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loverofromance's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Β This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Cowboy Cross My Heart is the second installment in the "Heart of Texas" series. This is a book about the bad boy cowboy from the first book. If you have read the first book, the hero is the troubled kid from the first one who went rebellious and made some bad choices wanting to provide for his siblings. I absolutely adored seeing Brice reach his HEA and seeing him being such a responsible hard working adult. I will be honest in that this one was entertaining, thrilling, kept me on edge and had a solid romance. It definitely has Donna Grant's typical writing style.
First Line
Excitement rushed through everyone as the lights suddenly cut out in the arena.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brice Harper
Brice Harper is a redeeming hero. As a teenager, made mistakes with good intentions, served in the military and determined to run his own ranch with his brother. He is sexy, protective and caring.
The Heroine: Naomi Pierce
Naomi grew up in a Texas small town, naturally born in the saddle, living in D.C.. She has a strong will, a fighter when needed and has always yearned for love and a good life
Summary
Naomi Pierce has come to Texas to visit her best friend who is part of a Rodeo Queen beauty pageant. When there is a evil plot against her best friend because she and the other contestants have been assaulted by men secretly in power and using them for sexual favors. Naomi gets targeted as she has some photo evidence, where she runs into the Harper brothers. Brice is protective and strong, and when he runs into Naomi, he is determined to protect her no matter what. When it becomes apparent that her life is in danger, he and his family use all their influence to protect them. But as tensions escalate as the danger increases, the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. But will Naomi and Brice survive and find a way towards their HEA?
What I Loved
Cowboy, Cross My Heart was a delightful story. It really reminded me why I fell in love with this series originally and not sure why I haven't finished the series yet. I really had a blast with Brice's book. We see him being such a responsible young man and I loved how he is with Naomi. He is so wonderful for her. I really enjoyed that. I also found it most interesting to see how he is with his siblings and became so endeared by their relationships with each other. To see him change from the young boy who made so many mistakes for his family, I just fell hard for it.
We also have a kick-ass plot. There is something so captivating about the danger-themed plot that this author implements, and she really builds on the tension regarding the mystery and intrigue. We also have a solid friendship that we see with Naomi and her best friend. I loved their bonds to each other and what a great friendship they have and have been building for years. I really admired Naomi and her strong spirit. She has such a great balance to her. She is strong and feisty but not kick ass. She is such a relatable independent heroine that I just loved seeing her within this story and her great growth in this story and the moments where we see her face adversity.
What I Struggled With
The romance was more in the backstory. While I really enjoyed their chemistry, and the spice in this book is powerful, I felt like the relationship aspects could have had a bit more focus that what we see.
Narration
Truly delightful. Not the perfect narration, but it was solid and she did a great job in building the danger feels to the story.
Overall View
Cowboy Cross My Heart is a superb read that really delivered in what I was looking for. Its a story of thrills, superb plot portrayal and an romance that endears the reader in a very solid way.
Favorite Quote(s)
Her beauty might have caught his attention, but it was her strength, steadfastness, heart, and authenticity that kept pulling him back to her
There are a great many things I regret, but being attracted to you isnβt one of them.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Bull Rider, Cowboy, Rancher
Themes: Small Town, Family Bonds, Western,
Tropes: Redemption, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Dust on the Bottle
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can do either, these are easily read as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Narrators:
Rebecca EstrellaΒ
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Cowboy Cross My Heart is the second installment in the "Heart of Texas" series. This is a book about the bad boy cowboy from the first book. If you have read the first book, the hero is the troubled kid from the first one who went rebellious and made some bad choices wanting to provide for his siblings. I absolutely adored seeing Brice reach his HEA and seeing him being such a responsible hard working adult. I will be honest in that this one was entertaining, thrilling, kept me on edge and had a solid romance. It definitely has Donna Grant's typical writing style.
First Line
Excitement rushed through everyone as the lights suddenly cut out in the arena.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brice Harper
Brice Harper is a redeeming hero. As a teenager, made mistakes with good intentions, served in the military and determined to run his own ranch with his brother. He is sexy, protective and caring.
The Heroine: Naomi Pierce
Naomi grew up in a Texas small town, naturally born in the saddle, living in D.C.. She has a strong will, a fighter when needed and has always yearned for love and a good life
Summary
Naomi Pierce has come to Texas to visit her best friend who is part of a Rodeo Queen beauty pageant. When there is a evil plot against her best friend because she and the other contestants have been assaulted by men secretly in power and using them for sexual favors. Naomi gets targeted as she has some photo evidence, where she runs into the Harper brothers. Brice is protective and strong, and when he runs into Naomi, he is determined to protect her no matter what. When it becomes apparent that her life is in danger, he and his family use all their influence to protect them. But as tensions escalate as the danger increases, the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. But will Naomi and Brice survive and find a way towards their HEA?
What I Loved
Cowboy, Cross My Heart was a delightful story. It really reminded me why I fell in love with this series originally and not sure why I haven't finished the series yet. I really had a blast with Brice's book. We see him being such a responsible young man and I loved how he is with Naomi. He is so wonderful for her. I really enjoyed that. I also found it most interesting to see how he is with his siblings and became so endeared by their relationships with each other. To see him change from the young boy who made so many mistakes for his family, I just fell hard for it.
We also have a kick-ass plot. There is something so captivating about the danger-themed plot that this author implements, and she really builds on the tension regarding the mystery and intrigue. We also have a solid friendship that we see with Naomi and her best friend. I loved their bonds to each other and what a great friendship they have and have been building for years. I really admired Naomi and her strong spirit. She has such a great balance to her. She is strong and feisty but not kick ass. She is such a relatable independent heroine that I just loved seeing her within this story and her great growth in this story and the moments where we see her face adversity.
What I Struggled With
The romance was more in the backstory. While I really enjoyed their chemistry, and the spice in this book is powerful, I felt like the relationship aspects could have had a bit more focus that what we see.
Narration
Truly delightful. Not the perfect narration, but it was solid and she did a great job in building the danger feels to the story.
Overall View
Cowboy Cross My Heart is a superb read that really delivered in what I was looking for. Its a story of thrills, superb plot portrayal and an romance that endears the reader in a very solid way.
Favorite Quote(s)
Her beauty might have caught his attention, but it was her strength, steadfastness, heart, and authenticity that kept pulling him back to her
There are a great many things I regret, but being attracted to you isnβt one of them.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Bull Rider, Cowboy, Rancher
Themes: Small Town, Family Bonds, Western,
Tropes: Redemption, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Dust on the Bottle
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can do either, these are easily read as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Narrators:
Rebecca EstrellaΒ
mags_louise's review
4.0
4.25β
Cowboy, Cross My Heart was a really enjoyable story that pulled me in from the start. Thanks to all the likable characters, and a suspenseful storyline. That was not only well paced, but entertaining, engaging and intriguing.
And as a new author to me, I would definitely read more from Donna Grant in the future.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Cowboy, Cross My Heart was a really enjoyable story that pulled me in from the start. Thanks to all the likable characters, and a suspenseful storyline. That was not only well paced, but entertaining, engaging and intriguing.
And as a new author to me, I would definitely read more from Donna Grant in the future.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
gothai's review
3.0
It takes place 12 years after the first book. It is instant love for Naomi and Brice when they meet at a rodeo. There is some suspense as Naomi and her friend are attacked. It was an entertaining read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
mommasaystoread's review
3.0
Cowboy, Cross My Heart is the second book in the Heart of Texas series, but it works as a standalone. There are several years between the events in the two books, and we're given plenty of backstory. This one is loaded with sexy cowboys, instant attraction, some suspense, corruption, danger, steam, and romance. All of these combined should've made for a riveting story, but it ended up being just an okay read for me. I liked most of the characters, and I enjoyed Brice and Naomi's romance. There's also some witty dialogue and general silliness among the Harper family. Then, we have our bad guys, and that's where my problems started with this book. The suspense and danger covers some serious subject matter, but the people involved came across feeling more like caricatures. There just wasn't much depth to that part of the story, which was sad because it could've made this one a gripping story. In the end, the story was okay, but I wasn't left with a need to continue with the series.
kle105's review
4.0
I had no idea this was in a book in a series, it is the second book, since it was so well written as a stand-alone book. There was a lot of cowboy heart throbs to get your attention.
The love story between Naomi and Brice while seems like the main point of the story was really just that back story to a stalker and huge scandal cover up. When Naomi and her friend are caught in the cross hairs, Brice and his family step in to protect their own.
Lots of drama, intrigue, and sexy as hell cowboys coming together to help those they love.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The love story between Naomi and Brice while seems like the main point of the story was really just that back story to a stalker and huge scandal cover up. When Naomi and her friend are caught in the cross hairs, Brice and his family step in to protect their own.
Lots of drama, intrigue, and sexy as hell cowboys coming together to help those they love.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
treetx's review
5.0
Wonderful book! Love those Texas cowboy stories. This book has more than a traditional romance. It felt like more mystery and suspense added into a great romance. The characters were wonderfully complex and real. I enjoyed the whole book from start to finish. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully more on these minor characters.
robinlovesreading's review
4.0
Naomi Pierce is a photographer working on a project for her friend Whitney Nolan at a rodeo. Her job of snapping photos for Whitney gets a bit sidetracked when she spots cowboy Brice Harper. She can't take her eyes of him. Brice has the same reaction. He sees her watching him and notices that something is happening to both of them.
Romance takes second place however. It sadly becomes apparent rather quickly that Whitney is being stalked. When things get really hairy, Brice cannot help but to step in. His motives are pure, but he has cause for doubt. There is just something about Naomi that pulls hat his heartstrings. Brice has a history, however.
When he was a boy of eight, his mother walked out on him, his sister and younger brother. While his sister Abby did a fine job of raising him, he was truly affected by the abandonment that they all experienced. But, he is a good man, and even offers to have Abby stay with him when the danger affecting her friend Whitney gets a little too close.
Not only does Brice work at the rodeo with his brother Caleb, they both work for the East Farm. Brice started at the farm years ago after he got caught up in castle rustling and stole some of the farm's cattle. That experience changed his life, and he became a true cowboy.
Naomi might be a photographer that is only passing through, but with Whitney in trouble, and with al the help Naomi is getting from Brice, and by extension, his family, Naomi has a lot of reasons to think about staying around. Not only does she need to know what is really going on with Whitney, Abby also realizes that she missed a lot from the years she was away from ranching. Given the chance to draw closer to Brice certainly has its benefits.
This story was done very well, and loses a star in rating only because as much as the romance did indeed grow, the element of mystery and intense danger seemed more prevalent. Otherwise it was a great addition to theHeart of Texas series, and I did enjoy reading it.
Other stories in this series is The Christmas Cowboy Hero and My Favorite Cowboy. The next book in the series, A Cowboy Like You, is set for release in August.
Romance takes second place however. It sadly becomes apparent rather quickly that Whitney is being stalked. When things get really hairy, Brice cannot help but to step in. His motives are pure, but he has cause for doubt. There is just something about Naomi that pulls hat his heartstrings. Brice has a history, however.
When he was a boy of eight, his mother walked out on him, his sister and younger brother. While his sister Abby did a fine job of raising him, he was truly affected by the abandonment that they all experienced. But, he is a good man, and even offers to have Abby stay with him when the danger affecting her friend Whitney gets a little too close.
Not only does Brice work at the rodeo with his brother Caleb, they both work for the East Farm. Brice started at the farm years ago after he got caught up in castle rustling and stole some of the farm's cattle. That experience changed his life, and he became a true cowboy.
Naomi might be a photographer that is only passing through, but with Whitney in trouble, and with al the help Naomi is getting from Brice, and by extension, his family, Naomi has a lot of reasons to think about staying around. Not only does she need to know what is really going on with Whitney, Abby also realizes that she missed a lot from the years she was away from ranching. Given the chance to draw closer to Brice certainly has its benefits.
This story was done very well, and loses a star in rating only because as much as the romance did indeed grow, the element of mystery and intense danger seemed more prevalent. Otherwise it was a great addition to theHeart of Texas series, and I did enjoy reading it.
Other stories in this series is The Christmas Cowboy Hero and My Favorite Cowboy. The next book in the series, A Cowboy Like You, is set for release in August.
xakyr's review
5.0
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
After reading the first book in this series, I was expecting it to follow someone else in the small town/ranch area, but instead, it jumped ahead and told Brice Harper's story. That was actually a welcome surprise, as the book also gave us updates on Clayton and Abby from the previous book!
Once again, the author mixed in a suspense angle, but this one was even better than the first one, because of the realism aspect. The things the author described were actually things that I could see happening in reality, so that definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
Brice follows Clayton's footsteps a good bit, and I loved seeing how he had grown into his own man! Naomi was a good heroine for him, but I didn't like how her reasons for leaving/staying away in college weren't really explained well. It didn't detract from the story much, as it was a minor annoyance at best.
I can't wait to see what happens with them in the third book of the series!
After reading the first book in this series, I was expecting it to follow someone else in the small town/ranch area, but instead, it jumped ahead and told Brice Harper's story. That was actually a welcome surprise, as the book also gave us updates on Clayton and Abby from the previous book!
Once again, the author mixed in a suspense angle, but this one was even better than the first one, because of the realism aspect. The things the author described were actually things that I could see happening in reality, so that definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
Brice follows Clayton's footsteps a good bit, and I loved seeing how he had grown into his own man! Naomi was a good heroine for him, but I didn't like how her reasons for leaving/staying away in college weren't really explained well. It didn't detract from the story much, as it was a minor annoyance at best.
I can't wait to see what happens with them in the third book of the series!
katelovesromance's review
5.0
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one! Before going into this book, I thought I would have a hard time because Brice was just a young teen in the first book and now he is the main character. I didn't know how I would feel about him being in a relationship. The book was fast moving and I was constantly engaged.