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Rogues in Texas #2
Never Love a Cowboy
New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath's classic novel of a love that overcomes all obstacles"I would not make a good husband. I do, however, make an excellent lover . . ."Harrison Bainbridge, the second son of an English earl, left his home seeking a scandal-free life away from society's stuffy restraints. Arriving in Texas, he never expected that a sassy saloon-keeper's daughter would capture his eye. With her outspoken ways and flashing eyes, Jessye Kane is a temptation hard to resist. But although she is willing to be his partner in a daring business venture, she is unwilling to embrace the passion he offers.Jessye knows that noble-born Harrison isn't for the likes of her, but beneath his devil-may-care exterior, she senses a deeper vulnerability. When he's suddenly injured, risking his life to save her from mortal danger, Jessye vows to do anything to make him whole again— forcing this rugged scoundrel who claims he has no heart to take the greatest risk of all . . . on love.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
103 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
90 books4,378 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 27, 2024
A second son of an English earl
A saloon-keeper's daughter
A risky cattle drive across Texas
“I’ve already marked you as a man who can’t afford me.”
“Name your price.”
“Love.”
A saloon-keeper's daughter
A risky cattle drive across Texas
“I’ve already marked you as a man who can’t afford me.”
“Name your price.”
“Love.”
November 6, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up
Go ahead, judge this book by its cover because what’s inside is just as good as the gorgeous outside.
Harrison Bainbridge is the second son of an English earl, a father who tried to atone for Harry’s horrific childhood by allowing him to overindulge in all the vices unchecked until Harry’s life is threatened by moneylenders. Then, he’s bundled off to Texas with two of his best friends to fend for himself. Harry’s friend Gray found happiness in book one of this series. Harry is envious, but knows love and happiness aren’t in the cards for him, however well he does at the poker table. He’d settle for sex, if only red-haired Jessye, the daughter of the local saloon owner, would agree to go up the stairs with him, but her price is one he can’t pay. She wants love.
This gets better and better as the main characters reveal themselves to the reader and to each other. They’re both drama queens and their emotions swing wildly from one extreme to another, but they’re both also sympathetic and damaged, nursing serious pain and feelings of worthlessness, as well as stubborn and courageous and vulnerable and determined to achieve their goals. I loved Harry and Jessye, even at their most willful and obtuse.
Don’t look too closely at the main characters’s backstories or the plot of this book because a great many things are highly unlikely, though the storytelling is so compelling it sweeps the reader along and the improbabilities only start to surface when the reader escapes the pages and turns a rational eye on what they’ve just read. I was so emotionally engaged, though, I didn’t care that a few things stretched my credulity.
And the ending was perfect, so I rounded up.
Go ahead, judge this book by its cover because what’s inside is just as good as the gorgeous outside.
Harrison Bainbridge is the second son of an English earl, a father who tried to atone for Harry’s horrific childhood by allowing him to overindulge in all the vices unchecked until Harry’s life is threatened by moneylenders. Then, he’s bundled off to Texas with two of his best friends to fend for himself. Harry’s friend Gray found happiness in book one of this series. Harry is envious, but knows love and happiness aren’t in the cards for him, however well he does at the poker table. He’d settle for sex, if only red-haired Jessye, the daughter of the local saloon owner, would agree to go up the stairs with him, but her price is one he can’t pay. She wants love.
This gets better and better as the main characters reveal themselves to the reader and to each other. They’re both drama queens and their emotions swing wildly from one extreme to another, but they’re both also sympathetic and damaged, nursing serious pain and feelings of worthlessness, as well as stubborn and courageous and vulnerable and determined to achieve their goals. I loved Harry and Jessye, even at their most willful and obtuse.
Don’t look too closely at the main characters’s backstories or the plot of this book because a great many things are highly unlikely, though the storytelling is so compelling it sweeps the reader along and the improbabilities only start to surface when the reader escapes the pages and turns a rational eye on what they’ve just read. I was so emotionally engaged, though, I didn’t care that a few things stretched my credulity.
And the ending was perfect, so I rounded up.
April 21, 2020
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
Entre 3'5 y 4 estrellitas pero qué narices, que me ha alegrado los primeros días de confinamiento y eso se merece que redondee al alza.
Lorraine Heath contando cositas del Oeste es 😍.
Entre 3'5 y 4 estrellitas pero qué narices, que me ha alegrado los primeros días de confinamiento y eso se merece que redondee al alza.
Lorraine Heath contando cositas del Oeste es 😍.
May 14, 2021
3.5 stars ... (I will round it "up" as I enjoyed the second half of the book).
I nearly gave up on this one. Honestly, I thought the first half was kind of boring ... dragged for me. But then, about halfway through, "something happens" and I just wanted to keep reading and I ended up enjoying it.
Both characters were strong-willed and stubborn, I thought. There might have been one coincidence where I did roll my eyes ... you know, kinda like ...
A bit ridiculous, I thought! Especially when you see the size of Texas!
Picture this guy a little bit older and more rugged ...
I nearly gave up on this one. Honestly, I thought the first half was kind of boring ... dragged for me. But then, about halfway through, "something happens" and I just wanted to keep reading and I ended up enjoying it.
Both characters were strong-willed and stubborn, I thought. There might have been one coincidence where I did roll my eyes ... you know, kinda like ...
A bit ridiculous, I thought! Especially when you see the size of Texas!
Picture this guy a little bit older and more rugged ...
February 16, 2010
Aaaaah. That hits the spot. I should have gotten more work done yesterday, but I was obsessed with what would happen next for Harrison and Jessye.
Harrison is a second son of an earl whose father sent him to Texas to keep him from getting into enough gambling trouble that he'd be thrown in the Thames. His childhood was very harsh, thanks to an insane mother who did plenty of damage by the time she was caught and that harshness has twisted Harry's emotions to a point where he's pretty certain there's no such thing as love for him.
Jessye's been damaged by a heartless person, as well. Her heart was shattered a few years back and, while she dreams of potentially finding love, she fears it can never happen for someone like her.
Harrison and Jessye have been trading barbs for a while when we start this book. Number 2 in a trilogy, I've read these out of order. I'm completely tangled up in overlapping series, it seems. In any case, Harrison and his best friend, Kit, have cooked up a cattle drive scheme and brought Jessye in as an investor. Jessye puts up the money but demands to be part of the drive. She doesn't trust them.
The majority of the story takes place on the cattle drive. Suffice to say, Jessye and Harry never stood a chance. But, at the same time, new challenges are huge threats to their future happiness. This was an emotional roller coaster for me.
There are times when Harrison comes off as a true jerk. Times when Jessye comes off as childish and petty. But there's always something behind such behaviors. Their pleasant scenes together evince strong chemistry and let us read through those tough exchanges, knowing there's more to it than just that.
I'm not sure why some of Heath's books just turn me around. Now I want to go back and read Gray and Abby's story. And all this because I accidentally started reading "Promise Me Forever" about a week ago. I probably won't get to that book for another two installments now. Such sweet torture. ;^)
This is #2 in the Rogues in Texas series which, I believe, starts with A Rogue in Texas.
Harrison is a second son of an earl whose father sent him to Texas to keep him from getting into enough gambling trouble that he'd be thrown in the Thames. His childhood was very harsh, thanks to an insane mother who did plenty of damage by the time she was caught and that harshness has twisted Harry's emotions to a point where he's pretty certain there's no such thing as love for him.
Jessye's been damaged by a heartless person, as well. Her heart was shattered a few years back and, while she dreams of potentially finding love, she fears it can never happen for someone like her.
Harrison and Jessye have been trading barbs for a while when we start this book. Number 2 in a trilogy, I've read these out of order. I'm completely tangled up in overlapping series, it seems. In any case, Harrison and his best friend, Kit, have cooked up a cattle drive scheme and brought Jessye in as an investor. Jessye puts up the money but demands to be part of the drive. She doesn't trust them.
The majority of the story takes place on the cattle drive. Suffice to say, Jessye and Harry never stood a chance. But, at the same time, new challenges are huge threats to their future happiness. This was an emotional roller coaster for me.
There are times when Harrison comes off as a true jerk. Times when Jessye comes off as childish and petty. But there's always something behind such behaviors. Their pleasant scenes together evince strong chemistry and let us read through those tough exchanges, knowing there's more to it than just that.
I'm not sure why some of Heath's books just turn me around. Now I want to go back and read Gray and Abby's story. And all this because I accidentally started reading "Promise Me Forever" about a week ago. I probably won't get to that book for another two installments now. Such sweet torture. ;^)
This is #2 in the Rogues in Texas series which, I believe, starts with A Rogue in Texas.
September 26, 2023
Loved every page. Couldn't put it down! Just as wonderful and sexy as the first book in the series, A Rogue in Texas. I'm getting hooked on Lorraine Heath's western historical romance...truly beautiful stories.
April 26, 2019
Entre 3 y 4, me ha gustado más que el anterior
Quizás sea muy injusto comparar estas novelas con las últimas que he leído de esta autora que me encanta. 15 años las separan y eso se nota
Me ha parecido una historia bonita en la que la autora ya despunta por el gusto por protagonistas atípicos de fuerte carácter y con un pasado que les ha marcado.
Aquí encontramos, por un lado, una joven que busca desesperadamente la independencia, el no tener que necesitar a un hombre para vivir su vida. Una mujer fuerte que se desenvuelve con soltura en un mundo en el que los hombres marcan el ritmo. Me ha gustado mucho
Harry resulta un personaja más usual si no fuera porque es hijo de un conde y, eso, dentro de una novela del oeste, resulta atractivo. Es un personaje roto, pero tan terriblemente encantador que enamora, ese granuja que tiene un corazón enorme
Me ha gustado su relación y su aceptación, también
Pero no deja de ser una novela sencilla y he echado en falta la profundidad que alcanza en otras de sus novelas.
Quizás sea muy injusto comparar estas novelas con las últimas que he leído de esta autora que me encanta. 15 años las separan y eso se nota
Me ha parecido una historia bonita en la que la autora ya despunta por el gusto por protagonistas atípicos de fuerte carácter y con un pasado que les ha marcado.
Aquí encontramos, por un lado, una joven que busca desesperadamente la independencia, el no tener que necesitar a un hombre para vivir su vida. Una mujer fuerte que se desenvuelve con soltura en un mundo en el que los hombres marcan el ritmo. Me ha gustado mucho
Harry resulta un personaja más usual si no fuera porque es hijo de un conde y, eso, dentro de una novela del oeste, resulta atractivo. Es un personaje roto, pero tan terriblemente encantador que enamora, ese granuja que tiene un corazón enorme
Me ha gustado su relación y su aceptación, también
Pero no deja de ser una novela sencilla y he echado en falta la profundidad que alcanza en otras de sus novelas.
February 16, 2011
Jessye works in her father's saloon serving drinks. When she was sixteen she fell in love with a handsome, smooth-talking dude who promised her the world and instead left her heart and reputation in tatters. Jessye believes that she is unworthy of a husband and a family of her own because of her past. She dreams of becoming independent from men and making her way on her own. This is why she agrees to finance a half-cocked idea thought up by two Englishmen to round up cattle and deliver them eastward. They guarantee she'll make a fortune and since she knows more about cattle rustling than the Englishmen she goes along with them on the cattle drive.
Harrison (Harry) is the second son of an earl sent by his father to Texas to clean up his act. Because of his past Harry believes he is incapable of love and spent his youth drinking, gambling, and driving up huge debts. Harry believes he is indeed the scoundrel he presents to the world but deep down lurks a kind, generous and even insecure man. Because Harry doesn't enjoy working any harder than he has to he intends to make this cattle venture a success.
Harry is strongly attracted to the outspoken Jessye and turns on the charm full-blast in order to get her into his bed. Although Harry tempts Jessye (he is gorgeous after all) she turns him down and tells him flat out that he will never get her in his bed until he can offer her his heart - the one thing that Harry knows he can never do.
The two spend most of the book doing all they can to avoid falling in love. Harry because he believes he simply can't love and Jessye because she refuses to give her love again. These two characters are very wounded souls and have multiple layers to their character which is exactly what I've come to expect from a Lorraine Heath novel. But because Harry's reasons for holding out were not explained fully or early enough his refusal to admit that he was falling in love exhausted and frustrated me. I guess I've just burned out on the stubborn "I don't have a heart" hero. A terrible accident occurs about half way through which adds more fuel to Harry's refusal to love Jessye but it also makes him a much stronger man. This section was written believably and with much compassion.
Jessye is an admirable heroine who has had to make a heartbreaking choice and her reasons to avoid love were much more understandable than Harry's. There is a subplot involving a little girl that was just way too coincidental for me to believe but I was able to over look it because it did create some painfully emotional scenes and added much to Jessye's characterization.
"Never Love A Cowboy" has a good mix of action and emotion and is definitely worth a read. It managed to move me to tears and made me smile in quite a few places but it is not my favorite Lorraine Heath novel. I reserve that spot for TEXAS DESTINY.
Harrison (Harry) is the second son of an earl sent by his father to Texas to clean up his act. Because of his past Harry believes he is incapable of love and spent his youth drinking, gambling, and driving up huge debts. Harry believes he is indeed the scoundrel he presents to the world but deep down lurks a kind, generous and even insecure man. Because Harry doesn't enjoy working any harder than he has to he intends to make this cattle venture a success.
Harry is strongly attracted to the outspoken Jessye and turns on the charm full-blast in order to get her into his bed. Although Harry tempts Jessye (he is gorgeous after all) she turns him down and tells him flat out that he will never get her in his bed until he can offer her his heart - the one thing that Harry knows he can never do.
The two spend most of the book doing all they can to avoid falling in love. Harry because he believes he simply can't love and Jessye because she refuses to give her love again. These two characters are very wounded souls and have multiple layers to their character which is exactly what I've come to expect from a Lorraine Heath novel. But because Harry's reasons for holding out were not explained fully or early enough his refusal to admit that he was falling in love exhausted and frustrated me. I guess I've just burned out on the stubborn "I don't have a heart" hero. A terrible accident occurs about half way through which adds more fuel to Harry's refusal to love Jessye but it also makes him a much stronger man. This section was written believably and with much compassion.
Jessye is an admirable heroine who has had to make a heartbreaking choice and her reasons to avoid love were much more understandable than Harry's. There is a subplot involving a little girl that was just way too coincidental for me to believe but I was able to over look it because it did create some painfully emotional scenes and added much to Jessye's characterization.
"Never Love A Cowboy" has a good mix of action and emotion and is definitely worth a read. It managed to move me to tears and made me smile in quite a few places but it is not my favorite Lorraine Heath novel. I reserve that spot for TEXAS DESTINY.
February 15, 2022
Never Love a Cowboy is the second book in Lorraine Heath’s Rogues in Texas series. I love the premise of this series. Three Englishmen’s fathers paid to have their “wayward sons” sent to Texas to make their own way. In classic LH fashion…we have angst, passion, trauma, and tragic pasts. Being set in Texas, in this book we also have rattlesnakes, a saloon, assisting a childbirth, and a cattle drive!
Fortune, Texas 1865. Harrison “Harry” Bainbridge is the second son of the Earl of Lambourne and at 28-years-old he’s ready to start his scandal-free life in Texas. We meet Harry and his friends, Christian “Kit” and Grayson, in the first book in the series along with Jessye Kane, the heroine of this story. Jessye is the local saloon owner’s daughter and while working there she meets Harrison and his friends. Harrison and Jessye have a flirtatious, spirited banter and get into some heated arguments…she’s convinced he cheats at cards, he desperately wants her in his bed. When Harry and Kit decide to start their own cattle venture, they need an investor and reach out to Jessye. She provides the capital for their business venture but also fully intends to become a participating investor and joins them on the long cattle drive north. She has the knowledge and know-how about the state and the cattle and isn’t about to leave these two Englishmen on their own. We get to see their hard, laborious work rounding up cattle and their lengthy adventure of the cattle drive to the north (northern states were desperate for beef denied them during the war and willing to pay high prices). Along the way, Harry ends up getting seriously injured and we get a lot of caretaking scenes (which isn’t always well-received by a very broken Harry).
Just like the first book in this series, this has a very slow and quiet start that many western historical romances do. The scenery was sweeping and you got a real sense of their hard work and time spent trying to make their business venture work. Harrison and Jessye both have a lot of tragedy in their pasts and I loved seeing them open up to one another and share their souls. Harrison pushes love away and claims he has no heart to give, while Jessye only wants love and doesn’t want a fleeting passion. Jessye is a great, strong heroine and I loved seeing her find happiness. Other moments I enjoyed: the brand being named Texas Lady, Magpie and the crew they hire along the way, how quietly thoughtful and caring Harry was towards others while not even trying to seek acknowledge or praise for what he’s done, Harry and Jessye’s gambles, their stop in Dallas and her green dress. I loved seeing these two broken souls find one another, both of them had horribly sad events from their pasts and seeing their healing and happiness (which was a struggle to get to) was everything.
Fortune, Texas 1865. Harrison “Harry” Bainbridge is the second son of the Earl of Lambourne and at 28-years-old he’s ready to start his scandal-free life in Texas. We meet Harry and his friends, Christian “Kit” and Grayson, in the first book in the series along with Jessye Kane, the heroine of this story. Jessye is the local saloon owner’s daughter and while working there she meets Harrison and his friends. Harrison and Jessye have a flirtatious, spirited banter and get into some heated arguments…she’s convinced he cheats at cards, he desperately wants her in his bed. When Harry and Kit decide to start their own cattle venture, they need an investor and reach out to Jessye. She provides the capital for their business venture but also fully intends to become a participating investor and joins them on the long cattle drive north. She has the knowledge and know-how about the state and the cattle and isn’t about to leave these two Englishmen on their own. We get to see their hard, laborious work rounding up cattle and their lengthy adventure of the cattle drive to the north (northern states were desperate for beef denied them during the war and willing to pay high prices). Along the way, Harry ends up getting seriously injured and we get a lot of caretaking scenes (which isn’t always well-received by a very broken Harry).
Just like the first book in this series, this has a very slow and quiet start that many western historical romances do. The scenery was sweeping and you got a real sense of their hard work and time spent trying to make their business venture work. Harrison and Jessye both have a lot of tragedy in their pasts and I loved seeing them open up to one another and share their souls. Harrison pushes love away and claims he has no heart to give, while Jessye only wants love and doesn’t want a fleeting passion. Jessye is a great, strong heroine and I loved seeing her find happiness. Other moments I enjoyed: the brand being named Texas Lady, Magpie and the crew they hire along the way, how quietly thoughtful and caring Harry was towards others while not even trying to seek acknowledge or praise for what he’s done, Harry and Jessye’s gambles, their stop in Dallas and her green dress. I loved seeing these two broken souls find one another, both of them had horribly sad events from their pasts and seeing their healing and happiness (which was a struggle to get to) was everything.
November 2, 2021
After a slow start this story drew me in beyond my wildest imagination. Thank goodness for Lorraine Heath's. Nobody writes angst like she does. Better yet, she knows how to build a foundation so that everything comes together in a believable way.
Jessye and Harry were soul mates. By the halfway mark, I never wanted their story to end.
Jessye and Harry were soul mates. By the halfway mark, I never wanted their story to end.
April 15, 2021
***4.5 Stars***
Here be all the feels!! I loved this!
"I'm gonna leave you with a bit of advice since you know cards so well. Life is just like 'em. Winning ain't in holding a good hand, but in playin' a poor one well."
I've read about a dozen Lorraine Heath books by now and this one is now up there as one of my favories!
"Love cannot be explained. It cannot be taught. It cannot even be understood, but when it touches you, when it takes hold of your heart and your soul . . . you are the better for it."
I absolutely ADORED Harry and Jessye!!
Love is a dark and cold word in Harry's mind. It hurts, it punishes, and it takes. And yet the one woman Harry wants and desires the most, will not be with him without it.
"I've already marked you as a man who can't afford me."
"Name your price."
"Love."
Jessye craves independence. The ability to take care of herself in any situation. Having given up a piece of herself because she had no other choice, she refuses to find herself in the same situation again.
"I need from you something that you've never given to anyone else. I want your heart. "
"You ask too much."
"Because I've had too little."
The evolution of Harry and Jessye's relationship was perfection! Their banter, their friendship, the way they shared their secrets . . . chef's kiss.
I don't want to say too much about what happens in the book because I feel like the reveals about their pasts, the journey they're on, and the destination they reach is so much more potent when you're in the moment and not expecting any of it.
I went into this book expecting one thing, and Lorraine Heath delivered a hurt/comfort story that was everything I didn't know I wanted to read at the moment. As a mood reader, I stand and applaud any book that gives me what I didn't even know I wanted.
"Why did you do it?"
"Stupidity. Arrogance. A gamble."
"What were you gambling on?"
"That you would leave."
"Who did you make the wager with?"
"My heart."
March 13, 2024
Lorraine Heath likes to put her characters through absolute misery to get to their HEA and somehow I’m on the cowboy train right now because I’m definitely going to read another one. Seriously, why is she torturing these guys so much?!?!
Seriously why am I into it?
Seriously why am I into it?
December 3, 2011
"I would not make a good husband. I do, however, make an excellent lover"
This was a great read that kind of snuck up on me, especially once I started picturing Johnny Depp as our roguish hero. Yes indeed, he would make a fine British cowboy, ala Jack Sparrow on a cattle drive, attempting to woo the heroine into bed with his clever, wicked tongue and laughing eyes. Anyways that’s what gets me through the day.
Harrison Bainbridge is a scoundrel and I absolutely adored him. The second son of an English earl “Harry” has been banished by his father for his substantial gambling debts and womanizing and sent to the wilds of 1865 Texas to clean up his act. Partnering up in a cattle muster isn’t really his idea of a good time, (it is actual work after all) however Harry can’t resist the opportunity to spend time with the saloon keepers outspoken daughter. Her daring business venture is a gamble and that is of course what Harry lives for.
Jessye Kane has dreams of wealth and independence after having her heart and reputation destroyed by her first love. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want or need a husband and certainly isn’t going to fall for the smooth talking Harry. He’s just heartache waiting to happen. However during the long months on the dusty trail the two get to know each other and Jessye realizes that there’s more to Harry then the devil-may-care attitude he portrays to the world. In fact Harry may just have a conscience and he might also be just as damaged and vulnerable as she is. Isn’t that a scary thought, because that’s a man she could love…
The flirty back and forth banter between our couple here as they try not to fall for each other is really fun; in fact I enjoyed most of the dialogue and definitely chuckled through Harry’s one liners. I also loved how we never really knew for sure if he was cheating at cards or not. I swear that man would wager his very soul.
It was towards the end of the book though that Lorraine Heath managed to capture my heart with this story too. After Harry is horribly injured, Jessye attempts to nurse the now stubborn, bitter man back to health. He can’t stand her pity or the way she looks at him these days and may just break her heart to recapture the outspoken sassy girl he used to know.
This is part 2 from the Rogues in Texas trilogy. And while I read this as a stand alone I wouldn’t recommend it as there were holes in the story that were never completely filled in and the beginning chapters were a bit confusing. Besides from what I can tell Harry’s brother's story (A Rogue in Texas) which continues on here, looks super good.
This was a great read that kind of snuck up on me, especially once I started picturing Johnny Depp as our roguish hero. Yes indeed, he would make a fine British cowboy, ala Jack Sparrow on a cattle drive, attempting to woo the heroine into bed with his clever, wicked tongue and laughing eyes. Anyways that’s what gets me through the day.
Harrison Bainbridge is a scoundrel and I absolutely adored him. The second son of an English earl “Harry” has been banished by his father for his substantial gambling debts and womanizing and sent to the wilds of 1865 Texas to clean up his act. Partnering up in a cattle muster isn’t really his idea of a good time, (it is actual work after all) however Harry can’t resist the opportunity to spend time with the saloon keepers outspoken daughter. Her daring business venture is a gamble and that is of course what Harry lives for.
Jessye Kane has dreams of wealth and independence after having her heart and reputation destroyed by her first love. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want or need a husband and certainly isn’t going to fall for the smooth talking Harry. He’s just heartache waiting to happen. However during the long months on the dusty trail the two get to know each other and Jessye realizes that there’s more to Harry then the devil-may-care attitude he portrays to the world. In fact Harry may just have a conscience and he might also be just as damaged and vulnerable as she is. Isn’t that a scary thought, because that’s a man she could love…
The flirty back and forth banter between our couple here as they try not to fall for each other is really fun; in fact I enjoyed most of the dialogue and definitely chuckled through Harry’s one liners. I also loved how we never really knew for sure if he was cheating at cards or not. I swear that man would wager his very soul.
It was towards the end of the book though that Lorraine Heath managed to capture my heart with this story too. After Harry is horribly injured, Jessye attempts to nurse the now stubborn, bitter man back to health. He can’t stand her pity or the way she looks at him these days and may just break her heart to recapture the outspoken sassy girl he used to know.
This is part 2 from the Rogues in Texas trilogy. And while I read this as a stand alone I wouldn’t recommend it as there were holes in the story that were never completely filled in and the beginning chapters were a bit confusing. Besides from what I can tell Harry’s brother's story (A Rogue in Texas) which continues on here, looks super good.
December 1, 2025
What a journey I’ve had with this book.
Almost DNFed it because I didn’t like the injury that happened to our hero. After few days I came back to this book, only to find out the most heart wrenching second half possible.
Oh it was so so good. I was on the verge of tears the whole time.
Jessey and Harry journey to come together was so beautiful and it felt like because of all that drama before hand, they are going to have much smoother marriage.
Yes Harry is injured but there is no pity or heroine healing him with her love. In fact he becomes even bigger scoundrel then he was before and she hates/loves him.
It’s so good.
Second half was way better then the first half
Almost DNFed it because I didn’t like the injury that happened to our hero. After few days I came back to this book, only to find out the most heart wrenching second half possible.
Oh it was so so good. I was on the verge of tears the whole time.
Jessey and Harry journey to come together was so beautiful and it felt like because of all that drama before hand, they are going to have much smoother marriage.
Yes Harry is injured but there is no pity or heroine healing him with her love. In fact he becomes even bigger scoundrel then he was before and she hates/loves him.
It’s so good.
Second half was way better then the first half
July 12, 2020
Never Love a Cowboy was a great follow up to A Rogue in Texas; both books have very big obstacles in the stories and much sadder undertones in some areas than most other historical romances. This wasn't a bad thing though, just something I'm remarking on. I absolutely loved Jessye and Harry and thought they were absolutely wonderful together. I wanted to read more of their story and have certain sections lengthened, which is always a good sign. Definitely recommend.
dnf
August 3, 2025The plot is far too fantastical for my tastes, and the characters are unlikable. I DNF'd at 27%
March 4, 2016
Reviewed for THC Reviews
I have no idea why I keep allowing so much time to pass between my reading of Lorraine Heath's novels. I was shocked to discover that four whole years have gone by since I last read one of her books, which happened to be the first in her Rogues in Texas series. My only excuse is that I keep getting distracted by other books and authors or I keep trying to read certain books that fit the various reading challenges in which I participate. But whatever the reasons, I really need to stop doing that, because I always enjoy her books – a lot. Never Love a Cowboy got off to a slightly slow start for me. I think that was owing to the hero and heroine both being emotionally damaged and afraid to allow themselves to love anyone. This seemed to place some distance between them for the first 2/3 of the story, during which it was registering about a 4.5 on my star meter. I was enjoying it but it wasn't quite hitting the amazing mark. But the last 100 pages or so were so awesome they really helped make up for it and compelled me to go ahead and give it the full five stars.
Harry is the second of the three Englishman friends in the series who came to Texas to find their fortunes. They had previously discussed combining their efforts into a cattle venture, but now that his friend, Gray, has settled down with a wife and kids, that leaves only Harry and Kit. They decide to go ahead with their idea of rounding up cattle and driving them to market, but they lack the funds to make it happen. That's where the heroine, Jessye, enters into the picture as their third investor. Harry has admired Jessye from afar for a while. He's a consummate gambler, who spends quite a bit of time at the saloon owned by her father, where she serves the drinks and occasionally plays poker with Harry. He keeps trying to sweet talk her into going upstairs to his room with him, but she keeps telling him she's not one of those girls. Being a master at games of chance, Harry often makes decisions on the turn of a card. In the beginning, he comes off as a roguish scoundrel, albeit a charming one. Harry may like Jessye, but he refuses to allow himself to love her. In fact, he constantly asserts that he doesn't even know what love is. He was deeply emotionally abused by his mother who would often force him to tell her he loved her, then in return, give him her hatred and lock him up in places that were frightening to a small child, including the dungeon of the family castle. By the time his father realized the extent of the abuse, the damage was already done. This was only one of the terrible things Harry had to endure, and his suffering continues in this book when he's seriously injured while trying to defend Jessye and their cattle venture. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers that Harry is like an onion with many unexpected layers to his personality, and I enjoyed watching each one of them peel away to reveal the real man inside. He holds his heart back from Jessye for a long time, but he shows her in unusual ways how much he cares. Gradually we come to see just how afraid he is of saying those three little words, but the moment when he finally gives in and does, it's like a dam bursting. Once he got it out and realized Jessye wasn't going to leave him or spurn his love, he just couldn't stop saying it, which was sweet.
Jessye is a tough, tomboyish young lady, who's been through a lot of heartache of her own. Her first love got her pregnant and then walked out, leaving her to deal with everything alone. She had only her father on whom to lean, but she couldn't even bring herself to tell him what happened. Instead she walked that path by herself and had to make some heart-breaking decisions. She's sworn never to allow a man to do that to her again, and so she's eager to invest in the cattle venture, thinking that if it succeeds, it will afford her security and most of all independence. Jessye likes spending time with Harry, but she doesn't trust him. She's convinced he cheats at cards all the time, but she can't figure out how. As she begins to uncover those layers of his I mentioned earlier and see things in him she didn't expect, she slowly comes to realize that he may not be quite as much of a scoundrel as she originally thought. Eventually she can no longer resist his charms, and although she realizes she's fallen in love with him, she refuses to give him her heart unless he can give her his love in return. Jessye is a very caring woman. She looks out for Harry and tries everything she can think of to bring him back after the life-altering injuries he suffers. She's also a very strong, stubborn woman who knows what she wants and won't relent until she gets it. Yet at the same time, she can be very sweet and gentle. I love how she doesn't care about the changes wrought in Harry's body after the injuries and that she's always sympathetic when he reveals the secrets of his past. She keeps soldiering on and persisting in trying to get Harry to let her into his heart and to take a chance on her so that she can show him the true depth of her love.
In Never Love a Cowboy, we also get to catch up with Gray and Abbie and their growing family. They're still incredibly happy, and they play a part in helping Harry recover from his injuries as well. The third friend and hero of the final book in the trilogy is Kit. He takes part in the cattle drive with Harry and Jessye. In fact, at first, he's the only one Jessye will officially do business with. Kit is a very organized person who keeps things running smoothly, and I look forward to seeing what he does next with his life. What I really liked, though, are the little glimpses we get of Kit's past and his personality. He's suffering from a badly broken heart and has a very touching scene in the book where we see the depth of his pain. I really look forward to finding out more about him in the next book, Never Marry a Cowboy, where he's paired with Ashton as his heroine. We get an introduction to her in this book when Kit, Harry, and Jessye take a little detour to Dallas to meet with Ashton's brother in an attempt to get him to invest in their venture too. What little I saw of her she seems like a sweet, lovely person, who I think will make a good match for Kit. I also just discovered that the Daughters of Fortune series is a spin-off of Rogues in Texas, featuring the next generation. Harry and Jessye's daughter, Angela, is the heroine of the first book of that series, The Outlaw and the Lady.
Overall, I really enjoyed Never Love a Cowboy. The relationship may have been slow-building for me, but the denouement made it more than worth the wait. I also loved the second love scene of the book that went from a moment where Jessye is fuming mad at Harry to one of the sweetest moments I've read in a romance. I think that's when I came to completely understand Harry and really begin to respect him. He might have been an unrepentant rogue, but deep down, he was a kind, caring man who had a lot of love to share. He just didn't know it until a woman with a big heart offered him her love in return. This was a sweet and emotional story, and I can't wait to read Kit's book and the spin-off series. I'm just going to have to try harder to remind myself how much I love Lorraine Heath's writing, so I don't wait so long next time.
I have no idea why I keep allowing so much time to pass between my reading of Lorraine Heath's novels. I was shocked to discover that four whole years have gone by since I last read one of her books, which happened to be the first in her Rogues in Texas series. My only excuse is that I keep getting distracted by other books and authors or I keep trying to read certain books that fit the various reading challenges in which I participate. But whatever the reasons, I really need to stop doing that, because I always enjoy her books – a lot. Never Love a Cowboy got off to a slightly slow start for me. I think that was owing to the hero and heroine both being emotionally damaged and afraid to allow themselves to love anyone. This seemed to place some distance between them for the first 2/3 of the story, during which it was registering about a 4.5 on my star meter. I was enjoying it but it wasn't quite hitting the amazing mark. But the last 100 pages or so were so awesome they really helped make up for it and compelled me to go ahead and give it the full five stars.
Harry is the second of the three Englishman friends in the series who came to Texas to find their fortunes. They had previously discussed combining their efforts into a cattle venture, but now that his friend, Gray, has settled down with a wife and kids, that leaves only Harry and Kit. They decide to go ahead with their idea of rounding up cattle and driving them to market, but they lack the funds to make it happen. That's where the heroine, Jessye, enters into the picture as their third investor. Harry has admired Jessye from afar for a while. He's a consummate gambler, who spends quite a bit of time at the saloon owned by her father, where she serves the drinks and occasionally plays poker with Harry. He keeps trying to sweet talk her into going upstairs to his room with him, but she keeps telling him she's not one of those girls. Being a master at games of chance, Harry often makes decisions on the turn of a card. In the beginning, he comes off as a roguish scoundrel, albeit a charming one. Harry may like Jessye, but he refuses to allow himself to love her. In fact, he constantly asserts that he doesn't even know what love is. He was deeply emotionally abused by his mother who would often force him to tell her he loved her, then in return, give him her hatred and lock him up in places that were frightening to a small child, including the dungeon of the family castle. By the time his father realized the extent of the abuse, the damage was already done. This was only one of the terrible things Harry had to endure, and his suffering continues in this book when he's seriously injured while trying to defend Jessye and their cattle venture. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers that Harry is like an onion with many unexpected layers to his personality, and I enjoyed watching each one of them peel away to reveal the real man inside. He holds his heart back from Jessye for a long time, but he shows her in unusual ways how much he cares. Gradually we come to see just how afraid he is of saying those three little words, but the moment when he finally gives in and does, it's like a dam bursting. Once he got it out and realized Jessye wasn't going to leave him or spurn his love, he just couldn't stop saying it, which was sweet.
Jessye is a tough, tomboyish young lady, who's been through a lot of heartache of her own. Her first love got her pregnant and then walked out, leaving her to deal with everything alone. She had only her father on whom to lean, but she couldn't even bring herself to tell him what happened. Instead she walked that path by herself and had to make some heart-breaking decisions. She's sworn never to allow a man to do that to her again, and so she's eager to invest in the cattle venture, thinking that if it succeeds, it will afford her security and most of all independence. Jessye likes spending time with Harry, but she doesn't trust him. She's convinced he cheats at cards all the time, but she can't figure out how. As she begins to uncover those layers of his I mentioned earlier and see things in him she didn't expect, she slowly comes to realize that he may not be quite as much of a scoundrel as she originally thought. Eventually she can no longer resist his charms, and although she realizes she's fallen in love with him, she refuses to give him her heart unless he can give her his love in return. Jessye is a very caring woman. She looks out for Harry and tries everything she can think of to bring him back after the life-altering injuries he suffers. She's also a very strong, stubborn woman who knows what she wants and won't relent until she gets it. Yet at the same time, she can be very sweet and gentle. I love how she doesn't care about the changes wrought in Harry's body after the injuries and that she's always sympathetic when he reveals the secrets of his past. She keeps soldiering on and persisting in trying to get Harry to let her into his heart and to take a chance on her so that she can show him the true depth of her love.
In Never Love a Cowboy, we also get to catch up with Gray and Abbie and their growing family. They're still incredibly happy, and they play a part in helping Harry recover from his injuries as well. The third friend and hero of the final book in the trilogy is Kit. He takes part in the cattle drive with Harry and Jessye. In fact, at first, he's the only one Jessye will officially do business with. Kit is a very organized person who keeps things running smoothly, and I look forward to seeing what he does next with his life. What I really liked, though, are the little glimpses we get of Kit's past and his personality. He's suffering from a badly broken heart and has a very touching scene in the book where we see the depth of his pain. I really look forward to finding out more about him in the next book, Never Marry a Cowboy, where he's paired with Ashton as his heroine. We get an introduction to her in this book when Kit, Harry, and Jessye take a little detour to Dallas to meet with Ashton's brother in an attempt to get him to invest in their venture too. What little I saw of her she seems like a sweet, lovely person, who I think will make a good match for Kit. I also just discovered that the Daughters of Fortune series is a spin-off of Rogues in Texas, featuring the next generation. Harry and Jessye's daughter, Angela, is the heroine of the first book of that series, The Outlaw and the Lady.
Overall, I really enjoyed Never Love a Cowboy. The relationship may have been slow-building for me, but the denouement made it more than worth the wait. I also loved the second love scene of the book that went from a moment where Jessye is fuming mad at Harry to one of the sweetest moments I've read in a romance. I think that's when I came to completely understand Harry and really begin to respect him. He might have been an unrepentant rogue, but deep down, he was a kind, caring man who had a lot of love to share. He just didn't know it until a woman with a big heart offered him her love in return. This was a sweet and emotional story, and I can't wait to read Kit's book and the spin-off series. I'm just going to have to try harder to remind myself how much I love Lorraine Heath's writing, so I don't wait so long next time.
April 5, 2017
Another wonderful book by Lorraine Heath this was my 4th book so far by this talented author and each book I read just makes me a bigger fan of her awesome work. Harry had me hating and despising him on one page and then cheering him on another. I loved strong willed Jessye from the first time she crossed the page back in a Rogue in Texas. Can Harry a scoundrel and obsessive gambler become the man He wants to be and the man Jessye loves even though she fights against him as much as she can?? Lorraine Heath definitely knows how to pull on all of a readers emotions. Loved loved this book!!!
July 7, 2023
Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf
CW: Torture; violence; injury/disfigurement; physical abuse; abandonment; child abuse; emotional abuse; gun violence; references to suicide; pregnancy loss
From the very first page of this book, I knew I would be in for the best sort of pain and heartbreak, the type that Lorraine Heath excels at. I was not wrong, as this book packs a major emotional punch on so many different levels. I absolutely adore this one, and it’s my favorite of Heath’s Rogues in Texas series!
If you’re a historical romance lover who mainly sticks to Regency romances, this is the perfect Western series to try! It focused on three Englishmen who needed to make a new life in Texas after their fathers sent them away. With cattle drives, rattlesnakes, bandits, and saloons, you get all the Western vibes with Never Love a Cowboy.
I was obsessed with Jessye and Harrison in A Rogue in Texas and was thrilled they were the couple in book 2. Jessye and Harrison have a lot of pain from their past that drastically shaped them as adults – I was drawn to them instantly because I love characters with major emotional baggage.
Jessye is my GIRL! I loved her in book 1, and that love just grew in this book. She is, hands down, no competition, my favorite female protagonist in the Rogues in Texas series. Jessye knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got grit as one of the only females on a cattle drive, and I loved her drive and determination. While she’s a bit stubborn, that is a strength for her. She’s had her heart badly broken in the past, and the pure strength of this woman in the face of all she had to endure blew me away. Despite all the pain in her past, she is still looking for the good in others and is determined not to give up on love. I adored her – she’s strong and independent but has vulnerabilities that make her feel human.
And Harrison, aka Harry. Oh my god. This man is so damaged, and I adore him so much. My poor sweet Harry. He’s also got some MAJOR emotional damage and trauma from his past that has convinced him that love doesn’t exist and isn’t real. He’s so broken that he doesn’t even want to admit what he feels is love. All I wanted to do was protect this man, and then Lorraine Heath delivered the biggest, most painful of blows, and oh my gosh. Things do not go well for him. If anyone deserves love and peace, it’s him. He truly goes on a journey in this book, and I am so glad he got a happily ever after.
Outside of Jessye and Harry, we get a villain who is pure scum that I hate so much and got what he deserved. But then Heath also rounds out the cast with the most perfect supporting characters: Harry’s friend Kit, Jessye’s dad, and their scheming ways.
The romance in this was perfect. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but man, oh man, is it worth it! I wanted these two to get together so badly. The banter and chemistry between them were fantastic, and I loved how it seamlessly carried over from A Rogue in Texas perfectly. This isn’t the easiest romance to read as it is filled with so much heartache, pain, suffering, and longing – AND YET IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL! No one writes heart-achingly emotional romances like Lorraine Heath. Jessye and Harry are two broken souls, and watching them find each other and heal together was breathtaking. They go through some significant struggles in this book, and if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it’s them. Also, if you’re a fan of the “nursing back to health” trope, this book handles that masterfully, with the right amount of pain, love, and frustration.
The plot of this book goes places I DID NOT think it would go. I don’t want to go into too many details as it is best to go in blind to experience the one-two punch of emotions. There are some unexpected plot twists and turns that are executed flawlessly in a style and manner that is unique to Lorraine Heath. Be warned, though, as there are some VERY hard scenes to read, so check those CWs as there are a LOT (I tried my best to capture all of them). I did have to put the book down at one point to take a quick breather, as there is one scene in particular with Harry that was heartbreaking and painful to read. I wish he didn’t have to go through that, but it does add to the story.
Never Love a Cowboy is hands down my favorite book in the Rogues in Texas series. There is something magical about this story and these characters that captured my heart and soul. I love emotionally damaged characters finding love, and Heath excels at that. Give me all the heartache and pain, as it makes the love worth it even more. Never Love a Cowboy is truly Lorraine Heath at her best! I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full impact of the story as they build off each other, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this book.
CW: Torture; violence; injury/disfigurement; physical abuse; abandonment; child abuse; emotional abuse; gun violence; references to suicide; pregnancy loss
From the very first page of this book, I knew I would be in for the best sort of pain and heartbreak, the type that Lorraine Heath excels at. I was not wrong, as this book packs a major emotional punch on so many different levels. I absolutely adore this one, and it’s my favorite of Heath’s Rogues in Texas series!
If you’re a historical romance lover who mainly sticks to Regency romances, this is the perfect Western series to try! It focused on three Englishmen who needed to make a new life in Texas after their fathers sent them away. With cattle drives, rattlesnakes, bandits, and saloons, you get all the Western vibes with Never Love a Cowboy.
I was obsessed with Jessye and Harrison in A Rogue in Texas and was thrilled they were the couple in book 2. Jessye and Harrison have a lot of pain from their past that drastically shaped them as adults – I was drawn to them instantly because I love characters with major emotional baggage.
Jessye is my GIRL! I loved her in book 1, and that love just grew in this book. She is, hands down, no competition, my favorite female protagonist in the Rogues in Texas series. Jessye knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got grit as one of the only females on a cattle drive, and I loved her drive and determination. While she’s a bit stubborn, that is a strength for her. She’s had her heart badly broken in the past, and the pure strength of this woman in the face of all she had to endure blew me away. Despite all the pain in her past, she is still looking for the good in others and is determined not to give up on love. I adored her – she’s strong and independent but has vulnerabilities that make her feel human.
And Harrison, aka Harry. Oh my god. This man is so damaged, and I adore him so much. My poor sweet Harry. He’s also got some MAJOR emotional damage and trauma from his past that has convinced him that love doesn’t exist and isn’t real. He’s so broken that he doesn’t even want to admit what he feels is love. All I wanted to do was protect this man, and then Lorraine Heath delivered the biggest, most painful of blows, and oh my gosh. Things do not go well for him. If anyone deserves love and peace, it’s him. He truly goes on a journey in this book, and I am so glad he got a happily ever after.
Outside of Jessye and Harry, we get a villain who is pure scum that I hate so much and got what he deserved. But then Heath also rounds out the cast with the most perfect supporting characters: Harry’s friend Kit, Jessye’s dad, and their scheming ways.
The romance in this was perfect. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but man, oh man, is it worth it! I wanted these two to get together so badly. The banter and chemistry between them were fantastic, and I loved how it seamlessly carried over from A Rogue in Texas perfectly. This isn’t the easiest romance to read as it is filled with so much heartache, pain, suffering, and longing – AND YET IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL! No one writes heart-achingly emotional romances like Lorraine Heath. Jessye and Harry are two broken souls, and watching them find each other and heal together was breathtaking. They go through some significant struggles in this book, and if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it’s them. Also, if you’re a fan of the “nursing back to health” trope, this book handles that masterfully, with the right amount of pain, love, and frustration.
The plot of this book goes places I DID NOT think it would go. I don’t want to go into too many details as it is best to go in blind to experience the one-two punch of emotions. There are some unexpected plot twists and turns that are executed flawlessly in a style and manner that is unique to Lorraine Heath. Be warned, though, as there are some VERY hard scenes to read, so check those CWs as there are a LOT (I tried my best to capture all of them). I did have to put the book down at one point to take a quick breather, as there is one scene in particular with Harry that was heartbreaking and painful to read. I wish he didn’t have to go through that, but it does add to the story.
Never Love a Cowboy is hands down my favorite book in the Rogues in Texas series. There is something magical about this story and these characters that captured my heart and soul. I love emotionally damaged characters finding love, and Heath excels at that. Give me all the heartache and pain, as it makes the love worth it even more. Never Love a Cowboy is truly Lorraine Heath at her best! I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full impact of the story as they build off each other, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this book.
December 25, 2024
Western historical romance may not be for me...
May 17, 2020
"Gentiluomo" lo schernì la giovane. "È probabilmente un requisito delle canaglie."
"Bisogna essere gentiluomini, per diventare canaglie. È una legge non scritta."
Come già il primo volume, anche questo secondo mi è piaciuto molto, e personalmente trovo che nelle ambientazioni western la Heath dia sempre il meglio.
La serie è dedicata all'avventura "americana" di tre figli cadetti/illegittimi, provenienti da altrettante famiglie nobili inglesi, che provano a tentare la fortuna in Texas, dopo la fa fine della Guerra di Secessione (1865). Se non avete letto UN AMORE NUOVO, vi consiglio di recuperarlo, perchè conteneva l'antefatto e già presentava l'amicizia indissolubile che lega i tre giovanni rampolli: Grey, Harry e Kit.
Se Grey si è già accasato, i suoi amici decidono di investire nelle mandrie di bestiame, anziché nella faticosa coltivazione di cotone, e stringono un accordo con la figlia del proprietario di un saloon.
Tuttavia Jessye accetta Kit come socio, mentre non si fida per nulla di Harry. Lo ritiene uno scansafatiche viziato, un baro e un nobile che si nasconde dietro ai suoi amici, approfittando del loro impegno.
A sua volta, Harrison Bainbridge (figlio cadetto di un conte) è sconcertato da questa giovane che indossa pantaloni da mandriana e che cavalca imperterrita con gli uomini.
Entrambi hanno dolorosi segreti nel loro passato e stanno ben attenti a non scoprirsi di fronte agli altri. Tuttavia le esperienze e le vicende del viaggio li costringono a misurarsi con quanto avevano cercato di dimenticare e a riconsiderare la ritrosia di entrambi a potersi fidare l'uno dell'altra.
Il viaggio per accompagnare la mandria si rivela faticoso e carico di insidie, così come la vita in una terra straniera, ma la Heath riesce ad alternare con abilità le atmosfere prettamente western con l'introspezione dei vari personaggi, con un grande cuore nascosto, eppure diffidenti e pieni di rimorsi.
Una coppia che mi è piaciuta, semplice ma non banale, piena di difetti e imperfezioni se vogliamo, però desiderosa di tornare a innamorarsi.
Bella serie. Leggerò senza dubbio anche la storia di Kit.
"Bisogna essere gentiluomini, per diventare canaglie. È una legge non scritta."
Come già il primo volume, anche questo secondo mi è piaciuto molto, e personalmente trovo che nelle ambientazioni western la Heath dia sempre il meglio.
La serie è dedicata all'avventura "americana" di tre figli cadetti/illegittimi, provenienti da altrettante famiglie nobili inglesi, che provano a tentare la fortuna in Texas, dopo la fa fine della Guerra di Secessione (1865). Se non avete letto UN AMORE NUOVO, vi consiglio di recuperarlo, perchè conteneva l'antefatto e già presentava l'amicizia indissolubile che lega i tre giovanni rampolli: Grey, Harry e Kit.
Se Grey si è già accasato, i suoi amici decidono di investire nelle mandrie di bestiame, anziché nella faticosa coltivazione di cotone, e stringono un accordo con la figlia del proprietario di un saloon.
Tuttavia Jessye accetta Kit come socio, mentre non si fida per nulla di Harry. Lo ritiene uno scansafatiche viziato, un baro e un nobile che si nasconde dietro ai suoi amici, approfittando del loro impegno.
A sua volta, Harrison Bainbridge (figlio cadetto di un conte) è sconcertato da questa giovane che indossa pantaloni da mandriana e che cavalca imperterrita con gli uomini.
Entrambi hanno dolorosi segreti nel loro passato e stanno ben attenti a non scoprirsi di fronte agli altri. Tuttavia le esperienze e le vicende del viaggio li costringono a misurarsi con quanto avevano cercato di dimenticare e a riconsiderare la ritrosia di entrambi a potersi fidare l'uno dell'altra.
Il viaggio per accompagnare la mandria si rivela faticoso e carico di insidie, così come la vita in una terra straniera, ma la Heath riesce ad alternare con abilità le atmosfere prettamente western con l'introspezione dei vari personaggi, con un grande cuore nascosto, eppure diffidenti e pieni di rimorsi.
Una coppia che mi è piaciuta, semplice ma non banale, piena di difetti e imperfezioni se vogliamo, però desiderosa di tornare a innamorarsi.
Bella serie. Leggerò senza dubbio anche la storia di Kit.
April 30, 2018
Not much to say really... there wasn't anything about this book I did not like. I absolutely loved this story and I adored the characters. Harrison is the ultimate dream book boyfriend. The writing was fantastic. The easiest 5 stars I've ever given, this story completely captivated me.
December 27, 2013
Well, same old same old. Very formulaic and pretty reminiscent of the first book, but an enjoyable read if you're looking for Western romance.
February 11, 2025
I am 45 books deep into Lorraine Heath's backlist. I didn't think she had the ability to surprise me anymore, but I was proven wrong by Never Love a Cowboy.
Harrison Bainbridge was sent to Texas by his father to save him from himself. He had led a life of excess in London that led to gambling debts so extreme, the only way to keep him safe was to send him abroad. Harry and his best friend, Kit, have an idea to round up the cattle roaming the Texas wilderness and take them to market in the north, but they don't have enough capital to get the project off the ground. They approach Jessye Kane, the only daughter of the saloon owner. Jessye has enough money set aside to fund the venture and she is desperate to be an independent woman, to never be at the mercy of a man again. So she signs a contract with only Kit (she believe's Harry to be a wastrel) and insists on joining them on the road.
I entered into this book with some trepidation because we had met Harry in the previous book and I found him to be irritating. You'd think I would have learned my lesson from Dallas Leigh in the Texas Trilogy and just trusted Lorraine, but what can I say? I have severe trust issues. Lorraine not only made me love him, he might just be making my Best of Lorraine Heath Heroes List.
Harry has serious issues with women. His mother was terribly cruel to him when he was young, likely due to her own mental illness, and then his father watched as Harry destroyed his own life in an attempt to find a boundary. Unfortunately for him, no boundaries existed for the wastrel second son of an earl. It is clear that Harry has no idea how to form healthy attachments and it takes him a long time to feel like the people he lets in can be trusted to stay. You see it in his relationships with Kit and his other friend, Gray and you see it with Jessye. This book takes place over the course of a year. That is a really long time for a Lorraine Heath novel, but Harry needs that time to come to trust that Jessye is who she appears to be.
Jessye is the Classic Lorraine Heath Heroine. She is competent, she is fierce, she is independent and she refuses to accept less than she deserves. Jessye had a tragic love affair before the Civil War with a young man who broke her heart and then gaslit her into believing it was all her fault. Like Harry, she believes men are not to be trusted. She refuses to see that Harry is absolutely not a scoundrel, just a man who is trying his best to hide his pain, until she almost loses him. And without spoiling anything, she stands by him in a way I found to be compelling even when Harry is less than kind.
I really don't know how Lorraine did it AGAIN. This book was magnificent.
Harrison Bainbridge was sent to Texas by his father to save him from himself. He had led a life of excess in London that led to gambling debts so extreme, the only way to keep him safe was to send him abroad. Harry and his best friend, Kit, have an idea to round up the cattle roaming the Texas wilderness and take them to market in the north, but they don't have enough capital to get the project off the ground. They approach Jessye Kane, the only daughter of the saloon owner. Jessye has enough money set aside to fund the venture and she is desperate to be an independent woman, to never be at the mercy of a man again. So she signs a contract with only Kit (she believe's Harry to be a wastrel) and insists on joining them on the road.
I entered into this book with some trepidation because we had met Harry in the previous book and I found him to be irritating. You'd think I would have learned my lesson from Dallas Leigh in the Texas Trilogy and just trusted Lorraine, but what can I say? I have severe trust issues. Lorraine not only made me love him, he might just be making my Best of Lorraine Heath Heroes List.
Harry has serious issues with women. His mother was terribly cruel to him when he was young, likely due to her own mental illness, and then his father watched as Harry destroyed his own life in an attempt to find a boundary. Unfortunately for him, no boundaries existed for the wastrel second son of an earl. It is clear that Harry has no idea how to form healthy attachments and it takes him a long time to feel like the people he lets in can be trusted to stay. You see it in his relationships with Kit and his other friend, Gray and you see it with Jessye. This book takes place over the course of a year. That is a really long time for a Lorraine Heath novel, but Harry needs that time to come to trust that Jessye is who she appears to be.
Jessye is the Classic Lorraine Heath Heroine. She is competent, she is fierce, she is independent and she refuses to accept less than she deserves. Jessye had a tragic love affair before the Civil War with a young man who broke her heart and then gaslit her into believing it was all her fault. Like Harry, she believes men are not to be trusted. She refuses to see that Harry is absolutely not a scoundrel, just a man who is trying his best to hide his pain, until she almost loses him. And without spoiling anything, she stands by him in a way I found to be compelling even when Harry is less than kind.
I really don't know how Lorraine did it AGAIN. This book was magnificent.
June 8, 2021
Enjoyed it so much more than the first book!
June 20, 2023
I continue on my journey of reading everything that Lorraine Heath has ever written.
We finally get to see parts of the cattle drive, and it’s a dangerous, but lucrative, business.
We finally get to see parts of the cattle drive, and it’s a dangerous, but lucrative, business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2017
This book continues the story that was started in "A Rogue in Texas"; with Harrison Bainbridge getting to tell his story.
Harrison Bainbridge has entered into a business venture with his friend Kit and with Jessye Kane, that if successful will bring all involved a lot of money.
I was hooked on Harrison the first time I met him as a secondary character in "A Rogue in Texas", and his story went in a direction that I wasn't expecting. Jessye, also turned out to be a person of strength that was hinted at; but you don't really see until they are placed into a dangerous situation, that shows her true nature; you think. The path to love is never smooth and this story proved that.
I was taken on a journey, that I wasn't expecting. I laughed, and I cried while I read this book. And I was left with wanting a little bit more and thinking how will Lorraine Heath top that one.
Harrison Bainbridge has entered into a business venture with his friend Kit and with Jessye Kane, that if successful will bring all involved a lot of money.
I was hooked on Harrison the first time I met him as a secondary character in "A Rogue in Texas", and his story went in a direction that I wasn't expecting. Jessye, also turned out to be a person of strength that was hinted at; but you don't really see until they are placed into a dangerous situation, that shows her true nature; you think. The path to love is never smooth and this story proved that.
I was taken on a journey, that I wasn't expecting. I laughed, and I cried while I read this book. And I was left with wanting a little bit more and thinking how will Lorraine Heath top that one.
February 10, 2017
Lorraine Heath's To Never Love A Cowboy was wonderful. The story picks up where the 1st book left off, A Rogue In Texas. But this book went in a different direction than I had thought. It is very well written and Ms. Heath's ability to write with so much emotion is outstanding.
Jessye and Harry are two head strong, stubborn individuals that truly need each other. Hardship for different reasons had been laid upon them years ago, but the reminder of those hardships are front and center everyday as they are on the trail. Love can conquer all, if they would just give into it.
Then tragedy struck and Jessye and Harry are both left with what life has dealt them. Can they conquer this together or will it destroy them for eternity?
Just as Jonah, Jessye's dad, told Harry, when he needed life lessons drilled into his stubborn head,
"Winning ain't in holding a good hand, but playing a poor one well"
Jessye and Harry are two head strong, stubborn individuals that truly need each other. Hardship for different reasons had been laid upon them years ago, but the reminder of those hardships are front and center everyday as they are on the trail. Love can conquer all, if they would just give into it.
Then tragedy struck and Jessye and Harry are both left with what life has dealt them. Can they conquer this together or will it destroy them for eternity?
Just as Jonah, Jessye's dad, told Harry, when he needed life lessons drilled into his stubborn head,
"Winning ain't in holding a good hand, but playing a poor one well"
November 24, 2014
Another great story from Lorraine Heath. She's one of those you can always count on for a captivating, emotional read. The title, however, had nothing to do with the story. This one is about Harrison, second son of an earl, and Jessye, a saloon owner's daughter. She is spunky and has had a broken heart that led to the illegitimate birth of her daughter whom she gave away. She has no tolerance for scoundrels which is what she believes Harry to be.
Harry and his friend, Kit, want to run cattle north. All they need is an investor. They approach Jessye. She is looking for an investment and agrees to a partnership with Kit, not Harry. She also insists on going along on the drive. Thus the adventure begins.
Of course, Jessye falls in love with Harry realizing he isn't at all the scoundrel she suspected him to be. He falls in love with her too but can't admit it to himself. He was raised by a mother who was cruel and torturous to him. So he has never known love. It's an emotional journey for them both.
Nice HEA even though Harry ends up badly injured on the trail by Jessye's ex. He requires a lengthy rehad and will never walk the same again. Nevertheless, his hidden gambling talents are put to use when he wins the saloon from her father. All turns out well in the end. And they end up with a very happy and satisfying life.
Harry and his friend, Kit, want to run cattle north. All they need is an investor. They approach Jessye. She is looking for an investment and agrees to a partnership with Kit, not Harry. She also insists on going along on the drive. Thus the adventure begins.
Of course, Jessye falls in love with Harry realizing he isn't at all the scoundrel she suspected him to be. He falls in love with her too but can't admit it to himself. He was raised by a mother who was cruel and torturous to him. So he has never known love. It's an emotional journey for them both.
Nice HEA even though Harry ends up badly injured on the trail by Jessye's ex. He requires a lengthy rehad and will never walk the same again. Nevertheless, his hidden gambling talents are put to use when he wins the saloon from her father. All turns out well in the end. And they end up with a very happy and satisfying life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
"Never Love a Cowboy" is the second in Lorraine Heath's "Rogues in Texas" series, which sees three Englishmen sent to the US to make their fortunes. The first was a five star read for me, so I had high hopes for this one, and it did not disappoint!
The hero, Harry, and his friend, Kit, decide to start a cattle business. Saloon worker, Jessye, agrees to fund it with her savings, on the condition that she join their cattle drive north to watch over her investment. Thus begins and epic adventure with no shortage of passion or peril.
I loved the dialogue between Harry and Jessye, and the way in which Lorraine effortlessly wove titbits of history into the story. Both the main characters are rather tortured, with tragedies in their pasts, and Jessye's emotions were particularly raw on the page. Their Happily Ever After is incredibly hard fought, but it's beautiful when you get there.
I cannot wait to read Kit's romance in "Never Marry a Cowboy" - and to start on the next generation in "The Outlaw and the Lady", which we may or may not be deep diving on the Blushing Bookshelf podcast soon... ;)
The hero, Harry, and his friend, Kit, decide to start a cattle business. Saloon worker, Jessye, agrees to fund it with her savings, on the condition that she join their cattle drive north to watch over her investment. Thus begins and epic adventure with no shortage of passion or peril.
I loved the dialogue between Harry and Jessye, and the way in which Lorraine effortlessly wove titbits of history into the story. Both the main characters are rather tortured, with tragedies in their pasts, and Jessye's emotions were particularly raw on the page. Their Happily Ever After is incredibly hard fought, but it's beautiful when you get there.
I cannot wait to read Kit's romance in "Never Marry a Cowboy" - and to start on the next generation in "The Outlaw and the Lady", which we may or may not be deep diving on the Blushing Bookshelf podcast soon... ;)
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