Book Description
Christmas Bride
With his imposing stature and notorious reputation, Marcus Carrera instilled fear in friends and foes alike. However, there was one woman who could see beyond the casino tycoon's formidable veneer to the gruffly tender man inside. And their destinies collided when Jacobsville sweetheart Delia Mason was unexpectedly swept up in a tidal wave of trouble while on a tropical island holiday getaway. After Carrera rescued her from an unwelcome suitor, he claimed her trembling lips in a boldly possessive kiss that left her dizzy with delight. . .and breathless for more. But in his top secret line of work, this man of mystery moved in dangerous circles. Now Carrera had to risk it all to take Delia as his beloved bride!
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF DIANA PALMER'S BEST.......2007-06-10
I am not going to write much, just want to say I have read about 80 of Diana Palmer's books and this is in my top 10. I have reread it many times, I just reread it because Lawman just came out and I am rereading her lastest books before I read Lawman. I enjoyed the whole book. Also I enjoy that this book has many of the characters from her other books show up to help.
Simply the greatest........2007-03-12
Amazing story and great book. When i read the insert by Diana Palmer saying it was one of her favorite written stories, i figured it would be like all the rest. And although the plots dont cease to be alike, this one had something different and special.
So story is about his woman (Delia) who is getting manhandled by a man in a casino. The owner of the casino (Marcus) rescues her and they both find that they have incredible chemistry from the start. The next couple of days they are with each other and manage to form a relationship that leads to Delia getting pregnant. For certain circumstances, they are forced to be apart and while Delia saves Marcus' life, she loses her baby and he suffers amnesia and can't remember Delia.
Incredible characters. Palmer always portrays the male character as arrogant, selfish, and plain annoying. Marcus however, is great. Hes not the type to play hard to get. He instantly tells Delia how he feels and he makes no excuses. The only ones he makes are in order to protect Delia from any harm that may come as a result of his past.
Delia is also great. Shes strong and passionate. She gives everything shes got and fights for whatever she believes is hers. Shes a great character and i wish Diana would portray her females like she did with Delia.
The other characters add nice elements to the story. Everything is very much in order and it works out beautifully. I dont understand why people are saying it drags. If it would to have ended in the first 30 pages, it would have been like any other Diana Palmer story. This one went on to a more interesting twist.
Highly recommend it if you are a Diana Palmer fan. Ive read over 40 of her books and find this one to be one of the best. If youve never read Palmer, then this one is a great one to start with.
On the fence about this one.......2006-01-05
I am not sure how I feel about this book other than I don't absolutely hate it or love it.
Most of the story happens at the beginning and then just drags on. The champion quilting thing was a bit much...guess Ms. Palmer needed something to make the gangster hero seem gentle. I didn't like how Marcus didn't want kids (at least not right then) but wasn't as cautious as he should have been. After Marcus got his memory back, he showed an abundance of emtion that made the story better to me. I do wish DP would throw away her cookie cutter characters though.
texan lovers.......2005-12-27
I'm Melini from Indonesia. I love Diana Palmer's books. Texan lovers is the first book that encourage me to read english book. I read it using dictionary.
In Texan Lovers, you will smile, laugh and cry. But, i just want to say Diana Palmer books always typical. You read every story with different name but the same character. What i mean that every story have the same typical story. The man always big, handsome, rough and very 'experience' also a little bit old. The woman always young, fragile and alwaysss virgiiiin also have a big crush for the man. But i always waiting for the next Diana Palmer's book.
Pretty Good.......2005-01-22
Marcus is a wonderful hero and Delia is a sweet heroine. It is true that Marcus and Delia get together very early in the book, but the following amnesia story increases the tension and suspense. I liked the amnesia twist to the story. Marcus doesn't remember anything about Delia, but he feels something for her that he can't explain. That section of the book had me biting my nails because I couldn't wait to find out what finally causes him to remember her and what his reaciton would be.
Book Description
Delightfully witty, this book takes readers through the gamut of facts about Texans, how to understand the conversations, why and how Texans dress the way they do, why pickup trucks are a way of life, and how they, too, can acquire big hair. Illustrated with clever cartoons.
Customer Reviews:
Wish I'd read this 23 years ago.......2006-03-21
Helen Bryant has summed up everything you need to make the transition from being "from someplace else" to being a Texan, all in a compact and witty book. I lived in Houston and San Antonio for 17 years and I'm fixin to go back (from California) so I thought I'd better brush up. I feel ready, now.
After I finished the book I wrapped it up and gave it to friends, native Southern Californians who are soon to make Fort Worth their home. If you are bound for Texas, read this book first!
I loved this book!!.......2006-02-22
We are thinking about making a move to Texas from California, and I wanted to learn a little about the culture. This book teaches you everything you will need to know. I couldn't put it down. It was hilarious!
This book is for Texas WannaBe's and Native Texans!!.......2002-06-22
I am one on those people who is trying to get to TX as fast as I can, but I am stuck here in Tennessee until my son turns 18. This book offers a humorous look at life--Texas Style!! My favorite chapters are about food and pick-up trucks!! And there is a fun quiz at the end of the book!! It keeps thoughts of the LONESTAR state close to my heart and makes me want to head out West!! I recommend this book for anyone who loves the state of TEXAS!!
Great book for Texans and those wishing they were Texans!.......2001-06-11
We gave this book to our friend from Germany to help better understand this "big ol'" state and the language while she was visiting. We found ourselves reading it and agreed with everything we read. Being Native Texans, we found this book the best book about Texas that we have ever read...and I have read a "mess of" books. Plus it has one of the best Texas jokes I've ever seen about why the chicken crossed the road. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Texas and the people smart enough to live there.. or crazy enough.
I'm fixin to buy me my own copy of the book.
Excellent Assement of Texas from a Texan.......2000-01-06
This book is truly hilarious-being a Texan myself for 6 years i can totally relate to what the aiuthor is saying. the entire book is like one big joke and will keep you laughing the whole way through.
Book Description
Sarah Andrews has been raffled off to a groom whose life is in need of saving. She agrees to help him, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this dangerously attractive Texan would steal her heart-and make her want to take the biggest gamble of all.
Customer Reviews:
Thomas' Characters Shine!.......2006-08-15
Sam Gatlin was a famous bounty hunter and he knew bounty hunters never got married! Still, Sarah Andrews was beautiful and with the sheriff raffling her off to the highest bidder; Sam Gatlin had no choice. He bought her! Then he paid her fine, took her out of jail, and married her. In a few days, he would let her know how their marriage was going to be. But, for now, Sam would deliver her to safety. He would settle her and then ride away. Sarah Andrews, angel extraordinaire, deserved that much. Yet, feisty Sarah Andrews continued to take chunks out of his heart; she twisted feelings he thought were long dead; and suddenly the word FOREVER began to haunt him!
Quietly, Sarah reflected on her life. She had nothing, except one ugly dress, and a drunk for a husband. What kind of man chose a wife from a jail cell? She didn't know Sam Gatlin but Sarah Andrews was positive he was the devil himself. Trouble followed him everywhere! A man, so mean, someone stabbed him in the back! Yet, something about him drew her. He promised to take care of her and she believed him! However, if the need arose, she would defend herself. Once before, a man had tried to force her! So when Sarah Andrews was ready, her husband would know! All she wanted was some respect.
*** Reviewer's Comments:
They call author Jodi Thomas the "The Queen of the Texan Romance" and whenever I finish one of her books, I sincerely applaud the sentiment. Ok . . . not every book she writes is phenomenal, but usually every book she writes is entertaining! Generally, her romances are sweet, touching, and her characters lonely and tormented. In other words, Jodi Thomas writes poignancy!
WHEN A TEXAN GAMBLES is book two in Jodi Thomas' "Wife Lottery series" and as a road romance, it does journey a tad long. However, WHEN A TEXAN GAMBLES is light, enjoyable, and it achieves page-turner status easily. Thomas fills this story with gentle humor and delightful characters. The heroine's jubilant spirit and the hero's gruff, lenient style flow smoothly. All right, I am a devoted Jodi Thomas fan. Generally, her novels are heartwarming and poignant. Sadly, in an era, when poignancy is so out fashion, Jodi Thomas still draws me in!
Grade: B+
MaryGrace Meloche.
After beginning the book, I read until it was finished!.......2006-03-24
I believe the one who has written that Sarah was weak did not fully understand that she had lost trust for men as well as never had real love or basic trust from anyone after her mother's death.
She was striving to earn the Captain's respect for her as well as learning to trust him as well as his feelings for her.
This was an exciting book to read with quite a bit of action.
I like the way Jodi incorporates children into her books. The two I have read of hers have children for a brief period in the storyline. I recommend that this book be read in order that the series is written. Now, I have started Lacey's story.
Good story but I didn't like Sarah..........2004-12-10
Very rarely do I come across a main character that I don't like but unfortunately I didn't like Sarah. At the beginning she was a very weak "fragile" woman & you quickly became known to the fact that she thought everything in a relationship had rules. She thought it was o.k. for a husband not to love his wife but that it was a rule that she had to love him. She had rules such as a couple can't touch certain body parts in bed & stuff like that. I got so sick of her rules & then in led into her asking Same if he could do stuff again sometime. After the first kiss she would say, "Is it o.k. if I ask you to do that again sometime". This because the question she asked after everything. "Would you mind if I asked you to touch me again sometime". It just got on my nerves. Overall this was a good book if you can look past a very annoying Sarah. There wasn't as much adventure in this book as the first in the series but the story was still very well written.
By the way I noticed another reviewer was saying they hoped there would be a story about the ranger & I've read off of Jodi's website that she is writing a story about Two Bits (Nell) & the Ranger. It's going to be called The Texan's Reward. She states that she's finishing it up so hopefully we will see it soon.
When A Texan Gambles.......2004-06-23
Great book. I can't wait for the next one in the triliogy
I'd give it 5 Stars PLUS!.......2004-03-13
I've read the first two books in this series and, since I am not a reviewer and you can read the eitors' reviews, I can only give you my humble opinions: This is a wonderful story. Great characters. I loved this book so much, that I wish Jodi would make it at least 4 in the series as I would love to read more about that wild Texas Ranger, JACOB. I can't wait for Lacy's story. She's hillarious.
Book Description
When Kara O'Riley is hired on as bookkeeper for a Texas ranch, she quickly decides that her new employer-Jonathan Catlin, adopted son of the McLain family-is the coldest man she's ever known. But one day she looks deep into his gorgeous, haunted eyes-and suddenly her lonely, aching heart is filled with fire...
"[Her] stories are engaging, genuine, and difficult to put down." (Romance Reader)
"Jodi Thomas never disappoints." (Heartland Critiques)
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!!.......2006-10-20
This was a great book! I absolutly love books about the west. Historical Romance is my favorite...this book was simple to read and to understand. The characters where complicated and mysterious, which gave depth to the book. I highly recommend this book, if you like Historical Romance Novel!!
I was never able to warm up to the hero.......2006-07-11
I bought this book because it had Jodi Thomas' name on it. She always provides an enjoyable historical western romance. Her writing style is easy to read and engaging. While I don't find her stories to be keepers, they are worth a read, much like the works of Joan Johnston.
But THE TEXAN'S DREAM didn't live up to the standards I've come to expect of Jodi, hence the three star rating. I just couldn't like the hero. It wasn't that he was a terrible or abusive guy, because he wasn't. The problem was more that I felt I never really knew him. Since the vast majority of this story was written from the heroine's point-of-view, I was left feeling very distanced from the hero.
Okay, he was a man with a tortured past (but aren't they all in romance? ;) torn between the two worlds of Indian and white, but still, I just wasn't given a deep enough sketch of his character to feel like I really knew him. That made it hard for me to cheer for the couple to get together, because I didn't really see why she should be with him over any other man. I need to feel like the characters are supposed to be together, forsaking all others, or the romance just doesn't work.
However, I will still continue to read romances by Thomas, as she does have what it takes to make enjoyable stories. But THE TEXAN'S DREAM just isn't one of her best.
A captivating Love Story!.......2004-12-06
I loved the McLain series and was thrilled to find a sequel about Jonathan. Jodi Thomas updated his life, then continued with such vivid, descriptive detail, that you can invision his heartwarming love story
It has it all! Romance, drama, emotion, humor; all you can wish in a truly great love story. I couldn't put it down! We not only got back Jonathan and the McLains, but also the humorous, sensitive and very loveable character of Kara. Kara's story combined and complimented Jonathan and the McLain's with humor and love in true Jodi Thomas style. Exceptionally well written without unneccessary words just to fill the pages. I read my Romances for fantasy and relaxation, not education! Jodi Thomas took me on a totally captivating fantasy trip again!
Absolutely delightful........2003-10-23
Although my first preference isn't western stories Jodi Thomas and Bobbi Smith are converting me quickly. What incredible writers!!I don't agree that the main theme in this book is about perseverence and overcoming obstacles. I think it is much more than that. It's about the joy of friendship and love and the devastation when you lose someone you love. It's about the importance of family and the virtues of honesty and integrity.It's also about being true to ourselves and fighting for what we want. It's about forcing yourself to go on when you've lost everything. It's about risking everything for another person who needs you. It seems like such a "simple" little frontier story but don't be fooled. This is excellent. The characters have such a rich depth that they become friends.I hated to see the book end. I also love the sense of humor that's interspersed. Life would be unbearable if we couldn't laugh at ourselves and or with others. One of my favorite scenes is when Kara and Jonathon have a heated quarrel. He finds her crying (and hugged ) by a girl who only speaks apache. Since he also speaks apache, Dawn gives him a dressing down in apache. Poor hunky Jonathon mumbles : "You don't even understand a word she's saying and you're still on her side!!". Maybe you had to be there. And I hope you are....soon.
The Texan's Dream.......2003-04-16
I decided to read Jodi Thomas' The Texan's Dream because I wanted a light and interesting read, and I got what I wanted. It is a descriptive and easy to read novel that will make you laugh and cry. Thomas uses very little figurative language, but she does use a few similes to effectively show the reader what is happening, and her use of vivid imagery paints a picture of her surroundings.
The Texan's Dream is about Kara, a woman sent west by her father in order to protect her during the union conflicts in the coal mines in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. She needs a job, and is soon hired by Jonathan, a man she describes as cold and unemotional. They become close friends who slowly fall in love.
The theme of this novel is overcoming obstacles. Kara and Jonathan both had emotional and family problems that could have ended their relationship if they had not persevered, but they did not let these obstacles get in the way of their love.
Book Description
His Winter Bride . . .?
As the holiday season approached, the residents of Jacobsville were whispering about Janie Brewster's hopeless crush on Leo Hart. Up till now, all her efforts to lasso the dynamic cattleman had crumbled quicker than those mouthwatering biscuits that Hart men coveted. However, this time the starry-eyed debutante had come up with the perfect self-improvement campaign to dazzle Leo -- she'd become a courageous cowgirl! Still, her sudden transformation seemed to rouse Leo's formidable temper more than ever. But wait . . . was it hot-blooded hunger -- not dark disdain -- that gleamed in his eyes when they melted into those smoldering kisses beneath the mistletoe? Could the last Hart bachelor be on the verge of taking Janie as his bride?
Customer Reviews:
Another great one.......2005-09-15
As the last of the Hart brothers books it took me in right away. I guess it was the biscuit hook plus the fact that we never learned what Leo did to the faithful housekeeper that made her want to seek her revenge on him. Plus, all the brothers lived on the same ranch and suffered from different reasons for their wariness of women. I truly believe y'all should read all the brothers stories: Corrigan, Simon, Callaghan, Reynald and Leopold. She does write good stuff anyway (The Long, Tall Texan series is definitaly 10-star rating). The Hart Brothers are truly loveable.
Ellie
Couldn't Put It Down.......2004-08-03
This was a great book. I read it all in one day and couldn't put it down. I don't know how many times I have reread this book, I have lost count. I love the conflicts beween Janie and Leo, and how in the end the final Hart brother becomes hooked. Leo seemed like a good guy who didn't want to hurt Janie intentionally but didn't want to get want to have her to get hooked onto him either. I just loved this book, and know that I will read it many more times.
My new favorite!.......2004-05-09
I haven't read all of Palmer's books yet, but I have read many, and this one is now at the top of the list. While it has many of the same ideas typical of her books - young virgin adores older man who has watched her grow up and won't let himself fall for her until she's in danger and then he realizes he can't live without her (whew!) - this one is Palmer at her best with all those details. Janie is a strong woman who wants Leo but won't trail after him like a lovesick pup. Leo fights his attraction to her but doesn't intentionally try to hurt her to drive her away. And they even *wait* until their wedding night, but there are several really hot scenes ahead of time that are also among the most tender I have read from Palmer. Terrific dialogue and intriguing secondary characters help to make this one a keeper!
Enjoyed It..........2003-05-22
A good book. It was worth the read. I read it all in one day.
Love hearted.......2003-03-31
Janie Brewster loved Leo Hart for a long time, just when Leo starts to notice Janie, her best friend Marilee wants him too.
Marilee, told Janie to do all the wrong things.
One tends to see this as being stupid on Janie's part, because she has known Leo for a long time, and she should have known better, but love is not the smartest emotion, and it does make the smartest of us stupid.
But when Marilee tells lies about things Janie is says no one believes Marilee but Leo.
Until a party, and than the feathers fly.
When Leo sees he is wrong he lets his brothers set the wedding of the year for him and Janie.
Book Description
Jodi Thomas's new Texas trilogy follows three spunky women who get kicked off a wagon train-and agree to enter the local town's "Wife Lottery."
In The Texan's Wager, Bailee Moore is "won" by a strong, silent farmer who could be the key to leaving her troubled past behind...
Customer Reviews:
My First Jodi Thomas Book To Read.......2006-03-23
Jodi writes so that the reader sees, hears and smells the plot. I really liked this book and shall now read the second in the series. I really enjoyed Carter and Bailee's story.
GOOOOOD but!.......2006-01-11
i love this book,DO you know why, the fact that he rearly talks was kind of a turn on don't know why but he is the strong, sexy and quiet type and the not talking much was working for him and that he was a virgin i mean the author doesn't say it but its kind of a read bewteen the line kind of thing BUT PLEASE DO NOT LET THE FACT THAT HE WAS ALL THESE THINGS DISCOURAGE YOU from reading it you will know why he is all these things. I found the book to be real funny, witty and fun....NOW WHERE THE BUT COMES IN the build up to the sex i mean i wish it was longer like seriously the man works so hard he should get a longer sex description being it's towards the end, but thus the ending great I mean carter is the most sweetest heros that you can read about. I think i should read another of her books this was my first and i must say this book was really funny to me who knew....
Everybody has a different opinion when writting a review if we all had the same reviews or opinions it would be boring. Reviews can sometimes down play a really good book or up play a really bad book its up to us to read the book and judge for ourselfs and draw our own conclusion thats the best thing about a review its like a silent debate....
Oh, What Wonderful Possibilities........2005-11-11
A Jodi Thomas book usually guarantees the reader a gentle Western. THE TEXAN'S WAGER delivers on that promise. It is gentle, it is a Western, and it is frustrating . . . and it started with so much promise . . .
Three women are in a hopeless predicament. Their wagon train cast them out! Three helpless women, in the middle of nowhere, who come upon a repugnant, evil man. In self-defense, they club him and leave him, lying in the blood soaked mud. When they arrive in Cedar Point, Texas, all three women confess to the murder. Yet, the sheriff cannot find a body and he cannot let them go. Therefore, the crafty old man holds a "wife lottery" for the town. Why, because Cedar Point, Texas needs women!
Bailee Grace Moore has nowhere to go. Her father asked her to leave his house, her fiancé left town without her, and now Bailee Moore is a confessed murderer. What other options does she have? Life in prison? Hanging? Carter McKoy is an interesting alternative.
Carter McKoy is the town recluse. People call him the dummy's son. He never speaks and he never socializes! When he was a lad, thieves murdered his parents and Carter was alone with the bodies, for days. That entire experience caused him to grow into an emotionally scarred man.
When it is her turn, Bailee draws from the lottery hat and reads Carter's name. He pays her jail fine and they are married. Immediately, Carter's strange behavior takes Bailee back; obviously, he is different from most men. Yet she realizes he is gentle, intelligent, and willing, but his experiences as a child and his remote lifestyle continue to haunt him. Carter cannot relate to people, let alone a wife. He knows the world only through his books.
And this is where Jodi Thomas should have kept her story . . . focusing on the growing relationship between Bailee and Carter. I think then THE TEXAN'S WAGER would have been a winner. Ms. Thomas has the unique gift to write a gentle, tender love story. Here she elected to introduce and run with several subplots, and her story slipped away. What a shame, because as a couple, Bailee and Carter had great potential . . . as they explored, discovered and grew together. Such an uncovering would have distinguished Thomas' idea. Nevertheless, it did not happen. Still, Jodi Thomas remains a golden author, her tender stories usually draw around an unusual source and THE TEXAN'S WAGER is true to that format. However, it had such wonderful possibilities.
Grade: C+
MaryGrace Meloche.
Great start to this trilogy..........2004-12-05
I really enjoyed this book. Bailee & Carter are both virgins & don't have much clue on love or romance. It's fun watching them discover each other as well as themselves. Carter is not your typical hero. From the beginning he is very shy & quite but it plays into the story very well. You may see him as a weak person when he gets beat up a couple times but I still liked him. Bailee is a little bossy but if I were in her shoes I'd have to set some ground rules also. I highly recommend this book & can't wait to read the next.
A very enjoyable historical romance.......2003-12-09
THE TEXAN'S WAGER by Jodi Thomas
Jodi Thomas' THE TEXAN'S WAGER is the first book in a trilogy of books that take place in - you guessed it - Texas. These three historical romances take place in the state of Texas during the 1800's, when life was still rough and wild and civilization was considered to be back East.
In this story, the reader is introduced to three strong women, Sarah, Lacy, and Bailee, who are abandoned by their wagon train and left to die because of prejudice, fear and ignorance among the rest of the settlers. The three make it back to a populated part of Texas, but along the way they murder a man to defend their lives. Because of this they are given two choices - go to jail, or be auctioned off to three lucky men who are looking for wives in a land nearly void of eligible women. Women, besides those that work in the saloons, are far from being plentiful in this part of the country, and it seems that nearly all the single men in the town of Cedar Point are in line to find them a wife.
It doesn't take long for the three women to find new husbands. Sarah disappears with her husband, and her story is continued in the second part of this trilogy. Lacy's husband is away at war, so she goes with her future father-in-law to help him take care of the family business. Bailee's new husband is a man named Carter McKoy, who is known by the town to be a very strange and different sort of man. Carter rarely ever speaks a word, and as Bailee struggles to get to know her new husband, she learns why he is a man of no words.
The women's troubles are not over. They soon find out that their lives are in danger when word is out that the man they thought they had murdered, Zeb Whittaker, is still alive and is on the warpath. No one crosses him, especially a woman. At the same time, Bailee and Carter take in an orphan child named Piper, and their lives are now complicated even more, with the child being witness to a train robbery and being the only survivor, her life is now in danger as well.
The plot lines sound a bit convoluted, but Jodi Thomas does a good job at making the story as believable as one could make it. She also does a good job at creating such well-developed characters, which adds to the story's believability. I was very impressed with this book and found it a surprisingly enjoyable one. For those fans of historical romances, I highly recommend THE TEXAN'S WAGER. I plan on reading the rest of this trilogy and will look forward to new books by Jodi Thomas.
Average customer rating:
- Secondary Problems Ruin This Long Awaited Romance.
- a good read
- Another great Jodi Thomas book...
- horrible, but the first two of worth reading
- Enormously Entertaining - Highly Recommended
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The Texan's Reward
Jodi Thomas
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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When a Texan Gambles
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A Texan's Luck
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The Texan's Wager
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The Texan's Dream (Jove Historical Romance)
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Texas Rain
ASIN: 0425205843 |
Book Description
Years ago, Texas Ranger Jacob Dalton bailed an orphaned girl named Nell out of trouble more times than he could count. But now the kid he once called "Two Bits" has grown into a beautiful young woman--and is in more trouble than ever before.
Customer Reviews:
Secondary Problems Ruin This Long Awaited Romance........2006-08-17
Finally, Jodi Thomas gives her readers the story of "Two Bits" and "Her Ranger" . . .
THE TEXAN'S REWARD is the final book in Jodi Thomas' "Wife Lottery series" and throughout this series, Thomas hinted at which direction she would take her fourth and final story . . . "I am waiting for you to grow up Miss Nellie Jean" . . . "I'm growing as fast as I can . . . I'll be there before you know it . . ."
Raised, in a brothel, by the town's notorious madam, Nell "Two Bits" Smith had grown up lonely and boisterous. Certainly, over the years, Nell had given the town gossips endless scuttlebutt. Yet, Texas Ranger Jacob Dalton had always been there for her. Always, he had been her hero, her best friend, and finally her heart's secret love. "Her Ranger" had always been there . . . except for the time THE bullet slammed into her back and changed her life forever. Then little "Two Bits" went from lively and troublesome . . . to pitiful and crippled.
Just what was she doing? Preposterous! His Nellie Jean advertising for a husband! Over his dead body! No way! Never! If she needed a husband so bad, then he, Texas Ranger Jacob Dalton, would marry Miss Nell Smith! All he had to do was convince his little "Two Bits." All he had to do was get around her silly husband candidates, and her endless supply of social outcasts, and his never-ending Ranger duties! Exactly when had life gotten so complicated?
*** Reviewer Comments:
I once read "Jodi Thomas writes so, that her reader sees" and I couldn't agree more. Jodi Thomas is a wonderful descriptive author and a western written by Ms. Thomas is indeed a treasure. However, in THE TEXAN'S REWARD, the author lost her romantic direction. Although, the story started with great promise, it soon bogged down in numerous sub-plots. Mind you, sub-plots and secondary characters are great when used for a colorful diversion. However, when they get in the way of the story's main direction, they are unappreciated! Disappointingly, Ms. Thomas spent too much time on secondary problems and Ranger duties then on the main characters' actual wooing. "Two Bits" and "Her Ranger" deserved much more . . .!
Grade: C-
MaryGrace Meloche.
a good read.......2006-01-01
this began as a good read, but somewhere in the middle i was hoping for more to come. and the ending was definitely lacking. i just love jodi thomas and was soooo excited to get this in my paws but the first three installments were better. i wasn't as riveted here. and it was very transparent. could figure the story line from the first few chapters: old sheriff in town, he's a ranger, duh. and at the end when she's recovering from surgery, he has to go out of town, comes back to find. . .? no surprize there! i would rather read things i CAN'T write.
but i still love jodi thomas and am still an avid fan, will always be.
Another great Jodi Thomas book..........2005-12-15
First of all I want to start out by saying that the reviewer before me is inaccurate. Jodi Thomas wrote the Wife Lottery Series, which consisted of 3 books. The Texan's Wager, When A Texan Gambles & A Texan's Luck. This book is a spin off of that series. In those 3 books you met Ranger Jacob Dalton & Nell a.k.a. "Two Bits". This is their story. You never even see Bailee, Sarah or Lacy in this book. I don't think it's technically considered part of that series but anyone that read that series probably fell in love with the Ranger & Two Bits & will really enjoy reading their story.
Book description:
Years ago, Texas Ranger Jacob Dalton Bailed an orphan girl named Nell out of trouble more times than he could count. But now the kid he once called "Two Bits" has grown into a beautiful young woman-an id in more trouble than ever before.
Wounded in an ambush, Nell refuses to become a burden to her former guardian angel. Unfortunately, her injury has made it impossible for her to handle the ranches she as inherited, so she decides to get herself a husband. One thing's for sure: She isn't about to let Jacob bully her into saying "I do." When Jacob steps in line for her hand, Nell is forced to weigh her need for his help against a love too strong to allow him to sacrifice his future for her.
* I really enjoyed this book but it didn't quite measure up to other books that I've read from Jodi Thomas. It was good & I do recommend it but it's not something I'll be reading again. If you're a Jodi Thomas fan I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
horrible, but the first two of worth reading.......2005-11-17
I have the first two books in this series and they are keepers but this one was a waste of time. There was little romance between the two characters. There wasn't a lot of sexual tension to keep you reading on and wanting more. I just couldn't get into it, something was definitely missing. The book was too slow paced and the story line seemed forced. Skip this one and read the first two
Enormously Entertaining - Highly Recommended.......2005-11-08
Jacob Dalton, Texas Ranger, really couldn't remember a time when he hadn't had Nell, `Two Bits' on his mind. From the very first days the rebellious orphan had come to live and be raised by Fat Alice, the town's madam, she'd been a thorn in his side, and he'd always been there to pull her out of one fix or another. Yet, whenever he returned after chasing desperados around Texas, it would be Nell who'd run, jumping into his arms to welcome him back. Now, after a shooting accident that has left Nell a cripple, he's back after hearing that she was advertising for a husband to run her ranches - and Jacob knows he is the only man for the job! Returning just in time, Nell is interviewing applicant number twelve, an innocent business-like bookkeeper, who seems to be meeting all her qualifications for husband material. Before she can make up her mind Jacob is in her face `bossing her around' and telling her that she darn well marry him before he feels forced to shoot her latest applicant - who promptly passes out on the floor! As if there weren't enough commotion with those two vying for her hand, along comes a slippery lawyer with paperwork stating she already accepted his proposal but whose primary concern was to swindle her out of her property. Oh, and along with that - toss in a vicious gang of train robbers; and, a house full of social misfits that seems to grow and pandemonium reigns supreme! Though Nell has loved Jacob all her life, she's determined not to tie him down with a `cripple' but Jacob has to convince her otherwise.
*** This was an absolutely delightful and entertaining read, from beginning to end. Nell and Jacob, the two main characters were drawn vividly with compassion, humor, and heart. Additionally, the reader is offered up an immense cast of secondary intriguing and quirky characters that all come completely fleshed out revealing their own individuality and you'll find them all worming their way right into your heart! The pace is fast with never a dull moment and you'll find yourself going from laughter to tears in this newest installment to her Texan books. This was my first introduction to this prolific author and I can assure you, it won't be my last! -- Highly recommended for those looking for an immensely entertaining read!
Book Description
From prehistory right up to the present-a classic, comprehensive, and superbly readable guide to the panoramic saga of Texas history
Here is an up-to-the-moment history of the Lone Star State, together with an insider's look at the people, politics, and events that have shaped Texas from the beginning right up to our days. Never before has the story been told with more vitality and immediacy. Fehrenbach re-creates the Texas saga from prehistory to the Spanish and French invasions to the heyday of the cotton and cattle empires. He dramatically describes the emergence of Texas as a republic, the vote for secession before the Civil War, and the state's readmission to the Union after the War. In the twentieth century oil would emerge as an important economic resource and social change would come. But Texas would remain unmistakably Texas, because Texans "have been made different by the crucible of history; they think and act in different ways, according to the history that shaped their hearts and minds."
Book Description
Chronicles the history of Texas. From the original Indian tribes to it's annexation in 1845.
Customer Reviews:
Not what I was looking for.......2007-08-11
This was a scholarly look at the history of Texas. I had just read Mitchner's Texas and wanted to read something to balance it out, but I just couldn't get very far in this one. It was highly recommended to me, but I did not enjoy it.
Excellent reading.......2006-03-09
I'm not usually a fan of history books as they are, for the most part, very dry reading. Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans is the only exception to this rule I've had the good fortune to come across. I was enthralled from the first paragraph and the text never failed to hold my attention, was never tedious, and conveyed the excitement, determination, and spirit of adventure of the earliest Anglo-Celt settlers to the uniquely qualified Texas Rangers and latter day metropolitan city-dwellers. I highly recommend this history, written in such a personal way that the reader feels he was there, living it.
Unflinching snapshot of the building of a state.......2005-08-15
I put off reading "Lone Star" as long as I could... it's a forbidding book, over 700 pages and packed with factual information which would seem to preclude zipping through it like your average bloated Stephen King novel. Well, once I finally got my teeth into it I couldn't concentrate on any other subject until I finished, and yes, it still took me three weeks.
But don't let my lackadaisical efforts put you off from reading "Lone Star", probably the meatiest piece of historical non-fiction I've ever run across. I think it helps that it was first published in 1968, but even then if it hadn't come from the speak-your-mind state of Texas we'd still be dealing with a different animal here. Fehrenbach has an epic scope of history that precludes the notion of political correctness: the way he seems to figure it, all races change so much that they're nearly unrecognizable to their old selves from one century to the next, so it would seem narrow minded in the extreme that someone might take offense at his objective analysis of past cultures and events. It would be somewhat akin to an Anglo-Saxon of today taking offense that men of white skin in general were called out for their racial animosity a hundred years ago. No more so should the Mexican or American Indian expect to come off any more unblemished given the sobering advantage of hindsight. Nor would anyone who disagrees with that approach have much to complain of, as all races and cultures are equally celebrated and castigated as their actions demand. For instance, some time is spent chronicling the injustices that the Native Americans of East Texas faced from the Anglo-Saxons, but Fehrenbach puts things into perspective by explaining the difficulties many of the Anglos had in differentiating the Amerinds, often confusing the more peaceful tribes with the ruthless Comanches on the western fringes of the state. He does this without excusing the xenophobia and bigotry that these confusions imply, yet steadfastly asserting that it is important to judge these men not by our own standards, but by the values and ethics of their time. Similarly, Fehrenbach examines the issue of the perennial broken treaties between the US and the Amerinds, deploring Washington for instigating these treaties which they had no intention of upholding while at the same time realizing it was just as absurd for the Amerinds to agree to these terms as well, when the very loose nature of their tribal coalitions made it impossible for them to exercise the type of control over their braves which would allow them to uphold their own (admittedly less consequential) end of the treaties.
Splendid work is also made of the history of the Texas Rangers. Fehrenbach makes no apologies for the cold and almost inhumanly efficient nature of these frontier hardasses, but, given the disclaimer on their psychological make up, he lauds them for their monumental efforts in clearing the state of lawlessness and peril toward the westward-marching frontier farmer. Though the author himself doesn't make the comparison, it would seem by his description that the Rangers were much the same as some people nowadays consider the Mafia -- at least the Mafia as chronicled in works like "The Godfather" and "The Sopranos", even if those are not indicative of the real life Cosa Nostra -- in other words, men who work outside of the law but nonetheless uphold their own rigid, mainly virtuous system of values, a sort of frontier code that is not only more difficult to maintain than the loose Catholic values of the semi-pious masses, but - most impressively - more OFTEN maintained in spite of this difficulty.
Fehrenbach's candor and objectivity is also of the utmost value when it comes to his biographical sketches. In this day and age it's not uncommon for historical scholars to deconstruct the achievements of great men based on unimportant character foibles (ie. Ben Franklin, in the modern era, is frequently admonished for his womanizing, often in a tone that implies such a sin largely negates his legacy, an absurd notion that would seek to make saints only of the most hardened Buddhists). In speaking of men like Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and even Santa Anna, praise is given where due although each individual man's shortcomings are given full account. Of these, Austin probably comes off the most untarnished, and there's no reason this shouldn't be so: he had no inclination toward separating from the Mexican nation until the suspicions of the ruling party resulted in his unjust imprisonment just before the revolution. Austin was probably the last chance the Mexicans had to work something out peaceably, and when they detained him incommunicado they lost the last mouthpiece they had for bloodless resolulion. When he was finally released, it was too late to foment the fires that burned in the souls of independence-minded Anglos, nor did Austin any longer have reason to resist such "disloyalties" himself.
Sam Houston was of the opposite temperament: here was a man who not only had no interest in amicably resolving the differences with Mexico, but furthermore would not rest until Texas had joined the United States, a feat his old friend Andrew Jackson was not able to pull off during his Presidential tenure. Houston's command of his troops between the fall of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto is also objectively analyzed: though some may incline that Houston knew what he was doing all along in fleeing the Mexican army, Fehrenbach holds that - while the former may be true - it's more likely that Houston was merely waiting for either a mistake on the part of the Mexicans or an auspicious battleground that favored his troops. Either way, he found both at San Jacinto, and it's to the credit of Fehrenbach's objective eye that the result of this battle was equally credited to the bravery and skill of the Texan army as to the arrogance and incompetence of Santa Anna in securing his forces. At any rate, it was not luck that led the Texans to victory, but without the good fortune of Santa Anna's underestimation of his opponent the assurance of success on that day was far from certain.
Compared to the adventures of those early years of settling the land, gaining independence, facing Civil War less than a generation later and finally clearing the state of all Native Americans by brute force, the later chapters dealing with the economic and political development of the state following Reconstruction may seem a little dry and academic, but that is the fault of history and not Fehrenbach's writing. "Lone Star" is as good an account of the story of Texas and the people who founded it as any we'll ever get -- Fehrenbach's assessments are lucid and unbiased, either toward the Anglocentric attitude that the whites settling Texas did what they had to do and never exceeded the stark demands of necessity, nor the bias of the politically correct, who would hold that those same whites were nothing more than opportunists who took advantage of the Mexican and the Indian at every chance he got. The truth, of course, is somewhere between the two extremes, and Fehrenback never misses a chance to nail it right on the head.
Absolute Must Have.......2002-07-03
This is an exhaustive - and lengthy - book on not just Texas but the the history of the area before there was a Texas, the countries who owned it, the men who settled it and the people who made it what it is today. The author gives a throrough treatment on every topic and that is more amazing than it sounds. If you are studying Texas, or the Frontier, or the Civil War, or slavery, or sociology of American (not just Texan) development - you should read this book. It is fact filled AND interesting.
Very Disappointing.......2002-05-17
Texans will not like this review but I thought this book quite simply missed its mark.
Texas is a wonderful place with a rich, complex and deep history. Texans are the warmest, most friendly people I have ever met. So where was the discussion of the Hispanic contribution? Where was the discussion of the horror of the KKK and its political and regulatory power? Why was the discussion of the Texas Rangers so brief and superficial? And why was Texas' significant contribution to the Confederacy during the War Between the States so understated?
The Indian Wars are not covered adequately and by definition then neither are the Buffalo soldiers. Neither is the Texas Revolution, Texas' admission to the Union, the War with Mexico or an outstanding figure by the name of Sam Houston. The section addressing the Reconstruction period was very good but almost nothing was mentioned about the impact of the immigration centers such as Jefferson, Indianola or Galveston which also occurred during Reconstruction.
And what about water? To a non-Texan this last comment probably sounds silly. But water was, and still is today, a most precious commodity, a prime economic development driver. This is one dry state. The impact of water or the lack thereof shapes everything about Texas from its history to its economy, agricultural practices, the location and growth of population centers, its politics and its future.
This book is a substantive effort. But so much was missed and so much time was spent on the arcane that I just wound up feeling very sorry for the author.
Book Description
Here's the diary of a man who in mid-life found himself uprooted and dumped into West Hollywood, an unfamiliar place not exactly known for stability. White explores his neighborhood ? "queens: 6 percent; cranky 70-year-old Russians who give you the evil eye when you walk past: 2 percent; blonde girls with big, round, hard fakeys who think Jennifer Anniston just got lucky: 10 percent; miscellaneous cool kids, hustlers, and actual crazy people: 5 percent."
White gets gigs as a freelance writer, goes to the grocery store where his Russian neighbors ask him questions because they think he's from the old country; and encounters Sara Gilbert at the Laundromat, Leonard Maltin at the movies, and Ben Affleck driving a Rolls-Royce so ridiculously conspicuous he might as well be driving Chitty-Chitty, Bang-Bang.
What began as weekly diaries emailed to out-of-state family and friends evolved into a blog called "Dave White Knows" and in 2003 became a monthly column in Instinct called "Exile in Guyville." Alyson Books now presents White's blogs in expanded form with loads of new material that will be even more irritating to the Instinct readers who didn't like his column. "They requested more fashion and skin-care features in its place, which makes me kind of proud."
Dave White is a freelance journalist specializing in music. His reviews and features have been seen in E! Online, IFILM, LA Weekly, Dallas Observer, Instinct, The Advocate, Glue, Cybersocket, Total Movie, Unzipped, and Frontiers. White lives in West Hollywood with his boyfriend, the Morocco Mole, and is locally esteemed as the "King of Pancakes."
Customer Reviews:
Very Funny take on Moving to LA!!.......2007-06-21
As a native Angeleno, I was ready to take offense at Dave's experience of Los Angeles, but I was laughing too hard. He's had some pretty interesting experiences of LA. A very light, fun read.
Please sir, can I have some more?.......2007-06-12
I loved this book, I loved Dave's unapologetic ranting and whining about LA and its inhabitants (a**holes!!). I loved his special brand of 'gayness' and his queeny categorisations of the OTHER brands of gayness he is forced to interact with in rainbow flagged West Hollywood. For all the other non-shinyhappy people who inhabit (yes they do!!!) anywhere out of the LA geographical area, this book is a refreshing take on the whole stereotypical celeb seething wannabe clusterf*** that is 'reality' for anyone LIVING in LA and earning less than mega squillions a year. If you enjoy reading books like "Chorewhore", or relate to the hispanic domestics everpresent in the background in any LA-based flick, you'll also enjoy Exile in Guyville.
It'd be great to see a follow up, or even a collection of Dave's columns. His observations of his grudgingly adopted home town resonate at the same frequency as Henry Rollins occasionally do: they both live there because they have to but they aren't going down without a fight goddarnit! These are witnesses to the flabbergasting proliferation of acceptable a**holeness which is flourishing in places like LA: road rage, blithe and rampant consumerism, self-centredness, rudeness and downright unfriendliness. Dave observes the LA reactions to his natural Texan inclination to greet a stranger or passer-by with a wave or a smile and he comments also that the people of LA regard themselves, and not the sun, as the centre of the universe.
I like that people like Dave and Henry are documenting and commenting. And congratulations Dave, you did it stylishly and with humour. It'd be good to see some more.
Brilliant.......2007-03-28
White's brilliance lies in the fact that the review by "Aniston Obsessed" is a compliment to "Exile."
Funniest Book I've Read Recently.......2007-03-08
Homophobes stay away - as one should gather from the title. That being said - this book had me laughing out loud. It's a must buy. I've already bought a copy for one of my friends.
Hilarious! .......2007-01-06
I discovered Dave White because he writes an American Idol blog which I look forward to each and every week.
Exile in Guyville did not disappoint. Dave chronicles his first year in the hell that is LA. Despite that fact that he has serious trouble adjusting, he never loses his keen sense of humor. There are many many laugh out loud moments.
I loved it!
Obviously, this book isn't for everybody. So if the title offends you, move along. But if you consider whining a hobby, and other people's crabbiness makes you laugh, you will love Exile in Guyville!
Nicole Del Sesto, author of All Encompassing Trip
Books:
- Christmas with Paula Deen: Recipes and Stories from My Favorite Holiday
- Close Your Eyes (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))
- Dakota Dreams (Signet Eclipse)
- Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition
- Double Jeopardy: Strength In Numbers
- Enemy Mine
- Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology
- Fire and Rain (MacKenzie-Blackthorn, Book 2)
- For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men
- Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village
Books Index
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