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A Visit to Rambling, Texas #1
Welcome Back to Rambling, TX
Reggie Lee Stafford is a hometown girl living in Rambling, the town in Texas Hill Country where she grew up. As a single mom, her world revolves around her young daughter and her great job writing for the local newspaper. But her peaceful life is turned upside down when Frank Bell—the bane of Reggie's teenage existence—returns to town to claim his inheritance. Now, Frank is the owner of the local paper where Reggie works. Reggie can't imagine going to work every day and seeing her old nemesis. Frank seems intent on apologizing, and if he plays his cards right, he might be able to make up for having been such a jerk when they were young. But Reggie has more than her own reputation to protect this time, and Frank is going to have to pull out all the stops to prove he's worth a second chance.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 29, 2021
22 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 30, 2021
This is a Hate to Love Romance, and this is the first book in A Visit to Rambling, Texas series. I was honestly scared to pick this book up because all the bad reviews I read about it. I have to say I do not think this book deserves those bad reviews. The two main characters went to school together, and I loved learning about those characters. I also loved their love story. This is a slow moving romance, so do not pick it up hoping for a fast moving romance. I loved all the characters in this book, and I loved this old small town. The newspaper adding something extra to this book that it needed. I really enjoyed this book, and I normally do not love slow moving romance. I think if you are looking for a cute slow moving hate to lovers romance then you will enjoy this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca) or author (June Faver) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 29, 2023
First of all I have to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the e-copy.
The Pros :
- The Cover is exquisite and I just needed to read this book, because of this cover..
The Cons:
I have never read any June Faver books before and I probably will never read her again here's why, I hate reading about Texas and I hate these sorta books, when the women are so judgmental and catty. And it makes it that much worse when the author is a woman... I looked all the other authors books covers and all her other covers are shirtless cowboys, Yea.. Not for me..
I made it through 20 or so pages, and I had to stop reading..
The Pros :
- The Cover is exquisite and I just needed to read this book, because of this cover..
The Cons:
I have never read any June Faver books before and I probably will never read her again here's why, I hate reading about Texas and I hate these sorta books, when the women are so judgmental and catty. And it makes it that much worse when the author is a woman... I looked all the other authors books covers and all her other covers are shirtless cowboys, Yea.. Not for me..
I made it through 20 or so pages, and I had to stop reading..
April 27, 2021
Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas is a pleasant, small-town romance with an enemies-to-lovers theme. A light and easy book with a nice, but somewhat predictable storyline.
Reggie Stafford, a single mom to a young daughter, works at the local newspaper as a journalist. She lives with her dad and is working to make a better life for her and her daughter after her ex-husband left them several years ago. Her life is turned upside down when her high school nemesis, Frank Bell, walks into her life as the new owner of the newspaper she works at. During high school, Frank was the bane of her existence, and now he’s back to torture her, except it’s a different kind of torture now.
This is a fast easy read, with a nice, but predictable story, set in an idyllic town in Texas. Reggie is a spunky, hard-working small-town woman who is trying to get a better life for her daughter. I liked Reggie and thought she was spunky and has a good sense of herself. Frank is your typical small-town boy, who returns as a rich investment mogul after making his fortune abroad. I’m not usually a fan of the rich man vs poor women set up, but Frank has enough insecurities to at least make him seem realistic and vulnerable.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a pleasant quick romance.
About the Author: June Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle, from the Mexican border to the Piney Woods. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Reggie Stafford, a single mom to a young daughter, works at the local newspaper as a journalist. She lives with her dad and is working to make a better life for her and her daughter after her ex-husband left them several years ago. Her life is turned upside down when her high school nemesis, Frank Bell, walks into her life as the new owner of the newspaper she works at. During high school, Frank was the bane of her existence, and now he’s back to torture her, except it’s a different kind of torture now.
This is a fast easy read, with a nice, but predictable story, set in an idyllic town in Texas. Reggie is a spunky, hard-working small-town woman who is trying to get a better life for her daughter. I liked Reggie and thought she was spunky and has a good sense of herself. Frank is your typical small-town boy, who returns as a rich investment mogul after making his fortune abroad. I’m not usually a fan of the rich man vs poor women set up, but Frank has enough insecurities to at least make him seem realistic and vulnerable.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a pleasant quick romance.
About the Author: June Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle, from the Mexican border to the Piney Woods. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 30, 2021
I’ve read a few of this author’s books and I have to say this is now my favorite. If you enjoy enemies to more, this is the book for you. Reggie and Frank meet in ninth grade, when he comes to live with his Great Aunt Rosie. Back then Frank wasn’t the hot, successful guy he is now and when he runs into Reggie in the hallway, he’s embarrassed and doesn’t apologize. No, he gives her a nickname that she hates. She gives him a nickname also. Now, he’s back in town to take care of business, since Aunt Rosie has left her businesses and properties to him. Frank stops at the Stafford’s Mercantile and Reggie thinks the guy in the BMW is hot until he enters the store and opens his mouth asking is that you Regina Vagina? Frank is now the new owner of the building where Reggie’s workplace, The Rambling Gazette, is located. I won’t leave any spoilers, so grab your copy and see if Franklinstein can finally win the heart of Reggie. This book has a lot of wonderful characters and I highly recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 9, 2021
“Welcome back to Rambling, Texas” by June Faver is a true romance novel.
Reggie Lee Stafford lives in Rambling, Texas, which is also her childhood town. She lives a peaceful life as a single mother. But one day, her childhood enemy, Frank Bell, returns to the town. He is willing to make it up for her, but Reggie is not ready to relive all of the hurt from her teenage years.
There are a few very humorous parts of the book. Especially in some of the dialogues between the characters.
You can definitely tell that the author, June Faver, loves Texas. She describes in such detail, and makes it seem very lovely.
This is a slow read. You can easily lay the book and pick it up, where you left it, with no problems. The plot is simple, and the characters are easy to remember and to understand. Although the story is predictable, it is cute and sweet. If you like the characters, you will love the story.
I do also have to mention the cover, because it is absolutely lovely. It looks like a place you would love to stay for the summer. It looks warm, lovely and welcoming.
Reggie Lee Stafford lives in Rambling, Texas, which is also her childhood town. She lives a peaceful life as a single mother. But one day, her childhood enemy, Frank Bell, returns to the town. He is willing to make it up for her, but Reggie is not ready to relive all of the hurt from her teenage years.
There are a few very humorous parts of the book. Especially in some of the dialogues between the characters.
You can definitely tell that the author, June Faver, loves Texas. She describes in such detail, and makes it seem very lovely.
This is a slow read. You can easily lay the book and pick it up, where you left it, with no problems. The plot is simple, and the characters are easy to remember and to understand. Although the story is predictable, it is cute and sweet. If you like the characters, you will love the story.
I do also have to mention the cover, because it is absolutely lovely. It looks like a place you would love to stay for the summer. It looks warm, lovely and welcoming.
June 21, 2022
This is the first book by this author that I have read but I had to read it because it is set in Texas and the author lives here. I do like checking out Texas-tied books.
This is a second-chance romance when Reggie and Frank reconnect years after high school. She was his first love and didn't even know it because high school can be hard. While their adventures in dating don't always go smoothly, they both learn something about themselves and what they want from life.
It was a fun read and I can't wait to see who else is featured in upcoming books since there is quite a lineup of characters that are just begging to tell their story.
This is a second-chance romance when Reggie and Frank reconnect years after high school. She was his first love and didn't even know it because high school can be hard. While their adventures in dating don't always go smoothly, they both learn something about themselves and what they want from life.
It was a fun read and I can't wait to see who else is featured in upcoming books since there is quite a lineup of characters that are just begging to tell their story.
October 23, 2021
This is a sweet small town romance filled with Southern charm. The focus is on Reggie and Frank who were enemies in high school. Now adults, their paths cross and Frank can't resist his attraction to her and tries to win her over. As a whole, it was an enjoyable romance, although nothing really spectacular. There was slight heat and likeable characters. but nothing really gripping. I would not turn away another book in the series or by this author, but I'm not going to seek it out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 27, 2021
Rambling is an accurate description of the characterizations in this novel. The main characters, Reggie and Frank, went to high school together and were nemesis from Frank's first day there. She made fun of him. He gave her a humiliating nickname. Now over a dozen years have passed since they've seen each other.
For some reason, Frank's first inclination - as at least a 30 year old man - is to call Reggie by that hated nickname. She reacts badly, as would be expected, and the battle is on. I understand that in a romance novel there must be some conflict for our lovers to overcome to be together. I find Frank's instinct to call her names juvenile at best (closer to ridiculous). Since high school, he has traveled the world and become very sophisticated for a small town Texas boy.
Reggie only remembers him as the boy that made her high school days miserable. She wants nothing to do with him even though she finds him attractive. And somehow she goes from hating him to thinking of him as a worldly man who can have any woman and would find her boring.
What?
As a small town Texas girl, I find the idea that a woman like Reggie, who is supposed to be highly intelligent, would suddenly decide she is unworthy of this guy she grew up with ludicrous.
Other than bad characterizations and some clunky dialogue, the story itself isn't bad. But there isn't anything new here either. Small town boy comes home after years away making his fortune and finds he is still in love with the girl from high school who wouldn't give him the time of day. Since this is the beginning of a series, there are several other characters that are introduced - the best friend, the right hand helper - that we'll see again in future stories. However, with such inconsistencies in the characterizations, I doubt I'll be reading them.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. My opinion is my own.
For some reason, Frank's first inclination - as at least a 30 year old man - is to call Reggie by that hated nickname. She reacts badly, as would be expected, and the battle is on. I understand that in a romance novel there must be some conflict for our lovers to overcome to be together. I find Frank's instinct to call her names juvenile at best (closer to ridiculous). Since high school, he has traveled the world and become very sophisticated for a small town Texas boy.
Reggie only remembers him as the boy that made her high school days miserable. She wants nothing to do with him even though she finds him attractive. And somehow she goes from hating him to thinking of him as a worldly man who can have any woman and would find her boring.
What?
As a small town Texas girl, I find the idea that a woman like Reggie, who is supposed to be highly intelligent, would suddenly decide she is unworthy of this guy she grew up with ludicrous.
Other than bad characterizations and some clunky dialogue, the story itself isn't bad. But there isn't anything new here either. Small town boy comes home after years away making his fortune and finds he is still in love with the girl from high school who wouldn't give him the time of day. Since this is the beginning of a series, there are several other characters that are introduced - the best friend, the right hand helper - that we'll see again in future stories. However, with such inconsistencies in the characterizations, I doubt I'll be reading them.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. My opinion is my own.
May 10, 2021
What happens when two nemesis are reunited and one is the other’s boss? Why, naturally there are fireworks. Frank and Reggie sparked flames in high school and went their separate ways. But now they’re back in Rambling, TX. Texas is one of my favorite settings. I’m a glutton for stories like this, I can never read enough of them. I liked the side stories that also revolves around the two main characters. A few animals and small children round out the appeal to the story. I liked Frank’s tactics using the newspaper to get closer to Reggie. The story is sweet and simple. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the early read.
April 26, 2021
June Faver’s Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas is a book about second chances and starting over. Reggie Lee Stafford and Frank Bell knew each other in high school. Years later they are reacquainted. This book makes you believe in the power of taking a chance and that first impressions are not always right.
May 10, 2021
Review of “Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas”
2 stars. This was so poorly written I had a hard time reading it.
I don’t generally expect terrific writing from a romance novel, but I find myself wondering if this was even edited. I expect a story that will take me from Point A to Point B. In this case, enemies in high school through an absence of 12 years to falling in love and ultimately a happily ever after. There’s nothing wrong with that plot, but this is written like the author had to add paragraphs to reach the word count. Consequently, things happen that are either not referenced later and the characters are unaware of them or things happen (or are said) and the characters have no idea and contradict themselves.
It’s trite, cliché and completely unbelievable. It started out ok. We meet our lovers. They aren’t described well, except that they each find each other attractive. We get a bit of the back story.
So many introductory details are repeated. Why? I don’t need a mini-introduction every time I meet a secondary character. It’s especially confusing because I read so little description about our lovers. Moreover, the things I did read were ridiculous. How many times does he notice her “dark eyes”? Except her little girl looks “just like her” and has blue eyes? And, why is this repeated over and over and over again.
What is with the mini-romance between Gayle and the other guy? Did the author change her mind about Gayle? I could have sworn she was somewhere in the 45-50 age range based on her first introduction and same with the guy who has a crush on her. Yet, from chapter 4 to chapter 6 she becomes younger than Reggie? These kinds of details pulled me out of the story because I was confused when someone completely changed. It interrupted the flow.
My biggest complaint is Frank. In the first chapter he reads like a man, but after that he reads like a cis-gendered woman. Since this is meant to be a cis-gendered hetero romance (right?), he should read like a cis-gendered man. He didn’t. At all. It was completely illogical. Plus, in chapter 4 he says to himself that he’s falling in love with Reggie; which was super surprising and super early, since they have only interacted like twice or three times at that point. BUT, then in chapter 6, he says something like, “I can’t be falling in love with Reggie, can I???” I wasn’t even bothered by the super weird way he tries to get her to like him. As implausible as that was, it at least sort of fit into the romance genre. Frank isn’t a fantasy the way I expected him to be. His inner thoughts are just too angsty and they really don’t line up with how he’s described and how he acts with others.
I just want to take my purple pen to this disaster. And what’s worse is that despite the romance clichés, this could have been good! If the writing had been better or the editing had been better. It was really difficult to just get into the story because of all the inconsistencies.
2 stars. This was so poorly written I had a hard time reading it.
I don’t generally expect terrific writing from a romance novel, but I find myself wondering if this was even edited. I expect a story that will take me from Point A to Point B. In this case, enemies in high school through an absence of 12 years to falling in love and ultimately a happily ever after. There’s nothing wrong with that plot, but this is written like the author had to add paragraphs to reach the word count. Consequently, things happen that are either not referenced later and the characters are unaware of them or things happen (or are said) and the characters have no idea and contradict themselves.
It’s trite, cliché and completely unbelievable. It started out ok. We meet our lovers. They aren’t described well, except that they each find each other attractive. We get a bit of the back story.
So many introductory details are repeated. Why? I don’t need a mini-introduction every time I meet a secondary character. It’s especially confusing because I read so little description about our lovers. Moreover, the things I did read were ridiculous. How many times does he notice her “dark eyes”? Except her little girl looks “just like her” and has blue eyes? And, why is this repeated over and over and over again.
What is with the mini-romance between Gayle and the other guy? Did the author change her mind about Gayle? I could have sworn she was somewhere in the 45-50 age range based on her first introduction and same with the guy who has a crush on her. Yet, from chapter 4 to chapter 6 she becomes younger than Reggie? These kinds of details pulled me out of the story because I was confused when someone completely changed. It interrupted the flow.
My biggest complaint is Frank. In the first chapter he reads like a man, but after that he reads like a cis-gendered woman. Since this is meant to be a cis-gendered hetero romance (right?), he should read like a cis-gendered man. He didn’t. At all. It was completely illogical. Plus, in chapter 4 he says to himself that he’s falling in love with Reggie; which was super surprising and super early, since they have only interacted like twice or three times at that point. BUT, then in chapter 6, he says something like, “I can’t be falling in love with Reggie, can I???” I wasn’t even bothered by the super weird way he tries to get her to like him. As implausible as that was, it at least sort of fit into the romance genre. Frank isn’t a fantasy the way I expected him to be. His inner thoughts are just too angsty and they really don’t line up with how he’s described and how he acts with others.
I just want to take my purple pen to this disaster. And what’s worse is that despite the romance clichés, this could have been good! If the writing had been better or the editing had been better. It was really difficult to just get into the story because of all the inconsistencies.
July 6, 2021
Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas in the first book in June Faver's new A Visit to Rambling, Texas series, and while I genuinely enjoy western romances, and have read and moderately enjoyed several of Ms. Faver's earlier novels, this one was a bit of a let-down for me for a number of reasons, which I'll get to, and I simply cannot give it more than a 2-star rating.
This is an enemies to lovers novel, the two main characters, Regina (Reggie) and Frank Bell, met in high school, where Frank, who was new in town, came up with a dreadful nickname for her, and harassed her endlessly. Reggie came up with a nasty nickname for him too. After graduation, Frank left town, made millions in real estate, and Reggie went on to work at the local newspaper, housed in a building owned first by Frank's grandmother, and passed down to Frank after her death, which is when he returns to town, 12 years after graduation. He soon discovers that the editor-in-chief at the newspaper has been skimming money for years, and the embezzler immediately departs and leaves a note, promoting Reggie to editor-in-chief, and thereby making Frank her boss.
Frank, now 30, immediately starts in with her nickname (could he be more immature?), and Reggie finally lets him know that they aren't classmates and haven't been for the past 12 years, and she further upbraids him for not attending his grandmother's funeral. During those twelve years, Reggie married the large, football-playing, high school bully, who deserted her as soon as she got pregnant. She moved herself and her baby daughter, Shannon, into her father's home and divorced Kenny, her ex. Knowing that Kenny was a short-tempered bully in high school, we never really learn why on earth Reggie married him, or thought herself in love with the brutish oaf.
Frank, is never fully described, and neither was Reggie, except for repeated mention of her blue eyes, then her brown eyes--quite a trick. In fact, we really never get a full description of any character in this novel. Her daughter, who is said to look just like her, has blue eyes. Since blue eyes are a recessive trait, both Reggie and her ex-husband should also have had blue eyes, but as the novel progresses the author manages to finally accept that Reggie's eyes are brown.
Now, the plot--there isn't much of one. Reggie tries hard to live up to her promotion, fearing that at any moment, Frank could fire her, which makes Frank's interest in dating her even more suspect, although he is as attracted to her now as he was in high school--he simply didn't know how to express himself back then. Now that he's made a fortune in real estate, has homes and beautiful women at his beck and call all over the world, and is headquartered in New York City, he runs hot and cold about whether or not he could return to small town life, and he waffles even more about whether or not he could even handle a long-term relationship, making it seem that even at 30 years of age, he's clueless about his own desires, intentions and feelings for Reggie--and he's far too immature in this reader's opinion.
While we do eventually get a little backstory on these characters, I found it to be too little, too late. Things do eventually happen in this otherwise slow-moving and uneventful novel, when Reggie's ex returns to town, but that was also too little, too late. Then, there's Reggie's dad, who has supported her and her decisions, although he was no fan of her ex-husband, and who could blame him? But why on earth is little Shannon calling her grandfather, "Daddy"? There are a number of words a child can use to refer to a grandfather, but "daddy" isn't one of them.
This was a novel that did have possibilities at the outset, but it simply didn't deliver on those possibilities. The writing was lackluster, inconsistent, and repetitive, and the dialogue and emotion were flat, and finally, when Frank tricks Reggie into a sudden trip to New York City, there were factual errors about the city as well. All in all, I'd give this novel a pass. As a reader/reviewer, I don't plan to delve any further into this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is an enemies to lovers novel, the two main characters, Regina (Reggie) and Frank Bell, met in high school, where Frank, who was new in town, came up with a dreadful nickname for her, and harassed her endlessly. Reggie came up with a nasty nickname for him too. After graduation, Frank left town, made millions in real estate, and Reggie went on to work at the local newspaper, housed in a building owned first by Frank's grandmother, and passed down to Frank after her death, which is when he returns to town, 12 years after graduation. He soon discovers that the editor-in-chief at the newspaper has been skimming money for years, and the embezzler immediately departs and leaves a note, promoting Reggie to editor-in-chief, and thereby making Frank her boss.
Frank, now 30, immediately starts in with her nickname (could he be more immature?), and Reggie finally lets him know that they aren't classmates and haven't been for the past 12 years, and she further upbraids him for not attending his grandmother's funeral. During those twelve years, Reggie married the large, football-playing, high school bully, who deserted her as soon as she got pregnant. She moved herself and her baby daughter, Shannon, into her father's home and divorced Kenny, her ex. Knowing that Kenny was a short-tempered bully in high school, we never really learn why on earth Reggie married him, or thought herself in love with the brutish oaf.
Frank, is never fully described, and neither was Reggie, except for repeated mention of her blue eyes, then her brown eyes--quite a trick. In fact, we really never get a full description of any character in this novel. Her daughter, who is said to look just like her, has blue eyes. Since blue eyes are a recessive trait, both Reggie and her ex-husband should also have had blue eyes, but as the novel progresses the author manages to finally accept that Reggie's eyes are brown.
Now, the plot--there isn't much of one. Reggie tries hard to live up to her promotion, fearing that at any moment, Frank could fire her, which makes Frank's interest in dating her even more suspect, although he is as attracted to her now as he was in high school--he simply didn't know how to express himself back then. Now that he's made a fortune in real estate, has homes and beautiful women at his beck and call all over the world, and is headquartered in New York City, he runs hot and cold about whether or not he could return to small town life, and he waffles even more about whether or not he could even handle a long-term relationship, making it seem that even at 30 years of age, he's clueless about his own desires, intentions and feelings for Reggie--and he's far too immature in this reader's opinion.
While we do eventually get a little backstory on these characters, I found it to be too little, too late. Things do eventually happen in this otherwise slow-moving and uneventful novel, when Reggie's ex returns to town, but that was also too little, too late. Then, there's Reggie's dad, who has supported her and her decisions, although he was no fan of her ex-husband, and who could blame him? But why on earth is little Shannon calling her grandfather, "Daddy"? There are a number of words a child can use to refer to a grandfather, but "daddy" isn't one of them.
This was a novel that did have possibilities at the outset, but it simply didn't deliver on those possibilities. The writing was lackluster, inconsistent, and repetitive, and the dialogue and emotion were flat, and finally, when Frank tricks Reggie into a sudden trip to New York City, there were factual errors about the city as well. All in all, I'd give this novel a pass. As a reader/reviewer, I don't plan to delve any further into this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2021
Enjoyed it!
Franklin Bell, the hero of June Faver’s Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas, receives anything but a welcome from the heroine, Regina Lee Stafford, known to her friends as Reggie Lee. The two have been at each other’s throats since Franklin moved to Rambling when they were both in high school. Franklin has secretly been in love with Reggie since the day he met her, but that old adage of “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” has played out as all too true for him.
Frank returns to Rambling after twelve years to settle the rather extensive properties his wealthy aunt has bequeathed him. Chief among them are Aunt Rosie’s glorious but run-down Victorian house and the building housing the town’s newspaper. Frank knows something is missing from his life even though he thinks of himself as a bachelor playboy--a world traveler, a lawyer, and an entrepreneur who excels at flipping struggling properties for a profit.
None of these things fit into Reggie Lee’s world. In fact, she fears he has come to sell out properties from under the townsfolk before leaving Rambling for good. Burned by a failed first marriage to the class bully, she’s a hard-working single mom living with her dad—a man known for lovingly watching over his daughter and granddaughter. Reggie trudges through a job at the local newspaper she has long ago outgrown until Frank comes to town and a lot of things change. Despite an automatic attraction, is it possible for them to find common ground? Frank is hopeful, but Reggie is not.
It’s a joy to watch June Faver artfully unfold Reggie and Frank’s story as they redefine their relationship and grow their lives. Faver’s depiction of small-town Texas rings true as she magically brings the pair to an understanding that will resonate with readers everywhere. Whether its cow bells chiming on the mercantile doors or dads working on their vintage cars, the details of small-town life create a vibrant world that make readers want to take a drive to fictional Rambling to experience it for themselves. This one is a trip you won’t want to miss!
I received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Franklin Bell, the hero of June Faver’s Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas, receives anything but a welcome from the heroine, Regina Lee Stafford, known to her friends as Reggie Lee. The two have been at each other’s throats since Franklin moved to Rambling when they were both in high school. Franklin has secretly been in love with Reggie since the day he met her, but that old adage of “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” has played out as all too true for him.
Frank returns to Rambling after twelve years to settle the rather extensive properties his wealthy aunt has bequeathed him. Chief among them are Aunt Rosie’s glorious but run-down Victorian house and the building housing the town’s newspaper. Frank knows something is missing from his life even though he thinks of himself as a bachelor playboy--a world traveler, a lawyer, and an entrepreneur who excels at flipping struggling properties for a profit.
None of these things fit into Reggie Lee’s world. In fact, she fears he has come to sell out properties from under the townsfolk before leaving Rambling for good. Burned by a failed first marriage to the class bully, she’s a hard-working single mom living with her dad—a man known for lovingly watching over his daughter and granddaughter. Reggie trudges through a job at the local newspaper she has long ago outgrown until Frank comes to town and a lot of things change. Despite an automatic attraction, is it possible for them to find common ground? Frank is hopeful, but Reggie is not.
It’s a joy to watch June Faver artfully unfold Reggie and Frank’s story as they redefine their relationship and grow their lives. Faver’s depiction of small-town Texas rings true as she magically brings the pair to an understanding that will resonate with readers everywhere. Whether its cow bells chiming on the mercantile doors or dads working on their vintage cars, the details of small-town life create a vibrant world that make readers want to take a drive to fictional Rambling to experience it for themselves. This one is a trip you won’t want to miss!
I received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
This is the first Jane Faver book I am read and appears to be the first in the Rambling, Texas series from what I can see.
Things I liked:
- There were aspects to the characters that I really liked and there were some funny moments.
- The secondary storyline of Gayle and Paul.
Things I really did not like:
- Absurd and horrid nicknames including Regina Vagina and Franklinstein. Sorry but this really put me off within the first couple of pages. Incredibly childish and made me think that they were 12 not 30.
- The book aside from the sex was mostly clean etc which is fine. However towards the end Gayle has a puppy named violet she called a love slut. It really was not in line with the character, the rest of the story or the book. It was weird and unnecessary especially from a "Church goer".
- The relationship didn't really make a lot of sense to me. There was no trust, no discussions really it was more wam bam thank you mam and now lets keep our lives separate.
- There was a lot of the story up in the air and unfinished which I found odd. The secondary storyline of her dad was just not one I understood.
I definitely would not read this book again but would like to read either the next in the series or another June Faver to see whether I didn't gel well with the story or whether this author is really for me.
This is the first Jane Faver book I am read and appears to be the first in the Rambling, Texas series from what I can see.
Things I liked:
- There were aspects to the characters that I really liked and there were some funny moments.
- The secondary storyline of Gayle and Paul.
Things I really did not like:
- Absurd and horrid nicknames including Regina Vagina and Franklinstein. Sorry but this really put me off within the first couple of pages. Incredibly childish and made me think that they were 12 not 30.
- The book aside from the sex was mostly clean etc which is fine. However towards the end Gayle has a puppy named violet she called a love slut. It really was not in line with the character, the rest of the story or the book. It was weird and unnecessary especially from a "Church goer".
- The relationship didn't really make a lot of sense to me. There was no trust, no discussions really it was more wam bam thank you mam and now lets keep our lives separate.
- There was a lot of the story up in the air and unfinished which I found odd. The secondary storyline of her dad was just not one I understood.
I definitely would not read this book again but would like to read either the next in the series or another June Faver to see whether I didn't gel well with the story or whether this author is really for me.
June 28, 2021
Welcome Back to Rambling, Texas by June Faver is a returning home, second chance romance. It has two former high school enemies now living in their hometown again. Frank Bell has inherited the small town local weekly newspaper where Reggie Lee Stafford works. After plans to sell he uses the paper to get to know Reggie again. Perhaps it would be better to say for her to get to know him better.
First impressions of Frank do not go well with this reader. He resorts back to childish behavior. So from there he not only has to redeem himself in Reggie’s eyes but in my too. Over time he does manage to do so. This story has it ups and downs with Reggie and Frank. There are some supporting characters who I found to be interesting. I would like to know more about them in future stories.
I will admit that I have liked some of this author’ stories more than others. This one had characters with flaws, always interesting but it also had some plot unevenness which may have been corrected since I read an ARC that could be edited by publishing time. Also I love the cover.
3.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First impressions of Frank do not go well with this reader. He resorts back to childish behavior. So from there he not only has to redeem himself in Reggie’s eyes but in my too. Over time he does manage to do so. This story has it ups and downs with Reggie and Frank. There are some supporting characters who I found to be interesting. I would like to know more about them in future stories.
I will admit that I have liked some of this author’ stories more than others. This one had characters with flaws, always interesting but it also had some plot unevenness which may have been corrected since I read an ARC that could be edited by publishing time. Also I love the cover.
3.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2021
Reggie and Frank had been each other's nemesis in high school. Now, many years later, Reggie is a divorced, single mom working at the Rambling Gazette. Frank is a successful international businessman who has made millions in real estate deals and has returned to Rambling, Texas, to eyeball his inheritance from his aunt Rosie. He now owns her home, a winery and the building housing the Rambling Gazette.
When Frank comes face to face with Reggie after all these years, he is reminded how beautiful she is. He really liked her in school but, like a lot of adolescents, didn't know how to tell her so he teased her and made her angry. It doesn't take long for Reggie to see that Frank is a handsome, kind, generous man. As they spend more time together, the chemistry is evident. Can they trust each other to be their person? The one that has their back and will be their soft landing place?
This was a sweet, romantic story. I wouldn't describe it as being clean since there is a little language, sexual references and one descriptively graphic sex scene. I liked the story but I prefer fade to black sex scenes. I don't need to read the details.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
When Frank comes face to face with Reggie after all these years, he is reminded how beautiful she is. He really liked her in school but, like a lot of adolescents, didn't know how to tell her so he teased her and made her angry. It doesn't take long for Reggie to see that Frank is a handsome, kind, generous man. As they spend more time together, the chemistry is evident. Can they trust each other to be their person? The one that has their back and will be their soft landing place?
This was a sweet, romantic story. I wouldn't describe it as being clean since there is a little language, sexual references and one descriptively graphic sex scene. I liked the story but I prefer fade to black sex scenes. I don't need to read the details.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 18, 2025
Sadly, this one rubbed me the wrong way from the very first few pages! These characters are supposed to be close to thirty if not that - why, then, are they behaving like stuck up and careless teenagers? The nickname, to start with, is highly revolting to hear coming from the mouth of a grown man, much less the hero of a romance, and him saying this as our first impression of him is supposed to endear us to him? Heroine also came across as stuck up and clueless, especially regarding how/why she earned the nickname and it's always not her fault...
On top of this horrid characterization, the writing itself felt very clunky and distanced, and dare I say it, old - like someone dusted off a book they wrote in the 80s-90s (at the height of the Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford era) and this was published now, with no updating the prose and pacing and realities of this era.
I usually love small town and the enemies to lovers trope of high school nemeses finding themselves as adults, but these two were not behaving as adults throughout, sadly.
On top of this horrid characterization, the writing itself felt very clunky and distanced, and dare I say it, old - like someone dusted off a book they wrote in the 80s-90s (at the height of the Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford era) and this was published now, with no updating the prose and pacing and realities of this era.
I usually love small town and the enemies to lovers trope of high school nemeses finding themselves as adults, but these two were not behaving as adults throughout, sadly.
August 3, 2021
WELCOME BACK TO RAMBLING, TEXAS by June Faver is her first book of A Visit to Rambling, Texas series. A enemies-to-lovers trope that began in high school where Frank Bell and Reggie Lee Stafford taunted each other. Frank’s wanderlust sent him globalizing the world until the death of the family brings him back Rambling and runs straight into the beautiful Reggie Lee Stafford, his boyhood crush/nemesis. Reggie is not happy to see Frank back home. Unlike Frank, she stays home to raise her daughter and dreams to become a full-fledge reporter at the Rambling Gazette, the town’s local newspaper. The storyline’s romance flows as Frank and Reggie slowly become attune toward each other, and the cast of secondary characters are lifelike as your next-door neighbors. WELCOME BACK TO RAMBLING, TEXAS brings an authentic small-town Southern charm to the pages. June Faver makes this you-feel-good story filled with the heart and soul of love. A delightful read!
July 5, 2021
Reggie Lee is a daughter, a single mom, a reporter and a hometown girl. When her old high school nemesis, Frank, returns to Rambling, Texas, she just knows her life is about to change.
Frank now owns her newspaper where she works. By a twist of fate…Reggie Lee becomes the editor to this cash strapped outfit. Frank is now someone she must depend on to keep her job!
This is just a typical romance. No surprises or unique situations. But, I did enjoy the banter between Reggie Lee and Frank. These two have very good chemistry and they just made this story so much more enjoyable.
Need a sweet story with great characters …THIS IS IT!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Frank now owns her newspaper where she works. By a twist of fate…Reggie Lee becomes the editor to this cash strapped outfit. Frank is now someone she must depend on to keep her job!
This is just a typical romance. No surprises or unique situations. But, I did enjoy the banter between Reggie Lee and Frank. These two have very good chemistry and they just made this story so much more enjoyable.
Need a sweet story with great characters …THIS IS IT!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
September 6, 2021
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
What a fun second chance - kind of - romance between Franklin and Reggie. They went to school together and Reggie was kind of mean to Frank and in return, he called her names. Years later, they meet up and he has the upper hand and has to settle his aunt's estate. Reggie works at one of the businesses that he now owns and so they are now working together.
Lots of action and drama in this as they slowly learn the pain they each dealt with in their past and how it shaped their interactions during high school.
Add in an ex-husband, an ex-girlfriend and you find the road to their happily ever after is kind of bumpy but good news is that they finally get there!
What a fun second chance - kind of - romance between Franklin and Reggie. They went to school together and Reggie was kind of mean to Frank and in return, he called her names. Years later, they meet up and he has the upper hand and has to settle his aunt's estate. Reggie works at one of the businesses that he now owns and so they are now working together.
Lots of action and drama in this as they slowly learn the pain they each dealt with in their past and how it shaped their interactions during high school.
Add in an ex-husband, an ex-girlfriend and you find the road to their happily ever after is kind of bumpy but good news is that they finally get there!
February 16, 2022
Frank was an insecure boy when he came to live with his aunt in Rambling, Texas. He immediately met Reggie Lee and immediately they became enemies. The thing is, he really did like her, but he had a rep to maintain. His aunt died while he was out of the country and now, he is back home to take care of her estate. The first person he runs into is Reggie Lee. There is still that animosity. She has become such a beautiful woman and a mother. Frank can't believe she married the guy who bullied him in high school. Frank and Reggie Lee see each other in a different light now that they have both matured. Can they make a go of relationship? Frank has been a playboy for a long time, can he give up his playboy ways? Can he be a father to Reggie Lee's little girl? Is he worthy?
May 20, 2021
I was asked to read the book for a review. I enjoyed each page that I read. This is a well done enemies to lovers trope. From enemies in high school Frank Bell and Reggie Lee Stafford find each other in a whole new way as adults until they discover they love each other. Grab your copy when the book comes out you won't be disappointed. June is a great writer.
August 1, 2021
Reggie and Frank hated each other in high school, although Frank really had a crush on Reggie but Reggie thought Frank was a brat. Frank has returned to Rambling Texas after his aunt has died to handle her real estate holdings. Reggie works at the local newspaper that comes out weekly. Frank mows owns the building the newspaper has its offices in. Cute story.
June 14, 2021
A warm small town feel romance that hit the right stop for the summer. Enduring characters and solid story line. Small town girl teased by a boy. Boy returns as a handsome and sexy man. They fall in love. Great story from start to finish.
July 29, 2021
I have read many of this authors books. I have enjoyed them all. This book is an enemies to lovers Trope. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I will look forward to next book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my voluntary, honest review.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my voluntary, honest review.
June 21, 2021
Reggie and Franklin, childhood enemies, reconnect, Both seem just as mature as adults as they did as teenagers. Just didn’t connect with their vibe. DNF.
June 3, 2024
Cute lil love story
August 2, 2024
The best part about this book is the cover
June 14, 2021
This book wasn't for me. It began with childish insults that made it difficult for me to like the main characters. I gave it more time and tried to get into it. However, as it continued, there was a transphobic joke. The book relied on a lot of tropes pf traditional women needing men for money and protection.
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