REVIEW: Texas Tough by Janet Dailey

In Texas Tough (The Tylers of Texas #2) by Janet Dailey, not only is Sky Fletcher’s family history complicated, it seems his relationship one is also. So, he should know by now to stay far away from Lauren Prescott. Unfortunately, she’s a temptation he finds hard to resist, especially when she’s working for the Tyler family ranch as a book-keeper. But when trouble begins stalking Lauren because of her family connections, Sky will do anything to keep her safe.

”That night in the Blue Coyote – it was the one-year anniversary of Mike’s death. I’d had an ugly fight with my father, and it had all come crashing in on me. I just wanted to forget.”
“I figured it was something like that.”
“I never thanked you for making sure I was all right.”
Sky’s mouth twitched in a hint of a smile. “As I recollect, you weren’t in a grateful mood.”

Although this was a good book, I was frustrated by how many of the characters narrated it. There were the main characters as well as a few secondary characters, which made it easy to identify the bad guys from the good. Right from the beginning, I was drawn into this story once Sky and others discovered their injured friend. That alone made me want to keep reading, as I was intrigued to discover who and why they’d hurt this particular secondary character. However, it was the growing relationship between Sky and Lauren that made this story fast-paced and entertaining. They have a bit of history that makes it hard for the two of them to stay away from each other when they already know how good they are together.

I really liked both characters, and the dialogue was intense due to the problems happening on the ranch and the danger to Lauren. Why would someone want to target her? Lauren is strong, brave, and independent. I liked how she stood up to her dad when he bad-mouthed Sky, and practically begged for her help. Her dad is a real piece of work the way he tries to use her to benefit his goals. He certainly doesn’t care about her like a father should, and it made me feel sorry for her. Then there’s her back story, which was sad, and it was no wonder she turned to Sky – at a time – when she felt the loss of someone she’d loved the most. Being with him helped her to deal with her grief, even if it was a mistake. A mistake she was sure she wasn’t going to repeat, and yet she finds Sky impossible to resist.

”When was the last time you had a moonlight drip in a nice cool swimming pool?”
He hesitated. “Can’t say as I recall. Is that an invitation?”
“If you want it to be.” She tugged his arm. “It won’t take long. Besides –“ She wrinkled her nose in mock distaste. “You don’t exactly smell like a rose garden. What makes you think I’d allow you in my car?”

While Sky, he’s arrogant, determined and protective. The hero has a lot thrown at him throughout this story including discovering the name of his father, the fire that rips through town, what happens to Lauren and a cousin that does her best not to show her true colors; to hide the fact she’s not the good girl she was when she was younger. At first, he’s a real jerk towards Lauren. Yet, as the story progresses, he finds himself falling hard and he wants their relationship to work. Is pushing her away the right answer, so she can sort out her life? It’s a hard decision he has to make, but necessary if they’re to ever have a chance at a happy ending.

In the end, this was a good book where the sex scenes were hot and illustrated the strong chemistry between a couple that are good for each other, despite what some people may think. The ending wrapped this story up nicely with how Lauren saves Sky, and then the epilogue revealing that others may know the truth of Sky’s father’s name. I would recommend Texas Tough by Janet Dailey, if you enjoy romantic suspense, or the second chance romance trope.
 

Book Info:

Publication: May 26th, 2016 | Kensington Books | Tylers of Texas #2

He’s everything she doesn’t need.

The quiet horse whisperer whose touch still ignites her dreams—and is everything wealthy Lauren Prescott is not. She can think of a million reasons why she should never ever fall into Sky Fletcher’s sure embrace again. Until she clashes head-on with the dangerous complications of her privileged life and needs his protection like air to breathe . . .

She’s more than he can resist.

The heiress Sky can’t get out of his heart, no matter how much he tries. And being the secret third Tyler son doesn’t change a thing. All he wants from his two brothers is help uncovering a dangerous conspiracy threatening his land, their ranch, and the spirited beauty he never should have touched. . .