His Wranglers fit him like a glove. A really tight, leaving nothing to the imagination, glove. Codie wants nothing more than to shove that Wrangler-covered butt straight into the mud.Ace Valentine has a smart mouth, a devil-may-care attitude, and those wicked eyes aimed directly at her.She doesn’t know what to do with that kind of attention. Especially not from the sweet-talking man that has no … sweet-talking man that has no problem charming every woman that enters his orbit—everyone but her, at least.
Ace isn’t sure why Codie Spears had her panties in a twist when it comes to him, but every snub and insult she hurls his way brings him closer and closer to falling for her.
He’s not sure what it is about the town’s bad girl that draws his attention, but every encounter they have leaves him wanting her until there’s nothing else left to do but have her.
The only thing is, she’s been convinced by everyone around her that she’s not good enough. Tell a person that she’s a piece of trash enough times, and eventually she’ll start to believe it. It’s going to take a lot of smooth-talking and gentling on his part to get her to see that she’s worth it. And once he has her where he wants her? Well, she’ll make a mighty fine rancher’s wife.
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One of my top favorite books by Lani Lynn Vale is Double Tap from her KPD SWAT series. There readers meet the Valentine children, and I’ve been waiting for their stories since. Vale takes readers back into Kilgore, Texas with a fresh spin focusing on a family of cowboys returning to their hometown following an unthinkable tragedy in their childhood. Herd That is the oldest Valentine, Ace’s, story.
Vale painted a story of two town outsiders finding acceptance and love in each other. They made such a great pair, always having each other’s backs and standing strong in the face of small-town gossip. I loved Ace. He was strong, resolute, and even dealing with his own demons, he was so sure that Codie was the girl for him even when she wasn’t. He was swoony and sexy, a little bit growly and a perfectly alpha-sweet Texas cowboy. Codie is a changed person since her wayward teen days, and she just wants a quiet life in her hometown so she can be close to her aging grandfather.
Herd That was full of all the playful banter, sizzling chemistry and hilarious humor I love from Lani. She brings readers back to a favorite fictional world with an inspiring story that blends the old with the new. I loved everything about Ace and Codie’s story, and I can’t wait for the rest of the Valentine boys! Five smooches from me for Herd That by Lani Lynn Vale!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
Anyone who pays attention to my reviews knows that I’m a huge LLV fan. She can do no wrong, especially when it comes to how she creates heroes and Ace Valentine was my kind of hero! His backstory was utterly tragic and heartbreaking. It was totally unexpected and yet it served to highlight all that he had survived and how far his family had come in dealing with their grief. This may have been a western romance, but it was written in typical LLV-style and I loved every moment of it. From Ace and Codie’s meet-cute, to her resistance to giving him a chance, to their banter, to their inevitable romance, I was hooked. It took a while for these two to really hit it off, but when they finally did… holy hotness! With Codie being the so-called ‘bad girl’ back in town, there was plenty of drama and hilarity to be found. I’m already very much in love with these Valentine brothers and I can’t wait to deep dive into more of their deliciousness!
I was so excited to see that the Valentine boys were getting their own books! I was intrigued when I read Georgia’s book & LLV didn’t disappoint me Ace & Codie’s book!
Codie is so goofy & lovable! She cracked me up the entire book! I really loved every moment between her and Ace! You could tell that he really loved every aspect about her!!
I can’t wait for more of this series!
We were introduced to the Valentine Family in Nico and Georgia’s book, Double Tap which is part of the KPD Swat series. Georgia is the older sister of the Valentine brothers. In that story, we were given the back story about the tragedy that nearly destroyed their family, as well as how they were trying to reinvent themselves, in their hometown. Now it’s time for the Valentine Brothers to find their HEA. LLV has a reputation for MC stories, as well as military and first responders being the main characters in her stories. The fact that The Valentine brothers are cowboys is a step outside of what we normally get from her. I have to say, I think it was a step in the right direction, because cowboys are HOT!!!!!
Ace Valentine is trying to make his family ranch a success, despite the bad history he has in his home town. He’s a hard working, puts everything that he has in him into making that dream a reality. He doesn’t think he has the time, or the want, for a relationship, until one glimpse of Codie changes everything.
Codie was a bad girl. She got into a lot of trouble as a teenager, and moved away as soon as she was able. Now, family obligations have pulled her back to the town of her childhood, and those mistakes just won’t go away. She doesn’t think she will ever be able to move on from them, but Ace knows what he wants, and will do what he has to convince her that she is meant to be his.
I absolutely cannot get enough of Ace and Codie! Their story was fun, and totally different from everything else I’ve read recently. Still in keeping with everything I love from this author, as well as being connected to other much lived characters, this series promises to take LLV’s stories to a whole new level. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the other Valentine Boys!
I have been waiting for this book since I heard the author was writing it and I am happy with the way it turned out. This book is all about connection and sweetness. The author’s books normally have some type of intrigue and danger within the pages, but this did not and I am actually SO HAPPY about that!!! There is some angst, but it is very well entwined with the overall storyline and deals with a secondary issue and not angst between the characters.
Ace … WOW! Ace is everything that I wanted him to be, but also more. He really surprised me with his overall character. I knew what the family had been through from Georgia’s book, but we really don’t know the majority of the brothers, excerpt for teenage Darby and his issues. Ace has a slightly complex character. He really hides the broken pieces inside and doesn’t show them, but he totally feels them. Alpha male hotness, but also a very impressive sweetness that totally hooked me through the book.
And Codie is a trip! She is freaking hilarious and outspoken. She actually goes through a number of things in this book, more in line with how people treat each other, but I feel that just made her character stronger. And part of what happened with her resonated with me more because there are definitely mean girls within the pages that need a good throat punch for their actions … and I am totally hoping that happens with some later in the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this first book in the Valentine Boys Series. It had a great emotional impact with me and I totally and utterly enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It was really good to see how far some of the characters had come from the earlier books featuring this family. I am really expecting more from this author because there are some characters that totally need to be brought down a peg or two and some that I am chomping at the bit for more of. So, two thumbs up and happy reading!
5 Stars
LLV is off to a magnificent start with this new series and I’m in love with it. Finally! We get some HOT cowboys 😉
Ace Valentine has not had an easy life and is definitely haunted by his past. Codie Spears has not had an easy life either and is finally back in the place she never wanted to return to, but her grandpa needed her. I love both these characters so much. Both broken in their own way, but determined to throw those lemons life game them back at everyone who wants to wrong them.
Herd That is a sweet sexy story that will have you falling in love with cowboys in tight Wranglers and definitely swooning over those grey workout sweats hehe. I can’t wait for book two! Bring on those cowboys!!
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
It’s exciting to start a new series and this one is a change of pace for this author being ranchers but still set in Kilgore and old characters visit too.
Ace Valentine and Codi Spears are a great couple. He has that broody, alpha attitude and she is quite sassy but insecure as well. Both have backgrounds they’d like to forget but deal with them as best as they can, often by supporting each other.
Great descriptions of the settings and the cattle, I thoroughly enjoyed this new direction from this author. The character build-up is reasonably quick but then you continue to discover more as you we read along… which keeps it interesting.
This fast-paced, feel-good book was just what I needed. Ace’s brothers are intriguing as is Desi, I am looking forward to her book next with Callum.
Reviewed by Robyn
Vale delivers a fabulous start to this new series with Herd That.
I fell head over heals in love with Ace Valentine from the start. Seeing how he and the rest of his family dealt with their tragic past, well lets just say these Valentines will forever have my heart. Ace is sweet and caring and had me swooning hard.
Codie is absolutely perfect for Ace. As a teenager she was the bad girl in town, and while she has grown up, in a small town that tends to follow you around. I couldn’t help but want to be her friend and hope for her to find her happy.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts and had me worried my kindle might catch fire. I couldn’t get enough of them. I loved their story and I cannot wait to see what Vale brings us next with these Valentine boys!
Lani. Lynn. Vale. Cowboys.
‘Nuff said.
Ok, not enough said. Holy Wranglers! Just when I think I’ve seen the best from Lani she hits me with yet another unputdownable read that I devoured at the speed of light. These Valentine boys are H.O.T. HOT! Prepare yourself for yet another addictive series because I’m telling you now you won’t be able to get enough of these men.
Ace is not only sexy he’s also got a soft side when it comes to Codie that will leave you swooning like crazy. Their relationship is filled with humor and sweetness that balances beautifully with the heavier more emotional impact their pasts still have on their lives.
It’s exciting to start a new series and this one is a change of pace for this author being ranchers but still set in Kilgore and old characters visit too.
Ace Valentine and Codi Spears are are a great couple. He has that broody, alpha attitude and she is quite sassy but insecure as well. Both have backgrounds they’d like to forget but deal with them as best as they can, often by supporting each other.
Great descriptions of the settings and the cattle, I thoroughly enjoyed this new direction from this author. The character build up is reasonably quick but then you continue to discover more as you we read along… which keeps it interesting.
This fast paced, feel good book was just what I needed. Ace’s brothers are intriguing as is Desi, I am looking forward to her book next with Callum.
Ace & Codie are downright EXPLOSIVE! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
There was so much that I loved about the start to this new series. It’s based in our favorite town of Kilgore (so you get to see some of our people). Ace and Georgia (Nico’s Wife) are siblings, so you get some of how their life has turned out and the craziness that is their kids and humor.
This series is fresh and cozy at the same time. Both Ace & Codie live on heir own ranches that abut each other. When this fiery girl crosses paths with Ace, he is instantly determined to have her. How does he do this? Well he makes sure they cross paths all the time….. she fights the magnetic pull to him but she gets to the point where she just can’t anymore.
I LOVE THIS STORY! I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE VALENTINE BROTHERS!!!!
Is it the end of February yet, I am ready for the next book in this series. This first one was amazing. These two will have you laughing nonstop throughout this book. Codie thinks she is from the wrong side of the tracks while Ace thinks she is just perfect for him troublemaker and all. Loved finally getting to read one of the Valentine boys stories after meeting them in Georgia’s book, can’t wait to read the rest of them when they come out.
I definitely recommend this book it sucks you in from page one.
She did it again, another gold mine by the amazing Lani Lynn Vale. I had a lot fun reading this book, and I’m extremely happy to see The Valentines are getting a story of their own, well done.
I really enjoyed this! The story is great. We get to see for of Gerorgia’s family. Her brothers are simply wonderful. I am glad that Lani wrote this to finish out their stories. The characters are lively, fun and sassy. I liked Val as he went from looking at Codie as a possible one nighter to looking at the long term. That was a nice venture. I also loved how quickly he moved with her. It’s like once he realized he like liked her he looked for the future.
I enjoyed all the times that Georgia and Nico (plus their kids) came into the picture. I smiled at those kids. We get to see a bit of the other guys from SWAT as well. Since that is a favorite series of mine I say thank you.
I did listen to this on audio. The narration was done nicely between them. I look forward to listen to the others in the series.
This story made me deliriously happy. Ace and Codie have wonderful chemistry, a sweet connection, and a beautiful friendship. Ace is everything every woman would want; gentle, caring, but at the same time protective. Lani Lynn Vale never disappoints. I enjoyed every single moment of this story.
This is first book I’ve listen to by Lani Lynn Vale but as soon as I noticed it was narrated by Sebastian York and Maxine Mitchell I had to listen to it.
Codie is a farm girl but has been away for a long time. When her grandfather becomes ill and she comes home to help him on farm she has to relive all her high school antics and bitchy cheerleaders.
Ace is the boy next door but in farm way. As soon as he meets Codie he can’t get enough.
I absolutely love that the relationship develops so well and is incredibly hot. I especially love the tight wranglers and sexy asses.
Can not beat theses two narrators.
This was a great and fast read! I couldnt put it down! A great start to a new series! I cant wait to read the rest!!
Received an arc for an honest review.
Ace Valentine and Codie Spears were as different as chalk and cheese – he was one of the towns favourite sons while she was the towns ‘bad girl’ that they all like to talk about who, in their opinion, would never amount to anything.
When they first met I thought Ace was a tad offhand but when he got his head sorted and decided to get to know Codie he was determined to not give her a chance to get away.
Codie for her part took no crap from anyone and was set on not giving Ace Valentine an inch when it came to knowing her. Of course, once he started his cowboy charm on her he started to wear her resolve down!
Neither character had had the easiest of lives growing up but both were determined to do their best to have a decent life.
This was a fun read with laugh out loud moments, the chapter headers were amusing as ever and I liked getting to know a little about the Valentine brothers that lived on the ranch with Ace.
A good start to a new series from Lani Lynn Vale and I’m looking forward to more on these cowboy brothers.
4.5*
Absolutely love this series. Couldn’t put it down. These characters are so entertaining.
It’s great learning more about the valentine Boys. I look forward to reading more.
Another must read from Lani Lynn Vale.