Smooth Talking Texan

Smooth Talking Texan, the second book in the Rossi’s of Whiskey River series by Katherine Garbera, takes the fake fiancé storyline to a whole new and unique level. To begin with, Ollie and Colby have a chemistry that is palpable, their agreement to pretend to be engaged has no chance of remaining superficial. Secondly, when one part of a couple already has feelings for the other part, there are bound to be unforeseen pitfalls encountered.

With an endearing couple who encounter unavoidable circumstances resulting in emotional bumps and bruises, there are no shortages of pull at the heartstrings moments…as well as the desire to urge them on while finding their HEA as they play a game of pretend.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I'm not going to say this is an original; this trope of fake fiancé is one of my least favorites because almost every aspect is predictable and it's so overdone. And while Smooth Talking Texan was another predicable romance, I still enjoyed it. I needed to say that in case the blurb turned you away. This particular author has given me reading enjoyment for years and that is the reason I chose to read this book. I wasn't disappointed.

Both main characters were independent and loyal friends to each other. They were also vulnerable. I don't want to say too much but I will tell you that their relationship develops slowly. While they're pretending to be "in love" both learn something new about each other and themselves. While Oliver is in denial of his feelings at times, I worried that Colby would be a doormat. I absolutely loved when she finally stood up for her heart. Those moments in the novel were some of my favorites.

I haven't read the first book in the series but I plan to and am looking forward to becoming more acquainted with the Rossi's.

This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the to read it. :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a delightful addition to The Rossis of Whiskey River. I somehow missed the first book so I will have to go back and read it. But even though I haven't read the prior story, I was still able to fully understand and enjoy this story.

There are several characters from the "Texas Born" line of Tule Publishing books and this author that make several appearances here. It was like going to a social gathering and meeting up with old friends!

This book is written in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the character's thoughts really helped me to better understand them.

The two main protagonists, are friends that travel on the rodeo circuit. Colby Tucker, is a barrel racer and Olivier (Ollie) Rossi is a rodeo clown. Now that was a first for me to see in a book a rodeo clown (my cousin is married to a rodeo clown). Usually the male protagonist is a bronc or a bull rider. This was so refreshing to see other rodeo personnel being depleted.

Colby though has been in love with Ollie since they met 5 years ago. This rodeo season, she is going to try and "un-love" him. Ollie comes to ask Colby to be his fake-fiancee. He wants to avoid the many blind dates that his mother usually tries to arrange.

Will Colby agree to the "fake" engagement? If yes, can Ollie overcome his private hurdles and fall in love with Colby?

This story is a sexy one so just a word of caution.