“Dell takes you on a fun, wild ride!” —B.J. DANIELS, New York Times Bestselling AuthorHe’d step in front of a bull to save a life But even he’s no match for a girl this Texas toughRodeo bullfighter Wyatt Darrington’s got it all figured out. The perfect car, the perfect job, the perfect looks—the perfect lie. He may be on the fast track to the Hall of Fame, but he knows he’ll always be an outsider … track to the Hall of Fame, but he knows he’ll always be an outsider to people like Melanie Brookman. Texas-born and bred, with the arena in her blood, Melanie’s come to see Wyatt as her personal enemy, and that suits him just fine—this way, she’ll never realize the truth.
He’s been crazy in love with her for years.
Melanie’s always been a fighter. Fiercely independent and tough as nails, she’s stood up to everything that got in her way—including Wyatt. But now her infamous temper’s got her on the ropes, and there’s nowhere left to run but toward the man she swore she’d never trust…and this time, there’s no denying just how hot he makes her burn.
Texas Rodeo Series:
Reckless in Texas (Book 1)
Tangled in Texas (Book 2)
Tougher in Texas (Book 3)
Fearless in Texas (Book 4)
Mistletoe in Texas (Book 5)
What People Are Saying about the Texas Rodeo series:
“Look out, world! There’s a new cowboy in town.” —CAROLYN BROWN, New York Times Bestselling Author
“An extraordinarily gifted writer.”—KAREN TEMPLETON, author of Wed in the West series
“Real Ranches. Real Rodeo. Real Romance.”—LAURA DRAKE, author of Sweet on a Cowboy series
“A sexy, engaging romance set in the captivating world of rodeo.”—Kirkus
“Illuminating…a standout in western romance.”—Publishers Weekly
more
I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
KARI LYNN DELL has written a true gem. This novel is long but not cumbersome nor is the storyline rushed. It unfolds at a good pace with a descriptive narrative that creates mental pictures of the surroundings. The author has taken the time to develop characters that you can relate to as you immerse yourself into their stories. The interactions between Wyatt and Melanie are both humorous and poignant. The plot is believable and leaves you satisfied with the ending. Although there is one issue not fully resolved in this book, it does not take away from the HEA ending nor leaves you unsatisfied. There was romance, family drama and low-key sex scenes which I found refreshing in its context.
When I saw that this book was going on tour, I knew I had to get on board. I’d read and enjoyed the first two books in the series. I went into this book thinking it was book three…. oops! A couple chapters in, something was mentioned and I suddenly realized I was missing something. This is book four in the series. It does stand alone, but there will be these random moments where you’ll want more information that can be found in the prior books.
Wyatt has been a secondary character in this series since book one. I know that I was intrigued and want to know more about Wyatt. He’s been shrouded in mystery and I couldn’t wait for him to finally get his story and find love. And enter Melanie. I’ll admit, that if she was in the prior books (that I’ve read), I didn’t remember her. But this book starts with a prologue that is pretty much Wyatt and Melanie’s meeting at a wedding of mutual friends and sparks are flying. But because of those mutual friends, they decide not to act on those sparks. Fast forward a couple years, and they’re thrown together.
Both Wyatt and Melanie are headstrong and therefore they dance around each other. It was quite the interesting dance. Both also had some major issues they had to overcome in order to allow themselves to have their happily ever after. Ms Dell took me on a roller coaster ride filled with laughter and even a couple tears.
I have to go back to read book three, but for a contemporary western romance series, this one has been added to my auto-buy list. Fearless in Texas is a great read and I definitely recommend it to western romance fans… especially if you’d like a slightly different look at the rodeo.
My review originally posted at Romancing the Book.
Ever so often I’ll stumble on an author that rocks my world.
Last summer a new author exploded into my life, when I read Reckless In Texas.
I had sworn off authors who wrote about Rodeo, because growing up in that realm, no author I’ve ever read knew what they were writing about. Then I read Kari Lynn Dell’s book and I was catapulted back into my world. She got it and gave it due justice!!!!
Now I’m on the 4th book in this series. Fearless In Texas, with it mysterious storyline of a character, who had been teasing us since the 1st book.
Wyatt Darrington, unique to say the least, is quite a character that needed his story told. Wyatt not fitting the norm in the rodeo world, which he resides in as a professional bullfighter, but it actually works for him and his amazing personality.
Melanie Brookman, Texas born and arena raised has always just been right there worming her way under his protective reserve and secretive desire.
This book has kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning, scratching my head, tapping my chin, and trying to jog my memory, as to what I missed before. It’s that captivating and mysteriously written.
This book is beyond phenomenal, it’s deep, inquisitive, and certainly shows Kari Lynn Dell’s ability to write exceptional books with a classic-scholar depth.
Finally, Wyatt’s story! I’d really been looking forward to learning more about Wyatt and we certainly learned a lot about him. Melanie, the heroine, wore on my nerves a little bit, but I came around to liking her more as the book went on. Now I’m dying for the next book!
Excellent character development and a departure from traditional alpha males! This is one of those books that deserves to be read over and over to absorb the depth of the lead characters. A poignant love story with a definite “wow” factor.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the fourth book in the series – and I have to admit the first that I have read. I did not feel the lack of the previous books, but I am also sure that I would have understood some of the other relationships better if I had. I may also have known Wyatt and Melanie’s natures sooner. I have added them to my to-be-read pile, so that I can catch up.
The suspense or twist in this book is all based around one event, which has lasting ramifications. It is a while until we find out what it is, and also why it is such a big issue. I love how Mel reacts and how she rationalises everything. As we get to know more about Mel and Wyatt, we can see how suited to each other they could be. As they allow themselves to enjoy each other physically, but continue to hold back on their feelings, it is incredibly frustrating – but Ms. Dell ensures we know just how they both really feel!
There are some great insights into the world of rodeo, and unusually from a female competitor’s viewpoint at times. The school and training regime are also a good at bringing the world that these two live in to explain what is important to them. And the bordello bar is an inspired way of getting the two of them to spend more time together.
I will definitely be looking out for more in this series.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
It’s always great fun to dig into a cowboy rodeo romance, and Keri Lynn Dell writes some of the best. Add to that the phenomenal editing and practically perfect finished product from Sourcebook Casablanca, and this book is a delight to read in every aspect. I’ve been a fan of this author since I read the first book in this series, so I was excited to get an advance copy of this one to read. It was great to catch up with familiar characters from the previous books and finally read Melanie and Wyatt’s story.
After leaving her PR/marketing job with a bang, Melanie still needs to make money while she decides what to do next. She and Wyatt have had sizzling chemistry since day one, but neither have acted on it in order to avoid complications with their mutual friends should things not work out. When Wyatt offers her a job promoting the bar he purchased and giving it a makeover, Melanie fully intends to keep things professional. She’s probably better off that way, because if she ever learns the secret he’s keeping, it’s an easy bet that she’ll never forgive him.
This was such a phenomenal read! From the well-meaning, interfering friends, to the charming, quirky small-town characters, and Wyatt and Melanie trying to pretend that they hadn’t been in love with each other for the past five years, every step of their journey was endearing and entertaining. Wyatt and Melanie were very realistic, each with their own flaws, and they worked to improve themselves while still helping each other. I loved every part of their story and wholeheartedly recommend this book as well as the others in the series!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Fearless in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell
The air sizzled during the first few pages of Fearless in Texas as Melanie Brookman and Wyatt Darrington dance at a friend’s wedding. The couple acknowledges their attraction but decides not to give into it. An affair would only lead to complications. Kari Lynn Dell’s descriptive writing and smart dialogue immediately drew me into this superbly written character driven story.
Five years later…..
Melanie let her temper guide her and as a result her career and her love life has taken a tailspin. She accepts a job offer from Wyatt and leaves Texas for Oregon. There is so much more to Wyatt- he’s not your typical bullfighter. I adored reading about this driven, well connected, complicated man. In exchange for Melanie’s help in reopening his bar, Wyatt has promised to help Melanie find her estranged brother. Wyatt’s promise is a key element in the storyline. The promise draws the couple together and it has the power to tear them apart. The plot choice made the novel a compelling read.
Loved that both Melanie and Wyatt were older and had history. Melanie is a fun character—it took me awhile to figure out this feisty, headstrong woman. Melanie’s emotions rule her heart and she misjudges situations; these actions provide insight to her. In contrast, the twice divorced Wyatt appealed to me. Loved Wyatt’s relationship with Grace, Gil, Louie and his dedication to his rodeo clinic. After five years, the sexual attraction between Melanie and Wyatt is still present in every conversation, text and meeting between the couple. The couple tries to keep their feelings in check but eventually passion overwhelms them.
Fearless In Texas is a well-paced sensuous read with two dynamic lead characters. Loved the chapter when Wyatt and Melanie hike along the Coyote Ridge trail and are forced to stay overnight in the woods because Wyatt has reinjured his ankle. I could imagine Melanie helping the injured Wyatt out of the ravine, telling him to lean on her and setting up their campsite. The Truth or Dare game they played by the firelight provided interesting insight into both characters. Wyatt correctly guesses Melanie’s fear of the dark. The secondary characters added to the storyline and provided just the right amount of humor and insight. The author balances the storyline by providing insight into the competitive world of rodeo. The author shows through the characters of Melanie and Grace how much practice, determination and strength it takes to compete in this venue. The conclusion of the novel was excellent. The author made several surprising plot and character choices which kept me reading.
This is the first book by Kari Lynn Dell that I have read. I bought book one in this series based on the authors relatable characters, strong storyline and descriptive writing style and I can’t wait to read it!
Melanie and Wyatt have a history. From acquaintances to enemies, attraction has always meandered in the shadows. Their issues reach the boiling point when secrets start to reveal themselves little by little. What seems complicated is relatively simple, if these fighters give up the battle and surrender to their hearts. Ms. Dell checks all the boxes for any romance lover. Tempting, engaging, feel good read.
Melanie has really messed up with time but dating a client whom she finds out is married. Everyone throws her under the bus but her best friend sends Wyatt to watch out for her.
Melanie doesn’t need Wyatt to watch her she wants more, but he is complicated. Wyatt lets Melanie helps with his bar that is failing at the moment.
Can these two work together and not fight?
These two characters were fun to read about. They each had issues to work out and they work well together. It keeps the readers turning the pages.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book.