I love Diana Palmer! There's something so charming and captivating about her stories. As much as her heroes seem to be strong and alpha and a bit conservative, they somehow seem to give the love of their life independence, respect and authority.

Colter Banks is utterly charmed by Clancey Lang and as sets out to win her, there are secrets to be unearthed,, and mysteries to be solved. As much as I like them, somehow Diana Palmer seems to have missed a few things in this story. It's still a good read, but definitely did not do justice to the characters.

When I want to read an amazing passion filled western romance, I don’t have to look any further than two authors and one of them is the amazingly talented Diana Palmer. Her books never fail to pull me to the heart of the story and keep me hooked until the very last page. I always feel like I’m coming home after a long time away when I read her novels.

Unleashed is magnificently written. I loved reading about Clancy, Tad, and Colter……they were three characters that I just couldn’t get enough of. Their journey is gripping and seeing them all together was beautifully portrayed. The sparks fly between Clancy and Colter and watching them together truly stole my breath!

If you want a captivating, fast paced read, then grab this one up! It’s in the Long, Tall, Texan series, but it’s easily read as a stand alone. Definitely a 4 star worthy novel and then some! Palmer is forever a favorite author!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

Here I am again, reviewing the 50th title in Diana Palmer's Long, Tall Texans series, and, considering the issues I've had with her novels for more than the past decade, you may be asking why I volunteered to read yet another advanced reader copy of one of her novels--the answer is, it's by Diana Palmer, and for some strange reason, even knowing her formula, I simply cannot stop reading her any more than I can have sweets in my home but not eat any of them. It's a weird addiction, and in the case of this novel, oddly satisfying, because I knew what I was getting before I even got to the first page, and this novel earns 3 stars from this reader.

True to form, this novel what exactly what I expected, a poor virginal heroine, Clancey, who has health issues, which, at first, are made to seem as if she's at death's door, but we eventually learn that she has asthma. Her parents are deceased, she was raised by her beloved grandfather, who went missing five years earlier. His son, Ben, is the father of two boys, the eldest, Morris, and Tad, his half-brother, is the youngest. Morris is addicted to drugs and to violent video games, and became so enraged when his 3-year-old half-brother, Tad, interrupted his game that he started beating him with a fireplace ash shovel, giving him a concussion and nightmares. When Clancy tried to intervene and protect Tad, she ended up with several broken ribs from that same shovel--an act which, thanks to Clancey's court testimony, landed Morris in prison with a six-year sentence, but after serving 5 years of it, he's about to be released for good behavior--something Clancy fears, since he's promised retribution on Clancey and the District Attorney who prosecuted the case against him.

Ever since Morris has been been incarcerated, Clancey has been living in the broken-down house they shared but that now rightfully belongs to Morris, raising Tad as best she can, and working as an office assistant to a Texas Ranger for what seems like slave wages. When she learns of Morris's early release, she'll need to find a place to hide, and, because they are living on her meager salary, they can't afford to rent an apartment, so she and Tad eventually move into a homeless shelter, within walking distance to his school and her job, since she doesn't own a car. Does she mention any of this to her Texas Ranger boss, Colter Banks? Of course not. He's been pining for Grace, who after the death of Colter's friend and her fiance, left town. She's a prudish Christian religious zealot, who has been living and working as a missionary in South America, except she's coming back to town briefly, and the besotted Texas Ranger can't wait to see her again, although he's also oddly attracted to Clancey, who can barely afford to pay the utility bills and keep herself and Tad alive and fed, shopping in thrift shops, and so impoverished that she can't afford even a thrift shop coat or shoes that fit, and, as a result, develops pneumonia after being out in the cold and rain. Of course, it's Texas Ranger, Colton Banks who sees that she gets the bed rest and medication she needs to get well. Here's her chance to tell him about Morris, information she left off her job application, but does she? Of course not.

Following her usual pattern, Ms. Palmer seems to extol the virtues of being poor but prideful, virginal, church-going, and out of touch with the times. But Grace makes Clancey seems like a libertine, as Grace disapproves of the fact that Colter has a ranch, that he's in law enforcement and carries a gun, that the cattle on his ranch smell, and even eschewing the milking of dairy cows as oppressing them--not to mention expressing her belief, and possibly the author's, that climate change and humanity's impact on it is a myth. Grace's issues with guns got her former fiance, a lawman too, killed in a bank robbery, and her time in South America has made her more rigid and even more judgmental, hung up on the fact that Colter's sister, Brenda, wear short shirts.

However, veering from her usual formula, thankfully, neither her current boss, the tall, dark and handsome Colter Burns, or her former boss, Texas lawman Cal Hollister, are rude or abusive to Clancey--a blessed relief from the author's usual modus operandi, of the dominant male hero who, after making advances on the poor, virginal heroine then calls her a slut, blaming their uncontrollable sexual urges on her, and treating her like a slut. Instead, both men are protective and kind to her, yet, after seeing how impoverished Clancey is, although both men are quick to protect her once Morris is released from prison, does it occur to either man to do so much and either give her a raise or purchase her some decent clothing? Once again, of course not. As if that wasn't enough, even though she works for Colter, he suddenly starts kissing her in the office! Can you say "sexual harassment"?

The remainder of the novel deals with keeping vindictive and vengeful Morris away from Clancey and Tad, Colton's disillusionment about lady-love Grace, and his rapidly growing interest in Clancey. The action certainly picks up at this point in the novel, as Tad is kidnapped from school by his half-brother, who manages to get away, and go into hiding with Clancey, as both Cal, Colton, Colton's sister, Brenda, and a number of other lawmen we've encountered in previous Long, Tall Texans series, all try to find and round up Morris, and to discover why and how Clancey's beloved grandfather disappeared five years ago and hasn't been heard from since. It's not a bad story line, giving the novel a different focus and some much-needed action and suspense, but what I couldn't get past was wondering why Clancey, who was gainfully employed by a state agency, could barely afford food or clothing for herself or young Tad. Does Texas not have food stamps, or some form of welfare, Medicaid or any sort of state assistance package for the person raising and supporting a minor child? I can't believe it doesn't, nor that Clancey didn't even try to see if such aid was available, and instead, rationing herself to one cup of coffee per day, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and considering herself lucky that she can manage to scrape together enough money to take young Tad to one movie matinee per month. It was a glaring omission in this tale, and after writing well over 100 novels set in Texas, was something I believe the author should have researched and included in this novel.

What I did like best about Clancey was that she had a positive attitude, tried her best to provide for and protect young Tad and didn't overly bemoan her impoverished state or the poverty of anyone else for that matter. She truly loved Tad, and seemed to do an excellent job of raising him to be polite, kind, accepting of their situation rather than bitter about their poverty, and all while maintaining a sense of humor. As Ms. Palmer's heroines go, she was a standout for this reader.

Of course, there's the expected HEA ending, but there again, something made no sense--why is it that a long-employed Texas Ranger could only take his new bride on a two-day honeymoon? Don't Texas Rangers accrue any vacation time? Just one more glaring lack of research on the part of the author, who finally managed to get through to the end of this novel without once referring to the hero as "dishy," and it was nice not to encounter that antiquated term in yet another one of Ms. Palmer's novels. All in all, not a bad read, with a likable hero, heroine and an interesting and somewhat suspenseful plot.

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

I can never go wrong reading a Diana Palmer novel with cowboys and lawmen in them. The blueprint might be the same for many of her books, but they never disappoint. UNLEASHED is the fiftieth book in the LONG, TALL TEXANS series according to Goodreads but the fifty-fifth according to her website.

I’ve read many of them but not all yet! This is Clancey and Colter’s story along with Clancey’s younger brother, Tad, and it held my interest from the first page to the last.

Clancey and Tad have had a very chaotic life, and they only have each other. They share a mom, who is deceased, as well as a grandfather who’s been missing for five years. Clancey acts as Tad’s guardian since his brother is in prison and his parents are dead. The evil surrounding her stepbrother, who is set to be released from prison soon, is heartbreaking.

Clancey and Tad struggle to make ends meet, and it doesn’t help that Clancey’s attracted to her boss, Colt. There are sparks between them, but they both have a lot going on in their lives as well as secrets.

The story flows nicely with a few twists and turns. There are beautiful descriptions of Colt’s ranch. Tad is a nine-year-old who fluctuates between being a typical kid and having to deal with more than his share of fears. Clancey, at twenty-three, has grown up too soon and has too many responsibilities on her shoulders.

Through it all, the siblings are both kind and helpful to others. The romance between Clancey and Colt is warm and satisfying. There’s nice closure and a happily ever after that we see come to fruition in more ways than one. I can’t wait to see whose story is next!

I really enjoyed this book. It was exciting. It made me laugh and cry. I rooted for Clancy at times was furious with Colter. I recommed this book. Long Tall Texan lovers will enjoy the reunions.

Thank you Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

Clancey has a past that scares the mess out of her. Colter is still hung up on his ex. They get put together in the Texas Ranger office. Clancey past comes knocking down her door but Colter is there to save her and pick up all of the pieces.

A long time fan of books by Diana Palmer, I was quite excited to read Unleashed and it definitely entertains. Though I would have loved it more if the story had a bit more angst and deep emotion, I still found the characters intriguing and the suspense kept me reading! I'm looking forward to her next book.

I've been a big fan of Diana Palmer since I started reading her books 22 years ago. She's absolutely amazing. I find myself falling into her fictional world and leaving my world behind every time I read one of her books.

The book is about Clancy whose parents died when she was young. She still had her grandfather and her younger brother until her grandfather disappears. Her step-brother was cruel and sadistic to her and her little brother but he's been in prison for a while for assaulting them. She has trust issues but comes to trust her boss when he takes care of her when she gets sick. I don't want to ruin the book by giving the plot away. But it's a must read. It was entertaining and swoon worthy. I loved it. All of her books are wonderful. What can I say, I am a glutton for any of Diana Palmers books!

Unleashed by Diana Palmer is book 50 in the Long, Tall Texans Series. This is Clancey Lang and Colter Banks' story.
IMO, this lacked the angst you normally find in a Diana Palmer LTT book. This had angst but it seemed to pale compared to previous books and the stories. I did like the main characters in this book for , even though it seemed to take awhile for them to finally get them together, Clancey was just the perfect virginal heroine for her alpha standoffish boss(hero) Colter.
I just wish this book didn't seem so timid on the angst. I wish there would have been more fire and drama at times. Would have like to see things not so quickly wrapped up so fast at ending but the writing is smooth and that is the saving grace. I do look forward to the next book in the Long, Tall Texans series.


My Rating: 4.4 stars *******

Clancey Lang has lived in fear for years and wants nothing more than to give her little adored brother a better life. Colter (Colt) Banks is a hardhearted Texas Ranger who has been in love with his dead best friend's fiance' even before he died. Will Clancey change his mind? Can she trust Colt with her secrets?What happens when their pasts come back to haunt them? What is Clancey's connection to Colt's cold case?

Clancey is an administrative assistant for Texas Ranger Colt Banks. He doesn't pay much attention to her because he wanted a man for the position. She worked for her best friend a cop for years. Thinking that revealing her past and the connection to the cold case Colt is working on keeps her quiet about it all. She's the guardian of her 9 year old brother Tad, and they're barely living from pay check to pay check and has her on a very tight budget. A run in with her stepbrother 6 six years ago put him in prison and unfortunately his about to be released for good behavior. Knowing the man the way Clancey does has her and Tad scared and looking for new living arrangements. Colt begins to take notice of his assistant and her situation. Both feel an attraction to the other. Clancey doesn't trust men at all and can't figure out why Colt is different. Colt realizes a connection between Clancey and his sister Brenda. As they get to know each other they realize their pasts are more alike than they know. Brenda tries to play matchmaker between Clancey and Colt. Colt is all excited when he learns that the love of his life is coming to town for a visit. Clancey asks her best friend for help finding a new home. Clancey's annual bout with pneumonia hits and has Colt taking her to the emergency room for treatment. He starts having more serious feelings for Clancey and meets Tad. Between her best friend and Colt they take care of her and Tad until she can get back to work. Colt keeps thinking that there is some connection he's missing in the cold case he's working. When the love of his life comes to town he gets distracted and starts to realize that she's not the woman he once knew. Clancey learns that her stepbrother is getting out and they have no place to stay so she lies to her best friend and Colt about an apartment, only to stay at a near by homeless shelter. Clancey reveals some information about the cold case. Her best friend tells her to reveal her connection to the cold case since Colt is getting close to finding out on his own. The stepbrother gets out of prison and immediately starts to threaten Clancey. He kidnaps Tad from his after school program and threatens her. Tad saves himself. Colt is brought into help and takes them to his ranch with his sister as a chaperon. Clancey and Colt get closer after a date and spending time at the ranch. Colt follows clues to find the missing man in his cold case in an unusual way. A showdown takes place. Clancey remembers where her stepbrother might have stashed a dead body and a piece of evidence. A call to a friend of the Banks family saves lives. Colt and Clancey miss each other a lot but his old flame is still in the picture. Colt must make a decision and then goes to talk to Clancey.
A wedding and honeymoon to Galveston then at Christmas the next year a new member of the family.

A continuation of the Long Tall Texans series is Unleashed as a suspenseful, passionate, and emotionally charged story of love and danger. Two people must overcome their ideas of each other and their circumstances to find love and happiness. Diana Palmer is at her best writing about cowboys and the women they love. She pay tribute to and takes on the world of the men and women who protect and serve. A look into their world of emotion and love comes to life. I've been a fan for years and can never go wrong with a Diana Palmer book. Can't wait for the next one.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my voluntery and unbiased review. Although have read many of the author's book, I read this as a stand alone.

Clancey and her little brother, Tad have had a challenging life for ones so young. Her parents and step father are dead, grandfather missing and her step brother, Morris, is in jail after he had attacked both Clancey and Tad, both ending up in the hospital. Because she testified against Morris, he has threaten revenge when he gets out. To keep Tad out of foster care, Chancey got a job clerking at the San Antonio Police Department but they live in poverty and she is too proud to ask for help. In addition she has debilitating asthma. Her boss, Cal Hollister, a detective lieutenant, tries to look out for both Clancey and Tad. When he is promoted and moves to to a different office down town, she gets a job working for Texas Ranger, Colter Banks in the cold case division, which is in walking distance of their house. She is very naive and afraid of losing her job if he finds out that her step brother is a felon, she keeps her situation close to her chest, including lying. She fears that her duplicity will be revealed when they start working on her missing grandfather's case, but that is nothing compared to the fear that both she and Tad have when they learn that Morris is to be released early for good behavior. Can Cal and Colter, keep them safe? Will Colter get over a woman from his past and realize what a treasure he has in Chancey?

Like all Diana Palmer stories, the characters are intriguing and the plot riveting. I especial liked that the author, unlike many other romance writers hasn't sunk to parroting the leftist politically lines. Colter debunks the climate change hoax and the ridiculous idea that criminals would give up their weapons, if law enforcement and citizens weren't armed. However, some parts were redundant, the word "flush" was used way too many times and too many characters had names that began with C. Still I would recommend the book to those who like romance, westerns and suspense.

Unleashed by Diana Palmer is book 50 in the Long, Tall Texans Series. This is the story of Clancey Lang and Colter Banks. I felt this was a standalone book for me.
Clancey parents have past which has left her step brother in her and her little brother's life. But that step-brother is very abusive. This has taught her to never trust a man, but then she lands a job working for Colter. Colter is a Ranger who is working on a case that starts to hit close to home for Clancey.
This was a really enjoyable story.

Another typical Diana Palmer novel with her usual wit, humor and charm. It is poignant and sweet and focuses on all the good that law enforcement does in our community. We watch the charming relationship develop between Colter and Clancey. A sweet happy ending for all.

Clancy hasn't had much of a stable life growing up in an unpredictable abusive home making it her mission to save her and her little brothers life after sending another to jail for assault. Now shes working with some texas rangers cold cases, its been a couple years and that brother who was in jail is out on parole for good behavior. Colter is her boss who has been working on the cold cases and one of a missing older man and getting news that a local prisoner is getting out not knowing there is a connection for his new hire Clancy.

Wow there is so much going on for this book that trust me when I say it'll be hard to put this book down. I thought it was interesting getting to know the characters, It was heartbreaking what Clancy had to go though in the past and it was lovely seeing her trying to at least make something of herself. Clearly she was trying her best to make sure that she and her brother were cared for and he was a great kid. This is the kind of book that does so well letting the readers get to know the characters so well you forget they were characters. As for the story itself there was plenty going on to keep the readers from the stress of Clancy and her family life wondering about her grandfather and brother on parole. Then there's the women Colter liked coming back from being out on a mission for the church. The attraction that was brewing between Colter and Clancy. Then there's the wondering if the brother really changed or if he will try to seek his revenge and when. There is so much going for this book and I recommend you lovely readers check out this great book.

Clancy was young when her parents died, but she still had her grandpa and her younger brother until her grandpa disappeared. Her step brother was down right mean as hell to both her and her little brother but he's been in prison for a while for what he did to them. Because of what happened she's gun shy around men. But she comes to trust Colter, her boss when he takes care of her when she gets sick.

Colter has been burned in the past and still pines away for the girl that got away but when he finds out that Grace is coming back, he thinks he might have a chance with her and he thinks that's what he wants. Then he gets closer to Clancy and her brother and finds he has feelings for her even though he thinks she's too young for him.

When Clancy's step bother is about to get out of prison and come back to the house that she and her brother are living in, she knows that she has to get out fast. But she doesn't make enough money to find a place which puts her in a tough spot. But she thinks she has all her bases covered and her step brother won't be able to get at them when he gets out. Only problem is she was wrong and her step brother tries to get revenge for her putting him in prison. Thankfully things work out in her favor that time but that doesn't stop him which puts her and Tad in even more danger. Her step brother is hell bent on getting revenge for her testifying against him and even goes so far as to threaten others to find out where she's hiding.

Clancy's grandfather has been missing for years and is presumed dead which was sad. Helping Clancy has brought her and Colter closer together and I was rooting for them. They make a great couple. He's exactly what she needs and she's what he needs even if he doesn't realize it yet. There was enough action, bad guys and romance in this one to keep me entertained.

I've been a big fan of Diana Palmer since I started reading her books 20 years ago so I was excited to get this one.

Disclosure: I received a free copy via NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Who’s ready for another Diana Palmer book. In Unleashed, we have the same type of female protagonist…virginal, knowing little to nothing about men. But what makes Claney Lang stands out from the rest, is that she knew how to dish it right back. Though afraid of when her brother gets out of jail, she still doesn’t let that discourage her from taking care of her little brother the best she can. She may not be able to buy the latest shoes, but she made sure her younger brother knows that he was loved.

Unleashed, was a sweet story. With a hero that wasn’t domineering, a one of kind, a nice treat from the last few titles.

If you are looking for a not-exactly-perfect hero, a spunky heroine who can hold her own but knows when to seek help, laughter, love, sweetness, delight in life, danger, intrigue, and action, then get your hands on UNLEASHED. You will not be disappointed.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=68668

It's been a while since I read a book written by Diana Palmer. This was not one of my favorites. Her books usually involve an experienced man who's older than the main female character. Thus was no different, however I felt like I was being preached too, not only by Grace, Colts friend and missionary but by the style of the book.

Of course there's a HEA , and the last 1/4 of the story was the saving Grace.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.

I have been a lifelong reader of Diana Palmer's books, and quite enjoyed this one. True, it is her same formulaic romance - virginal, poor heroine, older, well-off hero. But, this time, the hero was not a total jerk like many have been in her more recent novels. Thank goodness. I need to have some redeeming quality in the hero. I really liked the chemistry between Clancey and Colton.

There were definite plot holes and a lot of repetition throughout the book. But, this seemed a nicer, kinder romance than the most previous ones. It was nice not to have a total jerk for the hero.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC.

Clancey is taking care of her little brother Tad and dreading the day that her step brother gets out of jail. She works for Texas Ranger Colter Banks. ARC from NetGalley.