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.

As with all this author's stories, this one is an enjoyable read on many levels. Not only are the characters multi dimensional, but filled with lifelike personality. With an engaging, and oftentimes emotional dialog, the story had heart, and definitely pulled at the heartstrings many times throughout...a HEA romance with the perfect western essence...Brody's drawl was quite clear in my head, making him the perfect cowboy.

There was a certain tenderness that surrounded Brody and Lila...as well as vulnerability. I enjoyed that between them there was no game playing or subterfuge, they both said exactly what was on their minds, they didn't keep anything hidden. The author did a remarkable job of creating two characters who drew you in to where there was an emotional attachment formed from the beginning. That Brody was man enough to admit to Lila his hurt and pain at their parting when teenagers, really touched me deeply.

All in all, I enjoyed all facets of the story and its wonderful characters. I'm always looking forward to the author's next story.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.