Snow in Texas

Lean Dogs Legacy #1

by Lauren Gilley

From the author of FEARLESS, the first in a new Dartmoor spinoff series:

Colin O’Donnell grew up in a lie, believing the man who raised him was his father, stirring up hell in the Louisiana bayous. A shocking revelation about his parentage led him to his half-brother…and his half-brother’s motorcycle club. Now Colin is a prospect for the Lean Dogs MC, and he’s just been transferred from his home town of New Orleans to Amarillo, Texas, where Vice President Candyman runs a tight ship, and holds tight secrets.

Jenny Snow has spent the last seven years in limbo, waiting for the pain to recede, when she unwittingly catches the eye of the club’s newest prospect. She doesn’t have the time or patience for a biker in her life. If only she can convince herself she truly believes that.

SNOW IN TEXAS is the first installment of Lauren Gilley’s new Lean Dogs Legacy Series, and features characters first introduced in her Dartmoor Series. Be sure to look for the Dartmoor novels FEARLESS, PRICE OF ANGELS, HALF MY BLOOD, THE SKELETON KING, and SECONDHAND SMOKE.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Dark Romance, Dark

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2016

About the author

Wrote some stuff.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Colin was cool...but he’s no Mercy. I also felt that he and Jenny’s connection never matched or outweighed her connection to her brother. Looking forward to his book.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read March 2020. Still 5 stars and loved it just as much as I did the first time around.

Original review:

Two things that made me dither and delay wanting to read this .....

* I didn't like Colin in earlier books in the Dartmoor series
* Brick wall issue - I am not a fan of older heroine/younger hero books. They just don't do anything for me at all.

So, I'm thrilled to say I bloody loved this book so hard. Colin is not an uber OTT alpha male, and that worked for me in this instance and didn't bother me at all. The age thing wasn't an problem for me either, simply because the author didn't make it an issue so it was something I overlooked and didn't really think about again. And best of all I ended up absolutely loving Colin, and also the new characters from Texas.

[Elfina Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh my gosh what a kickass start to a brand new series, then starting it out with the Cajun prospect Colin's!

Trying to learn the ropes and figure out his place within the MC, new dangers unfolds targeting Candyman and his sister! Guard your secrets well, for the truth of them can get you buried six foot under with one way ticket to hell!

“This is official federal business, son,” Riley said. “Don’t get involved.” “That’s the biggest load of horseshit I ever heard. Sir,” Colin fired back. “You arresting her? Taking her in for questioning? Nobody strong-arms an unarmed woman on official federal business. This is personal as all hell. So I’ll say it again: Get your hands off her, or I’ll blow your fucking head off.”

Fabulous five star read!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I put off reading this book?
Seriously, because it seems crazy that I put it off because I wasn't sure I liked Colin enough to read his book.
After 'Loverboy' I struggled to settle into anything else so I figured I'd give this a shot and now it's straight onto 'Tastes Like Candy' for me.
This book was as surprising as it is fantastic and now I'm wondering why I wasn't too keen on Colin, he's great.
Colin finds himself in Amarillo, Texas prospecting for the Lean Dogs MC. Now Colin's been a wanderer, women flock to him and he's never really had to work that hard for anything but being a prospect isn't easy he's going to have to bite his tongue and knuckle down for a year or so.
While prospecting might be difficult that's nothing compared to the woman he can't take his eyes off, Jenny isn't interested (or so she says) but the more she rejects him the more interested he becomes and he quickly realises this might be his biggest challenge yet.
Jenny has a history and she tells herself she's not interested in the new prospect but she can only lie to herself for so long especially since circumstances push them together when Jenny's past finds itself smack bang in the middle of her future.
Now I have to say older woman/younger man is not my thing, ever but here it worked because it wasn't ever an issue, it wasn't a big deal and therefore it just worked.
This book introduces us to the Amarillo chapter so we get new characters, a great story and the promise of great things to come plus we get to spend a little time with our favourites from Dartmoor (Mercy) we also get humour that I love in my books and of course as always Lauren gives us multiple POV.
This book had some brilliant lines:

"A man who wants to get me naked," she said........
"You can't tell me you've got any use for a man who looks at you and doesn't want to get you naked."

I rarely give 5* (or at least that used to be the case) because I figure if you use it all the time it loses its value but these books are just that good that I can't give less and trust me when I say I don't give 5* easily.

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author continues to blow me away. I don't even know how to review her books because nothing I can ever say will do her work justice so here goes nothing ...

Every time I finish a book by Lauren Gilley, I always ask myself two questions:

1. HOW does one learn to write like this???

and

2. WHY isn't EVERYONE reading her???

When discussing books/various authors with my closest reading buddies, we always say how much better we enjoy authors who 'show instead of telling' and boy, does Lauren ever show! Her books are so vivid that there are times when I feel that if I stop reading and lift my head from my Kindle, I'll end up right there, in the middle of wherever the characters may be at the time. I am literally lost to the world when I read her. Her writing is so captivating, no detail is ever wasted. And lets not forget THE feels!

Considering I am not a very fast reader, I seem to DEVOUR her books. I don't know how she does it from the very first chapter, she seems to suck me right in and doesn't let go till the very end. Her stories are very much character driven and the ongoing plot is absolutely brilliant! If you love exceptionally well written family sagas, you owe it to yourself to check this author out!

**This book is a spin off of Lauren's Dartmoor Series and, even though CAN be read as standalone, I'd recommend you read it all in order to enhance your reading experience.

Cheers!

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 4 out of 5]

02/12/2017 -- Reread

Toilet paper. Toilet paper, baby !! I'd read toilet paper if Lauren Gilley wrote on it. I just know I'd love it.

Rating stays the same -- 4 Stars.

Happy Reading!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$1.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
232 pages

First sentence: Amarillo, Texas. Colin. His father told him once, when he was a boy, that it was a man's responsibility to find his place in the world.

Last sentence: As if he sensed her staring, Colin turned to look at her. He smiled. She smiled back.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
02/13/2016 -- 4 Stars

Anything. I'll read anything this author writes. I just love her. Her stories are well drawn. Her characters always nicely developed and multidimensional -- this is key. What do I mean by this? Not predictable and multifaceted. So, if we are to be a girlfriend, we get that great story, but we also get the details on being a friend, a daughter, a student, etc. There is always an underlying story with grown-up issues. She doesn't unnecessarily draw out the angst and take us down immature paths. It will unfold and have the the depth needed. I may not be explaining myself well? The price is right. Simply the full package.

This isn't my favorite of hers, but it is very good. I enjoyed it. It is a spin-off in her Fearless series. If your familiar with the Fearless characters, this is Colin's story; Mercy's "brother." I love Mercy. It made me want to re-read Mercy and Ava again. I've downloaded it and am ready to go! I really like Candyman and can't wait for his story.

If you haven't read this author and you love romance novels like I do, you owe it to yourself to give her a go. She has incredible talent.

Happy Reading!

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "...What kind of monster are you?" Stars

I love the Lean Dogs MC. Lauren Gilley books are like stepping onto a film set and living in the action alongside the great characters. This is the sweetly and hilariously told story of Colin and Jenny. Much like Gilley's previous works the camaraderie of brotherhood and family life inside the MC is ever present while infused with much humor, love, and danger. I enjoyed every minute of this shorter tale told from multiple points of view. Colin and Jenny give something to each other neither planned for as Colin settles into life in Texas as a Lean Dog under the watchful eye of the hilarious Candyman. I can't wait for more!

Second Read: September 2020 - Another great second read. I forget how much detail I knew about the Lean Dogs. Jenny and Colin are a great story and matchmaking Candy is the best.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "Prospective" ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

I do love a good MC story. So gritty and dirty, makes me miss SOA : (

It's been a while since I read an MC story, but SIT definitely made up for it. It had everything I want in an MC story, cuts & cussing galore. Jenny was a gem, that woman deserves all the happiness she can get, and the lovable (and sexy) new prospect is just the man to give it to her.

Jenny Snow is getting through life one day at a time with help from her lovable brother, Candy (be careful though, he'll take every tooth outta your goddamn head.) But her past wants to catch up with her. Loveable, cajun gator wrestler Colin to the rescue, or maybe a little pup?.

I could kick myself for not reading the Dartmoor series first though. I bet Ava & Mercys story was a riot. I'm looking forward to seeing this club grow. Mr.Candy......

5 Stars from me : )



"Excavate it out of him. Give him a chance. Demand nothing less than his whole heart, and see if he won't step up and surprise you."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5☆

[Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Gilley is an author I have only come to know over the last 6 months. Having had the opportunity to read the complete Dartmoor series I was blown away by the quality of this authors writing, the interaction of the characters in each book and the complete build up of the relationship between Lean Dogs UK and USA.

This is a "spin off) and brings us Colin half brother of Mercy from Dartmoor book 1 and I am so glad we are introduced to Colin. Lauren Gilley will be always be an automatic read for me. Her writing is sublime and her stories are just so believable.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues to be one of my favorite authors and she continues to amaze me with her ability to pull me into all of the Lean Dogs characters. Even though this book is a stand alone I urge you to read the Dartmoor Fearless series where many of the characters are initially introduced. All of the books in the first series and now this spin off series have been 5 star reads for me.
In this book, Ms. Gilley again shows her unique approach with giving us an older woman with a younger man. Even if Colin might be younger, he is one hell of a man. For those of you who follow the series, Colin is Mercy's half brother. Colin is a drop dead, gorgeous Cajun who comes with a lot of emotional baggage and his former man whore status. He knows when he first sees Jenny that she's special. Jenny is the club president's sister and she makes Colin work for it. Her past is sad and she lives in fear each day of her ex-husband coming back to torture her some more. In this story Colin does a lot of growing up and Jenny finds that she's not to old to enjoy life. Most importantly she realizes that not every man is an abusive ahole.
I loved Colin/Jenny's story but I can't wait to get Candyman's story. He captured my interest in Second Hand Smoke and his love for his sister stole my heart in this book. I hope there will be many, many more Lean Dog stories.

[⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!! If you love a good MC series then you HAVE to get to know the Lean Dogs. I want me some Candy and I think I might go a little nuts waiting ARGHH :)

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

candy stole the show. jumping right into his book next!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars

I love the Lean Dogs!! I must admit I wasn’t a fan of Colin’s when he was first introduced, but that definitely changed in this book! I was happy him and Jenny were able to give each other what they needed. I am soooo glad to see him and Mercy start to build a relationship. I love me some Mercy!! Jenny and Candy’s interactions were sweet and I can’t wait for the Candyman’s book!!!

[HMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am dying to read Tastes like Candy, so this is short and sweet...Loved Cocky Colin (pun intended) and Jenny, well Jenny went through hell seven years ago and I loved that she didn't play a meek and mild damsel in distress. Although all the characters are in a good place and the story doesn't end with a cliffhanger, there are unanswered questions and loose ends. All in all a good primer for the continued story in Tastes Like Candy.

[Andrea Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Gilley. The Texas Lean Dogs have some good stories in that clubhouse. I can't wait to get them all.

5 stars!

I am already looking forward to Candy's story!

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Gilley can write whatever the hell she wants—I’ll read anything she’s got to give. Colin and Jenny’s book simply hit the spot. 😮‍💨

She had it now, didn’t she? That dream she’d stuffed in a back drawer, afraid to even hope for anymore. It had come in on the evening bus almost a year ago, big-shouldered and beautiful.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Lauren Gilley had been in front of me when I found out she was doing a Dartmoor spin off series featuring the Lean Dogs, I would have hugged her. Even when I’m not particularly fond of a main character, her writing is so unbelievably rich I end up enjoying the book. The fact that I got to do another buddy read with Lily on Snow In Texas was some mighty fine tasting icing on the proverbial Lean Dog cake.

If you have not read the Fearless series, I strongly urge you to read it before starting this one. There is important backstory, especially pertaining to Colin and his brother Mercy that you need to know. Plus it’s one heck of a kickass series you do not want to miss.

Colin is a man in the midst of an identity crisis. He is lost and floundering after having his entire world pulled out from under him when he found out the man who he thought was his father wasn’t, and the person that killed that man (no matter that it was under unfortunate but justifiable circumstances) was his half brother, Mercy Lécuyer a member of the Lean Dogs MC. Making the decision to join the Lean Dogs, albeit a different chapter than his brother, Colin finds himself sent to the Texas chapter to “toughen up”.

Even though Colin was not my idea of the perfect H, I couldn’t help but like him. He is definitively not an alpha, but the absolute sweetness that shone through with him won me over. He came across as not necessarily immature, but young and naive at times. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to reach into the pages, pull him out, tell him it was going to be okay, and give him a big hug. He wasn’t down on himself, he just seemed to be lost and embarrassed about his circumstances. What won me over was the fact that even though he didn’t have an alpha personality, nor was he as much a badass as you would think a 1%er in training would be, when he knew what he wanted, he went after it. Plus, I know that after a few years of toughening up with the Lean Dogs he will no doubt become one hell of a badass biker.

Lauren Gilley can write a strong heroine and Jenny was no exception. The sister of the VP of the Texas chapter, as her history we learn that at one point she was brought low, but she fought back and although damaged she’s much stronger. She also did everything in her power to learn how to fight back so she would be prepared if the shit ever hit the fan. My freaking favorite type of heroine, one who strives to be a help and not a hindrance when the going gets tough.

Snow in Texas was a slow burn book that was extremely relationship driven but it had some action to it too. I’m not as in love with the Texas chapter as I am with the Dogs in Tennessee but I think they could definitely grow on me. They have some big problems facing them, but they have shown they can come up with some interesting solutions when faced with adversity. I’m thinking it’s going to be a wild ride and I plan on being on it with them. I’m pretty sure Candy’s book is next, and I can’t freaking wait.

Spice’s Rating: 4 I Love The Lean Dogs Stars

For this review and more, check out http://edgyreviews.com

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been hooked on this entire series, since I first read Fearless (Dartmoor Series Book 1) and the entire Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club, and their chapters from England, New Orleans, Tennessee, and Texas.

Snow in Texas is the first book in a Dartmoor spin-off series Lean Dogs Legacy Book 1. This is the story of Colin O'Donnell who has very recently found that the man who raised him as his son, had never really been his father. His real father lived a few miles down the bayou, and had been raising the only son he cared to claim, and that would be no other then Felix Lecuyer better known in the MC world as Mercy. Finding out Mercy was his half-brother was devastating to both Colin and Mercy.

Colin was adrift and trying to find his place in the world, and that place right now was Amarillo, Texas as a prospect in the Texas chapter of the Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club. He wasn't sure how he would fit in, as he was a long way from NOLA, with everyone having high expectations with knowing he was Mercy's brother, but blood will tell.

One thing about his situation in Texas, was the woman who caught his eye the first night Jenny Snow. He didn't know that she was the very broken and protected sister of the VP of the club, and better know as the Candy-man or just Candy. All Colin knew was that he had no plans for the future, he had no alternative but to patch in and become a Dog.

Jenny and Colin are thrown together as he is assigned security detail, and as Candy says, “If a man can hunt an alligator, he can take care of a ex-husband.” There are lots of differences between Colin and Mercy, but as Candy said, “Blood always comes through, in the end. I'm counting on you to show me that you're a Lecuyer, and not whatever you call yourself now.”

I love how the characters of Ava and Mercy find themselves drawing closer to Jenny and Colin, and how Ava and Jenny discuss their big Cajun men, “I know you have doubts, but there's a little of the man I married in your man. Excavate it out of him. Give him a chance. Demand nothing less than his whole heart, and see if he won't step up and surprise you.”

And I love that Colin finds his home: The familiar shape of her pressed to his chest, the silkiness of her hair against his face—it was home. Colin, Jenny, Candy, and the Texas crew will return next in Tastes Like Candy.

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read- I don’t have Facebook so I couldn’t join the read with the author, but her blog comments got me interested in a reread. Good as always and I think I read this before I read Fearless the fist time. can see my confusion. Love theses guys then love them now.


First read:
Interesting read. Great start to the series, but since it was a spin off I felt lost sometimes because there was background information that I didn't know. I know the author tried to fill us in stuff, I still felt out of the loop.

Colin is something else...wow hot! I wish I knew more about him though. Not sure he is prospect material he isn't much of a follower. He does have a mind of his own. He isn't always right or wrong, but he knows the difference.

Jenny, wow she has gone through so much! She is one tough cookie. I should have figured out the end, but I am glad for it! I like how she doesn't take Colin's BS. Interesting girl who is finding herself again

Candy, oh my, he is....well woah, not sure how to describe him but I sure wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley. He loves his family and his MC. He will do anything to protect them and I mean anything. I love how he got his name!

Good read, but I was missing stuff to give it a 5 star. I guess I am going to have to read the other series.

[Melindannk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Gilley is easily one of my favorite MC Romance writers. She writes stories and characters that you can't help but love. Snow is TX is is every bit as great as her previous installments in the Lean Dog series. I'm excited to see what's in store down in TX.

If you are just starting to read Lauren Gilley with this series, stop, go back and start with Fearless, book one in the Lean Dogs series. You don't want to miss one word of the badass storyteller's work.

[Ratula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh this was a great one. What a great new series to love alongside Dartmoor! Loved the sweet, sweet alpha Colin and his Jenny. cant wait for Fox and maybe Talis's story.

On to Candy finally!!!

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jenny with Colin.

NOW GIMME SOME CANDY!

[Selene · Rating 4 out of 5]

So while Colinland was fun to explore, it made me miss reading about Mercy Lecuyer all the more! I adored Mercy Lecuyer in Fearless, but I was hesitant to read about Colin because I was skeptical that I wouldn’t like Colin even half as much as I adored Mercy. After all, Mercy is my favorite anti-hero! Nevertheless, my curiosity about Colin won out and when Lauren Gilley posted Snow In Texas on Wattpad, I decided to read his story.

Colin O'Donnell is Mercy Lecuyer's half brother and transplant to the Amarillo, TX Lean Dogs MC. He's a prospect and takes to the menial tasks expected as a patchless employee in training would. VP and downlow matchmaker, Candyman, assigns Colin to the task of babysitting/bodyguarding his younger sister from her abusive (and just released from prison) ex-husband.

Jenny Snow (Candyman's sister) initially comes off as a jaded, distant, and emotionally hardened woman, especially when interacting with Colin. He knows next to nothing about her at first, not wanting to ask questions of his new Dog mates. What unfolds between them happens rather quickly. Too quickly, I think, with feelings being caught rapidly without them really knowing much about each other.

I found myself eventually warming to Colin. His dry humor was contagious, though he isn't refined and smooth like Mercy. It's just that Mercy's character is larger than life and once I stopped comparing the brothers (in my head), I enjoyed this book even more. The writing was solid, but Colin's story didn't captivate me like the other books in the Dartmoor series. For the first forty percent of the book, Derek Snow (Candyman) was the main attraction (to me) and I got sidetracked by the mystery of who Charlie Fox was (though he was already introduced in Walsh's story). This was a great read, but it wasn't my absolute favorite, partly because there was so little buildup before Colin and Jen fell into bed. I wasn't convinced that she even liked Colin very much when she gave into him, thus ending her six-year man-free hiatus. All the references to Mercy kept reminding me why I didn't like Colin as much as his older brother. All of those frequent references were a distraction if anything, though they were purposeful to the story.

Some of the conversations Jen and Colin had with each other seemed more maternal than lover-like, with Jenny being the one to offer most of the wisdom. She affectionately called and thought of him as the "idiot." To me, that term didn't scream I'm-in-love-with-you, but I understood it was a term of endearment used by both Jen and Candyman. Even though Colin was a prospect and Jenny's life revolved around the club, I hated how Colin so readily spilled his guts about club business to her. Sometimes he came off as very sophmoric and child-like, which was quite unappealing to me, but also something I like about LG's characters: they're all flawed! I hope to read about a more evolved Colin in future LG books because there's certainly potential for character growth there.

A quick trip into Colinland was fun and different, just like all Gilley's characters, but I was expecting a different kind of heroine (tougher?) and a more rugged Colin, based on his interactions with his brother. I understand that Jen is thirty-nine and had been married before, so an extended courtship wasn't entirely necessary, but their story felt a bit rushed, though I loved the ending. Now that the kindle edition is available, I'll most likely re-read this story...

Also, Ava's POV was unexpected but very welcome in this book! Great work, LG, love your writing!

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Gilley does it again!!

Something happened to me last October. I lost my literary mojo- my reading rhythm, my 2am book binges. I don't know why it happened or how to fix it but twice now I've been lured from my book funk, both times by the lovely and talented Miss. Lauren Gilley. First with Secondhand Smoke and now with Snow in Texas. Lauren, your talent is vast and your words demand to be read whether it's 2pm or 2am. I'm in love with your characters and SO appreciate your style of writing. It's just the right amount of detail to keep me turning the pages again and again and again until those two final words that have me waiting for the next installment. Thank you for creating the Lean Dogs, their women and journeys... Who do I think can be my next "book Hair of the DOG?" The Candyman can!!

[Sivutha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Finding Their Way Stars

Colin is a prospect for Texas chapter and is trying to find his way in life. He doesn't want to be known as Mercy's brother or his shadow. In a way, he's trying to discover himself. Then he stumbled upon a beautiful girl who he thought was a club groupies. That's where our story unfold.....

Jenny have live her life so dull. And I don't want to tell you why cause I want you to read it ;).

“With what looked like minimal effort from the brothers, the swingset was hoisted upright as Remy cheered them on excitedly.”

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a great MC story, this has everything you need, it's got great funny moments, there's drama and a little suspense and a great cast of MC characters and of course, a little hot romance thrown in! This is the first book in the spin off series for Dartmoor.
Colin O'Donnell is the half brother of Felix Lecuyer (Mercy) from the Dartmoor series and Jenny Snow is the sister of Candyman, VP of the Amarillo branch of the Lean Dogs MC.
Jenny has had a pretty tough time, was married, but now her ex is in lock up. Colin is a Prospect for the club and he has a reputation Jenny does not want to be caught up in, but lets just say Colin can be quite convincing!
This can be read as a standalone, but it would be so much better to read the Dartmoor series first, because a lot of these characters appear there and you get all the background history for them.

[Wangari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I love Lauren Gilley so although I have gone off biker books, just knowing she wrote it reeled me back in. I am glad I did, loved loved loved this!!

I cannot wait for Candy's book, when is it out?

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her writing is just solid.