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Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #4
Rivalry at Play
He was once the competition, but now that they’re all grown up, who will come out on top?
“It’s your move. Go ahead and finish me.”
Attorney Alexandra Lattimore doesn’t play games, but entrepreneur Jackson Strom brings out her competitive side. Her former high school rival is all grown up—oozing class, challenging her and tempting her in equal measure. But she’s back home to deal with family business, not to revisit the past or get tangled up in messy emotions. Is a casual fling the best strategy? Maybe… Succumbing to Jackson’s physical appeal is one thing; revealing her secrets is another. But she knows he won’t be satisfied until he’s made her his queen…
“It’s your move. Go ahead and finish me.”
Attorney Alexandra Lattimore doesn’t play games, but entrepreneur Jackson Strom brings out her competitive side. Her former high school rival is all grown up—oozing class, challenging her and tempting her in equal measure. But she’s back home to deal with family business, not to revisit the past or get tangled up in messy emotions. Is a casual fling the best strategy? Maybe… Succumbing to Jackson’s physical appeal is one thing; revealing her secrets is another. But she knows he won’t be satisfied until he’s made her his queen…
- GenresRomance
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 26, 2022
This book is part of the Cattleman series. I loved the rivalry to lovers of this one! Alexa and Jackson or AJacks had been competing for the smartest and any other erudite award from kinder through high school.
When Alexa comes back to her hometown in Texas from Florida for a break from her high powered legal career (also having HR issues at work) she runs into Jackson at the event she attends. He had always had a thing for her and she just thought he was her main competition.
It was fun when she realized this attractive successful man has been and still is interested in her.
I need to check out the other books in this series.
Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
When Alexa comes back to her hometown in Texas from Florida for a break from her high powered legal career (also having HR issues at work) she runs into Jackson at the event she attends. He had always had a thing for her and she just thought he was her main competition.
It was fun when she realized this attractive successful man has been and still is interested in her.
I need to check out the other books in this series.
Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
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July 1, 2022Categories
African American & Black Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book #4)
African American & Black Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book #4)
December 15, 2024
Perfectly fine.
August 5, 2022
Good second chance romance. Attorney Alexa took a leave of absence from her Miami job to help her family back in Texas. While there, she encounters her high school nemesis, Jackson. They were competitive all through school, with Alexa frequently coming out on top, earning her the nickname "Alexandra the First." She never knew that he'd had a crush on her all through school, and his competition was a way to get her attention. Jackson is now a successful and confident man who still has a thing for Alexa.
I love their first meeting at the TCC charity barbecue. Alexa was manipulated into attending by her mother and would have preferred to skip it. Instead, she's hiding in a cabana by the pool when Jackson finds her. He'd seen her arrive and was determined to make her notice him this time. I loved their banter about their past as he challenged her to a chess game and later to experience the barbecue cook-off. Alexa notices that her high school rival has become a handsome and charming man but isn't interested in starting a relationship with anyone. Meanwhile, Jackson refuses to give up on getting closer to her.
I liked Alexa, but she frustrated me at times. She is intelligent, independent, and loyal to those she loves. But she is so hung up on being the best at everything that she misses out on life. That need to excel also hides the insecurity she experiences because she feels that she is the odd one out in her family. As the book goes on, we see how she puts up a front, even with them, as she hides the issue she has at her job. When she meets Jackson again, she doesn't expect her instant attraction to him. Though she tries to resist, citing her intention to return to Miami and disinterest in starting a relationship, Alexa can't help rising to his challenges to step outside her comfort zone. I liked watching Alexa blossom under Jackson's attention, learning how to relax and have fun. But part of her can't help but hold back her troubles, refusing to look anything but a winner. I wanted to shake her for not confiding in him whenever he tried to find out what was bothering her. When the truth came out, Alexa had to decide what was more important - her pride or her feelings for Jackson.
I loved Jackson. He is intelligent, successful, and determined. He remembers his competition with Alexa fondly because he had her attention. Though he thought he was over his crush, he realized he still had feelings for her as soon as he met her again. I loved his determination not to miss his chance with her this time. It was fun seeing how he knew what buttons to push to get her to follow his plans. He also paid close attention to what she said, which enabled him to pull off the sweet surprises at the cabin. The "prom night" was especially moving. Jackson could tell that something was bothering her and was frustrated by his inability to get her to trust him. I felt his pain when he discovered it and understood his hurt and anger. His need to do something was evident, and I loved what he did, even though he didn't get the reaction he wanted from Alexa. I liked that he didn't give up on her or their relationship. His big moment at the end was terrific as he faced her, and they finally talked things out.
There is a little progress on the series storyline of the claim on her family's ranch and that of their friends. Alexa's grandfather, Augustus, has memory problems, making getting details from him challenging. Information is uncovered about an oil survey, but Augustus claims to have no memory of it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and getting to the bottom of the mystery.
#netgalley
I love their first meeting at the TCC charity barbecue. Alexa was manipulated into attending by her mother and would have preferred to skip it. Instead, she's hiding in a cabana by the pool when Jackson finds her. He'd seen her arrive and was determined to make her notice him this time. I loved their banter about their past as he challenged her to a chess game and later to experience the barbecue cook-off. Alexa notices that her high school rival has become a handsome and charming man but isn't interested in starting a relationship with anyone. Meanwhile, Jackson refuses to give up on getting closer to her.
I liked Alexa, but she frustrated me at times. She is intelligent, independent, and loyal to those she loves. But she is so hung up on being the best at everything that she misses out on life. That need to excel also hides the insecurity she experiences because she feels that she is the odd one out in her family. As the book goes on, we see how she puts up a front, even with them, as she hides the issue she has at her job. When she meets Jackson again, she doesn't expect her instant attraction to him. Though she tries to resist, citing her intention to return to Miami and disinterest in starting a relationship, Alexa can't help rising to his challenges to step outside her comfort zone. I liked watching Alexa blossom under Jackson's attention, learning how to relax and have fun. But part of her can't help but hold back her troubles, refusing to look anything but a winner. I wanted to shake her for not confiding in him whenever he tried to find out what was bothering her. When the truth came out, Alexa had to decide what was more important - her pride or her feelings for Jackson.
I loved Jackson. He is intelligent, successful, and determined. He remembers his competition with Alexa fondly because he had her attention. Though he thought he was over his crush, he realized he still had feelings for her as soon as he met her again. I loved his determination not to miss his chance with her this time. It was fun seeing how he knew what buttons to push to get her to follow his plans. He also paid close attention to what she said, which enabled him to pull off the sweet surprises at the cabin. The "prom night" was especially moving. Jackson could tell that something was bothering her and was frustrated by his inability to get her to trust him. I felt his pain when he discovered it and understood his hurt and anger. His need to do something was evident, and I loved what he did, even though he didn't get the reaction he wanted from Alexa. I liked that he didn't give up on her or their relationship. His big moment at the end was terrific as he faced her, and they finally talked things out.
There is a little progress on the series storyline of the claim on her family's ranch and that of their friends. Alexa's grandfather, Augustus, has memory problems, making getting details from him challenging. Information is uncovered about an oil survey, but Augustus claims to have no memory of it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and getting to the bottom of the mystery.
#netgalley
July 29, 2022
Rivalry at Play is another installment in The Texas Cattleman's Club series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is a rivals to lovers story. Alexandra has always been an overachieving, top of the class personality who was nicknamed Alexandra the First by Jackson because she always placed first. Jackson always loved the rivalry between him and Alexa because he had a crush on her and didn't know how to approach her. Alexa is a top-notch attorney working for a law firm in Miami but after some issues at work, she has taken time off to help her family with a matter of legal oil rights on the family ranch. Jackson is an entrepreneur who owns his own business but when he sees Alexa at the Cattleman's Club, the sparks fly and he is determined not to miss his chance with her again. As the two become closer, the secrets and lack of trust threatens to destroy their budding relationship. This is an entertaining story with engaging characters that are relatable and flawed who must overcome their issues to find the happily ever after.
I won an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I won an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
May 25, 2022
A fast paced read for this next installment in this TCC series. Alexa is back in Royal to help her family and the Grandins to hold on to their land. While at the TCC she is in a cabana resting when out of the blue is her old school rival Jackson. They tried to one up each other all through school and Alexa usually won.. While there they play chess and she wipes him off the board yet again. Jackson gets her to do things she normally would not. Their story is so good.
Alexa is trying to get Grandpa Augustus to remember if he signed those papers or what? Some news comes out but he has dementia and it is hard to get any answers out of him.
I literally had a hard time putting this story down. The characters are wonderfully written. They jump off the page with their chemistry. You will not regret reading this book!
Alexa is trying to get Grandpa Augustus to remember if he signed those papers or what? Some news comes out but he has dementia and it is hard to get any answers out of him.
I literally had a hard time putting this story down. The characters are wonderfully written. They jump off the page with their chemistry. You will not regret reading this book!
July 16, 2022
⚜️My Summary
📚 Thank you @bookouture for sending me this read by Kemi Wilkinson. This book was in audio form which I was really thankful for. It started off slow and for the longest time had me feeling like it was a young adult fiction read. The story of a young teenager boy trying to find his way though his interesting life. His sister set him up with a job at a camp where he met his first love Amy. You're able to follow the two of them into adulthood which was nice but I think this book should have been in the YA fiction Category.
⚜️Likes/Dislikes
📚Glad I got the audio because this book would've been a struggle to get through otherwise.
⚜️Can everyone read this book?
📚Yes
⚜️Would I recommend?
📚No, because I feel like the author should have put this book in Young Adult Fiction not adult romance.
Just Read Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Thank you @bookouture for sending me this read by Kemi Wilkinson. This book was in audio form which I was really thankful for. It started off slow and for the longest time had me feeling like it was a young adult fiction read. The story of a young teenager boy trying to find his way though his interesting life. His sister set him up with a job at a camp where he met his first love Amy. You're able to follow the two of them into adulthood which was nice but I think this book should have been in the YA fiction Category.
⚜️Likes/Dislikes
📚Glad I got the audio because this book would've been a struggle to get through otherwise.
⚜️Can everyone read this book?
📚Yes
⚜️Would I recommend?
📚No, because I feel like the author should have put this book in Young Adult Fiction not adult romance.
Just Read Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2022
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ri...
As their romance develops, the chemistry between Alexa and Jackson is the real winner. Their road to happily ever after is organic, simple and very credible. Of course, there are a few obstacles they have to overcome (especially in Alexa's side), but each and everyone are dealt with grace. Not to mention their HOT sex scenes that elevates the temperature.
This “enemies to lovers” story is a masterpiece. Kudos to Ms. González for successfully twisting such a very used topic, creating a wonderful book which I enjoyed a lot. All the books of this series, written by multiple authors, are fantastic, but this one raises the bar for the next installments. Can’t wait to read book 5!
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ri...
As their romance develops, the chemistry between Alexa and Jackson is the real winner. Their road to happily ever after is organic, simple and very credible. Of course, there are a few obstacles they have to overcome (especially in Alexa's side), but each and everyone are dealt with grace. Not to mention their HOT sex scenes that elevates the temperature.
This “enemies to lovers” story is a masterpiece. Kudos to Ms. González for successfully twisting such a very used topic, creating a wonderful book which I enjoyed a lot. All the books of this series, written by multiple authors, are fantastic, but this one raises the bar for the next installments. Can’t wait to read book 5!
September 9, 2022
These two have been rivals since forever. So, when Alexa comes home to help the family fight the claim about the oil rights between the Grandins and the Lattimore she comes face to face with her rival once again Jackson Storm who has always brought out her competitive side. The family nor Jackson has no idea that when Alexa left Miami and her law firm, she had a secret she was hiding. Alexa had to realize that it's ok to let someone in to help support and failure sometimes is part of life. This was good I believe Jackson and his Queen Alexa were made for each other glad they got there HEA! I've been enjoying these TCC miniseries Ranchers and Rivals stories!
July 17, 2022
Alexa and Jackson were high school rivals, but now they're all grown up. Alexa is as competitive as ever, but Jackson will do whatever it takes to make her his queen.
I really loved this character-driven story. There's a lot going on in the plot, but the conflict is driven by Alexa's insistence on appearing impregnable. Jackson is incredibly patient and loving with her, gradually breaking down her walls until she feels safe showing her vulnerability.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I really loved this character-driven story. There's a lot going on in the plot, but the conflict is driven by Alexa's insistence on appearing impregnable. Jackson is incredibly patient and loving with her, gradually breaking down her walls until she feels safe showing her vulnerability.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 31, 2022
Temptation comes knocking when former adversaries reconnect and can't resist each other in the next book in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals series and you won't want to miss it! I wanted a little more development on Jackson's side, and the ending was really abrupt, but overall I enjoyed their story a lot.
I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a good bit of drama mixed with your happily ever after. The TCC series always brings power, riches and lust to the forefront of a great story.
I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a good bit of drama mixed with your happily ever after. The TCC series always brings power, riches and lust to the forefront of a great story.
August 4, 2022
4.5
This book was so much fun to read and I love Alexa and Jackson's together! Their competitive attitude were more like foreplays. They were high school rivals who meet again at a country club fundraiser, when she temporarily come back in Royal to help her family with legal reasons (she's an environmental lawyer). Alexa have a sharp mind and knows what she wants, but she thinks she doesn't have time for love. Jackson is determined to make her enjoy time off and hope she'll see life could be sweet with him. I adore how he made life seems like so much fun.
This book was so much fun to read and I love Alexa and Jackson's together! Their competitive attitude were more like foreplays. They were high school rivals who meet again at a country club fundraiser, when she temporarily come back in Royal to help her family with legal reasons (she's an environmental lawyer). Alexa have a sharp mind and knows what she wants, but she thinks she doesn't have time for love. Jackson is determined to make her enjoy time off and hope she'll see life could be sweet with him. I adore how he made life seems like so much fun.
July 25, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review.
This was a sweet and sexy rivals-to-lovers romance. I liked the sense of history to the rivalry between Alexandra and Jackson, and how it’s reflected in their present romantic tension. The plot didn’t maintain my interest at times, as it felt a bit busy for the length, but it was mostly pretty solid otherwise.
This was a sweet and sexy rivals-to-lovers romance. I liked the sense of history to the rivalry between Alexandra and Jackson, and how it’s reflected in their present romantic tension. The plot didn’t maintain my interest at times, as it felt a bit busy for the length, but it was mostly pretty solid otherwise.
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January 19, 2023Like I've said before, some of these books can be hit or miss for me. I usually try and go into them not expecting too much since they are very quick reads and the story is not usually as developed as I liked them to be.
Another quick read that just hits with the romance vibes. Its high school rivals to lovers when they are older.
Thank you so much netgalley for the arc of this book.
Another quick read that just hits with the romance vibes. Its high school rivals to lovers when they are older.
Thank you so much netgalley for the arc of this book.
June 26, 2024
I liked Alexa and Jackson’s story the best. The childhood and young adult rivalry, competition, intrigue, crush. They were soulmates but did not see it. Striving to be her best, trying to solve her own problems almost destroys them. But you left us hanging. There is so much more for these two. Dud she ruin the law firm, did she start her own law practice.
February 9, 2025
An exceptionally written, enemies to lovers, second chance romance. Every book Gonzalez writes is better than the last, as she builds on her craft to deliver more and more beautifully written stories. She takes a tried and true trope and makes it her own, delivering a tense, sensual and credible romance for her readers to enjoy. Bravissima!
July 24, 2022
Good book
August 7, 2022
Alexa was always a loner. She is in town for a little while to help with family legal issues when she runs into an old high school rival.
He brings out her competitive side and doesn't mind losing here and there if that means getting her in the end. There is mad chemistry between them, but she didn't come to town for romance and is planning to leave soon. It's not time to get involved with anyone. But can't resist him for long.
It's a steamy, rivalry to lovers romance. I like reading it, but kind of wished there was a bit more tension between them.
thanks to Netgalley & Harlequin Desire for the ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own
He brings out her competitive side and doesn't mind losing here and there if that means getting her in the end. There is mad chemistry between them, but she didn't come to town for romance and is planning to leave soon. It's not time to get involved with anyone. But can't resist him for long.
It's a steamy, rivalry to lovers romance. I like reading it, but kind of wished there was a bit more tension between them.
thanks to Netgalley & Harlequin Desire for the ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own
January 18, 2023
Another great book by Joanne Rock. I loved it and could not put it down. Check this book out, I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
October 5, 2022
This book was so cute !❤️🥰
Former classmates & crushes reunited !
Alexandria and Jackson’s competitiveness and attraction was so beautiful to experience as well as their engaging banter. Small town love. Old flame. Family business. Competition. Main characters who are POC. Excellent components to this Harlequin Romance! The story was just too quick for me!
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Former classmates & crushes reunited !
Alexandria and Jackson’s competitiveness and attraction was so beautiful to experience as well as their engaging banter. Small town love. Old flame. Family business. Competition. Main characters who are POC. Excellent components to this Harlequin Romance! The story was just too quick for me!
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 6, 2022
Alexa was a big pill to swallow
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
Alexa and Jackson went way back to 8th grade. They had a rivalry that had them competing to be the best. Jackson wanting to show Alexa that she was more than the bemuses she thought they were in school. Jackson genuinely liked her.
I could at times it felt like the story was jumping. It may have been I just was having trouble with the story in general. And that I felt it still had open spaces. I did not feel it close. Jackson got the girl but what else happened.
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
Alexa and Jackson went way back to 8th grade. They had a rivalry that had them competing to be the best. Jackson wanting to show Alexa that she was more than the bemuses she thought they were in school. Jackson genuinely liked her.
I could at times it felt like the story was jumping. It may have been I just was having trouble with the story in general. And that I felt it still had open spaces. I did not feel it close. Jackson got the girl but what else happened.
September 5, 2023
I had such high hopes for this one. The setup was adorable - highschool rivals meet again when she comes home to save her family ranch... however, the banter was off, the book was poorly edited (a kiss was referenced before it happened), and i struggled to emotionally connect with the characters. The end came without any sort of closure on what happened with her family's ranch... and though they end up together, the investment in their relationship was next to nothing... :( i was sadly disappointed by this one...
January 25, 2024
I don't know why but I never really vibed with the heroine Alexa. I understand that her whole personality is supposed to be the overachiever, but I don't feel like she did anything in this book that would make Jackson feel as though she cared about him.
I expected this to change throughout the book, but it was always Jackson making the first move. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with that. I love me a man who makes the first move and handles his business, but this just felt like a one-sided love story.
I expected this to change throughout the book, but it was always Jackson making the first move. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with that. I love me a man who makes the first move and handles his business, but this just felt like a one-sided love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
Rivals in Love
Jackson and Alexa were high school rivals. They are both competitive. Alexa has some issues she is trying to figure out. Well met match, they both win in the end.
Jackson and Alexa were high school rivals. They are both competitive. Alexa has some issues she is trying to figure out. Well met match, they both win in the end.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews