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Happy, Texas #1
Toughest Cowboy in Texas
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…
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…
352 pages, ebook
First published May 30, 2017
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books3,786 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
May 30, 2017
Brody Dawson and Lila Harris got up to all kinds of shenanigans growing up, having fun and falling in love. But Brody’s mother and grandmother were dead set against him dating Lila the resident “wild child” of Happy, Texas and he never stood up for her. He even took another girl to the prom. When they were going to have their first date, on the night before Lila moved town, Brody stood her up and broke her heart. Lila’s back in Happy, Texas, twelve years later, to help sell her mother’s café, working the summer and living out in the attached apartment, but she’s grown out of her wild child ways. Or has she? Staying away from Brody Dawson is also part of her plan, but that’s not an easy thing to do when he’s determined they should have another chance together.
Brody Dawson regrets that he never stood up for Lila, and when she left town she took his heart right along with her. He’s never gotten over Lila and with her back in town he plans to correct all his mistakes and hold on tight.
Carolyn Brown writes the sweetest cowboys, and Brody was no exception. I loved that he realized where he went wrong and did everything to show Lila how proud he was to have her in his life again. I adored Lila and sympathized with her feelings. Lila’s heart was shattered that night Brody stood her up, but his broke, too, something that she didn’t really know. She couldn’t resist the chemistry they had burning between them all over again, but Lila took a little more convincing about their future.
As usual with Carolyn Brown books there’s a fun secondary cast, snappy lines, and laugh-out-loud moments. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. My heart broke for Kasey Dawson, Brody’s younger sister, and a widower with three small children. I’m thrilled her romance will be next in Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley books in exchange for an honest review.
Brody Dawson regrets that he never stood up for Lila, and when she left town she took his heart right along with her. He’s never gotten over Lila and with her back in town he plans to correct all his mistakes and hold on tight.
Carolyn Brown writes the sweetest cowboys, and Brody was no exception. I loved that he realized where he went wrong and did everything to show Lila how proud he was to have her in his life again. I adored Lila and sympathized with her feelings. Lila’s heart was shattered that night Brody stood her up, but his broke, too, something that she didn’t really know. She couldn’t resist the chemistry they had burning between them all over again, but Lila took a little more convincing about their future.
As usual with Carolyn Brown books there’s a fun secondary cast, snappy lines, and laugh-out-loud moments. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. My heart broke for Kasey Dawson, Brody’s younger sister, and a widower with three small children. I’m thrilled her romance will be next in Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley books in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2017
Nothing brings the feeling of heart and home like one of Brown's novels. TOUGHEST COWBOY IN TEXAS makes you feels like one of the family with this sweet and endearing story about reuniting of left behind love. Feel good, leave you with a smile on your face but emotionally gripping and holding you invested in the outcome, what more could you ask for in a contemporary romance?
I received this ARC copy of Toughest Cowboy in Texas from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is set for publication May 30, 2017.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Carolyn Brown
Series: Happy, Texas (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
ISBN-10: 1455597449
ISBN-13: 978-1455597444
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/toug...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toughest-Cowbo...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tough...
For Reviews :
http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received this ARC copy of Toughest Cowboy in Texas from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is set for publication May 30, 2017.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Carolyn Brown
Series: Happy, Texas (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
ISBN-10: 1455597449
ISBN-13: 978-1455597444
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/toug...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toughest-Cowbo...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tough...
For Reviews :
http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 30, 2017
PRE-ORDER
Amazon * B&N * iBooks
Carolyn Brown used to be one of my most read authors and reading Toughest Cowboy in Texas made me realize that I should never have stopped reading her. I will definitely not be making the same mistake again and I'll be sure to keep up with her from now on.
I really loved getting back into her wonderful world full of sexy cowboys and their tight denim jeans. It was great to see Lila and Brody move on from their past and the find their feelings for each other once again. When they first knew each other they were both young and made mistakes, now though they're older and have moved on from those mistakes. Seeing Brody chase after Lila was completely swoon worthy and I'm glad he was able to win, not only her heart, but mine as well.
Bottom line, this is a big recommend from me for anyone that loves a sweet cowboy romance. I will definitely not be ignoring this author anymore and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for this small town.
Amazon * B&N * iBooks
Carolyn Brown used to be one of my most read authors and reading Toughest Cowboy in Texas made me realize that I should never have stopped reading her. I will definitely not be making the same mistake again and I'll be sure to keep up with her from now on.
I really loved getting back into her wonderful world full of sexy cowboys and their tight denim jeans. It was great to see Lila and Brody move on from their past and the find their feelings for each other once again. When they first knew each other they were both young and made mistakes, now though they're older and have moved on from those mistakes. Seeing Brody chase after Lila was completely swoon worthy and I'm glad he was able to win, not only her heart, but mine as well.
Bottom line, this is a big recommend from me for anyone that loves a sweet cowboy romance. I will definitely not be ignoring this author anymore and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for this small town.
May 11, 2021
This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the first book in the Happy, Texas series. I have to say I found this book just ok. The characters where developed, but the storyline was just ok. This is not my favorite book cowboy romance book. I listen to the audiobook for this book, and I did like the narrators of this audiobook. (*)
April 27, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable, well paced, small town romance, with a bit of the 2nd chance element tossed in. I say a bit, as while there was a relationship with the characters in the past, it was never one that was allowed to grow and neither of them saw it as something with a future, so while this was a second chance, it really was more of their first chance to explore what they had without it having an automatic expiration date. But, at the same time, she was only there for the summer...so it was like a do-over of their history, but as adults.
Lila and Brody have chemistry, but they also like one another, and appreciate one another for who they each are. There is a bit at the end that is so perfect, so perfect, that you just get to really see how they each feel about the other. Don't worry, I am not going to spoil it, you will know it when you get there, and it is perfect.
The parts with the supporting characters, in my opinion, were a little long in places, so I did feel that this was a draw away from the central characters at times. Not enough for me to dislike the story, but enough for me to wish that a little more time had been spent with Brody and Lila. They still worked well, and there was a lot of them that was present in the book, but I think I wanted just a bit more.
That said, I enjoyed this book.
I recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable, well paced, small town romance, with a bit of the 2nd chance element tossed in. I say a bit, as while there was a relationship with the characters in the past, it was never one that was allowed to grow and neither of them saw it as something with a future, so while this was a second chance, it really was more of their first chance to explore what they had without it having an automatic expiration date. But, at the same time, she was only there for the summer...so it was like a do-over of their history, but as adults.
Lila and Brody have chemistry, but they also like one another, and appreciate one another for who they each are. There is a bit at the end that is so perfect, so perfect, that you just get to really see how they each feel about the other. Don't worry, I am not going to spoil it, you will know it when you get there, and it is perfect.
The parts with the supporting characters, in my opinion, were a little long in places, so I did feel that this was a draw away from the central characters at times. Not enough for me to dislike the story, but enough for me to wish that a little more time had been spent with Brody and Lila. They still worked well, and there was a lot of them that was present in the book, but I think I wanted just a bit more.
That said, I enjoyed this book.
I recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
May 20, 2017
A small Texas town, a bit of feudin' and fussin', a cowboy who fills out his denims well, and what heroine wouldn't go weak at the knees and give him a second chance... well it was a near thing and it was a delight following along as it all went down.
A new series... sigh with happiness over the quirky folks of Happy, TX. This one has loose ties to the series that came before it, The Lucky Penny Ranch when the Dawson family were first introduced. Now that said, this new series can be started without reading the other.
The premise of this one had me a tad uneasy when it got rolling because I'm not one of those who enjoys reading about a person still fussing over something that happened when people were teens and made a youthful mistake and now the trouble is still rumbling years later.
But I really shouldn't have worried because Carolyn Brown wrote a situation where the heroine holding Brody's broken date with her close made sense. She had so much on her plate back then, as did he, and they were so young and they both had mature adults around them feeding them lines and attitudes that pretty much sabotaged the pair.
I loved that this book was about Brody and Lila learning to look back and see the past more clearly, understand where they are at and what they want in the present, and decide whether a future is worth fighting for. The interference is still there and interfering, but they are older and ready to face it.
I do think Lila dinked around longer than necessary near the end trying to wait Brody out for something clearer than his very clear actions and words had already been. I really don't know how 'don't go, I want us together, I want a second chance etc' can be misinterpreted, but I guess it made for a good romantic conflict and build of suspense.
The humor and down home vibe were very present. The surrounding cast of characters were as colorful and quirky as ever. Now I'm eager for more Dawson romance with Brody's sister and brother needing their shots at Happy. Another fun, light, and warm-hearted contemporary cowboy romance I can recommend here.
My thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A new series... sigh with happiness over the quirky folks of Happy, TX. This one has loose ties to the series that came before it, The Lucky Penny Ranch when the Dawson family were first introduced. Now that said, this new series can be started without reading the other.
The premise of this one had me a tad uneasy when it got rolling because I'm not one of those who enjoys reading about a person still fussing over something that happened when people were teens and made a youthful mistake and now the trouble is still rumbling years later.
But I really shouldn't have worried because Carolyn Brown wrote a situation where the heroine holding Brody's broken date with her close made sense. She had so much on her plate back then, as did he, and they were so young and they both had mature adults around them feeding them lines and attitudes that pretty much sabotaged the pair.
I loved that this book was about Brody and Lila learning to look back and see the past more clearly, understand where they are at and what they want in the present, and decide whether a future is worth fighting for. The interference is still there and interfering, but they are older and ready to face it.
I do think Lila dinked around longer than necessary near the end trying to wait Brody out for something clearer than his very clear actions and words had already been. I really don't know how 'don't go, I want us together, I want a second chance etc' can be misinterpreted, but I guess it made for a good romantic conflict and build of suspense.
The humor and down home vibe were very present. The surrounding cast of characters were as colorful and quirky as ever. Now I'm eager for more Dawson romance with Brody's sister and brother needing their shots at Happy. Another fun, light, and warm-hearted contemporary cowboy romance I can recommend here.
My thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
What I really enjoy about reading a Carolyn Brown book is her charcters. They are often funny, loving and just a bit flawed. What's not to like?
She's also one of those authors that are lucky enough to get really good covers.
Toughest Cowboy is the first in the Happy Texas series. The author does a wonderful job of setting up the series with it's interesting characters. By the end of the book you'll feel like you've been in Happy Texas yourself.
In Toughest Cowboy you meet Lila Harris & Brody Dawson. For them this is a second chance romance. For us at times its a frustrating time. I say that in a good way. I always love a story that can pull me in enough that I feel like I'm part of it, and being part of it is seeing what these two are doing and wanting to fix it.
Of course, it could also be that I'm a control freak and what things to happen when I say they should. Either way, I was there in the story with both Lila and Brody!
So I mentioned the second chance romance part earlier and it's there in the book but sometimes I did struggle with not having enough back story. That fact didn't take away from the present story at all, I guess I'm just nosy.
I really liked both Lila and Brody and thought they were really good people who both deserved love and happiness. You wanted them to be happy! Of course these two couldn't just jump into being happy, no they had to have a ton of crap happen before that. Sigh...all that made for a great story.
I was totally happy with reading this story based in Happy Texas See what it did there? You get me! If you haven't yet read Carolyn Brown, I'm not sure why, but I'm not here to judge (I am a little, kidding) this would be the perfect series to start of hers. I really think you'll enjoy it.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
What I really enjoy about reading a Carolyn Brown book is her charcters. They are often funny, loving and just a bit flawed. What's not to like?
She's also one of those authors that are lucky enough to get really good covers.
Toughest Cowboy is the first in the Happy Texas series. The author does a wonderful job of setting up the series with it's interesting characters. By the end of the book you'll feel like you've been in Happy Texas yourself.
In Toughest Cowboy you meet Lila Harris & Brody Dawson. For them this is a second chance romance. For us at times its a frustrating time. I say that in a good way. I always love a story that can pull me in enough that I feel like I'm part of it, and being part of it is seeing what these two are doing and wanting to fix it.
Of course, it could also be that I'm a control freak and what things to happen when I say they should. Either way, I was there in the story with both Lila and Brody!
So I mentioned the second chance romance part earlier and it's there in the book but sometimes I did struggle with not having enough back story. That fact didn't take away from the present story at all, I guess I'm just nosy.
I really liked both Lila and Brody and thought they were really good people who both deserved love and happiness. You wanted them to be happy! Of course these two couldn't just jump into being happy, no they had to have a ton of crap happen before that. Sigh...all that made for a great story.
I was totally happy with reading this story based in Happy Texas See what it did there? You get me! If you haven't yet read Carolyn Brown, I'm not sure why, but I'm not here to judge (I am a little, kidding) this would be the perfect series to start of hers. I really think you'll enjoy it.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
June 5, 2021
Dnf at 74% . I always think it’s a really bad sign when a reader pushes through to the last quarter but it’s an experience similar to pulling teeth so can’t continue ! I literally don’t care If they end up together or not.
Way too sweet and simplistic for me.
Also during one of the sex scenes before the climaxed simultaneously they counted to 3 together 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
“I know, me neither. One, two…” “Three!” He managed a smile as they both hit the heights together.
Most kisses were scorching ... as in he gave her a scorching kiss not actually my opinion that it was scorching.
I gave half a star for second chance trope and one half for the cowboy trope (although he was more a mamas boy than a cowboy)
Way too sweet and simplistic for me.
Also during one of the sex scenes before the climaxed simultaneously they counted to 3 together 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
“I know, me neither. One, two…” “Three!” He managed a smile as they both hit the heights together.
Most kisses were scorching ... as in he gave her a scorching kiss not actually my opinion that it was scorching.
I gave half a star for second chance trope and one half for the cowboy trope (although he was more a mamas boy than a cowboy)
May 17, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live 5/30)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pWoFXa
Oh my sexy cowboy. I do love Carolyn Brown and her absolute cheek! Happy, Texas was a trip and I'm glad to have gone along for the ride as wild child Lila comes back to her home town and kicks up quite a stir.
Okay so Lila and Brody had a thing when they were teenagers but her family moved away and the night before he did a fool thing and they've not talked for over a decade...or ever gotten over their first brush with love. And now all these years later she's back for the summer. And he's there looking all sexy with his cowboy self and, well, they decide to see how things will go while she's in town.
Oh these two. They're both so stuck on each other it's ridiculous. And sweet. And a little frustrating when they can't seem to figure things out. And they're a little swoony now and again, too. I liked them both. They've done a lot of growing up over the years and turned into good respectable people. I did like seeing their mischievous sides come out with each other, though. There's a tiny bit of steam and a lot of healing and getting to know each other and it was just a make you smile romance.
Happy was small town USA. There's not a ton to do there other than ranching and gossiping and the folks there excel in both. And in holding a grudge. Whew boy. Both their mamas were a bit of a handful and sure didn't want these two together. It was nice seeing them over come that, though.
A couple random things to note:
1) I LOVED that her mama called her kittens grandkittens. My mama does that and it just made me smile. They all talked to the animals, too. It was really adorable.
2) Seriously calling a motorcycle a 'cycle' is one of the weirdest things ever.
All in all, a cowboylicking good time. Brown is sure to leave you smiling. I'm looking forward to seeing his siblings find romance, now. Sure am. Mmhm.
June 9, 2017
Brody and Lila’s second chance at romance was passion filled, entertaining and sexy.
Brody screwed up when he was younger and let Lila go. When he realized his mistake it was too late. than life got in his way. He let go of some of his dreams to help at home. Now Lila is back in town to take care of the diner until it sells and she isn’t making it easy on Brody to get in her good graces again. The attraction and chemistry is insane and their story is delicious.
Brody is a great guy. He made mistakes but owns up to them and is determined to get Lila back. He stands up to family and stays by her side. He is also very family oriented and the way he is with his niece and nephew swoon city. I loved watching his determination to get Lila back and to keep her in his life. I love how he was always there for his family and how they stuck by each other. I did especially love when he didn’t let his family matriarchs change his mind when it came to Lila. His grandma is a firecracker of a lady and a hoot. She was the one that gave Lila a thorough third degree at first but than came to her side.
Lila was a restless soul. She had the motorcycle and the attitude to boot. she was fun, snarky when needed and strong. Very likeable. I loved her resistance at first to Brody. As she got to see who he is she started to melt and let him in.
their story is sexy and passionate. We see their hearts on their sleeves. They don’t have a easy go at things but they let their feelings and respect for one another be their guide and it gives us a wonderful romance.
Brody screwed up when he was younger and let Lila go. When he realized his mistake it was too late. than life got in his way. He let go of some of his dreams to help at home. Now Lila is back in town to take care of the diner until it sells and she isn’t making it easy on Brody to get in her good graces again. The attraction and chemistry is insane and their story is delicious.
Brody is a great guy. He made mistakes but owns up to them and is determined to get Lila back. He stands up to family and stays by her side. He is also very family oriented and the way he is with his niece and nephew swoon city. I loved watching his determination to get Lila back and to keep her in his life. I love how he was always there for his family and how they stuck by each other. I did especially love when he didn’t let his family matriarchs change his mind when it came to Lila. His grandma is a firecracker of a lady and a hoot. She was the one that gave Lila a thorough third degree at first but than came to her side.
Lila was a restless soul. She had the motorcycle and the attitude to boot. she was fun, snarky when needed and strong. Very likeable. I loved her resistance at first to Brody. As she got to see who he is she started to melt and let him in.
their story is sexy and passionate. We see their hearts on their sleeves. They don’t have a easy go at things but they let their feelings and respect for one another be their guide and it gives us a wonderful romance.
April 11, 2017
In a good small town romance, it’s not just the main characters that are memorable. It’s the relationships between families, neighbors, and communities. Quirky townspeople who all seem to know each other, good and bad. And the idea of love blossoming in such a town is delightful. In Carolyn Brown’s Toughest Cowboy In Texas, Happy, Texas is a place you’ll want to stay a while.
Lila Harris had grown up in Happy, Texas known as the resident wild child. The girl with the worst reputation in Happy for all her crazy, daredevil antics. She’d had her heart broken there years ago. She’d had a crush on Brody Dawson since kindergarten. Had spent her youth trying to impress him, hoping someday he’d go against his family and the whole town and just ask her out. When he finally had, he never showed and Lila had cried for weeks. Now, she was a teacher who worked hard to subdue that inner wild child, trying to change who she was so the heartache wouldn’t hurt so bad. She’d moved around a lot in the last 12 years, but was never happy anywhere. She’d left a part of her heart in Happy and found she couldn’t get it back anywhere else. Now at 30, she was returning to Happy to work in her mom’s café for the summer. As soon as she crossed that county line though, she could hear her inner wild child screaming to come out.
Brody Dawson had grown up as Happy’s golden boy. His family owned the biggest spread in the whole county. Lila had been his best friend and secret girlfriend, but Brody’s family didn’t approve. They thought Lila was a bad influence. So Brody and Lila had snuck around. He’d gotten the courage to ask her out once before she moved. But the fear of facing her tears and his parents’ wrath led to him standing her up. Now memories and regrets haunted him. He was ashamed he hadn’t stood up for her back then. She’d never left his mind. It wasn’t easy to shake the memories or the yearnings he still felt, so he tried to bury them and focus on his responsibilities to his family and the ranch. That would be suitable punishment for not recognizing the best thing in the world when she was standing right in front of him.
It only took one look at each other for Brody and Lila to know the chemistry was still there. So much for time, distance, and a broken heart erasing all the old feelings. Lila’s inner wild child wanted to grab Brody and kiss him but she wasn’t that girl anymore. She was responsible now. This wasn’t high school. She wanted something lasting. Something real. But Brody wasn’t that high school kid anymore either. He means business this time and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He’s doing what he should’ve done years ago. He knows they can’t go back to the way it was before, but they can go forward.
What an awesome introduction for me to a new author. Living in a small town myself, I could identify so much with Happy. I even found myself visualizing people I know in some of the characters. Lila and Brody were wonderful characters with great chemistry. Part of me hated that they’d been apart for 12 years but I think they needed the time to grow and mature. Brody had to learn to stand up to his family, and Lila had to learn that she could still be responsible but hold on to the wild child too. They needed the opportunity to grow.
The secondary characters were delightful as well. I loved both Brody and Lila’s families. I’m intrigued by the family histories there and hope some of these characters get their own stories. The people of Happy were hysterical. Everybody knows everybody’s business. Rumors were nurtured and fed at the diner, and I found it hilarious that the men were every bit the gossips that the women were. I think my favorite scenes occurred at the church though. I can tell Carolyn Brown has spent some time in small town churches because she portrayed them perfectly. I’m so excited to get in on the start of this new series. It’s the perfect blend of teary eyed moments and chuckles. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Happy, Texas and can’t wait to visit again. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Lila Harris had grown up in Happy, Texas known as the resident wild child. The girl with the worst reputation in Happy for all her crazy, daredevil antics. She’d had her heart broken there years ago. She’d had a crush on Brody Dawson since kindergarten. Had spent her youth trying to impress him, hoping someday he’d go against his family and the whole town and just ask her out. When he finally had, he never showed and Lila had cried for weeks. Now, she was a teacher who worked hard to subdue that inner wild child, trying to change who she was so the heartache wouldn’t hurt so bad. She’d moved around a lot in the last 12 years, but was never happy anywhere. She’d left a part of her heart in Happy and found she couldn’t get it back anywhere else. Now at 30, she was returning to Happy to work in her mom’s café for the summer. As soon as she crossed that county line though, she could hear her inner wild child screaming to come out.
Brody Dawson had grown up as Happy’s golden boy. His family owned the biggest spread in the whole county. Lila had been his best friend and secret girlfriend, but Brody’s family didn’t approve. They thought Lila was a bad influence. So Brody and Lila had snuck around. He’d gotten the courage to ask her out once before she moved. But the fear of facing her tears and his parents’ wrath led to him standing her up. Now memories and regrets haunted him. He was ashamed he hadn’t stood up for her back then. She’d never left his mind. It wasn’t easy to shake the memories or the yearnings he still felt, so he tried to bury them and focus on his responsibilities to his family and the ranch. That would be suitable punishment for not recognizing the best thing in the world when she was standing right in front of him.
It only took one look at each other for Brody and Lila to know the chemistry was still there. So much for time, distance, and a broken heart erasing all the old feelings. Lila’s inner wild child wanted to grab Brody and kiss him but she wasn’t that girl anymore. She was responsible now. This wasn’t high school. She wanted something lasting. Something real. But Brody wasn’t that high school kid anymore either. He means business this time and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He’s doing what he should’ve done years ago. He knows they can’t go back to the way it was before, but they can go forward.
What an awesome introduction for me to a new author. Living in a small town myself, I could identify so much with Happy. I even found myself visualizing people I know in some of the characters. Lila and Brody were wonderful characters with great chemistry. Part of me hated that they’d been apart for 12 years but I think they needed the time to grow and mature. Brody had to learn to stand up to his family, and Lila had to learn that she could still be responsible but hold on to the wild child too. They needed the opportunity to grow.
The secondary characters were delightful as well. I loved both Brody and Lila’s families. I’m intrigued by the family histories there and hope some of these characters get their own stories. The people of Happy were hysterical. Everybody knows everybody’s business. Rumors were nurtured and fed at the diner, and I found it hilarious that the men were every bit the gossips that the women were. I think my favorite scenes occurred at the church though. I can tell Carolyn Brown has spent some time in small town churches because she portrayed them perfectly. I’m so excited to get in on the start of this new series. It’s the perfect blend of teary eyed moments and chuckles. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Happy, Texas and can’t wait to visit again. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
May 25, 2017
Teenaged Lila lost her heart to Brody. Her wild child reputation and his family's social standing, put an end to her dreams of happily ever after before they had even begun. Now, an older and wiser Lila is returning to the town that she left behind and the boy she could never forget. Toughest Cowboy In Texas has sentimental written all over it. From star crossed romance to nostalgic memories and busybody neighbors, the small town of Happy, Texas is the perfect destination for LOVE.
April 26, 2017
Yeah! A new series of fabulous characters to discover and learn their hopes and fears thanks to CB.
I just love second chance romances! If there was ever a couple that deserved a second chance at love, it was Lila and Brody. As usual Brown had me falling for these two along with most of the hilarious characters of Happy, Texas. Brown uses an equal amount of laughter and tears that always makes one of her books a one night read. Once started, I'm often unable to stop reading until I've flipped that last page knowing that the new friends I met in the story will have their HEA.
This is the kind of read that is perfect for that day at the pool when you don't have to do anything but flip a page, sip a cold drink and wipe a tear from your eye. Heck, every day is a perfect day for a Carolyn Brown book!
I just love second chance romances! If there was ever a couple that deserved a second chance at love, it was Lila and Brody. As usual Brown had me falling for these two along with most of the hilarious characters of Happy, Texas. Brown uses an equal amount of laughter and tears that always makes one of her books a one night read. Once started, I'm often unable to stop reading until I've flipped that last page knowing that the new friends I met in the story will have their HEA.
This is the kind of read that is perfect for that day at the pool when you don't have to do anything but flip a page, sip a cold drink and wipe a tear from your eye. Heck, every day is a perfect day for a Carolyn Brown book!
January 9, 2018
Disclaimer: Maybe it's not the book, maybe it's me. Lol
So, I was 1 book short with my 2017 Reading Challenge. Guess what? Work finally won over my pleasure reading. -_-
Now, that being said, I am pretty much more selective of what I read this year. AAAND the book's s.l.o.w. b.u.i.l.d.u.p is not helping. I am almost 50% finished but since I have too many books on my to-read shelf I decided, "That's it! I quit!" (Rhyme not intended).
I really like the premise and it somehow reminds me of Sweet Home Alabama, which I love, minus the lying about your real identity stuff and the love triangle (never been a fan). Yeah, expectation vs reality.
Bottom line, not for me. I dig slow build up but just not in this one. So, yeah, sorry! I'm on to the next book!
So, I was 1 book short with my 2017 Reading Challenge. Guess what? Work finally won over my pleasure reading. -_-
Now, that being said, I am pretty much more selective of what I read this year. AAAND the book's s.l.o.w. b.u.i.l.d.u.p is not helping. I am almost 50% finished but since I have too many books on my to-read shelf I decided, "That's it! I quit!" (Rhyme not intended).
I really like the premise and it somehow reminds me of Sweet Home Alabama, which I love, minus the lying about your real identity stuff and the love triangle (never been a fan). Yeah, expectation vs reality.
Bottom line, not for me. I dig slow build up but just not in this one. So, yeah, sorry! I'm on to the next book!
July 9, 2022
Yikes this one was pretty boring, hardly any conflict. Book 3 was so much better.
June 22, 2017
ARC REVIEW
The first of a new series by Carolyn Brown, Happy Texas is a spin off of her Lucky Penny Ranch series which is a spin off of another series, Lucky. It's a typical Carolyn Brown western romance, funny and loveable characters with a heartwarming story and a steamy romance.
Happy, Texas isn't the place where you go to let the past die it's quite the opposite for Lila Harris. When Lila lived in Happy she was known as the wild child, there isn't anything she wouldn't do. She was also secretly dating Brody Dawson; it had to be done in secret because it was very obvious that his mother and grandmother didn't approve of her. It never mattered to them they were young, dumb, and in love until Brody broke her heart. Lila left Happy heart broken and changed she became studious and worked hard to leave the wild child reputation far away from her but Lila goes back to help her mother sell the diner and as soon as she crosses the city limit sign she itching to do something crazy as long as it has nothing to do with Brody.
Brody never left Happy like he was supposed to, he was all set up to go to college but both his father and grandfather died and Brody was left to take care of the ranch and keep the family afloat. Life went on and Brody stayed the same just older and wiser and a lot more cautious. Twelve years down the line Brody is still at the ranch and Lila has come back into town for the summer or less if the diner gets sold sooner. They try to avoid it but all the unresolved things left between them, the sexual charge, and all the people telling them to stay away from each other just pulls them together. The romance is rekindled but Lila still plans on leaving and Brody wouldn't be happy any other place than his ranch can they survive another short lived romance or will they finally burn out the young love or let it grow into something so much more.
Overall, it's another fun and good read from Carolyn Brown. I can't wait for the other books. Brody has a sister with a brood of kids who lost the love of her life overseas and a younger brother and they need HEAs of their own.
The first of a new series by Carolyn Brown, Happy Texas is a spin off of her Lucky Penny Ranch series which is a spin off of another series, Lucky. It's a typical Carolyn Brown western romance, funny and loveable characters with a heartwarming story and a steamy romance.
Happy, Texas isn't the place where you go to let the past die it's quite the opposite for Lila Harris. When Lila lived in Happy she was known as the wild child, there isn't anything she wouldn't do. She was also secretly dating Brody Dawson; it had to be done in secret because it was very obvious that his mother and grandmother didn't approve of her. It never mattered to them they were young, dumb, and in love until Brody broke her heart. Lila left Happy heart broken and changed she became studious and worked hard to leave the wild child reputation far away from her but Lila goes back to help her mother sell the diner and as soon as she crosses the city limit sign she itching to do something crazy as long as it has nothing to do with Brody.
Brody never left Happy like he was supposed to, he was all set up to go to college but both his father and grandfather died and Brody was left to take care of the ranch and keep the family afloat. Life went on and Brody stayed the same just older and wiser and a lot more cautious. Twelve years down the line Brody is still at the ranch and Lila has come back into town for the summer or less if the diner gets sold sooner. They try to avoid it but all the unresolved things left between them, the sexual charge, and all the people telling them to stay away from each other just pulls them together. The romance is rekindled but Lila still plans on leaving and Brody wouldn't be happy any other place than his ranch can they survive another short lived romance or will they finally burn out the young love or let it grow into something so much more.
Overall, it's another fun and good read from Carolyn Brown. I can't wait for the other books. Brody has a sister with a brood of kids who lost the love of her life overseas and a younger brother and they need HEAs of their own.
May 30, 2017
Toughest Cowboy in Texas is my first read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. This book was a super sweet second chance romance that stayed true to the cowboy ways. Told from dual points of view, Toughest Cowboy in Texas follows the story of Lila and Brody. The last place anyone expected to find Lila was at her mother’s cafe in Happy, Texas. Many, many years ago she was known as the town wild child. She’s returned home for the summer, but is not the same Lila that everyone remembers. However, you know how it is in small towns, no one forgets anything and people judge without thinking….Ever since Brody took over the family ranch, he hasn’t had much time for anything. He has so much responsibility that he forgets to live his own life at times. However, when Lila blows back into town, his world is about to be turned upside down. Fate is offering him a second chance and he’s got a lot of wrongs to make right. Will Brody and Lila get a second chance at a love they were always meant to have? There is only one way to find out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and very easy to read. I thought the characters were likable and easy to connect with. I loved the setting and story-line of the story. I enjoyed all the cowboy aspects and all the pressures that came along the way. I really liked Lila. Despite having a wild spirit, I felt like she was misjudged a lot. She had a wonderful personality and had so much love to give. And Brody, he wasn’t perfect. He let his pride and responsibility cloud his judgement. However, when he set his mind on something, he didn’t stop until he got it right. Both characters were perfectly imperfect, but thrown them together and they were the perfect match. They balanced each other out and had wonderful interactions. The chemistry between the two of them was too strong to be denied and I seriously enjoyed watching the two of them fall.
Toughest Cowboy in Texas was an incredibly sweet read. Yes, there was some judgement from the town folks, but you can of expect that when you’re reading a small town or southern romance. I thought this story had a nice plot. It was a clean romance with just the right amount of overall romance and steam. And for the most part, was pretty light on the drama. If you’re looking for a sweet read to spend the afternoon getting swept away in, look no further. I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher, Forever Romance, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and very easy to read. I thought the characters were likable and easy to connect with. I loved the setting and story-line of the story. I enjoyed all the cowboy aspects and all the pressures that came along the way. I really liked Lila. Despite having a wild spirit, I felt like she was misjudged a lot. She had a wonderful personality and had so much love to give. And Brody, he wasn’t perfect. He let his pride and responsibility cloud his judgement. However, when he set his mind on something, he didn’t stop until he got it right. Both characters were perfectly imperfect, but thrown them together and they were the perfect match. They balanced each other out and had wonderful interactions. The chemistry between the two of them was too strong to be denied and I seriously enjoyed watching the two of them fall.
Toughest Cowboy in Texas was an incredibly sweet read. Yes, there was some judgement from the town folks, but you can of expect that when you’re reading a small town or southern romance. I thought this story had a nice plot. It was a clean romance with just the right amount of overall romance and steam. And for the most part, was pretty light on the drama. If you’re looking for a sweet read to spend the afternoon getting swept away in, look no further. I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher, Forever Romance, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 1, 2017
Carolyn Brown is lucky I'm not living in Oklahoma and there's a country between us, or I would constantly try to convince her to adopt me. I'm kidding, well, I think ;p Now you understand I'm a big fan of her, but that doesn't mean I can't be honest when something doesn't work for me. It's not gonna be one of those time because Toughest Cowboy in Texas was just as sweet, funny and romantic like the author always do.
The beginning set the table for what promise to be a fantastic "banterlicious" romance.
"Might need some more tea before we go. You should wait on poor old Brody. He looks like he's spittin' dust."
"Yeah, I'm dying over here. How about a glass of half sweet tea and half Molly's fresh lemonade?"
"Anything else, Your Highness?"
"Whatcha got?"
"What?"
"You asked if I wanted anything else. So watcha offering?"
Lila is back in Happy, Texas, after twelve years. Known back then as the wild child, not everyone is happy of her return. She'll work at her mama's café for the summer and reconnect with her friend Brody, known to her as the boy she's been in love with all her life, with whom she had a secret teenage love affair and who broke her heart when he stood her up for a date the day before she move out of Texas. Lila will finally have the chance to make him realize that his action really hurt her and giving her trust and love again is not an easy thing to do. Brody understand he acted young and dumb and intent to convince her that he's not the same. He invite her to family's gatherings even when he knows it doesn't please his mother and won't listen to her when she tell him Lila is not the woman for him.
What I adore with this author it's that even when the past is involved and feelings were hurt, you can always count on her to not make thing tragic nor heavy. It's always feel good stories. I have to say, however, that I wish Brody was the one who said to the heroine that he doesn't want her to go instead of the heroine because since he's the one who fucked up in the past, it would have been only fair that he's the one who do the big gesture at the end.
"One kiss for the Lila I remember, the other for the woman she's become. Both are very special."
Other than that, you can expect :
-Skinny dipping
-Confidences at the cemetery
-Watching stars and lying in the hayloft
-Motorcycle rides
-A run away bull that can count as a therapist
Brody's nephews and niece was absolutely adorable ! Glad to know they'll surely be back for the next book since it's their mother turn to get her HEA.
The beginning set the table for what promise to be a fantastic "banterlicious" romance.
"Might need some more tea before we go. You should wait on poor old Brody. He looks like he's spittin' dust."
"Yeah, I'm dying over here. How about a glass of half sweet tea and half Molly's fresh lemonade?"
"Anything else, Your Highness?"
"Whatcha got?"
"What?"
"You asked if I wanted anything else. So watcha offering?"
Lila is back in Happy, Texas, after twelve years. Known back then as the wild child, not everyone is happy of her return. She'll work at her mama's café for the summer and reconnect with her friend Brody, known to her as the boy she's been in love with all her life, with whom she had a secret teenage love affair and who broke her heart when he stood her up for a date the day before she move out of Texas. Lila will finally have the chance to make him realize that his action really hurt her and giving her trust and love again is not an easy thing to do. Brody understand he acted young and dumb and intent to convince her that he's not the same. He invite her to family's gatherings even when he knows it doesn't please his mother and won't listen to her when she tell him Lila is not the woman for him.
What I adore with this author it's that even when the past is involved and feelings were hurt, you can always count on her to not make thing tragic nor heavy. It's always feel good stories. I have to say, however, that I wish Brody was the one who said to the heroine that he doesn't want her to go instead of the heroine because since he's the one who fucked up in the past, it would have been only fair that he's the one who do the big gesture at the end.
"One kiss for the Lila I remember, the other for the woman she's become. Both are very special."
Other than that, you can expect :
-Skinny dipping
-Confidences at the cemetery
-Watching stars and lying in the hayloft
-Motorcycle rides
-A run away bull that can count as a therapist
Brody's nephews and niece was absolutely adorable ! Glad to know they'll surely be back for the next book since it's their mother turn to get her HEA.
July 20, 2017
I love a good reunion romance. There’s always history, usually a bit hurt that needs to be healed, and a whole lot of love still lingering around. And that’s exactly what’s happening in this one.
Here’s what’s going on. Lila, the wild child, has returned to her hometown and now she’s itching to do something wild. And when Brody, the boy that broke her heart, walks into her mom’s café, the feeling to get a little rowdy amps up. Brody knows he messed up when he hurt Lila all those years ago, but now that she’s back, he plans to make things right. He just needs to prove to her he’s not the same guy he was before.
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a Carolyn Brown book so, needless to say, when this one arrive, I did a little happy dance because I know reading one of her books means that I’m in for a good time.
I liked Lila, for the most part. In the past, she was a bit wild and now she’s having trouble living that reputation down. She’s grown up and got her act together but the residents of her hometown still see her as a troublemaker. Brody’s a solid and dependable guy. Not only does he take care of the family ranch, he also helps his sister out with her kids. He knows he made a mistake in the past and he regrets it and he’s willing to do anything to prove to Lila he’s not going to hurt her again.
The chemistry between them was off the charts. Years have passed, but they are still stuck on each other. There’s a deep history between them also a deep a hurt that needs to be healed. I do understand why Lila was a bit leery of Brody. But the guy was practically giving her his heart and telling her to stay, so I didn’t really get behind Lila leaving the state and making him chase after her.
This was book one in her new Happy, Texas series and it was fun getting to know the residents. Like most small towns, they were a bit quirky, totally nosey, and completely lovable.
Overall, I couldn’t put this book down. There was sass, sparks, and spirted characters and I can’t wait to get more of this series.
Here’s what’s going on. Lila, the wild child, has returned to her hometown and now she’s itching to do something wild. And when Brody, the boy that broke her heart, walks into her mom’s café, the feeling to get a little rowdy amps up. Brody knows he messed up when he hurt Lila all those years ago, but now that she’s back, he plans to make things right. He just needs to prove to her he’s not the same guy he was before.
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a Carolyn Brown book so, needless to say, when this one arrive, I did a little happy dance because I know reading one of her books means that I’m in for a good time.
I liked Lila, for the most part. In the past, she was a bit wild and now she’s having trouble living that reputation down. She’s grown up and got her act together but the residents of her hometown still see her as a troublemaker. Brody’s a solid and dependable guy. Not only does he take care of the family ranch, he also helps his sister out with her kids. He knows he made a mistake in the past and he regrets it and he’s willing to do anything to prove to Lila he’s not going to hurt her again.
The chemistry between them was off the charts. Years have passed, but they are still stuck on each other. There’s a deep history between them also a deep a hurt that needs to be healed. I do understand why Lila was a bit leery of Brody. But the guy was practically giving her his heart and telling her to stay, so I didn’t really get behind Lila leaving the state and making him chase after her.
This was book one in her new Happy, Texas series and it was fun getting to know the residents. Like most small towns, they were a bit quirky, totally nosey, and completely lovable.
Overall, I couldn’t put this book down. There was sass, sparks, and spirted characters and I can’t wait to get more of this series.
April 18, 2017
4.5 Stars . Toughest Cowboy in Texas - (check) .... but not really t0ugh ... but a r e a l l y Great heart !!
Enjoyed the cowboy ranch lifestyle combined with second chance love story !
This was a great book to read. The couple led us on quite a journey .
Looking forward to reading more about the folks living in this small town of Happy, Texas.
(last update 17 March 2017)
Thanks to Publisher via NetGalley for this opportunity to read and review this book. Look forward to the next book in the series. by Carolyn Brown.
Enjoyed the cowboy ranch lifestyle combined with second chance love story !
This was a great book to read. The couple led us on quite a journey .
Looking forward to reading more about the folks living in this small town of Happy, Texas.
(last update 17 March 2017)
Thanks to Publisher via NetGalley for this opportunity to read and review this book. Look forward to the next book in the series. by Carolyn Brown.
May 16, 2017
Carolyn Brown has a new cowboy series. That's great news! She writes the sweetest, sexiest cowboys along with strong, sensual heroines. This is especially true in Toughest Cowboy in Texas, book #1 in the author's new Happy, Texas series. In this case hero, Brody Dawson wants a second chance with Lila Harris whose reputation as a "wild child" still clings to her twelve years after leaving Happy, Texas. Neither of their families is very keen on the two getting together which adds more tension to their happy or maybe on Lila's part, not-so-happy reunion. Brody has his job cut out for him - determination is key.
I believe Carolyn Brown was wearing two hats while writing this story; her women's fiction hat along with her cowboy story hat. She writes in length about the hopes, dreams and fears of Lila Harris as Brody tries to woo her. Lila has a lot of thinking and growing to do before becoming more accepting of the new changed, more mature and less self-centered Brody. It's a wonderful journey to follow along with Lila and Brody as they work their way through past hurts and present roadblocks. You'll enjoy the trip when you read this story.
I believe Carolyn Brown was wearing two hats while writing this story; her women's fiction hat along with her cowboy story hat. She writes in length about the hopes, dreams and fears of Lila Harris as Brody tries to woo her. Lila has a lot of thinking and growing to do before becoming more accepting of the new changed, more mature and less self-centered Brody. It's a wonderful journey to follow along with Lila and Brody as they work their way through past hurts and present roadblocks. You'll enjoy the trip when you read this story.
March 28, 2017
Honestly! The people in this town! Oh she is too wild! She is bad news! I was just waiting for them to like accuse her of murdering someone. And sure, she was a daredevil as a teen, but hold your judgment people! Especially his gran and mother, but then they had their own reasons for disliking her, stupid selfish reasons.
Lila and Brody were in love, but in secret. Not winning my love their Brody. He messed up for sure as a teen. But it was also a good thing, because she left that small town, she made something of herself. And now she is back and she never stopped loving him.
Not everyone in the town is an asshat, but there are some. They made me so mad, I am glad she was above it but still.
It really is Brody who has to make his mind up, and do the chasing for this to work, and hey, I like that. And as how he is, a true cowboy. While she tries to be calm, but that wild child still lurks in there (the one who can not let him go).
Conclusion:
It was a truly sweet romance
Lila and Brody were in love, but in secret. Not winning my love their Brody. He messed up for sure as a teen. But it was also a good thing, because she left that small town, she made something of herself. And now she is back and she never stopped loving him.
Not everyone in the town is an asshat, but there are some. They made me so mad, I am glad she was above it but still.
It really is Brody who has to make his mind up, and do the chasing for this to work, and hey, I like that. And as how he is, a true cowboy. While she tries to be calm, but that wild child still lurks in there (the one who can not let him go).
Conclusion:
It was a truly sweet romance
August 22, 2017
It is with heavy heart that I say I didn't enjoy this cowboy story. It was so disconnected and repetitive. I'm only giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because it had cowboys in it...
August 16, 2020
I loved the book from beginning to end.
June 3, 2017
Carolyn Brown's cowboy novels are so country you can almost taste the grits. Toughest Cowboy In Texas is the first in a new series set in the small town of Happy, Texas, following the three siblings of the Dawson family.
I'm not even American, but Carolyn Brown sets the scene so well I can almost see the big Texas skies, hear the country music on the radio - country songs are sprinkled throughout the book and often used as metaphors to express the characters' emotions, so if you're not a fan of country music a few things might go over your head. I had to look a few songs up to have a listen!
The country theme could feel overdone, with the cowboy boots and hats, bull wrangling and even an actual barn dance (disguised as a 'family reunion') making their appearance in the story, but it doesn't; it feels like a natural part of the story, of the characters' lives. And speaking of the characters...
Lila Harris left Happy, Texas, when she was seventeen years old. She was a wild child back then, and while the phrase 'the wrong side of the tracks' is never used in the book, it is certainly implied. Going back again, even though she has made a success of her life since then, Lila finds out the hard way that in the eyes of the townsfolk, she's still that wild child who was never good enough for Brody Dawson.
Brody comes from a wealthy ranching family, and back when he was seventeen, he didn't have the guts to stand up to his family and publicly lay claim to Lila as his girlfriend. He hurt her in doing so, and when she left down, she took a big piece of his heart with her. Now she's back, he's not going to let anyone stand in between them, not his family or hers. Now, his only problem is winning over Lila herself.
I absolutely loved this book. Lila was spirited, full of sass and not about to let anyone put her down, and Brody was self-aware enough to recognize how badly he let her down the first time around and let her know in every way he could that this time around she could count on him. In turn, Lila realized that Brody was only seventeen back then and under enormous pressure, and she didn't hold that against him. Toughest Cowboy In Texas was a really great story about two people recognizing the mistakes of their past and moving on together.
I also loved Kasey and Jace, Brody's siblings who will get their own stories in the series, and I'll be eagerly looking forward to more books set in Happy, Texas.
Five stars.
Toughest Cowboy In Texas is available now, and THIS is where I get mad, because the Kindle edition is $6.99. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The paperback is only 20 cents more! Ugh. Hachette need to get their act together.
THIS is why Big Publishing are reporting a decline in ebook sales; because they are overcharging for them. Readers know what an ebook costs to produce compared to a paperback; yes, editing costs etc are equal, but the printing costs comprise over 70% of the cost of producing a paperback. You CAN'T charge more than 50% of the paperback price for an ebook, because buyers KNOW that they're being ripped off.
Do better, Hachette!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley
I'm not even American, but Carolyn Brown sets the scene so well I can almost see the big Texas skies, hear the country music on the radio - country songs are sprinkled throughout the book and often used as metaphors to express the characters' emotions, so if you're not a fan of country music a few things might go over your head. I had to look a few songs up to have a listen!
The country theme could feel overdone, with the cowboy boots and hats, bull wrangling and even an actual barn dance (disguised as a 'family reunion') making their appearance in the story, but it doesn't; it feels like a natural part of the story, of the characters' lives. And speaking of the characters...
Lila Harris left Happy, Texas, when she was seventeen years old. She was a wild child back then, and while the phrase 'the wrong side of the tracks' is never used in the book, it is certainly implied. Going back again, even though she has made a success of her life since then, Lila finds out the hard way that in the eyes of the townsfolk, she's still that wild child who was never good enough for Brody Dawson.
Brody comes from a wealthy ranching family, and back when he was seventeen, he didn't have the guts to stand up to his family and publicly lay claim to Lila as his girlfriend. He hurt her in doing so, and when she left down, she took a big piece of his heart with her. Now she's back, he's not going to let anyone stand in between them, not his family or hers. Now, his only problem is winning over Lila herself.
I absolutely loved this book. Lila was spirited, full of sass and not about to let anyone put her down, and Brody was self-aware enough to recognize how badly he let her down the first time around and let her know in every way he could that this time around she could count on him. In turn, Lila realized that Brody was only seventeen back then and under enormous pressure, and she didn't hold that against him. Toughest Cowboy In Texas was a really great story about two people recognizing the mistakes of their past and moving on together.
I also loved Kasey and Jace, Brody's siblings who will get their own stories in the series, and I'll be eagerly looking forward to more books set in Happy, Texas.
Five stars.
Toughest Cowboy In Texas is available now, and THIS is where I get mad, because the Kindle edition is $6.99. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The paperback is only 20 cents more! Ugh. Hachette need to get their act together.
THIS is why Big Publishing are reporting a decline in ebook sales; because they are overcharging for them. Readers know what an ebook costs to produce compared to a paperback; yes, editing costs etc are equal, but the printing costs comprise over 70% of the cost of producing a paperback. You CAN'T charge more than 50% of the paperback price for an ebook, because buyers KNOW that they're being ripped off.
Do better, Hachette!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley
February 22, 2018
Toughest Cowboy in Texas is the first book in Happy, Texas series by author Carolyn Brown, a second chance at love romance, along with a reconnecting with your roots story.
Brody Dawson had grown up in Happy, Texas. His family owned the biggest spread in Happy, which made them highly respected by most. So, imagine their shock when Brody chooses to befriend wild child, Lila Harris then became more than friends in secret. I enjoyed Brody, but at times he was a little slow on the uptake when it came to Lila. Can he right the wrongs of the past and show Lila Harris he was a changed man?
Lila Harris returns to her home town Happy, Texas with the intention of changing the towns minds around about her being the “Wild Child” of Happy, Texas, but upon returning Lila has no idea why but her “Wild Child” side wants to come out to play. Lila wondered about Brody over the years, the one man that crushed her heart. Lila is an interesting and at times fun heroine, but at times I felt she just needed to stop and just take a breath.
Sparks are there for Brody and Lila for sure, but were they the right sparks? I was waiting for Lila to let Brody just have it. Lord knows the town people had no problem stating problems with Brody and Lila spending time together. I felt this is both a healing story for Brody and Lila, and their families.
In Carolyn Brown books, there’s never a shortage of fun supporting characters with their witty lines, and crazy shenanigans, as well as some touching truths from all involved. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is a brilliant start to the Happy, Texas series! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I am hoping it will be Kasey Dawson story, baby sister to Brody. She is a widower with three children, who make her life quite interesting.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
Brody Dawson had grown up in Happy, Texas. His family owned the biggest spread in Happy, which made them highly respected by most. So, imagine their shock when Brody chooses to befriend wild child, Lila Harris then became more than friends in secret. I enjoyed Brody, but at times he was a little slow on the uptake when it came to Lila. Can he right the wrongs of the past and show Lila Harris he was a changed man?
Lila Harris returns to her home town Happy, Texas with the intention of changing the towns minds around about her being the “Wild Child” of Happy, Texas, but upon returning Lila has no idea why but her “Wild Child” side wants to come out to play. Lila wondered about Brody over the years, the one man that crushed her heart. Lila is an interesting and at times fun heroine, but at times I felt she just needed to stop and just take a breath.
Sparks are there for Brody and Lila for sure, but were they the right sparks? I was waiting for Lila to let Brody just have it. Lord knows the town people had no problem stating problems with Brody and Lila spending time together. I felt this is both a healing story for Brody and Lila, and their families.
In Carolyn Brown books, there’s never a shortage of fun supporting characters with their witty lines, and crazy shenanigans, as well as some touching truths from all involved. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is a brilliant start to the Happy, Texas series! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I am hoping it will be Kasey Dawson story, baby sister to Brody. She is a widower with three children, who make her life quite interesting.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
February 28, 2017
Four stars: A terrific second chance story that proves sometimes you can go back home.
Lila Harris hasn't been back to Happy, Texas since she was seventeen years old. She left right after graduating from high school with a broken heart when Brody Dawson stood her up. In Happy, Lila was known as the Wild Child, but now she is thirty years old, a responsible school teacher and far removed from the Wild Child. So she thinks. As soon as Lila returns, it's as if no time has passed and she has gone back in time to her seventeen year old self. Then when Brody Dawson turns up, her heart betrays her and reminds her that she has never gotten over that cowboy. Will Lila get a second chance at love?
What I Liked:
*I adore a second chance romance, and I have to admit, I loved the idea of going back home where you are always the same age as when you left. That rung true for me, and I couldn't help placing myself back in Lila's shoes. If you love second chance romances, small town settings, delightful characters plus sweet and cozy, this is the book for you. I loved it.
*I liked both Lila and Brody. It was interesting to flash back to the past and see them in their youth, and then fast forward a dozen years and see them all grown up. They may be adults, but deep inside, the kids they were are still present. What would you do if you could go back home encounter the one who stole your heart when you were young? This is exactly what happened to Lila.
*The romance is perfect. I loved seeing Brody and Lila come together and work through the past as well as the obstacles in the present. There are plenty of sparks and lots of heat. I love a second chance romance, and this one was lovely.
*Happy, Texas was a delightful setting. I can never resist a small town, and I giggle at how fast news travels. If you have ever lived in or visited a small town, you can relate. I loved the camaraderie in the town, even if everyone is in everyone's business. I also appreciated catching up briefly with some of the other Dawson clan.
*I enjoyed the secondary characters. Jace and Kasey, Brody's brother and sister, were so sweet and supportive. My heart broke for Kasey and her adorable children as they recently lost their husband and dad. I can't wait to get Kasey's story. I also loved Kasey's in laws, and Hope, Brody's grandma. I especially liked how Valerie, Brody's mom, and Hope came around at the end. Molly, the old gal who runs the cafe was a hoot, too. Carolyn Brown always writes the best characters.
I liked the animals. There are some cute cats and an ornery bull with a sense of humor so it seems.
*The ending was sweet and perfect. It ends in just the right spot, even though I wanted more. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
And The Not So Much:
*I wished that there was a bit more depth and detail into Lila's past. She had earned this reputation as being the "Wild Child" but there wasn't much information on what exactly she did to get the folks in Happy all in a stir. I wanted to know all that she did to earn such a nickname.
* After all the tension and build up, I felt like the ending was a tiny bit abrupt. I wish there was an Epilogue. I guess I didn't want the book to end.
Toughest Cowboy in Texas is a sweet, easy reading second chance romance that proves that sometimes you can go back home. I loved the characters, the setting and the romance. This is the perfect book for a summery day or anytime you need a light, fun read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Lila Harris hasn't been back to Happy, Texas since she was seventeen years old. She left right after graduating from high school with a broken heart when Brody Dawson stood her up. In Happy, Lila was known as the Wild Child, but now she is thirty years old, a responsible school teacher and far removed from the Wild Child. So she thinks. As soon as Lila returns, it's as if no time has passed and she has gone back in time to her seventeen year old self. Then when Brody Dawson turns up, her heart betrays her and reminds her that she has never gotten over that cowboy. Will Lila get a second chance at love?
What I Liked:
*I adore a second chance romance, and I have to admit, I loved the idea of going back home where you are always the same age as when you left. That rung true for me, and I couldn't help placing myself back in Lila's shoes. If you love second chance romances, small town settings, delightful characters plus sweet and cozy, this is the book for you. I loved it.
*I liked both Lila and Brody. It was interesting to flash back to the past and see them in their youth, and then fast forward a dozen years and see them all grown up. They may be adults, but deep inside, the kids they were are still present. What would you do if you could go back home encounter the one who stole your heart when you were young? This is exactly what happened to Lila.
*The romance is perfect. I loved seeing Brody and Lila come together and work through the past as well as the obstacles in the present. There are plenty of sparks and lots of heat. I love a second chance romance, and this one was lovely.
*Happy, Texas was a delightful setting. I can never resist a small town, and I giggle at how fast news travels. If you have ever lived in or visited a small town, you can relate. I loved the camaraderie in the town, even if everyone is in everyone's business. I also appreciated catching up briefly with some of the other Dawson clan.
*I enjoyed the secondary characters. Jace and Kasey, Brody's brother and sister, were so sweet and supportive. My heart broke for Kasey and her adorable children as they recently lost their husband and dad. I can't wait to get Kasey's story. I also loved Kasey's in laws, and Hope, Brody's grandma. I especially liked how Valerie, Brody's mom, and Hope came around at the end. Molly, the old gal who runs the cafe was a hoot, too. Carolyn Brown always writes the best characters.
I liked the animals. There are some cute cats and an ornery bull with a sense of humor so it seems.
*The ending was sweet and perfect. It ends in just the right spot, even though I wanted more. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
And The Not So Much:
*I wished that there was a bit more depth and detail into Lila's past. She had earned this reputation as being the "Wild Child" but there wasn't much information on what exactly she did to get the folks in Happy all in a stir. I wanted to know all that she did to earn such a nickname.
* After all the tension and build up, I felt like the ending was a tiny bit abrupt. I wish there was an Epilogue. I guess I didn't want the book to end.
Toughest Cowboy in Texas is a sweet, easy reading second chance romance that proves that sometimes you can go back home. I loved the characters, the setting and the romance. This is the perfect book for a summery day or anytime you need a light, fun read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 30, 2017
Josie's Review
I fell in love with Carolyn Brown’s writing style when I read her Lucky Penny Ranch Series so I was excited when I saw she was writing a new series. The Toughest Cowboy is the first book in the Happy Texas series and this author did an amazing job with introducing us to a new and promising series. Based on the title I expected a tough cowboy, it is a rough setting but this was a gentle second chance romance.
In Toughest Cowboy we are introduced to many characters, who I hope I will get to follow in the future but this story is about Lila and Brody. Their story is full of regret, pain and a family feud. This was a long journey and happiness in Happy Texas does not come easy. I loved how the author pulled me into Brody and Lila’s story with not only their journey but also the simple life of ranch life in small town Texas. I actually felt like I was in that town along with the characters.
We do not get Brody and Lila’s past history in great detail but we do get pieces of their past. The lack of that history did not take away from the story at all, in fact when Brody and Lila talk about their history it felt fresh and raw. Lila and Brody were great characters, they were both cautious around each other. I loved how the author handled their second chance, it took time, patience and standing up for what both want in life.
Toughest Cowboy in Texas had laughter, tears and very little angst. Once I started I could not stop. The side characters are hilarious and bought so much to this story. I loved the interactions, not only between Brody and Lila but with their very opinionated family and friends. This is a great summer read and a great start to future books in Happy Texas.
April 20, 2017
If the rest of the books in this new series from author, Carolyn Brown are as good as this book turned out to be, then, I am in for a good time. Instantly, I connected with the characters and the town. It was like things had never changed between Lila and Brody. Only that they grew up. It felt natural when they instantly connected. The reason I say this is because I have said it before that I am not always a fan of insta-love. Yet, in this case it was right.
Brody's mom and grandmother had me laughing. They way that they were still trying to control Brody's love life. In turn it made Brody revert back to a teenager, where he would try and stuck off with Lila. However, the ones that stole some of the spotlight from Lila and Brody where Brody's nephew and niece, Emma and Rustin. They were so funny as they were honest. As they say, kids say the darnest things. Brody never got around to writing that note to Lila as the George Strait song, "Check Yes or No" goes but readers have an good idea of which box Lila would check. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is filled with heart-warming characters, smiles, and an all around good time!
Brody's mom and grandmother had me laughing. They way that they were still trying to control Brody's love life. In turn it made Brody revert back to a teenager, where he would try and stuck off with Lila. However, the ones that stole some of the spotlight from Lila and Brody where Brody's nephew and niece, Emma and Rustin. They were so funny as they were honest. As they say, kids say the darnest things. Brody never got around to writing that note to Lila as the George Strait song, "Check Yes or No" goes but readers have an good idea of which box Lila would check. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is filled with heart-warming characters, smiles, and an all around good time!
June 23, 2017
Lila Harris is back in town that is Happy Texas to run her mother’s cafe. Known to the town as the wild child she does not disappoint by ridding in on a black hog. The one person she is trying not to see is Brody Dawson, the golden hair boy and could do no wrong. He was also her partner her crime that is until he broke her heart the night her and her mother were leaving town and he failed to show up. Now all of these years later and neither one of them with anyone can they work through the past in order to have a future. It is possible once the older people stay out of their lives and let them see for each other if it can turn into something. He believes it can when he leaves to after her, but will she come back to Texas? Read this good story about family and small towns, and people in everyone’s business. I like it when she rides her Harley to church wearing a dress this really fits the character. There are many good characters in this book, and a good story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
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