about this driven, well connected, complicated man. In exchange for Melanie’s help in reopening his bar, Wyatt has promised to help Melanie find her estranged brother. Wyatt’s promise is a key element in the storyline. The promise draws the couple together and it has the power to tear them apart. The plot choice made the novel a compelling read.
Loved that both Melanie and Wyatt were older and had history. Melanie is a fun character—it took me awhile to figure out this feisty, headstrong woman. Melanie’s emotions rule her heart and she misjudges situations; these actions provide insight to her. In contrast, the twice divorced Wyatt appealed to me. Loved Wyatt’s relationship with Grace, Gil, Louie and his dedication to his rodeo clinic. After five years, the sexual attraction between Melanie and Wyatt is still present in every conversation, text and meeting between the couple. The couple tries to keep their feelings in check but eventually passion overwhelms them.
Fearless In Texas is a well-paced sensuous read with two dynamic lead characters. Loved the chapter when Wyatt and Melanie hike along the Coyote Ridge trail and are forced to stay overnight in the woods because Wyatt has reinjured his ankle. I could imagine Melanie helping the injured Wyatt out of the ravine, telling him to lean on her and setting up their campsite. The Truth or Dare game they played by the firelight provided interesting insight into both characters. Wyatt correctly guesses Melanie’s fear of the dark. The secondary characters added to the storyline and provided just the right amount of humor and insight. The author balances the storyline by providing insight into the competitive world of rodeo. The author shows through the characters of Melanie and Grace how much practice, determination and strength it takes to compete in this venue. The conclusion of the novel was excellent. The author made several surprising plot and character choices which kept me reading.
This is the first book by Kari Lynn Dell that I have read. I bought book one in this series based on the authors relatable characters, strong storyline and descriptive writing style and I can’t wait to read it!

Melanie and Wyatt have a history. From acquaintances to enemies, attraction has always meandered in the shadows. Their issues reach the boiling point when secrets start to reveal themselves little by little. What seems complicated is relatively simple, if these fighters give up the battle and surrender to their hearts. Ms. Dell checks all the boxes for any romance lover. Tempting, engaging, feel good read.

By now, everyone knows that Keri Lynn Dell’s Texas Rodeo series is one of my all-time favorites. This was my favorite series of 2017. How do I go up from there? Do I even need to? Is this book actually better than the previous three? Yes. It is. Not because the previous books weren’t all 5 Star dream reads, but because of a kind of...hummm...maturity, I guess. Ms. Dell is progressing from being a really good writer and storyteller into something more...capturing and portraying emotional longing at a deeper level. Wyatt Darrington swept me right off my feet.

As Violet’s friend, I hadn’t given Melanie more than a passing thought in the previous books. She just didn’t jump out of the pages for me. Wyatt, on the other hand, was my favorite secondary character from book one! Not only is he Joe’s best friend and bullfighting partner, he has always been a good and helpful man to everyone who needs help. I adored him, so I was particularly excited when I got a whole book featuring him.

I was a little surprised about the deep connection between Wyatt and Melanie. Melanie carries a lot of baggage, and even more at the beginning of this story. Sheesh. Her life is a total mess and she just continues to make things worse. I wanted to shake her by the scruff of her neck. Then, in steps Wyatt to save the day. He’s so sweet! Have I mentioned that I adore Wyatt? A few times. Okay, then. It turns out that Wyatt had a big crush on Melanie for years. Sigh. There goes my man. Dang.

If you have read the first three books in this series, you won’t need a lot of convincing to jump right in for this new edition. If you haven’t, you should go to the beginning and read this series straight through. Pick up your copies now, and...

Enjoy!

ARC graciously provided by Sourcebook and NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

2shay

I wish I could say I connected with this book, but it just didn't happen. Great writing style, I could easily picture the scene and immerse myself in the dialogue. However, the two main characters were just okay. I didn't feel the chemistry between them. It wasn't the book for me, but I think I'm in the minority. Also, the author kept throwing in race and "privilege", so I would be going along just fine and then that would turn me off. I get it - rich, white, and make are not the "in" thing to be, but I didn't feel it was necessary to keep pointing it out. I would rather the book mention it once to make a point and move on.