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Long, Tall Texans #38
Tough to Tame
A spellbinding new installment in the Long, Tall Texan series!
New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer welcomes you back to Jacobsville to become reacquainted with Bentley Rydel. He lives hard and loves fiercely—but sometimes it takes the right woman to make a man a hero. This rugged Texan is going to be Tough to Tame!
New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer welcomes you back to Jacobsville to become reacquainted with Bentley Rydel. He lives hard and loves fiercely—but sometimes it takes the right woman to make a man a hero. This rugged Texan is going to be Tough to Tame!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
366 people are currently reading
926 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,044 books3,098 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 9, 2019
Heroine is a vet assistant to the Ill-tempered veterinarian from Heart of Stone. She and her paralyzed brother have moved to Comanche Wells (Jacobsville was getting crowded) into a home they inherited from a “distant cousin.”
We later find out that the house was owned by a mercenary who had no relatives - and that heroine’s brother was probably shot at doing mercenary work in Africa while posing as a “journalist.” Heroine’s brother didn’t have health insurance, so they are now poor.
Hero notices the heroine when her hair falls out of her ponytail while she talks back to him. He is quickly smitten and they go out on several dates and bond over their love of pizza, Chinese food and xbox.
The heroine is a virgin with a past. Her first boyfriend was violent and broke her arm after she refused to have sex with him. Her brother was home at the time and prevented further injury. The evil bf was only given 6 months in prison and heroine is worried he’ll try to retaliate when he's out.
The black moment comes when the evil bf tells the hero that the heroine put him in prison on false charges and the hero believes him. Hero breaks off their relationship because he thinks heroine will do the same thing to him?
It’s breathtakingly stupid.
Also breathtakingly stupid: all of these professional mercenaries can’t keep the heroine or her brother safe from the “boy” who broke her arm. Even with two bodyguards, the bf manages to hit heroine in the face so hard she has bruising for a week.
What?
But evil bf did move the shrapnel in the brother’s spine when he pulled him out of the wheelchair to beat him up. That meant brother could have surgery and by the HEA, he can walk again. So there’s that.
I regret to report that the Harlequin Romance line isn’t doing DP any favors, imo.
-There are barely any love scenes and the sex scenes are fade to black – something she never did even in her earliest stories.
-She uses up word count with dumb banter* about Xbox games and what all the other mercenaries are doing these days.
-She still has her Jacobsville setting with its grandiose amenities, but they have lost the weird specificity that made them fun. Now it’s “department store” without a name. Lazy? New editorial guidelines?
-The short word count doesn’t fit the sprawl DP has created in the series. There are too many sequel characters. The romance doesn’t feel front and center. Even the heroine doesn’t feel front and center.
-The continuity isn’t there. The mystery that needed to be solved from The Maverick isn’t mentioned in this book – but will be included in the next story.
*I’m starting to miss biscuit talk.
Diana Palmer checklist:
Hairy chest 1 paltry mention.
Breast Description Small and firm
CigarettesNo
Alcohol No
Town Descriptions Chinese restaurant, fast food – hamburger place, pizza place Department store. Game store at the strip mall. A carnival comes to town.
Gardenia Scent No
Cutesy detail Conversation between one of the future heroes and the games store manager about Scottish history.
DP hobbyhorse Health insurance and health care is too expensive.
We later find out that the house was owned by a mercenary who had no relatives - and that heroine’s brother was probably shot at doing mercenary work in Africa while posing as a “journalist.” Heroine’s brother didn’t have health insurance, so they are now poor.
Hero notices the heroine when her hair falls out of her ponytail while she talks back to him. He is quickly smitten and they go out on several dates and bond over their love of pizza, Chinese food and xbox.
The heroine is a virgin with a past. Her first boyfriend was violent and broke her arm after she refused to have sex with him. Her brother was home at the time and prevented further injury. The evil bf was only given 6 months in prison and heroine is worried he’ll try to retaliate when he's out.
The black moment comes when the evil bf tells the hero that the heroine put him in prison on false charges and the hero believes him. Hero breaks off their relationship because he thinks heroine will do the same thing to him?
It’s breathtakingly stupid.
Also breathtakingly stupid: all of these professional mercenaries can’t keep the heroine or her brother safe from the “boy” who broke her arm. Even with two bodyguards, the bf manages to hit heroine in the face so hard she has bruising for a week.
What?
But evil bf did move the shrapnel in the brother’s spine when he pulled him out of the wheelchair to beat him up. That meant brother could have surgery and by the HEA, he can walk again. So there’s that.
I regret to report that the Harlequin Romance line isn’t doing DP any favors, imo.
-There are barely any love scenes and the sex scenes are fade to black – something she never did even in her earliest stories.
-She uses up word count with dumb banter* about Xbox games and what all the other mercenaries are doing these days.
-She still has her Jacobsville setting with its grandiose amenities, but they have lost the weird specificity that made them fun. Now it’s “department store” without a name. Lazy? New editorial guidelines?
-The short word count doesn’t fit the sprawl DP has created in the series. There are too many sequel characters. The romance doesn’t feel front and center. Even the heroine doesn’t feel front and center.
-The continuity isn’t there. The mystery that needed to be solved from The Maverick isn’t mentioned in this book – but will be included in the next story.
*I’m starting to miss biscuit talk.
Diana Palmer checklist:
Hairy chest 1 paltry mention.
Breast Description Small and firm
CigarettesNo
Alcohol No
Town Descriptions Chinese restaurant, fast food – hamburger place, pizza place Department store. Game store at the strip mall. A carnival comes to town.
Gardenia Scent No
Cutesy detail Conversation between one of the future heroes and the games store manager about Scottish history.
DP hobbyhorse Health insurance and health care is too expensive.
August 23, 2020
I never thought I would DNF a DP for being boring. Aggravating, infuriating, eye-rolling and/or critically anachronistic, but not boring.
Luckily the bad guy shows up in time and lies to the stupid and gullible H that the heroine is a lying gold-digger that set the rapey bad guy to prison, and then the bad guy and his cronies beat up the paraplegic brother. Finally some action and how sad is that!
Raised a star because the heroine does not accept the H’s haunted, guilt ridden, dark eye grovel the first or second time.
Forget the H and h, the real (bro)mance was between Chet and Dead Eye, her bantering but bad bodyguards and the only characters whose names I can recall. All the sexual tension in the book lies between these two idjits to the point I wondered if they were going to saunter off in to the sunset. They did sit together at the wedding at the end. Their idea of protecting her is to let the homicidal rapist attack her in front of witnesses so they can put him away. Between being slapped in the face to the point of purple bruising by a DP villain or being slut-shamed by a brooding HP Greek H, I’ll take the shame thank you very much.
DP heroine’s seem to have short life spans with all their heart murmurs, brain malfunctions, and concussions.
Luckily the bad guy shows up in time and lies to the stupid and gullible H that the heroine is a lying gold-digger that set the rapey bad guy to prison, and then the bad guy and his cronies beat up the paraplegic brother. Finally some action and how sad is that!
Raised a star because the heroine does not accept the H’s haunted, guilt ridden, dark eye grovel the first or second time.
Forget the H and h, the real (bro)mance was between Chet and Dead Eye, her bantering but bad bodyguards and the only characters whose names I can recall. All the sexual tension in the book lies between these two idjits to the point I wondered if they were going to saunter off in to the sunset. They did sit together at the wedding at the end. Their idea of protecting her is to let the homicidal rapist attack her in front of witnesses so they can put him away. Between being slapped in the face to the point of purple bruising by a DP villain or being slut-shamed by a brooding HP Greek H, I’ll take the shame thank you very much.
DP heroine’s seem to have short life spans with all their heart murmurs, brain malfunctions, and concussions.
April 6, 2010
I have to start by saying I am a devoted DP fan. All her books are on my keeper shelf.
This one was a huge disappointment to me. The dialogue was silly and dated. There was no real conflict (other than a nasty ex-boyfriend) and no chemistry or sexual tension between the Cappie and Bentley. Usually I like to savor her books, but I just wanted this one to be over.
When I first bought it, I thought it would be a good one...a nice (and lengthy) addition to the series. The main story is only 199 pages long. The rest of this 377 page volume is a "bonus book" - a reprint of 1984's Passion Flower.
Hoping for a better experience with her next book.
This one was a huge disappointment to me. The dialogue was silly and dated. There was no real conflict (other than a nasty ex-boyfriend) and no chemistry or sexual tension between the Cappie and Bentley. Usually I like to savor her books, but I just wanted this one to be over.
When I first bought it, I thought it would be a good one...a nice (and lengthy) addition to the series. The main story is only 199 pages long. The rest of this 377 page volume is a "bonus book" - a reprint of 1984's Passion Flower.
Hoping for a better experience with her next book.
July 3, 2020
I enjoyed this one when I read it under the original title Tough to Tame
Nothing has changed that I could tell.
Bently and Cappie. Well, not my fave by this author, but still entertaining. Bently is one of Ms. Palmer's milder heroes, until he pulls a completely delicious asshat move 2/3 into the story. Way over the top!
Cappie is an assistant at Bently's vet practice. Unlike the usual formula, she isn't attracted to him at first, but even kind of afraid of him. This is partly due to a terrible experience she had from her ex boyfriend, Frank. Slowly Bently becomes aware of Cappie and finds himself wanting to get closer to her. The whole town is a witness because it is so unusual for Bently, who is a known woman hater and a terrible curmudgeon. Everything is going smoothly and he seems to be on the cusp of proposing, when Frank gets out of jail. Then Bently becomes an over the top ahole. By the time he learns he was wrong, Cappie is long gone. The rest of the book is wonderful grovelling and trying to save Cappie from her evil ex.
This book was a bit preachier than usual, you know how DP likes to moralize about stuff. But I just kinda closed one ear when she had a character go off about this or that injustice. I listened to it on audio and quite enjoyed it's fluffy goodness. It's not really a 4 star, but I enjoyed it overall that much.
Nothing has changed that I could tell.
Bently and Cappie. Well, not my fave by this author, but still entertaining. Bently is one of Ms. Palmer's milder heroes, until he pulls a completely delicious asshat move 2/3 into the story. Way over the top!
Cappie is an assistant at Bently's vet practice. Unlike the usual formula, she isn't attracted to him at first, but even kind of afraid of him. This is partly due to a terrible experience she had from her ex boyfriend, Frank. Slowly Bently becomes aware of Cappie and finds himself wanting to get closer to her. The whole town is a witness because it is so unusual for Bently, who is a known woman hater and a terrible curmudgeon. Everything is going smoothly and he seems to be on the cusp of proposing, when Frank gets out of jail. Then Bently becomes an over the top ahole. By the time he learns he was wrong, Cappie is long gone. The rest of the book is wonderful grovelling and trying to save Cappie from her evil ex.
This book was a bit preachier than usual, you know how DP likes to moralize about stuff. But I just kinda closed one ear when she had a character go off about this or that injustice. I listened to it on audio and quite enjoyed it's fluffy goodness. It's not really a 4 star, but I enjoyed it overall that much.
May 25, 2011
This was ok but not great. Bentley wasn't quite the ass he was in earlier books, however, he did have a wonderfully jerk moment. Perhaps he had his reasons but I didn't buy them.
The ping pong conversation (my new favorite saying) was a bit much in this one. The camradarie felt forced in this book. It just didn't feel natural to me and it took away from enjoying the book.
I honestly don't recall DP books being so PG perhaps even G rated. Goodness! Even after they're married the bedroom door is closed.
Anyway, this is a so so book and I would only recommend it if you want to keep on the series to read later books.
The ping pong conversation (my new favorite saying) was a bit much in this one. The camradarie felt forced in this book. It just didn't feel natural to me and it took away from enjoying the book.
I honestly don't recall DP books being so PG perhaps even G rated. Goodness! Even after they're married the bedroom door is closed.
Anyway, this is a so so book and I would only recommend it if you want to keep on the series to read later books.
October 7, 2011
Diana Palmer had a lot to say in this book about medical/insurance benefits, domestic violence and the judicial system, the HALO game, highlights from the other books in the series, etc. There were some good moments, the obligatory nasty misunderstanding, the obligatory virginal heroine (I DO NOT MIND THIS, BTW. I WISH I HAD BEEN ABLE TO GIFT MY DH WITH THE SAME.), mercenaries, etc. etc.
You'll notice that I haven't spoken much about the main characters: Bentley and Cappie. We really didn't start getting to know these characters, to appreciate them, to cheer for them as a couple until well into the book. Their courtship was fast almost comical in its intensity at times, and just a bit MEH for me. It is sad because there was a strong, positive message (and warning for some) about physical abuse and the healing process; about taking care of our loved ones and not relegating them to convalescent homes; and about the power of love and the strength of normal, healthy family relationships.
There was a bit of Bentley's history where we find a woman in a position usually reserved for men in these novels: manipulation through sex and ultimately betrayal for financial gain and power. It made Bentley the way that he was, but I felt that part was kind of shoved in there to explain his behavior.
It could be that I was so frustrated with the story that I just need to re-read it, but it will be a while before that happens. Oh, I bought this on sale through Audible.com; so, I PAID for this!!!
Off topic...I still can't believe this is part of the Long, Tall Texans series...do you have any idea how far back you've got to go to start at the beginning? Forget about it!
You'll notice that I haven't spoken much about the main characters: Bentley and Cappie. We really didn't start getting to know these characters, to appreciate them, to cheer for them as a couple until well into the book. Their courtship was fast almost comical in its intensity at times, and just a bit MEH for me. It is sad because there was a strong, positive message (and warning for some) about physical abuse and the healing process; about taking care of our loved ones and not relegating them to convalescent homes; and about the power of love and the strength of normal, healthy family relationships.
There was a bit of Bentley's history where we find a woman in a position usually reserved for men in these novels: manipulation through sex and ultimately betrayal for financial gain and power. It made Bentley the way that he was, but I felt that part was kind of shoved in there to explain his behavior.
It could be that I was so frustrated with the story that I just need to re-read it, but it will be a while before that happens. Oh, I bought this on sale through Audible.com; so, I PAID for this!!!
Off topic...I still can't believe this is part of the Long, Tall Texans series...do you have any idea how far back you've got to go to start at the beginning? Forget about it!
September 2, 2023
H was a cruel boss that he drew employees away, however, he met h and got closer to her gradually. Of course there was misunderstanding that reminded him of his past experience, the reason why he used to hate woman. He changed back to the cruel boss again. Glad to see how he asked h for forgiveness.
January 16, 2013
Aku memang pecinta karya tante Diana Palmer (DP). Entah mengapa walaupun jalan ceritanya begitu-begitu saja, aku tetap suka. Sweet gitu ceritanya. Mungkin bagi beberapa orang lain, cerita beliau mulai membosankan, tapi tidak bagiku.
Tough to Tame bukan bercerita tentang bagaimana menjinakkan pria/wanita yang liar ya. Heheheheh... Lebih karena sifat kedua karakter utama yang sama-sama keras dan pernah terluka sehingga sulit untuk percaya kepada orang lain. Bahkan ada adegan dimana aku ikut miris bacanya karena kata-kata Rydel yang cukup tajam kepada Cappie.
Sayangnya, kali ini DP tidak menceritakan sang karakter utama sebagai pembunuh bayaran seperti buku-buku sebelumnya, melainkan seorang dokter hewan. Padahal aku sangat menunggu cerita pria-pria berbahaya tapi membuat hati bergetar itu. Hahahahahaha...
Yah, walaupun begitu, ceritanya menghibur kok pas Cappie dijaga oleh dua orang pengawal, anak buah Eb Scott pula. Kocak banget baca percakapan mereka. Rourke suka banget godain Chet yang cepet emosian. Bahkan Rydel dan Cappie pun sampai godain mereka berdua.
Overall, oke lah dibaca buat selingan. Bukunya tipis kok =)
Tough to Tame bukan bercerita tentang bagaimana menjinakkan pria/wanita yang liar ya. Heheheheh... Lebih karena sifat kedua karakter utama yang sama-sama keras dan pernah terluka sehingga sulit untuk percaya kepada orang lain. Bahkan ada adegan dimana aku ikut miris bacanya karena kata-kata Rydel yang cukup tajam kepada Cappie.
Sayangnya, kali ini DP tidak menceritakan sang karakter utama sebagai pembunuh bayaran seperti buku-buku sebelumnya, melainkan seorang dokter hewan. Padahal aku sangat menunggu cerita pria-pria berbahaya tapi membuat hati bergetar itu. Hahahahahaha...
Yah, walaupun begitu, ceritanya menghibur kok pas Cappie dijaga oleh dua orang pengawal, anak buah Eb Scott pula. Kocak banget baca percakapan mereka. Rourke suka banget godain Chet yang cepet emosian. Bahkan Rydel dan Cappie pun sampai godain mereka berdua.
Overall, oke lah dibaca buat selingan. Bukunya tipis kok =)
April 18, 2012
I've been a hug,HUGE fan of Diana Palmer for years when I started reading her long Tall Texan series and it really hurts me to be as blunt as I'm about to be. THIS BOOK WAS SO BORING I WAS HAPPY TO SEE IT END. The HALO references were just not needed and the story was just boring. it's like she's lost her spark. maybe she should write christian romance... I miss the Passion in her older books.I miss a lot really from this author really....REALLY!
January 13, 2013
Bercerita tentang Cappie (pegawai di klinik dokter hewan) dengan Bentley Rydel (sang dokter hewan). Pertemanan mereka segera berubah menjadi rasa saling tertarik, sayangnya....info yang didapat Bentley tentang Cappie mengubah segalanya. Menurutku, ceritanya cenderung datar.
Tema cerita salah paham adalah hal yang klasik untuk novel Hq.
Tema cerita salah paham adalah hal yang klasik untuk novel Hq.
December 24, 2012
ceritanya datar banget nih...haiiisss....makin kecewa dgn buku2 DP nih...
January 18, 2018
De verdad que Blentey metió bien la de caminar, y ella lo perdonó muy rápido...
May 20, 2018
Casi no llego al final de la historia, el tedio me mató. Personajes con potencial no explorado.
April 11, 2020
Diana Palmer nunca decepciona, aunque sus hombres no son perfectos, solo necesitan un buen golpe para volver al camino correcto jajajajajaja.
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January 1, 2020Categories
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Western Fiction, Western Romance
Miniseries
Long, Tall Texans (Book #46)
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Western Fiction, Western Romance
Miniseries
Long, Tall Texans (Book #46)
October 20, 2014
you just can't help but fall in love with these men!
November 23, 2023
This was terrible, largely because it was so BORING. The vast majority of this book is filler... boring, time wasting, tedious filler. In fact, the vast majority of this book was people standing about chatting bollocks.
Characters stand about and have endless artificial, preachy conversations about poverty, medical insurance and vet bills. We are repeatedly fed the same line 'people have to choose between food and medicine'. This was absolutory a DP soapbox book.
Characters stand about and have artificial, cringey, chapter long conversations about video games. I almost died at how bad these parts are. Please stop talking about HALO or your Xbox live score, I beg of you. The sheer amount of HALO chat in this book is absurd, and it goes on for pages and pages and PAGES.
Characters stand about and tell each other their backstories in excruciating, unasked for detail. They could bump into each other at the supermarket and after a brief hello one of them will take a deep breath and go “so my dad was an alcoholic, he beat us as kids… yup… hard life... it all went back to great grandma's terrible secret”… literally nobody asked.
Characters standing about having artificial, pointless, waffling, time wasting conversations about all sorts of irrelevant guff: gameshows, medieval history, mushroom pizza, how nice Kyoto is… on and on… shut up nobody cares!
The 'comedy' skits are also complete tome wastes. Officer Kilraven shows up three times to do the same 'hilarious' skit, and bickering bodyguard routine near the end of the book was interminable, tedious and transparently designed to waste my time and my patience.
The 'romance' is utter dog shit. The H tells the h was mean to her (and fired her) because he barely knows her, they had been on two dates and a trip to a fair... then a few pages later he asks her to marry him and she's breathlessly crying 'yes oh yes, yes yes yes' even though, as we've said before, they barely know each other and he fired her.
The H was forgiven because after doing a terrible thing he showed up and started acting goofy and delivering hammy 'comedy' lines. I guess this was endearing, because without even saying sorry he's not only forgiven but getting hitched too.
I HATED this one so much, because it was so obviously phoned in. I can read some absolute trash, I have no trouble with 'bad books' but what I can't stand is when the author is obviously taking the piss and delivers a book that she obviously gave zero shits about herself. Boo! BOO!
Characters stand about and have endless artificial, preachy conversations about poverty, medical insurance and vet bills. We are repeatedly fed the same line 'people have to choose between food and medicine'. This was absolutory a DP soapbox book.
Characters stand about and have artificial, cringey, chapter long conversations about video games. I almost died at how bad these parts are. Please stop talking about HALO or your Xbox live score, I beg of you. The sheer amount of HALO chat in this book is absurd, and it goes on for pages and pages and PAGES.
Characters stand about and tell each other their backstories in excruciating, unasked for detail. They could bump into each other at the supermarket and after a brief hello one of them will take a deep breath and go “so my dad was an alcoholic, he beat us as kids… yup… hard life... it all went back to great grandma's terrible secret”… literally nobody asked.
Characters standing about having artificial, pointless, waffling, time wasting conversations about all sorts of irrelevant guff: gameshows, medieval history, mushroom pizza, how nice Kyoto is… on and on… shut up nobody cares!
The 'comedy' skits are also complete tome wastes. Officer Kilraven shows up three times to do the same 'hilarious' skit, and bickering bodyguard routine near the end of the book was interminable, tedious and transparently designed to waste my time and my patience.
The 'romance' is utter dog shit. The H tells the h was mean to her (and fired her) because he barely knows her, they had been on two dates and a trip to a fair... then a few pages later he asks her to marry him and she's breathlessly crying 'yes oh yes, yes yes yes' even though, as we've said before, they barely know each other and he fired her.
The H was forgiven because after doing a terrible thing he showed up and started acting goofy and delivering hammy 'comedy' lines. I guess this was endearing, because without even saying sorry he's not only forgiven but getting hitched too.
I HATED this one so much, because it was so obviously phoned in. I can read some absolute trash, I have no trouble with 'bad books' but what I can't stand is when the author is obviously taking the piss and delivers a book that she obviously gave zero shits about herself. Boo! BOO!
February 12, 2018
Bylo by fajn, kdyby 95 % hrdinek DP nebylo jako přes kopírák a udržela by myšlenku.
Další hrdinka, která je staromódní a chce zůstat do svatby nedotčená. Dokud se neobjeví hrdina, protože pak odhazuje zásady i svršky sakra rychle. A hrdina má co dělat, aby ubránil svou ctnost.
A ne, neměla by se pokoušet být vtipná.
s. 23 „Před třemi lety diagnostikoval doktor u své šedesátileté matky selhání ledvin.“
Udržela DP, že hrdina je veterinář?
s. 15 auto, co má najeto dvě stě tisíc mil
s. 26 Mělo najeto přes osmdesát tisíc kilometrů
Už je otravné, jak všichni všem na potkání vykládají, že ten a onen jsou žoldáci.
s. 52 Hrdina taky sloužil v armádě.
Sebrali mě, když jsem se poflakoval (...) když mě místo popotahování u soudu nechá vstoupit do armády. A soudce tehdy souhlasil.
s. 92 Když i bylo jen kolem dvaceti, pracoval jsem během studií u jednoho veterináře, abych si mohl platit školné. (...) mě vzal šéf na plný [úvazek]
Kdy to stihl? Že by narukoval v sedmnácti a moc dlouho si tam nepobyl?
Dostane dva osobní strážce a ti ji nechají jít jenom s veterinářem do kavárny a večer na procházku mezi hromadu lidí?
Protože potřebovali mít dostatek svědků a pádný důvod pro obžalobu ? U celostátně hledaného? Po tom, co jí kladli na srdce, aby byla opatrná, protože by ji mohl zastřelit?
Zhruba deset žoldáků nedokáže najít jednoho domácího tyrana?
s. 138 „Bývalý přítel, který už strávil šest měsíců ve vězení...“
s. 59 Frank byl odsouzený k trestu odnětí svobody na šest měsíců, ale tři už si odpykal a pustili ho.
s. 72 rozsmál
s. 83 Ašak
s. 104 „A teď, byste si měla jít na chvíli zdřímnout,“
Další hrdinka, která je staromódní a chce zůstat do svatby nedotčená. Dokud se neobjeví hrdina, protože pak odhazuje zásady i svršky sakra rychle. A hrdina má co dělat, aby ubránil svou ctnost.
A ne, neměla by se pokoušet být vtipná.
s. 23 „Před třemi lety diagnostikoval doktor u své šedesátileté matky selhání ledvin.“
Udržela DP, že hrdina je veterinář?
s. 15 auto, co má najeto dvě stě tisíc mil
s. 26 Mělo najeto přes osmdesát tisíc kilometrů
Už je otravné, jak všichni všem na potkání vykládají, že ten a onen jsou žoldáci.
s. 52 Hrdina taky sloužil v armádě.
Sebrali mě, když jsem se poflakoval (...) když mě místo popotahování u soudu nechá vstoupit do armády. A soudce tehdy souhlasil.
s. 92 Když i bylo jen kolem dvaceti, pracoval jsem během studií u jednoho veterináře, abych si mohl platit školné. (...) mě vzal šéf na plný [úvazek]
Kdy to stihl? Že by narukoval v sedmnácti a moc dlouho si tam nepobyl?
Dostane dva osobní strážce a ti ji nechají jít jenom s veterinářem do kavárny a večer na procházku mezi hromadu lidí?
Protože potřebovali mít dostatek svědků a pádný důvod pro obžalobu ? U celostátně hledaného? Po tom, co jí kladli na srdce, aby byla opatrná, protože by ji mohl zastřelit?
Zhruba deset žoldáků nedokáže najít jednoho domácího tyrana?
s. 138 „Bývalý přítel, který už strávil šest měsíců ve vězení...“
s. 59 Frank byl odsouzený k trestu odnětí svobody na šest měsíců, ale tři už si odpykal a pustili ho.
s. 72 rozsmál
s. 83 Ašak
s. 104 „A teď, byste si měla jít na chvíli zdřímnout,“
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
Cappie Drake è riuscita a realizzare il suo sogno: lavorare come assistente nell'ambulatorio veterinario della sua città. Sembrerebbe tutto bellissimo se non fosse per il suo nuovo capo, il dottor Bentley Rydel.
Lui è così burbero e irascibile che risulta davvero difficile lavorare insieme.
Ma ben presto Cappie scopre che quella è solo una corazza e che al di fuori dell'ambito lavorativo Bentley è davvero un buon uomo, dolce e affettuoso.
Innamorarsi di lui è solo questione di tempo, peccato che qualcuno intralci la loro felicità.
Romanzo della Palmer vecchio stampo. In pratica è un harmony rivisto con una nuova grafica ma il succo è quello con la protagonista senza esperienza, un uomo protettivo e un po' dispotico, un inconveniente e il finale col tutti vissero felici e contenti.
L'autrice da spazio ai sentimenti e non alla passione.
Questo libro fa parte di una serie lunghissima e infatti tanti personaggi che compaiono sono o sono stati protagonisti di latri libri dell'autrice, ma questo non toglie nulla alla lettura, che risulta completa.
Lui è così burbero e irascibile che risulta davvero difficile lavorare insieme.
Ma ben presto Cappie scopre che quella è solo una corazza e che al di fuori dell'ambito lavorativo Bentley è davvero un buon uomo, dolce e affettuoso.
Innamorarsi di lui è solo questione di tempo, peccato che qualcuno intralci la loro felicità.
Romanzo della Palmer vecchio stampo. In pratica è un harmony rivisto con una nuova grafica ma il succo è quello con la protagonista senza esperienza, un uomo protettivo e un po' dispotico, un inconveniente e il finale col tutti vissero felici e contenti.
L'autrice da spazio ai sentimenti e non alla passione.
Questo libro fa parte di una serie lunghissima e infatti tanti personaggi che compaiono sono o sono stati protagonisti di latri libri dell'autrice, ma questo non toglie nulla alla lettura, che risulta completa.
January 2, 2021
Being generous with my rating of a 3....this really missed the Mark on the angst meter...I think StMargarets review really summed up everything...along with Vintage’s review.
I will try to keep my remarks short...The love part in this story (which was minimal at best) was tepid. Didn’t see any angst with the hero until the last 1/4 of the book. Which made me question the hero’s intelligence that he was so gullible to believe a story of a stranger over a woman he has worked with closely. I am also getting a little tired of DP books being a long drawn out trailer for all her future books. I hope she is enjoying writing these, but it’s hard for me to get into all these drug, crime, mercenary stories. I miss Sutton’s way...Calhoun...etc. Also does she have stock in Halo? I used to use WOW and Everquest as a guilty escape, now it is romance novels...when there is actual romance! No worries though, I’m sure to read another DP, but based on reviews I may look for her earlier works!
I will try to keep my remarks short...The love part in this story (which was minimal at best) was tepid. Didn’t see any angst with the hero until the last 1/4 of the book. Which made me question the hero’s intelligence that he was so gullible to believe a story of a stranger over a woman he has worked with closely. I am also getting a little tired of DP books being a long drawn out trailer for all her future books. I hope she is enjoying writing these, but it’s hard for me to get into all these drug, crime, mercenary stories. I miss Sutton’s way...Calhoun...etc. Also does she have stock in Halo? I used to use WOW and Everquest as a guilty escape, now it is romance novels...when there is actual romance! No worries though, I’m sure to read another DP, but based on reviews I may look for her earlier works!
September 16, 2025
Tough to Tame by Diana Palmer is a compelling addition to the Long, Tall Texans series. The story follows rancher Harley Fowler, known for his knack for getting out of trouble, until he meets Alice Jones, a determined investigator trying to solve a murder involving Harley's own family. As they delve into the case, their professional relationship evolves into a passionate romance.
Palmer masterfully weaves themes of love, loyalty, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. The chemistry between Harley and Alice is palpable, and their journey from colleagues to lovers is both believable and engaging.
For fans of contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, Tough to Tame offers a satisfying and enjoyable read
Palmer masterfully weaves themes of love, loyalty, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. The chemistry between Harley and Alice is palpable, and their journey from colleagues to lovers is both believable and engaging.
For fans of contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, Tough to Tame offers a satisfying and enjoyable read
November 2, 2018
Enjoyable
This story has well defined characters and an interesting, if predictable plot. The characters carried the story even when the author jumped around among their points of view. That flaw is why I couldn’t rank this book higher.
During one three way conversation; I was forced to back track more than once to find out who was speaking (and feeling or seeing) at any given moment. Diana Palmer is a well respected author...she should be much better than muddy “point of view” issues. The ranking is for the characters and the story - not for the editing or writing skill level in this novel. It is worth the read...just suspend your literary expectations.
This story has well defined characters and an interesting, if predictable plot. The characters carried the story even when the author jumped around among their points of view. That flaw is why I couldn’t rank this book higher.
During one three way conversation; I was forced to back track more than once to find out who was speaking (and feeling or seeing) at any given moment. Diana Palmer is a well respected author...she should be much better than muddy “point of view” issues. The ranking is for the characters and the story - not for the editing or writing skill level in this novel. It is worth the read...just suspend your literary expectations.
August 3, 2025
This is different from any Diana Palmer's books. Because the intimate moment almost doesn't have any strong moment. It's only evident during Bentley and Cappie's kissing in the car. But i still like the story, especially when the final chapters start to take over with little intense conflict and some comedy from Rourke and Chet. I love their chemistry with Cappie to protect her, sometimes they also troll Bentley once he comes to see Cappie in San Antonio, they can be silly but also serious. So that what makes this book quite enjoyable to read to me, should've done it very quick but I have been busy.
August 20, 2025
A lot of good potential within the plot but it wasn't executed in a way I liked reading.
a big ick for me in reading is miscommunication especially if it lead to a big blow up/arguement.
Bentley seemed the sort of character that needs more pages to becoming a loving person. Also Cappie just seemed so blind to the world around her that I found it frustrating.
I appreciate that even the characters around them have their own stories. seems realistic and immersive, that and some of the interesting plot decisions had me give a 2.
Alot of this is down to personal preference but I can see this being an enjoyable read for others.
a big ick for me in reading is miscommunication especially if it lead to a big blow up/arguement.
Bentley seemed the sort of character that needs more pages to becoming a loving person. Also Cappie just seemed so blind to the world around her that I found it frustrating.
I appreciate that even the characters around them have their own stories. seems realistic and immersive, that and some of the interesting plot decisions had me give a 2.
Alot of this is down to personal preference but I can see this being an enjoyable read for others.
May 2, 2018
Cappie Drake works for Dr. Bentley Rydel, one of Jacobsville's vets. He is a hard man and gruff as the day is long. Cappie has had a bad experience with a man and left her home town to get away from him.
Cappie and Bentley slowly get to know one another when her past comes blasting in to freeze over the budding romance.
In typical fashion Ms. Palmer's hero pushes away the heroine only to realize he was wrong.
Quick read and one that I liked. I would like to know more about Cappie's brother Kell and am wondering if there is a story about him. He is a character with a story to tell.
Cappie and Bentley slowly get to know one another when her past comes blasting in to freeze over the budding romance.
In typical fashion Ms. Palmer's hero pushes away the heroine only to realize he was wrong.
Quick read and one that I liked. I would like to know more about Cappie's brother Kell and am wondering if there is a story about him. He is a character with a story to tell.
January 27, 2022
Cappie and Bentley
It was a-ok read. This one is a slow burner that never really got hot if you know what I mean. Cappie is a vet assistant working alongside the grumpy vet of Jacobsville, Bentley. She is new in town so nobody knows the trauma she went through with an ex-boyfriend. An ex she still fears will come looking for her when he is let out of prison. He does and goes straight to Bentley and tells him that Cappie put him in prison on false allegations. And he of course believes the ex and breaks up with Cappie that is left devastated.
It was a-ok read. This one is a slow burner that never really got hot if you know what I mean. Cappie is a vet assistant working alongside the grumpy vet of Jacobsville, Bentley. She is new in town so nobody knows the trauma she went through with an ex-boyfriend. An ex she still fears will come looking for her when he is let out of prison. He does and goes straight to Bentley and tells him that Cappie put him in prison on false allegations. And he of course believes the ex and breaks up with Cappie that is left devastated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2022
Thorough character backgrounds - maybe too thorough. More information than needed for certain side characters especially for such a short novel. Romance scenes short, not much description. The whole story seemed rushed and too thought-out. The mystery of the brother's occupation was just over done and no real need to add to the story. It explained the mystery of the two men who protect the main character, but other than that not needed. It seemed like everyone was either ex military or special ops and that was seriously annoying.
December 10, 2019
I do love the way Diana Palmer writes and can she ever create angst.... However (deep breath), this is not one of my favorite books of the series. The plot needed some work, the H is still the stereotypical alpha but this one is not as 'smart' as the others.
I still appreciate her writing style and the ability to have me read a story that is not as strong or interesting as others in the series. Good editing and great writing.
I still appreciate her writing style and the ability to have me read a story that is not as strong or interesting as others in the series. Good editing and great writing.
December 26, 2023
This book was a 'miss' in the long, tall texans series. I found the female protagonist to be an equal mix of naive and spineless (although Ms. Palmer attempted to 'brave' her up later on). The book dragged on and on before things fell into place, and even then it continued to drag. In 'Tough to Tame', Ms. Palmer attempted to write in a sort of warped and whimsical way, however, she failed to deliver. Also, the introduction of new characters made the book difficult to follow. Nice attempt, 1/5.
June 13, 2025
4 stars
I received a copy of Bentley, Long Tall Texans Book 40 by Diana Palmer, and this review was given freely.
Just when the innocent abuse survivor and Vet Tech Cappie Drake begins to trust men again, she discovers her paralyzed brother is keeping secrets, and her cantankerous and constantly abrupt boss, Veterinarian Bentley Rydel, hurts her by siding with her stalker ex-boyfriend.
Contains violence and touches of steam.
I received a copy of Bentley, Long Tall Texans Book 40 by Diana Palmer, and this review was given freely.
Just when the innocent abuse survivor and Vet Tech Cappie Drake begins to trust men again, she discovers her paralyzed brother is keeping secrets, and her cantankerous and constantly abrupt boss, Veterinarian Bentley Rydel, hurts her by siding with her stalker ex-boyfriend.
Contains violence and touches of steam.
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