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Long, Tall Texans #1-3
Long, Tall Texans
Long, Tall Texans . . .
They're rugged and lean . . . and the best-looking, sweetest-talking men to be found in the entire Lone Star state! CALHOUN, JUSTIN and TYLER -- the three cowboys who started the legend. Now they're back by popular demand in one classic volume -- ready to lasso your heart!
Calhoun: When would the powerful rancher realize the possessive and protective feelings Abby aroused meant she was a grown woman . . . ?
Justin: The bitter rancher had dreamed of Shelby begging for his help -- but when she finally needed him, how could he refuse?
Tyler: The smooth talking charmer always won over every woman he met -- until he encountered plainspoken irresistible Nell!
They're rugged and lean . . . and the best-looking, sweetest-talking men to be found in the entire Lone Star state! CALHOUN, JUSTIN and TYLER -- the three cowboys who started the legend. Now they're back by popular demand in one classic volume -- ready to lasso your heart!
Calhoun: When would the powerful rancher realize the possessive and protective feelings Abby aroused meant she was a grown woman . . . ?
Justin: The bitter rancher had dreamed of Shelby begging for his help -- but when she finally needed him, how could he refuse?
Tyler: The smooth talking charmer always won over every woman he met -- until he encountered plainspoken irresistible Nell!
462 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
129 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,044 books3,098 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 5, 2009
Another great book by Palmer about her Long Tall Texans in Jacobsville. I loved all 3 of the stories!
The first story is about Calhoun Ballenger and Abby. Their parents were supposed to marry but died right before the wedding so Calhoun took in Abby as his ward. For years Calhoun was overprotective of Abby and always considered her just a child. He had no idea that Abby has loved him for so long. Abby wants Calhoun badly but she’s a Plain Jane and Calhoun can have any woman he wants. One night he helps a very inebriated Abby into bed and that is when he first realizes that Abby is no longer a child but has grown into a woman. Calhoun can’t understand the feelings he’s having for Abby. He doesn’t want any man near her but at the same time he is fighting desperately to keep away from her. It’s too hard for Abby to be near Calhoun when he obviously doesn’t want her and she can’t force him to want her so she moves out of the house. It isn’t until she was gone that Calhoun realized how lonely and quiet life is without Abby around all the time. Eventually he stops fighting and Calhoun and Abby live happily together.
The second story is about Justin Ballenger, Calhoun’s brother, and John Jacobs granddaughter Shelby Jacobs. Shelby came from a rich family but her father was in so much debt that when he passed away Shelby was left with nothing. Justin took her in and married her so that Shelby could have a better life even though he was so angry with her. He’s had a grudge against Shelby for many years because she broke off their engagement and left him for another man. Justin doesn’t know that Shelby was saving him from her father who had threatened to ruin Justin if Shelby married him. Her father didn’t want her to marry a man who was poor. So instead she agreed with her father’s false tale that she was seeing another man. Now years later Justin won’t believe the truth no matter what Shelby says. He can’t accept that Shelby has loved him all these years. Even though he loves Shelby more than anything, he’s bitter and jealous and deep inside he can’t believe that a beautiful girl like Shelby could love an unattractive man like himself. It all works out at the end. These two were absolutely cute! They both were in love with each other for so long and spent 6 years apart even though they were still madly in love with one another. Great story!
The third story is about Shelby’s brother, Tyler Jacobs. He lost his fortune and is now working as a Foreman at a ranch in Arizona. He meets Nell Reagan who will soon inherit the ranch. She’s afraid of men and shy as hell because she once made the mistake of chasing after a man, who she thought she loved, but it turned out that he was in love with her sister-in-law. She made an absolute fool of herself so now she dresses like a tomboy to stay clear of men and she has no self-confidence. She falls head over heels in love with Tyler but she’s always too afraid to be open and honest with him. One day Tyler gets really sick and Nell nurses him back to health. It was in that moment that Tyler realized Nell was the girl for him. He needs someone like her who will stick by his side and work with him while he builds up his fortune again. Tyler has a hard time reading Nell and he realizes that she just needs to build her confidence. He wants her badly but Nell keeps insisting that he wants her sister-in-law, Maggie. Tyler gives up chasing Nell and tells her that she needs to make the first move if she wants him. She needs to realize on her own how badly Tyler wants her, and not Maggie, because no matter how much he tells her she just doesn’t believe him. Eventually Nell puts everything together and realizes that Tyler only wants her and nobody else. It took her long enough to open her eyes to the truth and stop jumping to conclusions. A very cute story!
The first story is about Calhoun Ballenger and Abby. Their parents were supposed to marry but died right before the wedding so Calhoun took in Abby as his ward. For years Calhoun was overprotective of Abby and always considered her just a child. He had no idea that Abby has loved him for so long. Abby wants Calhoun badly but she’s a Plain Jane and Calhoun can have any woman he wants. One night he helps a very inebriated Abby into bed and that is when he first realizes that Abby is no longer a child but has grown into a woman. Calhoun can’t understand the feelings he’s having for Abby. He doesn’t want any man near her but at the same time he is fighting desperately to keep away from her. It’s too hard for Abby to be near Calhoun when he obviously doesn’t want her and she can’t force him to want her so she moves out of the house. It isn’t until she was gone that Calhoun realized how lonely and quiet life is without Abby around all the time. Eventually he stops fighting and Calhoun and Abby live happily together.
The second story is about Justin Ballenger, Calhoun’s brother, and John Jacobs granddaughter Shelby Jacobs. Shelby came from a rich family but her father was in so much debt that when he passed away Shelby was left with nothing. Justin took her in and married her so that Shelby could have a better life even though he was so angry with her. He’s had a grudge against Shelby for many years because she broke off their engagement and left him for another man. Justin doesn’t know that Shelby was saving him from her father who had threatened to ruin Justin if Shelby married him. Her father didn’t want her to marry a man who was poor. So instead she agreed with her father’s false tale that she was seeing another man. Now years later Justin won’t believe the truth no matter what Shelby says. He can’t accept that Shelby has loved him all these years. Even though he loves Shelby more than anything, he’s bitter and jealous and deep inside he can’t believe that a beautiful girl like Shelby could love an unattractive man like himself. It all works out at the end. These two were absolutely cute! They both were in love with each other for so long and spent 6 years apart even though they were still madly in love with one another. Great story!
The third story is about Shelby’s brother, Tyler Jacobs. He lost his fortune and is now working as a Foreman at a ranch in Arizona. He meets Nell Reagan who will soon inherit the ranch. She’s afraid of men and shy as hell because she once made the mistake of chasing after a man, who she thought she loved, but it turned out that he was in love with her sister-in-law. She made an absolute fool of herself so now she dresses like a tomboy to stay clear of men and she has no self-confidence. She falls head over heels in love with Tyler but she’s always too afraid to be open and honest with him. One day Tyler gets really sick and Nell nurses him back to health. It was in that moment that Tyler realized Nell was the girl for him. He needs someone like her who will stick by his side and work with him while he builds up his fortune again. Tyler has a hard time reading Nell and he realizes that she just needs to build her confidence. He wants her badly but Nell keeps insisting that he wants her sister-in-law, Maggie. Tyler gives up chasing Nell and tells her that she needs to make the first move if she wants him. She needs to realize on her own how badly Tyler wants her, and not Maggie, because no matter how much he tells her she just doesn’t believe him. Eventually Nell puts everything together and realizes that Tyler only wants her and nobody else. It took her long enough to open her eyes to the truth and stop jumping to conclusions. A very cute story!
March 8, 2018
Don't know what it is about D. P books but no matter how much eye rolling I do reading these I just can't stop!
Calhoun - I'm such a sucker for the whole 'forbidden' ward trope. Although it wasn't really forbidden because Abby was 21 turning 22. I loved that no matter how much her heart hurt with unrequited love she was still a happy person. The family dynamics between all 3 of them was fun to watch. I couldn't even truly dislike Calhoun (unlike most D. P hero's!) because he genuinely cared for Abby. He didn't even flaunt his other women and was actually embarrassed when he was caught out on a date with one of them.
Justin - I found that I was actually embarrassed for the amount of embarrassment these 2 had in their avoidance of anything even remotely sexual. I guess I can see Shelby's side of it because like all D.P's heroines she was severely sheltered. I did love the little drama of misunderstandings and I like when the H realizes he's so completely wrong and has to go on the chase.
Tyler - We only see brief glimpses of Tyler's character from the 2 previous books but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by him aside from a few snide comments. It was nice to see that he truly cared about Nell and wasn't just playing with her heart for shits and giggles. As for Nell, was anyone else creeped out by the fact that she would've only been 15 when the incident with what's his face happened??? and the fact that everyone brushed it off and made it seem like she over reacted at the time. It kinda left a sour taste in my mouth. Overall as a couple they were surprisingly sweet with low angst and it was great to see their relationship unfold.
Calhoun - I'm such a sucker for the whole 'forbidden' ward trope. Although it wasn't really forbidden because Abby was 21 turning 22. I loved that no matter how much her heart hurt with unrequited love she was still a happy person. The family dynamics between all 3 of them was fun to watch. I couldn't even truly dislike Calhoun (unlike most D. P hero's!) because he genuinely cared for Abby. He didn't even flaunt his other women and was actually embarrassed when he was caught out on a date with one of them.
Justin - I found that I was actually embarrassed for the amount of embarrassment these 2 had in their avoidance of anything even remotely sexual. I guess I can see Shelby's side of it because like all D.P's heroines she was severely sheltered. I did love the little drama of misunderstandings and I like when the H realizes he's so completely wrong and has to go on the chase.
Tyler - We only see brief glimpses of Tyler's character from the 2 previous books but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by him aside from a few snide comments. It was nice to see that he truly cared about Nell and wasn't just playing with her heart for shits and giggles. As for Nell, was anyone else creeped out by the fact that she would've only been 15 when the incident with what's his face happened??? and the fact that everyone brushed it off and made it seem like she over reacted at the time. It kinda left a sour taste in my mouth. Overall as a couple they were surprisingly sweet with low angst and it was great to see their relationship unfold.
February 11, 2022
I don't even have like a serious review to give this just 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮.
This was trashy romance at its peak. I hated every minute I spent with it. I hated the writing. Constantly felt like slapping the characters. It was three books in one and every single one literally took the same route. This author was not creative and the writing was just repetitive, so much so I lost me in the process. It was like I did something and was being punished while I read this. I only did not DNF it because it was the first book I ever bought so it was kind of important to finish. I know better now to avoid such even though I own a few of this sort still😂😂😂. Hated this so much once again and glad it's over. The worst book I've read in almost 2 years.
This was trashy romance at its peak. I hated every minute I spent with it. I hated the writing. Constantly felt like slapping the characters. It was three books in one and every single one literally took the same route. This author was not creative and the writing was just repetitive, so much so I lost me in the process. It was like I did something and was being punished while I read this. I only did not DNF it because it was the first book I ever bought so it was kind of important to finish. I know better now to avoid such even though I own a few of this sort still😂😂😂. Hated this so much once again and glad it's over. The worst book I've read in almost 2 years.
May 25, 2018
Spoilers below.
Diana Palmer has a formula. Innocent virgin with a fear of intamacy who thinks she is meh looking + gruff cowboy who has a permanant case of blue balls, chest hair for days, and either smokes or drinks (sometimes both) = romance in 11 chapters.
I talk shit but let's be real. I love her. I have been reading her books for twenty years and I'm not going to stop now. I have read this particular set at least five times.
I have a crush on Calhoun and have done since I was 14. So...there you go.
Diana Palmer has a formula. Innocent virgin with a fear of intamacy who thinks she is meh looking + gruff cowboy who has a permanant case of blue balls, chest hair for days, and either smokes or drinks (sometimes both) = romance in 11 chapters.
I talk shit but let's be real. I love her. I have been reading her books for twenty years and I'm not going to stop now. I have read this particular set at least five times.
I have a crush on Calhoun and have done since I was 14. So...there you go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2019
As a Texas girl have always loved cowboys she is awesome have been reading books from library and on Kindle for sometime never disappoints love tall, rugged, but marshmellows when it comes to the one that steals their hearts. They fight all the way but they are roped and branded and it an explosion of romance love that the author still keeps writing pure books and sex is not a casual thing but for life.
I ought to know tomorrow is 34th wedding anniversary and he is tall southern guy who doesn't talk much but doesn't need to his love is for real. Thank you keep up the good work Carmen
'
I ought to know tomorrow is 34th wedding anniversary and he is tall southern guy who doesn't talk much but doesn't need to his love is for real. Thank you keep up the good work Carmen
'
August 16, 2020
Amusing fast read. The story was good, but could've been great if the plot hadn't been so rushed. I really wanted to like the main character Leo, but he is so annoying -- he does what he wants and tries to make decisions for others without regard for what they want. His brothers and their wives are endearing, and so are several people who live in town. Janie is awesome, decides what she wants, makes a plan and keeps a positive outlook and stays determined even when the plan is difficult. If you like this book, you will love the first four books of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
Each book was wonderful. Calhoun realizing that Abby was a grown woman and not the child he still thought of her as was great reading. Justin always wanted Shelby to beg him for help so when the time came that she needed his help he was quick to give it. The charmer Tyler with his smooth talk always won over the women he chose to be with then along came Nell and he had to rethink how he did things to win her over.
December 2, 2017
Good read
These 3 books have a lot of angst, overthinking, and self doubt on the parts of the heroines. Of course, they are girls in their twenties and the men are 7-12 years older. The hero's are hunky, sexy, virile men. Definitely the attitudes of the 80's. A lot of foreplay and a little sex. Too angsty for me, but recommend if you like a lot of soul searching.
These 3 books have a lot of angst, overthinking, and self doubt on the parts of the heroines. Of course, they are girls in their twenties and the men are 7-12 years older. The hero's are hunky, sexy, virile men. Definitely the attitudes of the 80's. A lot of foreplay and a little sex. Too angsty for me, but recommend if you like a lot of soul searching.
February 22, 2018
Long, Tall Texans: Calhoun, Justin and Tyler
This was a great book with three stories. Each one was similar, but different. All the women were innocent and all the men were old fashioned. Can't wait to read more of this series.
This was a great book with three stories. Each one was similar, but different. All the women were innocent and all the men were old fashioned. Can't wait to read more of this series.
January 15, 2019
The fact that Calhoun was lusting after Abby when he raised her since she was a little girl made this romance feel a little skeevy. I also don't care for the cliched back and forth of 'they're in love, but they're not speaking' stuff. Macho guys acting annoyed at every little thing is tiring.
March 21, 2019
Great Collection!
I would definitely recommend this collection of Long, Tall Texans. I really enjoyed the story lines and characters challenges. Can't wait to start reading the next book in this series.
I would definitely recommend this collection of Long, Tall Texans. I really enjoyed the story lines and characters challenges. Can't wait to start reading the next book in this series.
May 11, 2019
It was an okay read. Very light, the storyline was fairly predictable and the romance was .... nothing to write home about but it was a good tub read and I would be willing to try another of her books because it wasn't terrible.
April 16, 2023
I love Diana Palmer books. These are three good ones. Calhoun, Justin and Tyler are great main characters.Great stories that have some wonderful cameos from other stories. Diana Palmer is a wonderful storyteller.
October 21, 2018
Great intro to this series . . . Looking forward to "meeting" more in this clan
January 11, 2020
So. So slow it’s boring! 20% couldn’t take. Any. More!!
March 31, 2023
Calhoun Justin Tyler all three books are awesome and a wonderful start of The Long Tall Texans series
October 26, 2020
Read these Palmer books' from the Bryan, TX Library.
February 22, 2016
Calhoun, Justin,and Tyler. The first three in the Long, Tall, Texans stories. Great nostalgia reads going back to 1988 where it all began. It was great reading and seeing how far romance stories have advanced. I have read many books in this series, but I missed these. Absolutely loved them. Western Romance at it's best. If it is a Diana Palmer book, it is a winner. 4.5 stars
Read
July 27, 2011Holy hell! This is a great book, one of the best romance novels I've ever read. The charachters are wonderful and vibrant and their relationships are so moving. I really love all three couples and I can't wait to read more of Diana's books. I definitly recomend this for everyone!
August 31, 2011
Heroine was WAY too immature. It was like reading about a (not very bright) child. Calhoun's transformation from playboy to "I want to marry you" was also too abrupt and not very believable. Will not be continuing this series.
January 26, 2013
In 2005-2007 I read so many of Diana Palmer's books. My ex's mom had a lot and that got me hooked. She is an excellent author and I just enjoyed them. Especially the rancher, texas, farmer themes plots and stuff.
August 16, 2008
Long, Tall Texans: Calhoun, Justin & Tyler by Diana Palmer (2002)
September 26, 2008
Three sexy cowboys. What more can a girl ask for. Enjoy the read.
November 17, 2010
i loved this book!!
great leading men, great easy reading, happy endings and enough romance to make them sweet and memorable and did i say great leading men!!!!
have fun reading them
January 7, 2011
I'd read "Justin" before but not the other two.
Read
July 9, 2011Me falta leer Justin y Tyler aún
September 25, 2011
Cowboy up! thats all I gotta say about that.
October 7, 2012
My introduction to the real men of Texas and my reading "love affair" the Long Tall Texans.
April 19, 2023
it was great
October 4, 2015
These are great stories great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews