“It’s not the breath you take but the moments that take your breath away,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about that phrase all day. And I realized that just about every breathtaking memory in my life involves you.”

There's a reason I keep coming back to Carolyn Brown and her swoony, sexy cowboys. And that reason is evident in Toughest Cowboy in Texas, a second chance romance that… *sigh* was delightful. Because, like all of the books I've read by Ms. Brown, this one is a heartwarming look at cowboy life. Full of good folks, old gossips, church-goers and small-town charm, the first book in the Happy, Texas series left me feeling just that—happy.

Light-hearted, warm and steamy, it's just so easy to read, so easy to enjoy. Brody Dawson and Lila Harris are a lovely couple—after a dozen years apart, Lila arrives back in Happy and back in Brody’s path, and it works so well. And when I say that, I mean that it's well-everything—well-paced, well-developed and well, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There's something very pleasing about a book that is unabashedly sweet, that makes no bones about being void of heavy undertones and dark romances and growling, grumpy jerks. Something so likable about a book that doesn't shy from showcasing God-fearing, gossiping, good people. Something so engaging about crazy families, sweet children, stubborn animals and siblings that simply have to get their own HEA.

That’a what Toughest Cowboy in Texas is made of—as are all of the books I've enjoyed by this author. And that is why I'll be back for more, of this author, and most definitely of this series.

“I feel like my world has stopped spinning and it’s tilted right on its axis again.”

~ 4.5 STARS ~

Brody and Lila get a second chance at love. Brody a chance to finally get it right after the way he blew Lila off all those years ago right before she left town with her mom. Now Lila is back to help run her mom's diner while it's being sold. Brody looks at it as his chance to make up for the way he acted years ago when he blew off a date with Lila right before she left. Before then they saw each other in secret because their mother's didn't approve. I loved the idea of this story. Then i started reading. Loved it at first until the moms came into play. The hate from the mothers drove me nuts. To much to over the top. I could understand if they were teenagers still but they are 30 years old. Lila was all over the place sometimes which was bothersome as well. Why didn't they just talk to each other? Brody seemed to try but it felt like they talked about everything except what they wanted. When the mothers finally decided to let them be adults and be supportive it was almost to late. For me it was to late. It took me a while to read this book. Longer than it should have. I thought about quitting but i needed to know how it resolved so i pushed through. The ending was kind of a let down for me. Lots of potential that fell flat unfortunately.

Find out more about this series and Carolyn Brown here www.carolynbrownbooks.com

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.

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 use to be two peas in a pod all against there family wishes. When Lila comes home to help sell her moms old diner she tries to keep on the straight an narrow and keep her wild ways in the past. Brody can't believe his luck that he might get a second chance with Lila. But can he stand up to his mom and Grandma finally and find a way to prove he is worthy of her or will it all be just to much since she's only there for the summer?
My favorite part of this whole book was how both characters went to the animals to talk there troubles out I loved hows true that is. I really enjoyed Lila and her stubbornness and how she was someone who could also be very vulnerable. I felt that Brody was super reserved for a lot of this book. I really enjoyed Jase and his banter he and Kacey seemed to really pop up throughout the book and add a fun and heartfelt feeling to the book and I hope they both have a story coming because I can't wait to read theres. Over all in parts this book dragged a little bit but was a super fun read. This book does have adult language/scenes so may not be suitable for all ages.

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.

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

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Book Info
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 30th 2017 by Forever
ISBN 1455597449 (ISBN13: 9781455597444)
Series Happy, Texas #1
Other Editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


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...


My Thoughts



During their younger years Brody Dawson and Lila Harris gave in to the wilder urges of youth, managing to stay alive through each of their harum-scarum escapades and along the way fall in love with each other as well.

Brody however came from a family whose good name was carefully tended by his Mother and Grandmother also. Lila’s family on the other hand was the exact opposite which led to trouble for the young lovers causing a rift between them that has lasted for too many years.

Now back in Happy Texas, on behalf of her Mother, Lila is trying to not fall back into old habits but her inner wild side keeps rearing up making responsible behavior harder than she expected.

Brody also finds himself torn between giving his full attention and time to his many responsibilities or giving Lila the better part of both by putting love ahead of duty this time around.

Happy Texas is a typical small town, my favorite type of setting where one feels like you know each secondary character as well as the primary ones by the time the story ends.

Brody and Lila have been apart due to a very heartbreaking misunderstanding for the past 10 years. Now having been given a second chance will this now grown-up pair manage to overcome their rocky past or will family once again manage to come between them?

Reading their tale as it unfolds is the only way to answer the question and along the way find why small town life is sometimes preferable to anywhere else to make ones home. I can as always strongly recommend this Carolyn Brown romance read.


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

I've had a few of my book friends recommend this author's books to me, so what better way to be introduced to Ms. Brown's writing than with the first book of a new series for her. From start to finish, this story was entertaining and I really liked the way it started. Brody never thought he'd see Lila again, but he's happy she's in town because he's really missed her. Seriously, I could feel every emotion along with the characters, and it's palpable the hero hasn't forgotten her. However, it's also palpable that Lila is wary of Brody in the beginning. He hurt her badly in the past and her sassiness towards him in the moment they come face-to-face for the first time in the story is a defense mechanism; a way for her to keep her distance until she can decide whether she can trust him again.

Both the main characters were completely captivating, and I loved how Brody wins Lila over, even though she's reluctant to give in to being with him because she's not going to stick around Happy. Lila is strong, brave and I liked how determined she is to confront the past and prove that she's no longer the wild child she was branded as in the past. Even though she may seem reckless to some because of her mode of transport and some things she does that if she's caught could get her in trouble. Moreover, I liked that Lila fights for her chance with Brody and isn't intimidated by his mom and grandma; two women that would rather not see Brody with Lila. While Brody, I liked how tight he and his family are and how they support each other, especially since his sister lost the love of her life and she has three kids to care for. I also liked that he wasn't willing to give up on getting a second chance with Lila, because they're a couple that are meant to be, and they shouldn't let anything stop them from being together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story where there was plenty of chemistry between the main characters that had me hooked to discover how things would turn out for these two. Would they get their second chance? Would Lila move back to Happy or would Brody go to wherever Lila ended up? The way this story ended was delightful, as Lila makes a decision that's right for her and I'm glad that she made the decision she did. No way would she have been happy if she hadn't made such a decision. I would recommend Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope or books buy authors Kari Lynn Dell, Jennifer Ryan, Lori Wilde or Kate Pearce.

This wild horse of a man is stomping all over my precious heart! Giddy UP!

Or should I say wild woman? 😏 ... Carolyn Brown is giving us a wild girl, and love stricken cowboy. Oh how the tables have turned!

Toughest Cowboy in Texas is irresistible, devilishly taunting, and so so perfect.

Delilah Harris (aka Lila) was the crazy child of the Wild West. Growing up, she was the project manager of every bad decision in Happy, Texas. Everyone could count on her to conjure up some dangerous and terribly stupid plan.

Brody Dawson was Lila's cowboy; the fuel to her flame, her wingman in every endeavor. Well, until they turned 18 and Lila moved away.

12 years later we find Brody running the family farm, helping raise his sister's children, and taking care of his grandmother. Meanwhile, Lila is back in Happy working at the family café prepping it to be sold. (Can I order one of Brody Dawson? Yespleasethankyou.)

How can Lila and Brody rekindle their twin flame after 12 years of wishing, hoping, and waiting? 🔥🔥

Oh the drama! Now that Lila is back in town, old memories resurface, stories from the past are shared, and dormant feelings intensify. Not only is Lila conveniently blamed for all the wrong that has happened in town, but she faces the challenge of proving people she has matured. She is a grown woman for cryin' out loud! A successful teacher... who drives a motorcycle... and goes skinny dipping in NO TRESPASSING zones... and steals kittens from graveyards...

"... A leopard does not change its spots and Lila is going to lead you straight to hell."

Hey now, let's not be so judgmental.

As Lila and Brody reconnect, they are faced with difficult decisions. Is Brody going to let Lila leave again? Do people really change? Where is home? No. No. I dunno.

Commitment. Passion. Longing. Toughest Cowboy in Texas is a heartwarming romance about a dormant love anxious to be freed. Carolyn Brown gives us an unconditional love that never ceases to burn.

Y'all know of Gene Autry's Cowboy Code. Oh boy. Brody epitomizes the ideal man of the west. It will be difficult to find another cowboy as swoon worthy as Brody. #LetsBeHonest Brody definitely tips the odds in his favor with this teeter totter of love.

"Dee Harris, I love you. You’re my soul mate and the miracle that makes my heart beat... I want both of you. I want the wild girl I fell in love with and I want the woman that girl has become. I love both of you."

(Ummm waiter?... Where's that order?...)

Yea!!! A brand new series from Carolyn Brown – created around Happy Texas – yes there really is a Happy Texas and fans are going to love their visit to the town filled with Brown’s magic. Thank you Happy Texas and of course Carolyn Brown or should we do it the cowboy way – yahoo.

Here’s the thing about returning home – as Lila Harris would quote from a country western song (seems like Lila is a lot like Carolyn Brown) – you’re always seventeen in your hometown. Problem with that is you remember all the good and the bad about that time of your life. Sure being seventeen is a difficult time for most young people. For Lila she unfortunately left behind her reputation of being the town’s wild child. And there wasn’t anyone Lila liked being wild with than Brody Dawson.

The Dawson’s were a well-respected ranching family. The Harris’ ran the local café and lived in an apartment on top of that café. Even in a small town like Happy that put Lila and Brody firmly in two different worlds. And nobody enjoyed reminding her of that difference than Brody’s mother and grandmother.

So at seventeen Lila and her mother left Happy behind to start another café. Lila did everything she could to put that wild child behind her. Now back in Happy to help sell the café Lila had to spend the summer facing her memories – good and bad. And since it was such a small town it was inevitable that Lila and Brody would cross paths. However, none of that was accidental. Brody was determined to keep turning up anywhere Lila was so it seemed and was a constant reminder of the most heartbreaking time of her life. The time when she thought there was something real between the two of them. The time when they couldn’t seem to spend enough time together. The time she was really happy – until she wasn’t. Until the evening of what was to be their first real date and Brody never showed up.

Now at nearly thirty Lila is happy with her life as a teacher. Her returning to Happy Texas was just a hiccup in her plans. But it is getting complicated as heck. Most people are beginning to see Lila as the adult responsible person she has worked so hard to become. But in Happy there are times when that old Lila surfaces – usually whenever she is near Brody.

Brody on the other hand is not about to repeat the greatest mistake of his life. Letting Lila go was a huge error but considering he had been a teenager facing new family responsibilities Brody let his mother influence and pressure him regarding this ill-advised relationship.

It took Lila a long time to get over Brody. The disappointment and hurt went deep. Her mother and family were like guard dogs protecting their girls heart. She had definitely been deeply wounded by the callousness of this young man.

But Lily is beginning to realize that her’s wasn’t the only heart that broke when she left Happy behind. Brody has never been able to get over what he did to the only girl he ever really loved. The girl that is foremost in his thoughts and heart. And before Lila leaves Happy, after this one last summer together, Brody is intent on making up for all the hurt and in the process hope to find a path toward a future for the two of them.

Fans of Carolyn Brown know her fascination with anything cowboy and country music. So TOUGHEST COWBOY IN TEXAS lovingly brings us her best. Considering that we are now a texting society it seemed fitting and current to including love messages between these two somewhat star crossed lovers. So when there is music playing in the background you just know its country. And if there is to be a quote be assured it too is country. There is nothing more entertaining and rewarding than a Carolyn Brown story. Lila and Brody are wondrous characters that totally deserved this book and some happiness – hopefully as a couple. But there are several other characters that are praiseworthy and I would be remiss not to mention Sundance that has definitely won a place in my heart. In the TOUGHEST COWBOY IN TEXAS Carolyn Brown reminds us that you can take the girl out of Happy Texas but you can’t take Happy Texas out of the girl.

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.

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 for me. 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!

Carolyn Brown never disappoints her readers. What's not to love about a smokin' hot, hard working cowboy!

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.

I loved this book.  This book has been one of my favorites of the year that I have read.  Lila Harris has a reputation of being a wild child since she was younger.  That reputation did not follow her when she left Happy, Texas, but now that Lila is home she is conflicted with who she really is?  The school teacher?  Or the wild child?  The wild child wants to come out and play especially with Brody Dawson, but the school teacher in her says no.  Which one will win?


I was hooked from page one.  I could not stop reading.  I love books about cowboys!!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

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.

enjoyable read

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...

I said in the last review I did of Carolyn Brown's that I loved all of her books and that's the truth!! I loved Brody and Lila. I thought Lila had spunk and was just smart as a whip. I fell so in love with Brody but he made a heck of a mistake when he was a kid but what do you expect? He was a kid and kid's make mistakes.

Lila comes back to Happy...yep that's the name of the town lol! She comes back to Happy, Texas to put her mother's diner on the market and then get the heck out of dodge. Who does she run into but good ole Brody, looking better than he ever did. A lot has changed for Brody - all the plans he had before Lila took off changed all in the same summer. His dad and his grandfather both died that same summer. You find that out pretty early on in the story and it's not a secret or spoiler. So, instead of him going away for college - he stayed home and took care of the ranch and sends his brother to college instead. He never left Happy and he never fell out of love with Lila. She's his one regret. Everyone in this book feels as if Brody treated Lila like he was better than her. I feel like he even feels like he treated her that way but I didn't see any of those parts. He snuck out of the house after they made love but who wants to get caught by your girlfriend's mother? It says that he had her as his "secret girlfriend" but he always hung out with her and Jace. No one else. That to me shouts girlfriend unless he's dating his brother and that's frowned upon except in hill country. So, he took another girl to prom? It never stated whether or not she wanted to go. I had a hard time with that and kind of felt that Brody got the blame stick a lot. Lila wasn't all "poor me." She needed to buck up buttercup.

Brody does everything in this book to show her he loves her but is it enough? He asks her to the family reunion, he asks her to the Fourth of July party they're having. That's definitely being seen in public together. Lila is one of those characters who's been hurt. Even though she grew up with Brody and his brother Jace, they were from one side of the tracks and she was from the other. That didn't make a difference though because they were all best friends. To Brody's grandmother and mother, Lila is the "wild child" and not good enough for Brody and to Lila's mother, Brody is only going to hurt her again. So, she's going to head him off at the pass and not give him a chance to hurt her again.

The characters I really loved in this book were Brody's sister, Kasey and her 3 kids. They totally stole the whole book. I'm praying and hoping they have their own and I'm pretty sure they will. That's what this setup was for. Jace will get his own book and so will Kasey. Her story though was just heartbreaking and so real to life. Her children were a hoot and when they told Brody he stunk but they wanted to grow up to stink just like him and be a cowboy...OMG, I about rolled out of the recliner!! It was classic kids! I enjoy the way Carolyn writes children and animals because you know that she has them and has been around them. She knows the way they behave and interacts with others. I love her and I'm going to stalk her page for her next book - no lie.

What I didn't like about this book - Valerie. I didn't like Brody's mom. I wasn't going to like her. She wasn't going to be redeemed in my eyes even after a little page of redemption. It wasn't going to happen. I still don't like her. As a matter of fact, if I saw her right now - I'd force feed her pie until she'd puke because us Southern gals don't do things that will make us look bad. We say "bless their hearts" instead of "you wanker" because it's unseemly. I had to also work really hard to like Grandma Hope but after hearing her story, I understood her. Daisy, Lila's mother...that woman makes my teeth rattle. Her and Valerie together were like 2 children fighting over the same toy...so you fought over the same man 40 years ago!! Get over it! Said man has been dead for 10 years - get over it. She's not going to dig him up Valerie and put him on her mantle. I've said my piece, I'm good.

Overall, I really had a good time in Happy Texas. I escape away when I'm reading books and for a little while, I'm actually there. If you want to read the rest of the books that interweave into this one, pick up The Lucky Penny Ranch Series. You'll find that the characters in those, are in these as well. The language in these books are minimal, the sex isn't too much, the plot is awesome. At some points, I did find that Lila kept saying the same thing over and over but we do that in real life. We rehash what already has been said because we can't let go of the past so that was real to life to me. Pick this up on a weekend, so that you don't have to put it down during the week!!

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.