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Texas Rodeo #6
Relentless in Texas
There's a reason they call this cowboy relentless
Gil Sanchez was once rodeo's biggest and baddest hotshot. Now he's thirteen years sober and finally free of the pain that ended his skyrocketing career. Given one last, near-miraculous shot to claw his way back to rodeo glory, he can't let fantasies of happily-ever-after dull his razor edge...but Carmelita White Fox is every dream he's never let himself have.
And from the moment he saw the spark of challenge in her eyes, he hasn't been able to look away.
Carma may come from a Blackfeet family noted for its healing abilities, but even she knows better than to try to fix this scarred, cynical, and incredibly sexy cowboy. Yet she's the only one who can reach past Gil's jaded armor, and the fiercely loyal heart buried beneath the biting cynicism is impossible to resist. Gil needs Carma just as much as she needs him, but as the pressure builds and the spotlight intensifies, they'll have to fight like hell to save the one thing neither can live without.
Texas Rodeo Series:
Reckless in Texas (Book 1)
Tangled in Texas (Book 2)
Tougher in Texas (Book 3)
Fearless in Texas (Book 4)
Mistletoe in Texas (Book 5)
Relentless in Texas (Book 6)
448 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2020
About the author
Kari Lynn Dell
11 books276 followersKari Lynn Dell is a native of north central Montana, a third generation ranch-raised cowgirl, horse trainer and rodeo competitor, most recently the 2017 Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Breakaway Roping season champion. She attended her first rodeo at two weeks old and has existed in a state of horse-induced poverty ever since. She currently resides on the family ranch on the Blackfeet Reservation, loitering in her parents’ bunkhouse along with her husband, son and Max and Spike the Cowdogs, with a tipi on the front step, a view of Glacier National Park from her writing desk and Canada within spitting distance.
Come visit at KariLynnDell.com and sign up for the newsletter to get first shot at early releases, special prizes and bonus content, and keep current on what's next on the publication front
Come visit at KariLynnDell.com and sign up for the newsletter to get first shot at early releases, special prizes and bonus content, and keep current on what's next on the publication front
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 13, 2020
This is book 6 in the Texas Rodeo series. I have read all of the books and have really enjoyed them. They give such a convincing no frills perspective of small-town ranch and rodeo life. Gill has been on my radar since book 2. He was burned in a prior relationship with a wealthy spoiled girl. He loves his son that came out of it but otherwise he’s become bitter to relationships and has had to work hard to maintain his sobriety. He’s been a good brother and faithful, yet reserved friend and deserves his HEA.
Carma, is from a Blackfeet reservation in Montana. She has a unique gift of being able to pick up others emotions and feelings and offers healing through touch. This story starts off with an instant emotional connection between Gil and Carma. These two begin their relationships with an unconventional sense of intimacy. They have a slow build to their relationship as they learn more about each other. They both have strong personalities and a strong sense of duty. Carma has a history of being doormat in relationships and Gil finds it hard to fully trust and rely on others. Their characters are well developed and they each work to overcome past failures and demons. I loved the ending, it was perfect for them. I enjoyed catching up with the Jacobs’ crew and their friends. This series is great for its tight family and friend relationships. I’ve really enjoyed watching all they relationships come together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebook Casablanca for the opportunity to read this and offer my honest opinion.
Carma, is from a Blackfeet reservation in Montana. She has a unique gift of being able to pick up others emotions and feelings and offers healing through touch. This story starts off with an instant emotional connection between Gil and Carma. These two begin their relationships with an unconventional sense of intimacy. They have a slow build to their relationship as they learn more about each other. They both have strong personalities and a strong sense of duty. Carma has a history of being doormat in relationships and Gil finds it hard to fully trust and rely on others. Their characters are well developed and they each work to overcome past failures and demons. I loved the ending, it was perfect for them. I enjoyed catching up with the Jacobs’ crew and their friends. This series is great for its tight family and friend relationships. I’ve really enjoyed watching all they relationships come together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebook Casablanca for the opportunity to read this and offer my honest opinion.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 18, 2024This is a cowboy romance. This is the 6st book in the Texas Rodeo series. I found this book very boring and I did not care about any of the characters, so I ended up DNFing it after reading 50% of it. I will not post this review on anything other then Netgalley, and I hope the book finds the person that loves it. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 17, 2020
Kari Lynn Dell is one of the most prolific writer’s of our time, when it comes to rodeo romance.
She not only writes true to life plots, she lives them daily. She can delve into the rodeo world leaving her audience with a much more gritty, down to earth book, which is a more realistic concept of rodeo life.
After a motorcycle accident ended Gil Sanchez’s rodeo career, then his battle with opioid addiction during recovery, Gil was a shattered man. He has been sober for 13 years, running his family’s successful Trucking company. Through all the letdowns and turmoil’s, he’s never gotten over the love he lost, riding bareback. It’s haunted him as much, as the reason why, he let it happen.
Now, after finally having the experimental surgery that has kept him pain free and back to near 100%, can he keep his feet on the ground or is his obsession going to overrule and put him back in the saddle?
Carma is a mysterious, intriguing lady. Not a shaman, not a medicine woman. She reigns from the Blackfoot Tribe in Montana and has a unique calming, somewhat sixth sense, she wishes she did not possess. Carma is not afraid to speak her mind and tell it like it is……just might be what Gil Sanchez needs.
Kari Lynn Dell has an exceptional story telling voice, a dry sense of humor, that even during many serious moments she can add just the right zinger to break up the tension and put a smile in her fans hearts.
I am sad to see the ending of this Texas Rodeo Series, but I think ending it with Gil’s story is the cherry on top. Can’t wait to read her next adventure.
She not only writes true to life plots, she lives them daily. She can delve into the rodeo world leaving her audience with a much more gritty, down to earth book, which is a more realistic concept of rodeo life.
After a motorcycle accident ended Gil Sanchez’s rodeo career, then his battle with opioid addiction during recovery, Gil was a shattered man. He has been sober for 13 years, running his family’s successful Trucking company. Through all the letdowns and turmoil’s, he’s never gotten over the love he lost, riding bareback. It’s haunted him as much, as the reason why, he let it happen.
Now, after finally having the experimental surgery that has kept him pain free and back to near 100%, can he keep his feet on the ground or is his obsession going to overrule and put him back in the saddle?
Carma is a mysterious, intriguing lady. Not a shaman, not a medicine woman. She reigns from the Blackfoot Tribe in Montana and has a unique calming, somewhat sixth sense, she wishes she did not possess. Carma is not afraid to speak her mind and tell it like it is……just might be what Gil Sanchez needs.
Kari Lynn Dell has an exceptional story telling voice, a dry sense of humor, that even during many serious moments she can add just the right zinger to break up the tension and put a smile in her fans hearts.
I am sad to see the ending of this Texas Rodeo Series, but I think ending it with Gil’s story is the cherry on top. Can’t wait to read her next adventure.
July 13, 2020
After a devastating injury and reconstructive hip surgery, former rodeo star Gil Sanchez developed an addiction to opiates. It is now thirteen years later and Gil in sober and has developed a successful trucking business, although he misses his days in the rodeo. That is not the only thing Gil misses. He craves a woman named Carmelita White Fox. The pair shared a passionate night together, but then parted ways. There is just something about Carma and Gil can't get her out of his mind.
Carma is an impressive and proud member of a Blackfeet tribe, gifted with healing abilities. Gil has become a part of her life once again, especially after she was mugged and he came to her rescue. Carma can see that Gil is a broken man, but no matter how wonderful her gifts are, she feels she can never heal his spirit, although he is a strong, powerful man in many respects. Even with the powerful visceral attraction that simply cannot be denied, they must work through some challenging situations.
Not only does Gil need to see what could be between him and Carma, he is now playing the primary role in his teen son's life. Can he juggle his parenthood, love life and career in a way that will bring everyone involved joy and contentment?
Relentless in Texas is the 6th book in the Texas Rodeo series. Having not read the previous books in the series, this book did perfectly well as a standalone, although I do wish I had the opportunity to read the previous titles. I found this book to be a wonderful read, and could sense the connection of characters that no doubt were in previous books. I love how this book dealt with both ranch and rodeo life. Usually when I read cowboy romances, it is one or the other. Kari Lynn Dell did a remarkable job including both in this book, as well as a wonderful romance that built between the protagonists.
Gil's addictions were not swept under the rug in this book, so I felt a strong sense of healing while reading this, because it proves that people can grow and succeed. With Carma, I loved the peek into her Native history and how she became a strong person in her own right. One facet of their relationship was summed up (for me anyway) in how Gil enjoyed her rich laugh. When I got to that point, I just knew I would love their romance - no matter their conflicts - as they worked to find a wonderful and happy future together. Ms. Dell is a new name for me and I do hope to get a chance to read the previous books in this series, as well as to see what else this series has to offer.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Carma is an impressive and proud member of a Blackfeet tribe, gifted with healing abilities. Gil has become a part of her life once again, especially after she was mugged and he came to her rescue. Carma can see that Gil is a broken man, but no matter how wonderful her gifts are, she feels she can never heal his spirit, although he is a strong, powerful man in many respects. Even with the powerful visceral attraction that simply cannot be denied, they must work through some challenging situations.
Not only does Gil need to see what could be between him and Carma, he is now playing the primary role in his teen son's life. Can he juggle his parenthood, love life and career in a way that will bring everyone involved joy and contentment?
Relentless in Texas is the 6th book in the Texas Rodeo series. Having not read the previous books in the series, this book did perfectly well as a standalone, although I do wish I had the opportunity to read the previous titles. I found this book to be a wonderful read, and could sense the connection of characters that no doubt were in previous books. I love how this book dealt with both ranch and rodeo life. Usually when I read cowboy romances, it is one or the other. Kari Lynn Dell did a remarkable job including both in this book, as well as a wonderful romance that built between the protagonists.
Gil's addictions were not swept under the rug in this book, so I felt a strong sense of healing while reading this, because it proves that people can grow and succeed. With Carma, I loved the peek into her Native history and how she became a strong person in her own right. One facet of their relationship was summed up (for me anyway) in how Gil enjoyed her rich laugh. When I got to that point, I just knew I would love their romance - no matter their conflicts - as they worked to find a wonderful and happy future together. Ms. Dell is a new name for me and I do hope to get a chance to read the previous books in this series, as well as to see what else this series has to offer.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 30, 2020
If you've read the other books in this series you will know Gil Sanchez, he's the workaholic head of Sanchez Trucking, a former bare-back rider his career was over before it had truly begun when he crashed his motorbike and shattered his pelvis. It has taken years, several surgeries and recovering from an opiate addiction for Gil to be able to walk pain-free.
One night Gil is out driving an eighteen-wheeler in Montana where he is compelled to go into a bar by the sound of a live band. There he meets an enigmatic and fascinating woman called Carmelita White Fox who dances while twirling ropes. Their connection is immediate and visceral, yet over before it has truly begun when Carma is called away by a cousin who has left her baby with their grandmother who has only just got out of hospital. Somehow Gil and Carma keep up a sporadic conversation mainly through emojis and brief texts, until a mission to research horse rehab facilities for veterans and a bout of food poisoning lead Carma right to Gil's door, and I mean literally.
Gil knows he has replaced alcohol and painkillers with work, he's driven off more receptionists than he can count and he often starts work at four in the morning, but something about Carma relaxes the tightness in his soul, but he sees how everyone else leans on her for support and he doesn't want to be yet another person with their hand out wanting Carma to give, give, give.
Carma wants to be there for Gil, to be fully part of his life but it seems he tells his AA sponsor more than he'll ever tell Carma, is she just a convenience and will he drop her like a hot potato when he sees a tall. blonde white girl he fancies?
Then the impossible happens out of an accident and Gil might get a second chance at a rodeo career. But the opportunity has as many pitfalls as possibilities and will Gil and Carma survive it?
I really liked Gil, and have done from the previous books, he's single-handedly allowing everyone else in the family to fulfil their dreams while keeping a multi-million dollar trucking business going, even if his role is self-appointed. I loved that he can see that Carma has been dragged down by boyfriends in the past and is determined not to do the same, he can also see that Carma has opportunities and doesn't want to hold her back. I also liked Carma, she's a hard-worker, driven, caring and sassy. I wasn't so keen on her special woo-woo talent, especially at the start of the book, although by the end I was more comfortable with it.
Overall, another great rodeo romance with gritty characters and messy families and relatable issues. Kari Lynn Dell does not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
One night Gil is out driving an eighteen-wheeler in Montana where he is compelled to go into a bar by the sound of a live band. There he meets an enigmatic and fascinating woman called Carmelita White Fox who dances while twirling ropes. Their connection is immediate and visceral, yet over before it has truly begun when Carma is called away by a cousin who has left her baby with their grandmother who has only just got out of hospital. Somehow Gil and Carma keep up a sporadic conversation mainly through emojis and brief texts, until a mission to research horse rehab facilities for veterans and a bout of food poisoning lead Carma right to Gil's door, and I mean literally.
Gil knows he has replaced alcohol and painkillers with work, he's driven off more receptionists than he can count and he often starts work at four in the morning, but something about Carma relaxes the tightness in his soul, but he sees how everyone else leans on her for support and he doesn't want to be yet another person with their hand out wanting Carma to give, give, give.
Carma wants to be there for Gil, to be fully part of his life but it seems he tells his AA sponsor more than he'll ever tell Carma, is she just a convenience and will he drop her like a hot potato when he sees a tall. blonde white girl he fancies?
Then the impossible happens out of an accident and Gil might get a second chance at a rodeo career. But the opportunity has as many pitfalls as possibilities and will Gil and Carma survive it?
I really liked Gil, and have done from the previous books, he's single-handedly allowing everyone else in the family to fulfil their dreams while keeping a multi-million dollar trucking business going, even if his role is self-appointed. I loved that he can see that Carma has been dragged down by boyfriends in the past and is determined not to do the same, he can also see that Carma has opportunities and doesn't want to hold her back. I also liked Carma, she's a hard-worker, driven, caring and sassy. I wasn't so keen on her special woo-woo talent, especially at the start of the book, although by the end I was more comfortable with it.
Overall, another great rodeo romance with gritty characters and messy families and relatable issues. Kari Lynn Dell does not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
June 30, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
4.5 stars.
“Relentless in Texas”, by Kari Lynn Dell (Sourcebooks Casablanca), features a very intense, flawed and wounded hero, and is a story about redemption and hope and how the harsh realities of life will certainly affect and challenge you but not crush you.
Gil Sanchez is amazingly written, a hard, gruff man, who can be so gentle and kind, a person full of contradictions, flawed, bossy, domineering, and often not politically correct.
But Gil also loves fiercely: his lover, Carma, his son (Quint, what a lovely hero he would be…), his brother, family and friends. There are a lot of intense, emotional moments, where the workaholic, tough male shows his soft side.
I loved seeing this “extremely guarded man”, “a man who’d been locked away for too long, desperate for contact”, and the most intriguing and fascinating male character throughout the series, reach his HEA. I was eagerly waiting for his story and this didn’t disappoint, I loved watching him surrender to the heroine and how this harsh man acknowledges his feelings with so much earnestness.
Against the backdrop of rodeo world, a universe Kari Lynn Dell knows so well, and with the characters from the previous books in the series, “Relentless in Texas” is also a brutal, vivid and insightful portrait of addiction and recovery, an how it impacts every aspect of life.
4.5 stars.
“Relentless in Texas”, by Kari Lynn Dell (Sourcebooks Casablanca), features a very intense, flawed and wounded hero, and is a story about redemption and hope and how the harsh realities of life will certainly affect and challenge you but not crush you.
Gil Sanchez is amazingly written, a hard, gruff man, who can be so gentle and kind, a person full of contradictions, flawed, bossy, domineering, and often not politically correct.
But Gil also loves fiercely: his lover, Carma, his son (Quint, what a lovely hero he would be…), his brother, family and friends. There are a lot of intense, emotional moments, where the workaholic, tough male shows his soft side.
I loved seeing this “extremely guarded man”, “a man who’d been locked away for too long, desperate for contact”, and the most intriguing and fascinating male character throughout the series, reach his HEA. I was eagerly waiting for his story and this didn’t disappoint, I loved watching him surrender to the heroine and how this harsh man acknowledges his feelings with so much earnestness.
Against the backdrop of rodeo world, a universe Kari Lynn Dell knows so well, and with the characters from the previous books in the series, “Relentless in Texas” is also a brutal, vivid and insightful portrait of addiction and recovery, an how it impacts every aspect of life.
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this story!
I will admit that this was a bit of a slow starter for me but I read on and the storyline soon came to life and as I got farther into the book I couldn’t put it down and it became a real page turner for me
I thought that there was good attention to the detail and the characters were strong and well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know them – they worked really well together too
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
I will admit that this was a bit of a slow starter for me but I read on and the storyline soon came to life and as I got farther into the book I couldn’t put it down and it became a real page turner for me
I thought that there was good attention to the detail and the characters were strong and well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know them – they worked really well together too
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
July 2, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the sixth book in the series, and I would certainly recommend that you read them all, and in order - but - that said, this is an absolutely fabulous book and could be read as a very rich standalone too. It will reveal some things about previous storylines, and you may not be privvy to all of the Sanchez secrets before you go in, but it is just that good that you should do it anyway!
I had a feeling from the very beginning that this was something special, and as the book went on and I was drawn deeper into the lives of Gil and Carma, I was sure I was right - then came the scene with Carma on her first visit to the Centre, and her actions just made every part of me shiver in admiration and belief in what was happening.
The excitement of the cowboy / rodeo world is tempered here by the reality that Gil suffered an injury which altered the course of his life, and still has repercussions now, every day. His strength, and his admitting to his weaknesses manage to offset his bad habit of blundering in and taking over. He is flawed, but still incredibly attractive - a feeling I clearly shared with Carma!! He has a huge amount on his shoulders, often out there by his need to control, but also because he doesn't like to see others do too much - a blindness which Carma soon recognises and starts to dismantle. Yet she too needs to give herself the value she supports in others ... yep, they are a pair! The chemistry and the depth of feeling between them though is far too strong to let them go - even if they pretend it is only healthy lust.
Thanks to the people around them who care deeply that they both get to live their best lives, this story is never too emotional, too argumentative, or too stressful. Instead they are awakened to the ways that they could make this work - from their families, to their friends, and employees ... especially love Quint's take on things, and Bing's.
I really, really enjoyed this book - and was really upset when I found myself on the last page - as good as it was! I hope we catch up with them all again soon.
This is the sixth book in the series, and I would certainly recommend that you read them all, and in order - but - that said, this is an absolutely fabulous book and could be read as a very rich standalone too. It will reveal some things about previous storylines, and you may not be privvy to all of the Sanchez secrets before you go in, but it is just that good that you should do it anyway!
I had a feeling from the very beginning that this was something special, and as the book went on and I was drawn deeper into the lives of Gil and Carma, I was sure I was right - then came the scene with Carma on her first visit to the Centre, and her actions just made every part of me shiver in admiration and belief in what was happening.
The excitement of the cowboy / rodeo world is tempered here by the reality that Gil suffered an injury which altered the course of his life, and still has repercussions now, every day. His strength, and his admitting to his weaknesses manage to offset his bad habit of blundering in and taking over. He is flawed, but still incredibly attractive - a feeling I clearly shared with Carma!! He has a huge amount on his shoulders, often out there by his need to control, but also because he doesn't like to see others do too much - a blindness which Carma soon recognises and starts to dismantle. Yet she too needs to give herself the value she supports in others ... yep, they are a pair! The chemistry and the depth of feeling between them though is far too strong to let them go - even if they pretend it is only healthy lust.
Thanks to the people around them who care deeply that they both get to live their best lives, this story is never too emotional, too argumentative, or too stressful. Instead they are awakened to the ways that they could make this work - from their families, to their friends, and employees ... especially love Quint's take on things, and Bing's.
I really, really enjoyed this book - and was really upset when I found myself on the last page - as good as it was! I hope we catch up with them all again soon.
July 17, 2020
I can not give enough praises to this book, Relentless in Texas, it is the icing on the cake, when it comes to Kari Lynn Dell's Texas Rodeo series. I'm not sure I've ever read an author that is better at descriptive writing, has better humor, can write with better rodeo lingo, describe Rodeo event participation better and throw in a great romance all in one book better than Kari Lynn Dell. Kari Lynn puts so much into a book that you have a hard time not being so deep into the characters and plot to realize your not living in her stories. Wait what, I don't know these people, they aren't real, I wasn't just at a rodeo? I wasn't sure Kari Lynn could bring in another duo that would top the other couples in her Texas Rodeo series, then along came Gil and Carma.
Gil Sanchez is a hot cowboy, business owner, former badass rodeo bronc rider, stubborn, control freak, fiercely loyal, recovering alcoholic that has major overload issues and all that doesn't exactly make him an ideal candidate for a relationship and he knows it. Gil lost his rodeo career after being injured in a motorcycle accident and so he threw all his energy into his families company, Sanchez Trucking. All Gil's character flaws is why he's a single man and has spent his entire adult life avoiding a relationship and hasn't had any problem with doing so until he came across Carmelita White Fox. He can't get her out of his head.
Carmelita, Carma that is, comes from a Blackfeet Nation family that is known for their healing abilities. Carma also has a keen ability to read people, to feel what they are feeling.These abilities often leave her overwhelmed, exhausted and drained. These abilities are exactly why she should not even consider a relationship with Gil Sanchez. A relationship with that hot, maddening, overwhelming, hotheaded cowboy will take everything out of her but she doesn't want to live without him. She needs him just as much as he needs her though.
What a ride! I could not put this book down! It's the last in the Texas Rodeo series and I'm not ready to leave all these characters behind so I can only hope to see them all in Kari Lynn Dell's next rodeo series. The rodeo community is a very tight knit community after all so surely they'll be around.
Gil Sanchez is a hot cowboy, business owner, former badass rodeo bronc rider, stubborn, control freak, fiercely loyal, recovering alcoholic that has major overload issues and all that doesn't exactly make him an ideal candidate for a relationship and he knows it. Gil lost his rodeo career after being injured in a motorcycle accident and so he threw all his energy into his families company, Sanchez Trucking. All Gil's character flaws is why he's a single man and has spent his entire adult life avoiding a relationship and hasn't had any problem with doing so until he came across Carmelita White Fox. He can't get her out of his head.
Carmelita, Carma that is, comes from a Blackfeet Nation family that is known for their healing abilities. Carma also has a keen ability to read people, to feel what they are feeling.These abilities often leave her overwhelmed, exhausted and drained. These abilities are exactly why she should not even consider a relationship with Gil Sanchez. A relationship with that hot, maddening, overwhelming, hotheaded cowboy will take everything out of her but she doesn't want to live without him. She needs him just as much as he needs her though.
What a ride! I could not put this book down! It's the last in the Texas Rodeo series and I'm not ready to leave all these characters behind so I can only hope to see them all in Kari Lynn Dell's next rodeo series. The rodeo community is a very tight knit community after all so surely they'll be around.
July 9, 2020
I don’t think my adrenaline could be pumping any faster, than if I had been on a busting bronc ride myself, right along with Gil Sanchez. Kari Lynn Dell most definitely saved the very Best for Last. Gil’s story was well worth the wait. I don’t know that I have ever felt a book characters feelings, as deeply as I did Gil’s. There was times when I knew exactly the very feeling Gil was having down to the minuet detail, so strongly that I would have to lay the book down for a bit and have a good cry. I have loved Gil from his first introduction into this series and Relentless In Texas just solidified my love for him. Kari Lynn Dell created the perfect soulmate for Gil in Carma. Their story had this reader crying, laughing and sometimes even made me swear out loud. Be prepared for a Book Hangover of Epic Proportions when the last page is turned. When it’s over you will swear the book went zero to ninety in 8 seconds flat!!
July 9, 2020
I loved this series, and was very excited to read Gil's story. The research that had to be done in order to write about addiction, Indian culture, trucking industry, rodeo, family, and love is very much a huge part of the story. Without all that knowledge, this wouldn't have been a very good book. Instead author Kari Lynn Dell has put heart and soul into this book, shows just how much her story means to her. Nothing is a simple, relationships can be complex, and bringing it all to life and keeping the reader involved is the end goal.
This book brought together, everyone in previous books, and gave us readers, some closure for all these awesome characters.
This will be a series that I will read again. And this series will always be on my keeper list. Can't wait to see what is next for this author.
This book brought together, everyone in previous books, and gave us readers, some closure for all these awesome characters.
This will be a series that I will read again. And this series will always be on my keeper list. Can't wait to see what is next for this author.
July 26, 2020
Goodreads put this in the „read“ section long before I actually finished it. No idea why.
I took my time because I wanted to savor this last installment of the series. And I am so happy that Gil found his happy ending, not just in romance, but also with his family. Quint made me cry several times, annoying brat that he is! Carma is everything I‘d want to be and am not.
The rodeo parts were amazing as always, and I feel like I now have an understanding of what it is all about. I love how much I learn while being thoroughly entertained. To my utter astonishment Kari Lynn Dell even made a competition at a school event sound exiting. She is a wonderful writer and I am constantly recommending her books to everybody.
I took my time because I wanted to savor this last installment of the series. And I am so happy that Gil found his happy ending, not just in romance, but also with his family. Quint made me cry several times, annoying brat that he is! Carma is everything I‘d want to be and am not.
The rodeo parts were amazing as always, and I feel like I now have an understanding of what it is all about. I love how much I learn while being thoroughly entertained. To my utter astonishment Kari Lynn Dell even made a competition at a school event sound exiting. She is a wonderful writer and I am constantly recommending her books to everybody.
May 27, 2020
I've read all the other books in the series and was really looking forward to Gil's book. This book wasn't as great as I had hoped. It was really slow moving for the first 70%, but picked up in the end. I honestly wasn't rushing back to finish the book for a while, unlike the other books in the series I read.
Gil is a recovering addict who runs a tight ship at Sanchez Trucking. He was an up-and-coming rookie bronc rider when an accident left him with a shattered hip, ending his hopes at making a name for himself in the rodeo industry. His brother Delon is the current reigning world champion though. After all the drama over the years between him and his ex and her family, I was really wanting him to get his HEA since he seems to always put others before himself. Plus, he has a son, Quint, who is in high school in this book.
We also met Carma in a previous book briefly. She's a member of the Blackfeet Nation who is looking to start an equine therapy program that her brother can run when he's out of the military. She and Gil hit it off one night before it's cut short, but it's not until months later that they meet up again. She's in Gil's area to check out the Patterson equine therapy program and while she's there, why not hook up with Gil finally?
I am a card-carrying member of a Native American tribe, so I really appreciated Ms. Dell giving so many insights into Native American life and also highlighting their plight with alcoholism since it is a HUGE problem in all tribes. I found Carma's unique abilities to be fascinating as well. I'm familiar with those who are like Carma, but to hear things through her words really drew me in.
I found the romance between Gil & Carma to be utterly frustrating. They both kept their feelings to themselves about one another. And Gil was probably the worst with his constant wanting to run things himself and pushing others away. I'm glad they got things figured out in the end, but it was a frustrating ride.
Quint, Gil's son, was a great addition to this series. He was so small in previous books and out of the picture often since he lived with his mother. The kid was pretty smart and very observant as a teen. I liked him a lot. Oh, and Beni is growing up to be a wise young man as well. I'm glad he made lots of appearances.
I'm not sure if Ms. Dell plans on another book in this series or doing a spinoff, but I'd love to have a book for Carma's non-rodeo brother.
Gil is a recovering addict who runs a tight ship at Sanchez Trucking. He was an up-and-coming rookie bronc rider when an accident left him with a shattered hip, ending his hopes at making a name for himself in the rodeo industry. His brother Delon is the current reigning world champion though. After all the drama over the years between him and his ex and her family, I was really wanting him to get his HEA since he seems to always put others before himself. Plus, he has a son, Quint, who is in high school in this book.
We also met Carma in a previous book briefly. She's a member of the Blackfeet Nation who is looking to start an equine therapy program that her brother can run when he's out of the military. She and Gil hit it off one night before it's cut short, but it's not until months later that they meet up again. She's in Gil's area to check out the Patterson equine therapy program and while she's there, why not hook up with Gil finally?
I am a card-carrying member of a Native American tribe, so I really appreciated Ms. Dell giving so many insights into Native American life and also highlighting their plight with alcoholism since it is a HUGE problem in all tribes. I found Carma's unique abilities to be fascinating as well. I'm familiar with those who are like Carma, but to hear things through her words really drew me in.
I found the romance between Gil & Carma to be utterly frustrating. They both kept their feelings to themselves about one another. And Gil was probably the worst with his constant wanting to run things himself and pushing others away. I'm glad they got things figured out in the end, but it was a frustrating ride.
Quint, Gil's son, was a great addition to this series. He was so small in previous books and out of the picture often since he lived with his mother. The kid was pretty smart and very observant as a teen. I liked him a lot. Oh, and Beni is growing up to be a wise young man as well. I'm glad he made lots of appearances.
I'm not sure if Ms. Dell plans on another book in this series or doing a spinoff, but I'd love to have a book for Carma's non-rodeo brother.
June 27, 2020
I absolutely loved Relentless In Texas! This was like being in a play and being a part of every act. Vivid and emotional, no matter the scene or the scenery. The characters were all so very much alive, popping from the pages. The storyline exceptional--full immersion for me. I wasn't really ready to leave those Sanchez boys yet either, though it was a sweet happy sigh ending for Gil and Carma.
Finally, Gil gets his happily ever after in so many ways, I'm bursting to blurt it all out. I can hardly explain in words, how I felt while reading this. For the jist of this journey read the blurb, then multiply it by 10 on everything. Ms. Dell writes from her heart and doesn't let up until she gets it just right. She knows all things cowboy, rodeo, American Native plus more, and it certainly shows up in these pages.
Carma is what I would call a healer, along with many other talents. When her and Gil met, they started something they didn't get to finish. This is where, I believe karma stepped in. Not an insta love at all, lust yes, but each had baggage, and were their own worst proponents.
A riveting journey, it was not all sunshine and roses. Many old familiar characters, plus a few newer ones rounded it out nicely. Beni and Quint made it even better. Their too smart young teen selves always had a comeback, sometimes even sagely, but often they had me LoL'ing! Small towns and extended families, need I say more?
I think this is my favorite book by far with the depth I felt here. A stand alone with it's own HEA in an awesome series.
Finally, Gil gets his happily ever after in so many ways, I'm bursting to blurt it all out. I can hardly explain in words, how I felt while reading this. For the jist of this journey read the blurb, then multiply it by 10 on everything. Ms. Dell writes from her heart and doesn't let up until she gets it just right. She knows all things cowboy, rodeo, American Native plus more, and it certainly shows up in these pages.
Carma is what I would call a healer, along with many other talents. When her and Gil met, they started something they didn't get to finish. This is where, I believe karma stepped in. Not an insta love at all, lust yes, but each had baggage, and were their own worst proponents.
A riveting journey, it was not all sunshine and roses. Many old familiar characters, plus a few newer ones rounded it out nicely. Beni and Quint made it even better. Their too smart young teen selves always had a comeback, sometimes even sagely, but often they had me LoL'ing! Small towns and extended families, need I say more?
I think this is my favorite book by far with the depth I felt here. A stand alone with it's own HEA in an awesome series.
July 11, 2020
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series, and I would certainly recommend that you read them all, and in order – but, that said, this is an absolutely fabulous book and could be read as a very rich standalone too. It will reveal some things about previous storylines, and you may not be privy to all of the Sanchez secrets before you go in, but it is just that good that you should do it anyway!
I had a feeling from the very beginning that this was something special, and as the book went on and I was drawn deeper into the lives of Gil and Carma, I was sure I was right. Then came the scene with Carma on her first visit to the Centre, and her actions just made every part of me shiver in admiration and belief in what was happening.
The excitement of the cowboy/rodeo world is tempered here by the reality that Gil suffered an injury which altered the course of his life, and still has repercussions now, every day. His strength, and his admitting to his weaknesses, manage to offset his bad habit of blundering in and taking over. He is flawed, but still incredibly attractive – a feeling I clearly shared with Carma!! He has a huge amount on his shoulders, often out there by his need to control, but also because he doesn't like to see others do too much – a blindness which Carma soon recognises and starts to dismantle. Yet she too needs to give herself the value she supports in others... yep, they are a pair! The chemistry and the depth of feeling between them though is far too strong to let them go – even if they pretend it is only healthy lust.
Thanks to the people around them who care deeply that they both get to live their best lives, this story is never too emotional, too argumentative, or too stressful. Instead, they are awakened to the ways that they could make this work – from their families, to their friends, and employees... especially love Quint's take on things, and Bing's.
I really, really enjoyed this book and was really upset when I found myself on the last page – as good as it was! I hope we catch up with them all again soon.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series, and I would certainly recommend that you read them all, and in order – but, that said, this is an absolutely fabulous book and could be read as a very rich standalone too. It will reveal some things about previous storylines, and you may not be privy to all of the Sanchez secrets before you go in, but it is just that good that you should do it anyway!
I had a feeling from the very beginning that this was something special, and as the book went on and I was drawn deeper into the lives of Gil and Carma, I was sure I was right. Then came the scene with Carma on her first visit to the Centre, and her actions just made every part of me shiver in admiration and belief in what was happening.
The excitement of the cowboy/rodeo world is tempered here by the reality that Gil suffered an injury which altered the course of his life, and still has repercussions now, every day. His strength, and his admitting to his weaknesses, manage to offset his bad habit of blundering in and taking over. He is flawed, but still incredibly attractive – a feeling I clearly shared with Carma!! He has a huge amount on his shoulders, often out there by his need to control, but also because he doesn't like to see others do too much – a blindness which Carma soon recognises and starts to dismantle. Yet she too needs to give herself the value she supports in others... yep, they are a pair! The chemistry and the depth of feeling between them though is far too strong to let them go – even if they pretend it is only healthy lust.
Thanks to the people around them who care deeply that they both get to live their best lives, this story is never too emotional, too argumentative, or too stressful. Instead, they are awakened to the ways that they could make this work – from their families, to their friends, and employees... especially love Quint's take on things, and Bing's.
I really, really enjoyed this book and was really upset when I found myself on the last page – as good as it was! I hope we catch up with them all again soon.
May 13, 2020
Former bare back rider Gil Sanchez now runs the family trucking business and fights hard to remain sober. His career ended with a severe hip injury. He had experimental surgery and got around well, but still resents what could have been.
Trick roper Carmelita White Fox is taking care of her family as best as she can until her grandmother calls her in before passing away, giving her the money to start a clinic to help veterans, hoping it will bring Carmelita's brother Eddie home from the service before he dies serving in a foreign country.
They met one night and separated only exchanging memes on their phones until Carmelita heads to Amarillo to learn about starting their own clinic.
Karma interferes and she ends up at Sanchez Trucking after getting food poisoning and the pair finally get that night both wanted so badly. He needs office help, help that she provided, along with help he didn't even know he needed.
They become extremely close as they each doubt how much they mean to each other. They have both been damaged by their pasts and heal each other as they strive for the end goals.
Ms. Dell writes this western romance with angst, humor, a bit of heat and the strong love of family.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and offer my honest opinion in the same.
Trick roper Carmelita White Fox is taking care of her family as best as she can until her grandmother calls her in before passing away, giving her the money to start a clinic to help veterans, hoping it will bring Carmelita's brother Eddie home from the service before he dies serving in a foreign country.
They met one night and separated only exchanging memes on their phones until Carmelita heads to Amarillo to learn about starting their own clinic.
Karma interferes and she ends up at Sanchez Trucking after getting food poisoning and the pair finally get that night both wanted so badly. He needs office help, help that she provided, along with help he didn't even know he needed.
They become extremely close as they each doubt how much they mean to each other. They have both been damaged by their pasts and heal each other as they strive for the end goals.
Ms. Dell writes this western romance with angst, humor, a bit of heat and the strong love of family.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and offer my honest opinion in the same.
May 14, 2024
Don’t let the summary fool you, the rodeo stuff doesn’t start happening until about the final 40%, if even that.
The majority of this book is Carma and Gil…living? Learning to live and rely on and trust not just each other but everyone around them? Even I’m not really sure what happened for the first 60% anymore and I just finished the book.
This wasn’t a bad read but it definitely wasn’t exciting and didn’t draw me in. I kept reading because I knew it had to hit that rodeo arc at some point and, even if it wasn’t riveting, it is interesting to read a romance about adults with trauma acting like real adults. I kept anticipating a huge dramatic blow up, but instead they’d have a normal reasonable response lol. Unexpected and refreshing but not exciting, ya know?
The final 30% really pulled me in though and I ended the book kicking my feet and smiling.
I do wish I’d read the series in order though. I keep doing this to myself. Learn from me and read interconnected stand-alones IN ORDER lol.
The majority of this book is Carma and Gil…living? Learning to live and rely on and trust not just each other but everyone around them? Even I’m not really sure what happened for the first 60% anymore and I just finished the book.
This wasn’t a bad read but it definitely wasn’t exciting and didn’t draw me in. I kept reading because I knew it had to hit that rodeo arc at some point and, even if it wasn’t riveting, it is interesting to read a romance about adults with trauma acting like real adults. I kept anticipating a huge dramatic blow up, but instead they’d have a normal reasonable response lol. Unexpected and refreshing but not exciting, ya know?
The final 30% really pulled me in though and I ended the book kicking my feet and smiling.
I do wish I’d read the series in order though. I keep doing this to myself. Learn from me and read interconnected stand-alones IN ORDER lol.
August 3, 2020
RELENTLESS IN TEXAS by Kari Lynn Dell is the final saga of the Texas Rodeo series. A must read! Gill Sanchez, once a rodeo’s biggest and baddest hotshot, is thirteen years sober and finally free of pain that ended his career. Carmelita White Fox comes from a Blackfeet family noted for its healing abilities, but even she knows better than to try to fix this scarred, cynical, and incredibly sexy cowboy.
Kari Lynn Dell is an extraordinarily writer who has created well developed and vibrant characters, ignites some sizzling heat into Gil's relationship with Carma, and brings the authenticity into the rodeo setting. RELENTLESS IN TEXAS is about Gil's second chance at love and getting back into the saddle to reclaim a long-lost dream.
Kari Lynn Dell is an extraordinarily writer who has created well developed and vibrant characters, ignites some sizzling heat into Gil's relationship with Carma, and brings the authenticity into the rodeo setting. RELENTLESS IN TEXAS is about Gil's second chance at love and getting back into the saddle to reclaim a long-lost dream.
April 20, 2020
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion.
Kari Lynn Dell did it again! Gil needed a happy ending more than just in the bedroom. He need someone that would understand and nurture him and his addiction. Carma came in and gave him that and more. The push and pull of this book had me on my toes. I knew that Kari Lynn Dell would not disappoint so I pushed through some heart ache. She had my heart bursting by the end of the book. I feel like all of my guys in this series are now at peace.
Kari Lynn Dell did it again! Gil needed a happy ending more than just in the bedroom. He need someone that would understand and nurture him and his addiction. Carma came in and gave him that and more. The push and pull of this book had me on my toes. I knew that Kari Lynn Dell would not disappoint so I pushed through some heart ache. She had my heart bursting by the end of the book. I feel like all of my guys in this series are now at peace.
June 2, 2020
I was unfamiliar with this series and probably missed out on knowing the characters better. They are all intriguing and multifaceted. There is a lot going on in the book that it can be a challenge to keep it all straight but again, that might be because I am new to the series. I enjoyed Carma and her story a lot. Gil was lighter and more accessible when she was around. The familial relationships and community added immensely to the story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2020
Worth. The. Wait. So good! 10 stars!
I LOVE this book! What a great way to close out this amazing series by a truly fabulous author!
Gil deserves his HEA and got a great match in Carma. A perfect way to bring Quint into the Sanchez family fold. So many open story lines explained and wrapped with a beautiful bow. A series to read over and over and one of the few I buy and not just read in KU.
I don’t want the series to end but I can’t wait to see what Kari Lynn comes up with next. Hopefully soon although I’m sure it will be worth the wait too!
I LOVE this book! What a great way to close out this amazing series by a truly fabulous author!
Gil deserves his HEA and got a great match in Carma. A perfect way to bring Quint into the Sanchez family fold. So many open story lines explained and wrapped with a beautiful bow. A series to read over and over and one of the few I buy and not just read in KU.
I don’t want the series to end but I can’t wait to see what Kari Lynn comes up with next. Hopefully soon although I’m sure it will be worth the wait too!
June 18, 2020
This was for me such an amazing read. I loved the story and the Native American aspect and how the author beautifully intertwines it in the story. Both Carmelita and Gil are perfect for this story and is so great to see them developed in even better person because of each other. Their love blossoms beautifully. I love the family drama in the book and everything is developed in for me a story that I will never forget.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
May 21, 2020
I was glad to finally read Gil's story. The rest of the books in this series have been great. A former alcoholic and his rodeo career ruined by injury Gil is an angry man. Few people can get close to him. Then he meets Carma. She is a healer from the Blackfoot tribe. Slowly she worms her way into his heart and he into hers.
May 28, 2020
I love Rodeo romance novels. Relentless in Texas, is a lot more than just rodeo. Gil is a business owner and father to a teenage boy. Carma can feel people's emotions which can cause her extreme fatigue. I enjoyed the way these two work through everything in order to get to their happily ever after.
June 30, 2020
Relentless in Texas is the sixth book in the Texas Rodeo series. I have been anxiously awaiting Gil's story and it was definitely worth the wait. Gil and Carma were a wonderful couple with great chemistry. Relentless in Texas had a well written, character driven storyline that flowed seamlessly. I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
May 23, 2021
New to me author.
A six book series that had one I rated ⭐⭐⭐ , 4 rated at ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and this one 5 ⭐'s.
💖 this book.
A man strong enough to pull himself up and rebuild from the bottom up . .
A woman soft enough to steady him when he stumbles, strong enough adjust his attitude, as needed and steady enough to walk beside him through life.
A six book series that had one I rated ⭐⭐⭐ , 4 rated at ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and this one 5 ⭐'s.
💖 this book.
A man strong enough to pull himself up and rebuild from the bottom up . .
A woman soft enough to steady him when he stumbles, strong enough adjust his attitude, as needed and steady enough to walk beside him through life.
July 31, 2024
If you like contemporary western or not, this book (and the series) is deeply and realistically set in the professional rodeo culture. A love-letter to Texas cowboys and wayward cowgirls with serious skills. This one has a Native American mysticism to it. The character everyone saw as the loner renegade, ends up finding redemption and the love of his life.
June 29, 2020
Another wonderful book in this series by Kari Lynn Dell - Gil and Carma are each complicated characters in their own right which brings emotion to the story line.
All of this being set in the back drop of the Texas Rodeo!
All of this being set in the back drop of the Texas Rodeo!
July 18, 2020
I was happy to read Gil’s story and thankful that I had the opportunity to read all the previous books during my recuperation. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much if I had read it stand-alone. I’m left wondering whose story is next? 🙂
October 12, 2020
Really enjoyed Gil’s story, and this entire series. Love him and Carma together. Great chemistry, character development, and once again I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the rodeo. Would love to see a story for Quint and Beni 😀👍
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