Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Defender

Defender

by Diana Palmer

Series Connection: Long Tall Texans

ISBN: 9780373789733

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense Romance, Western Romance

Publisher: HQN Books, Harlequin

Release Date: June 28, 2016

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

I always say this before reviewing a Diana Palmer book, so I'll resay it again—Diana's style isn't for everyone. I like her bold heroes and her young feisty heroines. A lot of reviewers spend their time criticizing  the fact that the women are virgins, which many believe is just not the norm in today's world, but she always has a sensible reason why this is so for each individual woman. Another issue that tends to come up often is the fact that for this one small Texas town there seem to be a lot of mercenaries, FBI and Texas Rangers, but I say hey this is a romance novel Diana's world can be anything she makes it within the pages of her book. With that all in mind, lets get down to the details on this story. 

Sari and Merrie are two young women who live with their millionaire father. Dad is very over protective, for reasons you learn in the story, and hires a bodyguard to keep watch over the girls. Dad is also very abusive, but the girls keep this as a secret for fear of what will happen to those they hold dear. 

Paul is the bodyguard. He is very fond of both girls, but Sari is special to him. Paul hasn't come to grips with a tragedy from his past and is using his time as a bodyguard for the girls to heal, but as with most men in Diana's stories he isn't doing the best job of it. 

When his relationship with Sari get a little to close for comfort, Paul decides its time to move on. He knows that neither he or Sari is ready for that next step. He leaves in the worst possible way and breaks Sari's heart. 

Flash forward three years later, Sari has finish law school and is working for the local DA. Her father is getting worse and is in big trouble and is still way over protective. 

Paul is now working for the FBI and gets sucked back into Sari and Merrie's life. Now Paul needs Sari's trust, but after everything that's happened in their past is that possible?

Paul is a little different from many of the heroes that live in Diana Palmer's books. He isn't quite as arrogant and really does care for Sari and Merrie. This is one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. Also, she goes into a lot more detail about the before time with the two and how their relationship started, making it seem a little slow moving in the beginning, but as you get further in the book, you can appreciate why that was necessary. 

Sari is like most of the heroines in other novels within the series. She pushes and she works hard through many heartbreaks in her life, but eventually you pulls through in the end and makes something happen with her life. 

Where the story went a little wrong for me is how Paul leaves Sari's life with a lie that seems uncharacteristic of him, plus their relationship issues at the end of the book, that also seem out of character for him. 

One of the best parts about this book is that there is a good deal of suspense that runs through the pages, much better written than in recent books in the series. I liked it. 

From the sound of it Merrie's story is in the works for the future sometime, which should prove to be interesting. 

Description

The man who shattered her trust is back to protect her… New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer delivers a breathtaking story of second-chance love. 

When Paul Fiore disappeared from Isabel Grayling's life, he told himself it was for all the right reasons. She was young and innocent, and he was her millionaire father's lowly employee. Three years on, Paul is the FBI agent assigned to Isabel's case. Too late, he realizes what life in her Texas mansion was really like back then—and how much damage he did when he left. 

Once love-struck and sheltered, Isabel has become an assistant district attorney committed to serving the law, no matter how risky it gets. But right now, the man she can't forgive is the one thing standing between her and a deadly stalker. She knows Paul won't hesitate to protect her life with his own. But if she can't trust herself to resist him, how can she trust him not to break her heart all over again?

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Texas Born

Author: Diana Palmer

Series Connection: Long Tall Texans

ISBN-13: 978-0373658411

Genre: Western Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase Link: Amazon

Michelle's father has died of cancer leaving her with a stepmother, Roberta, who seems to have never cared for her Michelle's father at all. With a nasty habit and a need for money, Roberta makes life miserable for Michelle. One day in desperation Michelle meets her next door neighbor, Gabriel, and unloads the whole story on him. 

In that short meeting Michelle and Gabriel establish a strong bond. Shortly later Roberta dies, leaving Michelle, an 18 year old high school student alone and Gabriel offering to take her in and with the help of his sister Sara the three form a family of their own. With the help of the brother and sister, Michelle is able to live her dream of going to college and becoming a journalist. 

For Gabriel, Michelle is like no one he has ever met. Many would call him cold as ice, but when he is with Michelle he is happier than he's ever been. He falls in love with her, but he can't do anything about it because she is so young and innocent. He knows she feels the same about them and holds them both off until she is old enough to understand her feelings more and grows up.

Michelle doesn't realize it, but Gabriel has been keeping secrets from her and while the two continue to fall and love and wait to do anything about their love, their time might be running out as not knowing Gabriel's secrets might cause Michelle to do something that would ruin their relationship forever. 

This long run series generally has a formula that is followed with many of the couples featured in the books. Other members of the community come back and visit or play secondary roles, which is all part of the charm to these books. 

I was pleasantly surprised that this booked stepped away a bit from the author's norm. Gabriel stayed true to Michelle while he waited for her to grow older. There was no sleazy girlfriend coming out of the woodwork to keep the heroine at bay until she grew older. 

Also, while some might question how at 24 years old Gabriel was able to amass so much money, ever at his chosen profession, (this is a fictional story after all) at least in this case the featured couple were only six years apart. Sometimes the 15 to 20 year difference, especially when the girl is 18 years old is a bit too much, even for fiction.

Description:

Their love was born in Texas… 

Gabriel Brandon had been her hero ever since she was a girl and he'd rescued her, an orphan, from sure ruin. And Michelle Godrey had loved him forever, the mysterious rancher with the dark eyes, her protector and guardian angel. Now she'd blossomed into a woman. But could Michelle ever cast aside the shadows that lingered between them? Could she show Gabriel that their Lone Star love was true?

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Invincible

Author: Diana Palmer

Series Connection: Wyoming Bold, Long Tall Texans, Renegade, The Winter Soldier 

ISBN: 978-0373778805

Genre: Western Romance, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase Link: Amazon

As formulas go, Diana Palmer has hers completely set and while there are those who think that she writes books that countlessly sound the same and the setting should be changed, she still sells millions of copies each year. Probably because why stop a good thing. 

In Invincible, readers are back in Jacobsville and Comanche Wells, where Chief Cash 

Grier's (Renegade) secretary, Carlie, life is threatened and Grier calls in Carlie's nemesis and man of her dreams, Carson. Carson is a jaded mercenary that deeply attracted to virgin Carlie. Carson knows better than to touch a preacher's daughter, especially when the preacher in question shares more in common with Carson then many know. 

This story picks up where Wyoming Bold leaves off working on solving the mystery of the man who is pulling the strings behind the murder of a San Antonio DA. As with all of Palmer's heroes Carson has a history that has sent him into the mercenary business and Carlie knows that she isn't going to change the man, no matter how much love she sends his way. 

While the romance formula is pretty much the same as many other Diana Palmer's series books, this one actually had a few different elements I appreciated. The writing didn't appear as stilted as I had notice in the previous few that I've read by this author. Fans who like business as usual with Diana Palmer will appreciate this book. 

Description:

He's everything she fears… 

and everything she wants 

Mercenary by name and by nature, Carson is a Lakota Sioux who stays to himself and never keeps women around long enough for anything emotional to develop. But working with his friend Cash Grier on a complex murder investigation provides Carson with another kind of fun—shocking Cash's sweet-but-traditional secretary, Carlie Blair, with tales of his latest conquests. 

Then Carlie lands in deep trouble. She saw something she shouldn't have, and now the face of a criminal is stored permanently in her photographic memory…and Carlie is the key piece of evidence that could implicate a popular politician in the murder case. 

Her only protection is Carson—the man she once despised. But when she learns that Carson is more than just a tough guy, Carlie realizes she's endangered herself further. Because now her only chance to live means losing her heart to the most dangerous kind of man….

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Wyoming Bold

Author: Diana Palmer

Series Connection: Wyoming Series

ISBN-13: 978-0373777242

Genre: Western romance, Contemporary romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase Link: Amazon

Merissa braves a snow storm to tell her neighbor Dalton "Tank" Kirk that his life is in danger. While she knows her visions are real, Tank doesn't know Merissa well enough to know if she is just a crackpot or he should believe her.

It isn't long before Merissa premonitions start coming true and Tank realizes that the worst day of his life is coming back to haunt him and someone really does want him dead. 

Tank brings in an old military buddy, Rourke, to see who could be after him. Throughout the story readers become reacquainted with the Rourke's friends from Jacobsville (Long Tall Texans). 

As the story unfolds the man targeting Tank decides the best way to get to him is by messing with the woman Tank is falling in love with. 

Merissa has spent years being ridiculed because of her abilities, now she finally has found a man who accepts her and all she wants to do is keep him safe.

As a fan of Diana Palmer of all time, I have been a little disappointed in some of her recent books, but I've seen some of the old Diana in this book. This story kept readers wondering what the bad guy would do next. Of the three brothers I liked Tank's story the best. I wasn't expecting this from his personality in the other stories and it was a nice surprise to see a sensitive hero.

Description:

Former border agent Dalton Kirk thought his life was over—literally—when a gang of smugglers left him for dead. Defying all odds, he survives his ordeal and returns to his Wyoming ranch ready to dedicate his future to a more peaceful home on the range. Until lovely Merissa Baker knocks on his door. 

Merissa is well aware of her reputation as the local eccentric—she knows things before they happen—and she's had a vision that Dalton is in danger. Even though her beliefs clash with Dalton's cowboy logic, she's determined to save the handsome rancher she's secretly loved forever. 

Visions? It's all ridiculous to Dalton…until things start happening that prove Merissa right. And now Dalton is not the only target—so is Merissa. Can Dalton be bold enough to trust the unknown? Is this Wyoming man ready to love?

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Protector

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long, Tall Texan

ISBN13: 9780373777716

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The 37th in the Long, Tall Texan Series, Sheriff Hayes Carson and Minette Raynor finally get together and work out their differences. Over the last several books readers have heard exactly how Hayes feels about Minette. Even after finding out in a previous book that Minette didn't have anything to do with giving his brother the drugs that he killed himself with, Hayes still harbors and unreasonable hatred for Minette. Hayes has also found out that Minette herself may not be responsible for his brother, Bobby's, death, but she is very close to the person who helped in the boy's demise.

When Hayes is shot on his front porch he can only be released from the hospital if he has someone to take care of him, but no one will take care of him at his house because of his pet iguana that has been known to attack. Feeling sorry for him, and because she has always harbored a crush on him despite his feelings for her, Minette agrees to help out and take him in. 

Reluctantly he goes to live with Minette and her family. Minette lives with her great aunt and her young step brother and sister. While living under her roof and being taken care of by Minette, Hayes begins to realize that she isn't the person he has made her out to be for so long. He also soon realizes that Minette doesn't have all the information about her past that he does and doesn't understand her real connection to Bobby's death. 

In the background of the story a scene is unfolding around them that is about to change Minette's life forever. Minette soon learns that she is about to become a pawn between two Mexican drug lords.

The story takes a lot of twists and turns and in Diana Palmer style old friends from around Jacobsville come into play. For someone who knows she can be taken at any time, Minette seems to take too many chances and even though she seems a lot tougher than most of Diana Palmer's heroines is somewhat naive about her safety. 

We all knew that these two would get together at some point, but in this case I'm not sure I like the way it all happened. Hayes Carson, who has always been the arrogant local Sheriff, there when needed to help out the local police, comes off like a wimp even though he's injured. I would have liked him to be stronger and worked a little harder to get Minette to fall for him, especially all he has put her through without her even being responsible for his brother's death at all.

Description:

His brother had been the only family he had left in the world. Hayes, a long, tall and serious Texan, has long been suspicious of the blond-haired, bright-eyed Minette Raynor, who is both mysterious and beautiful. And now he's convinced that Minette was involved in giving his brother the drugs that killed him. As far as Hayes is concerned, neither her looks nor anything else will stand in the way of him righting what is so very wrong.

Minette can't get Hayes off her mind, or off her back. His investigation of her is a nuisance, but as an undercover DEA agent, that's the least of her worries. Until she finds herself in great danger, and he's the only one who can save her. Can she count on Hayes believing the truth--and saving her life?

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's Wyoming Kirk Brother's Series

Okay I will admit it. I'm a closet Diana Palmer fan. Well actually there is nothing closeted about it since I've written many reviews on Diana Palmer's books. I have this theory about this kind of romance style. Either you love it or you hate it. I happen to like them, even though I am starting to feel like I've read several of the scenes before.

Romance books are works of fiction. We all know that there isn't a town in Texas, or this case Wyoming, where all the sexy guys live. There isn't a town where ever mercenary in the world meet up to retire and the Texas Rangers don't all run in on horses to save the day in modern times, but we like to read about that. That's why, even those people who get on Amazon and say the author just isn't writing good books anymore still buys them.

That being said, Wyoming Tough and Wyoming Fierce, may take you out of Texas, but you might as well be. The story lines run roughly the same, the heros are strong willed cowboys and the heroines are stubborn virgins ready to fight whatever demons come their way.

In Wyoming Tough, Diana Palmer spins off from her characters Kingston and Shelby Brannt. Some might remember them from To Love and Cherish which dates back to 2002. Now King and Shelby's children are all grown up. King is still as hardheaded as he always was and won't let his daughter work on the ranch, so Morie takes matters in her own hands. She leaves Texas and daddy's big ranch and go to work in Wyoming on another large ranch where she meets a man just as tough as her old man.

Mallory Kirk knows he isn't the best looking guy in the bunch and when he meets Morie he falls for her, but she just isn't what she appears. The other woman in his life convinces him that Morie is just after his money. He doesn't know that Morie is the daughter of one of the richest men in Texas.

In the second story, Wyoming Fierce, Mallory's brother Cane has come home from the war with a lost limb. He has lost his confidence with the ladies and for a ladies man like him that is a problem. He's not taking his lot in life so well. When he turns to drunken rages only his young neighbor, Bodie, can sooth the savage beast in him.

Bodie has loved Cane since she turned 18. The only problem is he still thinks of her as a kid. She's got worse problems than Cane at the moment. Her grandfather is ill and her stepfather is pressuring her for more money then she has. She doesn't want to ask Cane for the money, knowing how he feels about gold digging women. Feeling trapped and having no where to go, she does the unthinkable and changes her world forever.

Both these stories pretty much what you expect in all Diane Palmers books do, but it is a formular that has kept her going for decades and her book sales don't seem to suffer for it. I would say I liked the first better than the second. I liked Mallory and Morie as a couple better. While Cane and Bodie make a good duo as well, they both needed to step back and get a hold of their life a little better before attempting to get together.

I'll keep reading Diana Palmer for some time to come because her long-running Long Tall Texas series is still one of my favorites in the Western genre. It will also be interesting to read the final Kirk brother's story "Tank". I think he can turn out to be the more complicated brother of all.

Wyoming Tough

Author: Diana Palmer
ISBN: 978-0373776290
Genre: Western, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN

Purchase Link

Description:

A cowboy through and through, ranch owner Mallory Kirk knows what it means to put in a full day's work. But does his new cowgirl? He has his doubts that Morie Brannt will be able to pull her own weight, even if the petite young woman does seem to have a lot of spirit.

As they spar over events at the ranch and a past that threatens their hopes for the future, sparks begin to fly, and Mallory can't help but notice Morie in a new light. But is this tough Wyoming man ready to love?

Wyoming Fierce

Author: Diana Palmer

ISBN: 978-0373776962

Genre: Western, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: HQN

Purchase Link 

Description:

Ranch owner Cane Kirk lost more than his arm in the war. He lost his way, battling his inner demons by challenging any cowboy unfortunate enough to get in his way. No one seems to be able to cool him down, except beautiful Bodie Mays. Bodie doesn't mind saving Cane from himself, even if he is a little too tempting for her own peace of mind.

But soon Bodie's the one who finds herself in need of rescuing—only, she's afraid to tell Cane what's really going on. How can she trust someone as unpredictable as this fierce cowboy? When her silence only ends up getting her into even deeper hot water, it's up to Cane to save the day. And if he does it right, he won't be riding off into the sunset alone.

Romance Book Review: Diana Palmer's True Blue

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long, Tall Texans
ISBN: 978-0373656370
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition


Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥

Say what you like about Diana Palmer, but I've enjoyed many of her Long, Tall Texans series. I don't mind the fact that she reintroduces characters and enjoy seeing them used over again. That's why one reads a series to begin with.

That being said, I am a little disappointed with Rick Marquez's story. My disappointment doesn't come from poor writing, although I agree Diana Palmer has been a little off lately. I don't even mind that the heroine was once again a virgin, because more and more these days there are women out there deciding to keep their virginity.

No my main complaint here is that while the couple had a great deal of potential of being a good match, the readers don't really get a chance to see that. I can see this story being a lot longer, minus the history stuff. I liked the fact that readers were able to spend some time with Barbara, Rick's mother, but we seem to see them more together than we do Rick and his love interest Gwen. The first half of the book keeps the two at arms length and shows no real attraction between the two.

The second half of the book is slightly better than the first part. Having to hero and heroine finally become involved. There is some jealousy angles that could be explored more, and even addling a little more suspense in the end to fill out the story line and really make the book work a little better.

I'm not ready to give up on Diana Palmer and her Long, Tall Texans series yet. I'd like to see the story head back to Jacobsville and stay there for a while. Maybe get away from detectives, federal agents and mercs for a while. A nice story about a rancher would be good for a change.

Description:
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Diana Palmer continues her beloved Long, Tall Texans series by delving deep into the heart of one of San Antonio’s top detectives, Rick Marquez. He never met a case he couldn’t solve or a woman he couldn’t charm. But this smooth-talking Texan is about to meet the one woman who’ll lasso him—body and soul!

Second release of True Blue that includes Carrera’s Bride
ISBN: 978-0373837717 


Purchase this book here

True Blue (originally published December 2011 in Harlelquin Special Edition #2155)

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Diana Palmer continues her beloved Long, Tall Texans series by delving deep into the heart of one of San Antonio’s top detectives, Rick Marquez. He never met a case he couldn’t solve or a woman he couldn’t charm. But this smooth-talking Texan is about to meet the one woman who’ll lasso him—body and soul!

Plus a Diana Palmer reader favorite!

Carrera’s Bride (originally published November 2004 in Silhouette Special Edition #1645)

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!

Romance Book Review: Merciless

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long Tall Texans
ISBN-13: 978-0373775798
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books


Purchase this book here through Amazon  

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I know, I know, a four heart review is being generous, but if you could just get past the very strange first couple of chapter, Merciless is actually a decent book. I was happy to see that some of the Diana Palmer of old was trying to come through once you got past the chatter about video games. Really that boat sailed when she started it in Kilraven's book.

Once the meat of the story gets going, including the subplot mystery, it actually comes together well. In the past few stories FBI agent Jon Blackhawk has been mention in various situations. He is Kilraven's brother and apparently the only 30 year old virgin in Texas. Jon is still working the case that involves the death of Kilraven's wife and three-year-old daughter from several years earlier.

He and his secretary, Joceline, and her four year old son are then targeted by this same group. While out speaking with an informant Jon is shot and Joceline runs to his side. Jon's mother, Cammy, has been none too quiet about her feelings about Joceline and the fact that she is an unwed mother. Soon it becomes clear that Joceline and Jon have feelings for each other and that Joceline's insecurity about her financial situation has made her keep some pretty big secrets from Jon.

I would have loved to have seen more romance between Jon and Joceline. That would have been a better element to the beginning of the book. The two actually make a good pair, but we really don't get to see that spark because too much time is wasted throughout the story.

While a lot of people complain that Diana Palmer's books are outdated, in this instance it actally works because of Cammy Blackhawk's background and upbringing. Older folks raised on reservations do have a very high moral compass and would display a dislike toward unwed mothers. I don't think the author explained that angle very well here.

This book may cause some raised eyebrows in the beginning, but please keep going. True Jacobsville, Diana Palmer fans will be happy to see the results.

Description:
Can she convince a man to let down his defenses when he's set on guarding his heart? Tall, dark and eligible?

That's all that matters to the women of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he'd be at the mercy of husband hunters—but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is…

While Joceline can't deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she's determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid—fueling the spark that is growing between them. As the attempts on Jon's life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?

Romance Book Review: Will of Steel

Author: Diana Palmer
Miniseries: The Men of Medicine Ridge
ISBN: 9780373730674
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Western
Publisher: Silhouette Desire

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Purchase through Amazon (Will of Steel)
Purchase through Amazon (Will of Steel & Reluctant Father)


There are two versions of this book available. One includes just Will of Steel. The other includes a bonus book, Reluctant Father, a previous book from Diana Palmer.

In Will of Steel we meet Chief of Police Theodore "Ted" Graves and Jillian "Jake" Sanders. Ted and Jake's uncles were partners and owned a beautiful piece of land. When the two died the uncles left a will that said that in order to keep from selling the land, Ted and Jake needed to marry.

Jake isn't all that sure that she is ready to get married. There is still something she hasn't told Ted about her past that makes her wonder if she is marriage material.

This book is basic formula for Diana Palmer, but for the difference that the hero isn't one of her insecure older men who has a problem with younger women or women in general. Ted and Jake have known each all Jake's life. He likes her as a person. In the beginning it isn't an undying passionate love, but it is a love that grows over time.

Ted is patient and waits for Jake to tell him her story, when she does he is kind and understanding. She's made mistakes in the past and he doesn't give her any insecure flack about it.

There is a little suspense added to the mix as Jake's past comes back to haunt them. All around a fairly good installment to the series. The only objection I had was there is a bit of too much what I call the author's chatter. Too much history and facts written in the dialog. One of the best books by the author in a while.

Description:
Follow New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer to Medicine Ridge, Montana, and meet Police Chief Theodore Graves—a man as rugged as the land he passionately wants to claim as his own. Only one thing stands in his way, a feisty woman who is prepared to meet his challenge. Sparks fly as they go toe-to-toe, but can the man with a will of steel finally learn what it means to bend?

Also available in some editions of this book:
Reluctant Father
Once shy, the now famous writer has returned home—and to the man who had cruelly pushed her away. But could their rekindled passion melt his heart of ice?

Romance Book Review: Dangerous

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long, Tall Texans
ISBN-10: 0373774591
ISBN-13: 978-0373774593 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Series Romance/ Western
Publisher: Harlequin 
 
Click here to Purchase Dangerous

♥ ♥ ♥

I am generally a huge fan of Diana Palmer. I know to some it isn't in vogue saying that. Her books generally seem outdated compared to the vast amount of erotic romance that is filling the bookshelves these days. I, however, like the young virgin heroines and the "long, tall Texans" rancher, cops and ex-mercenaries who fall in love with them. I generally look forward to reading the series additions long before they come out.

I knew Kilraven's story would be out this month and anxiously awaited it. I wasn't even daunted that it was a hardcover because I knew that I would want to read it no matter what. Afterall, it was the next in a series of more than 30 books and I have read every one, plus it's off-shoots.

I was, however, a little disappointed as I read through the book and became completely lost with the plot. As I said I have read all the books and I knew the before story of Kilraven and Winnie. I knew the 911 dispatcher, Winnie,  had a crush on the FBI agent, Kilraven, who was working in Jacobsville with Cash Grier and impersonanting a local policeman. (That appeared to be the worst kept secret in Jacobsville, so I wasn't sure why they were trying to have him undercover there).

I had always thought he worked for the FBI, even in the inside bookflap description they call him an FBI agent, but in the book they make it clear he doesn't work for the FBI, he's called a Fed numerous. There are even more than one reference that he works for the CIA. I couldn't make heads or tails of that.

Then there was the subplot to the story. That was suppose to be finding out who killed Kilraven's baby daughter and other members of his family seven years ago. Trying to figure out the mystery of where the author was going with the story was more of a mystery then the actually mystery in the story. (Does that make sense?)

The story goes like this. Kilraven somehow, (and really here is where I'm confused I have no idea how) finally has a lead in the case of his daughter's death. He needs to enlist the help of Winnie because her family owns a beach house right next door to one of the people he suspects is involved with the little girl's murder and a series of other murders. He suggests that Winnie marry him so that he doesn't ruin hers or his reputation by spending several days at her beachhouse.

The rest of story is learning about Winnie's past, finally hearing the full story about Kilraven's daughter and her murder and pulling the case together.

For a long time I was really confused and at a loss to why Kilraven needed Winnie's help in the first place. I couldn't figure out why he even thought the death of his child had anything to do with a string of other recent murders.  I re-read the paragraphs and susequent books and couldn't find the answer.

I know in the grand scheme of things the story is all about the romance. I also like the way Diana Palmer throws in little tidbits of history and talk about video games and dispatchers. Yeah it is plain Diana Palmer doesn't play the games, but it is fun to read anyway.  It makes the characters more human. Kilraven was a little disjointed in his character. In past books we've gotten to know Kilraven. He's a nice guy with a haunted past. He's kept away from Winnie because he knows she has a crush on him.

Now because she has this connection suddenly he decides he will use her and even possibly hurt her to get the answers he needs, despite all the warnings from people around him. It is just too out of character for him. Also the whole plan to get married for reputation sake is ridiculous. Just get married because you need a good cover story for being at the beach house together. The whole thing could even be staged. They didn't really need to get married at all, especially because he had planned not to even invite anyone.

In the end all the questions are finally answered, yada, yada, yada. (Don't want to spoil the ending!)

I still love Diana Palmer. I'll definitely read the next book in the series because I've been hooked for years. It is hard for me to give her a bad review because I enjoy the storyline and the concept of the series as a whole. I also really like Winnie's character. She stayed true to form from when we met her in the past. She was a little afriad of both her brother, Boone, and Kilraven, but she toughens up like all the young women do in the series.

Those coming new to the series might want to read the previous three or four books to get caught up with this part of the story.

I do have one last question. Why is that Kilraven and Jon Blackhawk, who have the same father, have two different last names? Did I miss something somewhere? It is mentioned in the book, but only that Kilraven doesn't want to talk about it.

Description:
He is every inch the desperado.

Tall, lean and headstrong, FBI agent Kilraven lives by his own rules. And one of those rules includes keeping his hands off Jacobsville’s resident sweetheart, Winnie Sinclair, no matter the temptation. Shy and innocent, Winnie couldn’t handle a man like him—a merciless man with a haunted past. And this small town may hold not only the woman he fights to resist, but the answers to a cold case that is very personal to Kilraven....

Winnie has had her own share of sorrow and senses Kilraven’s pain. Even though she tries to deny it, the gentle 911 operator feels a connection with the darkly handsome agent. When he makes the disturbing discovery that her family’s unsavory past might have a bearing on his case, Winnie is determined to help him crack it...and the ice around his heart.

As they combine forces in a dangerous investigation, the stakes rise ever higher. Winnie’s life is on the line, and she’ll need Kilraven more than ever. But if they are to have a future together, her ruthless Texan will need to confront his past and risk it all for their love.

Romance Book Review: Heartless

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long Tall Texans
ISBN: 9780373774500 
Publisher: Harlequin

Click here to purchase this book

Diana Palmer's, Heartless is out in paperback this month. I was actually pretty excited about reading the story about step-brother and sister Jason and Gracie. We've heard of Jason Peddleton and his step-sister's Gracie and Glory in other books. Glory had her own book called Fearless.

Jason and Gracie have been circling around each other for years, at least that is what all their friends believe. Gracie doesn't think she has any chance with Jason because when she was young she had a bad experience and some bad advice about men. When Jason acts on his feelings for Gracie in the heat of passion she runs from him. He doesn't know anything about her past bad experience and takes it as a rejection.

Feeling sorry for himself Jason in turns does something stupid, and then to get his revenge against Gracie uses it against her. Making a mess out of both their lives. When he comes to his senses Jason doesn't know how to make things right. When he finally takes action Gracie is kidnapped and he may lose her for good.

This is one of the best of the critically acclaimed Long, Tall Texans series that Diana has written in a while. There are a lot of books in this series and many times characters who are in previous books are brought back to play roles in the new stories. It is really like a long running soap opera. Some people don't like series where you have to read each book to understand who the people are in the current book. Heartless has the same qualities, but there aren't as many characters from older books and it isn't necessary to read the whole series to understand who the players are even though she does reference some others throughout this book.

If you like sweet romance, with a western theme, give Diana Palmer's Long, Tall Texans a chance. You'll learn quickly if you like her style or not. Just be warned that there are a lot who don't because she is a bit of an old fashioned writer with old fashioned romantic views. That isn't always a bad thing in romance. She writes a good honest story about strong male figures with generally shy, but spirited women. It is a style that has worked for many years with a lot of successful books.

One last word...I can't figure out why they call this book Heartless as neither Jason or Gracie are without heart throughout the whole story. Even when Jason hurts Gracie with his actions, he is still doing it because he feels heartbroken. The whole book has a lot of emotion content.

Description:
Secrets abound on a Texas ranch…

As a teenager, Gracie worshipped her stepbrother, Jason, a strong, silent cowboy who left home early to seek his fortune. Now the wealthy owner of Comanche Wells ranch, Jason has finally come back home and discovered that the little girl he knew is all grown up.

In a moment of unbridled passion, Jason realizes that he's falling for Gracie. But Gracie harbors a shameful secret that makes her deeply afraid to love. Stung by her rejection, Jason leaves, ready to put the past—and the one woman he can't have—behind him once more.

Gracie thinks she's lost Jason forever. But when danger threatens her she can only hope that her long, tall Texan will come blazing home to save her.

Tough To Tame

Author: Diane Palmer
Series Connection: Long Tall Texans
ISBN: 978-0373176496
Genre: Cowboy/ Western Romance
Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase this book at the link below.
Tough to Tame (Harlequin Romance)

Diana Palmer has been one of my longtime favorite authors. Her Long Tall Texans series has become quite a franchise over the years with over 30 books to it's credit. Reading reviews of Diana Palmer's books shows that readers either love or hate her but rarely in between. In her Long Tall Texans series she has a formula on how the book are written.

Her heros are often rugged, and not always handsome in looks, but sexy in body. These men have lived hard lives, either with bad childhoods, lived their lives as mercenaries or have had bad relationships with women or their mother causing them to become women haters.

The heroines are often at least 10 to 15 years younger than their male counterparts and often are young enough to still be virgins. They are either shy and easily intimidated, except for with the hero, or they are tomboy characters who push the envelop.

The Long Tall Texans series takes place in a small fictional town in South Texas, called Jacobsville, where there are a lot of ranches, cowboys, cops and drug dealers. The dialog is often country hick, but not ignorant, just not worldly. The characters often offer long explanations on everything from professions to far away places to current events. Sexual situations are generally light to moderate and usually take place after the hero and heroine get married.

In Tough To Tame, brings back local veterinarian Bentley (not Ben) Rydel who has not been in a good mood at work lately. Ever since new veterinarian assistant Cappie (short for Capella) Drake (interesting character names in this book) started working at his clinic Rydel has been an ogre to her. She  doesn't have any idea why he doesn't like her. All she knows is that if he looks at her he is generally yelling at her. At first Bentley really doesn't know anything about Cappie, but when he gets to know her, he begins to like what he sees.

Cappie and her brother Kell have recently moved to the town next door to Jacobsville from San Antonio. Kell thought it would be a good idea to get Cappie out of town after she has a bad relationship with a man she has put away for assult. Kell has problems of his own. He was recently shot and has a bullet lodged in his spin and he is paralyzed. The Drakes are a bit down on their luck now relying only on Cappie's salary to get by. A lot of the story is spent talking about Cappie and Kell and their bad luck, with the rest exploring the relationship between Cappie and Bentley.

Generally this story is right on formula. This particular story is kind of a little more down than others, dealing with hard issues, similar to Regan's Pride. I liked Cappie and the way to handles Bentley's temper. A future story featuring Kell's character would be interesting.

The other part of this story was giving readers more of a look at Kilraven the local police officer or actually FBI Agent, who will be explored further later this year in Dangerous where they will tell the story of Kilraven and Winnie Sinclair.   

Description:
A spellbinding new installment in the Long, Tall Texans series!

New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer welcomes you back to Jacobsville to become reacquainted with Bentley Rydel. He lives hard and loves fiercely—but sometimes it takes the right woman to make a man a hero. This rugged Texan is going to be Tough to Tame!

Romance Book Review: The Maverick

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long, Tall Texans/ Silhouette Desire® #1982
ISBN-13: 978-0373769827
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Western

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It was really hard for me to come up with a rating for this book because I've seen other reviews and honestly on one hand I agree with those who panned this book, but on closer inspection it actually isn't as bad as reviewers have penned it.

Diana Palmer has made a franchise out of the Long, Tall Texan series. There are over 30 related books to the series that she has written over the course of her career. She has a crossover series of Soldiers of Fortune that are introduced throughout the series as well.

As with most series she has a formula. The series takes place in the fictional town of Jacobsville, Texas. She also has a formula of how each of the characters are presents and voiced. Someone could do a whole thesis on why this series has been a success over the years. Even though the romance market has changed drastically since Palmer started writing in the 1970s, she has stayed true to her theme on this series. In most cases all of the heros are older and the heroines are younger. There is usually the conflict of the age difference or family connections.

She also has a habit of giving out details of professions, history or some hobby that is very old school, but still she has her fans. In the case of The Mavericks all that is true. Palmer continues to build her story in the same light and I will admit there are some things that aren't too original throughout the story.

The worst of which is the whole business about the heroine, Alice, asking early on in her meeting with Harley to marrying her. That, Palmer has done before in another book.

On the other hand, I think she has made changes to the series in this book by starting a murder mystery in the County jurisdiction of Jacobsville and offering a chance to build subsequent books on the plot. For those who complained that this was more Kilraven's book then Harley's seemed to have missed the point that the author was building on a short series within her series.

In the first book of any series the author introduces all the key players, while in the background introduces a hero and heroine of the first story. In this case that would be Harley and Alice. Many times there is no conflict for these characters because there is too much other business going on in the book.

What Palmer did in this book is all chapter and verse to an ongoing mystery series. It is expected that the mystery isn't solved. Only bits of information is placed before the reader so that they will buy the next book, which we hope will be released soon, and then the next. In this case Palmer has three books planned for the "mini-series". The next one will feature Kilraven and then next his stepbrother Jon Blackhawk. (This information was listed in the front of the book in the author's note to the readers.)

All that being said, I think the book deserved high marks because the mystery behind the story was interesting and developing as it should. The place where I was a little disappointed was with Palmer's choice for Harley's heroine. I liked Alice's character as a whole and I think that Palmer made her work well with Harley, but there were several issues of concern. One, of course, being she was too young to have seen as much as they make it seem she has seen in her career. At her age she would barely be able to be out at a crime scene without a supervisor, much less have the experience the author makes her have. Since Harley isn't as old as some of the other Long, Tall Texans, he's probably no more than 30 himself, she couldn't make the female character that much older though.

Also, I agree on the whole business that the investigator in Alice should have realized there was a relationship between Harley in the Senator in some way, especially because they had the same last name, long before she did in the book.

For a long time I was a fan who waited for Harley's story. I was disappointed that Palmer didn't pick one of the local Jacobson girls. She had a good prospect in the Marilee, the girl who was Janie's friend in Lionhearted who tried to take Leo away from Janie. There would have been a great conflict there, but since I don't get to make those decisions we have Alice and Harley.

So in conclusion I would say, read the book if you are a fan of Diana's books and if you like western murder mysteries. It is tame compared to most Silhouette Desire® books and even though it is the start of a murder mystery, very sweet natured. And try not to think so much when reading one of Diana's books. Reading romance is for entertainment, not to be expected to be the same as what you would see in real life.

Description:
Always in the middle of trouble, be it during roundup or at Jacobsville county dances, Harley Fowler emerges unscathed. Until he meets whirlwind, top-notch investigator Alice Jones, who is trying to solve a murder involving the one family Harley doesn't want to talk about—his own. Suddenly he's in the midst of mayhem—and all he can think about is protecting Alice. But the stubborn woman is unappreciative of his efforts. What's a confirmed maverick to do? Is seduction the solution?

Long Tall Texans Book 33

Winter Roses
Author: Diana Palmer
Series: Long Tall Texans Book 33
ISBN: 978-1-4268-0828-9
Genre: Western contemporary romance

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Description:
Handsome, eligible ranch owner Stuart York was not one to mince words. Ivy Conley, his younger sister's best friend, found out the hard way. During a night's stay at his Jacobsville ranch, Ivy wound up in Stuart's arms. The resulting fireworks singed them both . . . and knowing she was too young, Stuart closed his heart to her.

Now, years later, Ivy is determined not to be treated like a little girl anymore. Although still innocent, Ivy knows she has to fight her own battles, but for some reason Stuart is always fighting them for her, keeping her from harm. And safe in Stuart's arms Ivy feels like a woman . . . a woman who belongs to him.

My View:
Diana generally has a formula for the Long Tall Texans that she's kept going for 33 books and while some readers may be tired of the cookie cutter plot line it hasn't seemed to hurt sales over the years. There are still plenty of readers out there who like the men and women of Jacobsville, Texas and their ways.

In Winter Roses we first meet Ivy when she's 18 years old and dealing with the death of her father. Her older drug addicted sister is giving her a bad time about settling their father's estate, when her best friend contacts her and coaxes her to spend the weekend with her. Ivy is leary of going because she knows her friends brother, Stuart, our hero, isn't pleased with the girls' friendship. Thinking Stuart will be away for the weekend she goes and while she help sooth Stuart's impression of her, he still worries she's too young and blows her off.

Rather than give up on life we next meet Ivy two years later, just a little older but a lot wiser. She's still having problems with her drug addict sister and things are about to get worse. Ivy's story follows Long Tall Texans and Diana's Mercenary series into the world of Jacobsville never ending problem with drug dealers and sets the stage for her next Mercenary series book.

All and all this was just one of Diana's run of the mill books. Not bad, it just doesn't stand out like some of the others. If you like the men of Jacobsville go out and find a copy. Diana is still worth the read no matter what.

Reissue on two Diana Palmer stories

Her Kind of Hero
Author: Diana Palmer
Re-issue of two books: The Last Mercenary and Matt Caldwell: Texas Tycoon
ISBN-13: 978-0373773817
Genre: Contemporary romance

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Description:
The Last Mercenary (originally published in Silhouette Special Edition #1417, 09/01)
Micah Steele was all set to retire his gun—until a woman from his past was kidnapped by his sworn enemy. Traveling far and wide to rescue Callie Kirby was less daunting than trying to combat his potent desire for her. The trust between them had been shattered years before, but given a second chance, Micah knew his greatest wish was to convince Callie to forget the past, and surrender her heart.

Matt Caldwell: Texas Tycoon (originally published in Silhouette Special Edition #1297, 01/00)
Though countless women had tried to lasso Jacobsville's most-sought-after bachelor, none had managed to catch Matt Caldwell's eye. But the mysterious Leslie Murry was about to change all that. Despite the fact that his new employee roused his temper as no one had before, she also brought out his every protective instinct. The innocent Leslie clearly ached for a man's tender touch, and Long, Tall Texan Matt Caldwell was ready to make it his top priority to sweet-talk Leslie into becoming his bride.

My View:
Neither of these books were my favorites from Diana Palmer. Although I'm a big fan of her work the heros in both of these books leave a lot to be desired.

In The Last Mercenary, Micah blames Callie for something she shouldn't have been blamed for in the first place. He was still holding it over her head six years later. At the time of the incident he was 30 and she was 16. He was old enough to know that what happened was his own fault and not Callie's but where would the conflict in the story be if not for that. While many of Diana Palmer's heros are alpha males and very rough around the edges I usually like them. Micah just didn't quite have the same charm as many of the others. Callie's character was a little better although I would have wished her to be a little stronger and more put out by Micah's actions.

I liked the story line behind the heroine in Matt Caldwell: Texas Tycoon. It made for a good background for the book itself. The only problem was I felt that Matt Caldwell's character fell a little bit short. I thought the idea behind the two having a conflict because of a misunderstanding in the beginning was good, but went too far. All the hints were there many times that Leslie had been hurt in some way and just when it seemed that Matt understood that he did something stupid again. His actions just didn't fit the mold of a man who dated actresses and princesses. I really liked Matt's cousin's character and wished that Diana would have made a book around him.

Even though I wasn't completely satisfied with these books the author gets three hearts because when it comes down to it I just love her work and just couldn't give her anything less.