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Lone Star Lovers #6
A Texas Chance
After a scandal torches her career, hotelier Sophie Carlisle vows to rise from the ashes. She pours her all into turning a run-down house in Austin, Texas, into a fabulous boutique hotel. Now, with the opening mere weeks away, Sophie is running out of both time and money! So when Cade MacAllister swoops in and offers to help, it seems like a godsend. And yet Sophie is leery. Why would Cade, a hotshot adventure photographer, want to spend his days swinging a hammer for her? Sophie has learned the hard way that everything has a price—-especially trust. With so much on the line, can she risk her career—-and her heart—-on a wanderer with secrets?
Regular print: A Texas Chance ISBN13 9780373717637
Regular print: A Texas Chance ISBN13 9780373717637
- GenresContemporary Romance
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
73 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books240 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 28, 2012
Really good book. Cade and Sophie were both self-sufficient loners. When her friend Jenna volunteers her brother Cade to help her out, Sophie is unwilling to accept the help. But something about Sophie draws Cade in and helps him forget his problems. As they spend time together, both find themselves opening up to the other, telling things they'd never told anyone else. When a bad publicity story came out about Sophie, Cade called in his family to help Sophie get ready to open and counteract the negativity. Sophie had never been exposed to anything like the MacAllister clan, and couldn't believe that they were so willing to help her. I loved the way everything turned out, and how it was accomplished.
December 23, 2016
Another moving story of two people afraid of love because it might be lost
I really felt for theses two people, Cade and Sophie, each thinks they are a loner who doesn't dare let feelings get in the way of who they are or what they think they, alone are responsible for. As Cade tries to help Sophie he finds himself healing from the accident that cost the life of his traveling partner and friend. As Sophie, reluctantly, accepts Cade's help to complete restoration of the building she is turning into a high-end bed and breakfast, she finds her circle of support growing and comes to accept the growth of her feelings for him.
Like the rest of Jean Brashear's Texas novels, this is the moving story of 2 lonely people whose past limits what they see as a possible future. The fascinating thing is that each couple is so different and yet so interesting that I felt attracted to each. What skill as an author she has.
I really felt for theses two people, Cade and Sophie, each thinks they are a loner who doesn't dare let feelings get in the way of who they are or what they think they, alone are responsible for. As Cade tries to help Sophie he finds himself healing from the accident that cost the life of his traveling partner and friend. As Sophie, reluctantly, accepts Cade's help to complete restoration of the building she is turning into a high-end bed and breakfast, she finds her circle of support growing and comes to accept the growth of her feelings for him.
Like the rest of Jean Brashear's Texas novels, this is the moving story of 2 lonely people whose past limits what they see as a possible future. The fascinating thing is that each couple is so different and yet so interesting that I felt attracted to each. What skill as an author she has.
July 7, 2018
An enjoyable romance! Vanessa is my kind of heroine--independent, driven, and strong but with a vulnerable side. She has been through a lot (seriously, A LOT) in her life, but she never gives up. She and Dane have a good relationship with fun banter and definitely chemistry. Dane is also going through a rough time after losing his best friend and blaming himself. He is unable to continue photography, the job that he loves because he feels that he has lost his creativity. I found that I was able to relate and sympathize with both Vanessa and Dane at different parts of the story.
The plot was interesting, and the story moved along quickly. While I enjoyed the ending, I do wish there had been just a bit more and perhaps an epilogue. Then again, I'm greedy like that :) Looking forward to more in this series!
*I voluntarily received an advanced copy.
The plot was interesting, and the story moved along quickly. While I enjoyed the ending, I do wish there had been just a bit more and perhaps an epilogue. Then again, I'm greedy like that :) Looking forward to more in this series!
*I voluntarily received an advanced copy.
October 20, 2017
Best one yet!
What a wonderful story! Masterfully written, magically enraptures the reader. I can only hope that the next choice of Ms. Brashear's books will be just as enthralling as this. Jean, you have a gift and you share it in such beauty from you heart. Thank You.
What a wonderful story! Masterfully written, magically enraptures the reader. I can only hope that the next choice of Ms. Brashear's books will be just as enthralling as this. Jean, you have a gift and you share it in such beauty from you heart. Thank You.
June 12, 2018
It was interesting how this book showed that you can be surrounded by people and still be alone. Dane and Vanessa experienced being alone in different ways. Yet, each of them were hiding in their own way.
Gradually, you see the chemistry they have helping them to open up to each other, to feel safe enough to share, and lean on each other, even if they still have some fears.
Again, the Sandavol/Sullivan family open their arms and hearts to take in another person who needs the love and strength of their family.
Dane and Vanessa had moments when they were equally irritating, funny, and flirty. This was an enjoyable read with a HEA. I would definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Gradually, you see the chemistry they have helping them to open up to each other, to feel safe enough to share, and lean on each other, even if they still have some fears.
Again, the Sandavol/Sullivan family open their arms and hearts to take in another person who needs the love and strength of their family.
Dane and Vanessa had moments when they were equally irritating, funny, and flirty. This was an enjoyable read with a HEA. I would definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 14, 2018
What is not to like about the Sullivan/Sandoval clan. Dane Sullivan is the lone wolf. He likes traipsing all over the world trying to find that one perfect photo that no one else gets. He doesn't set down roots. He knows if he needs a home base where everyone gathers, it's his parents place. Vanessa Porter is the exact opposite. She wants to set down roots. She wants a place to feel safe, secure and tranquil. When these two meet, it is on. They set off sparks just annoying each other. You will be laughing and sighing but at times you will want to just slap them up side the head. Wake up. I think the saying, "If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, it was meant to be." is perfect in describing this book.
June 17, 2018
Texas strong
Vanessa and Dane fight like cats and dogs about everything. What you see is this book is two people struggling to start over and not sure how. They both need help but are afraid. This book shows how family and love are your rock. With all books written by Jean Brashear the characters are real you laugh and you can cry but you really just enjoy.
Vanessa and Dane fight like cats and dogs about everything. What you see is this book is two people struggling to start over and not sure how. They both need help but are afraid. This book shows how family and love are your rock. With all books written by Jean Brashear the characters are real you laugh and you can cry but you really just enjoy.
June 19, 2018
Ebook
He’s a world famous photographer who has an accident and loses his best friend. He’s home to recover but it’s not going well. His sister has a best friend in need of help, she volunteers him, but the friend isn’t happy about getting help. From there they dance around there feelings.
He’s a world famous photographer who has an accident and loses his best friend. He’s home to recover but it’s not going well. His sister has a best friend in need of help, she volunteers him, but the friend isn’t happy about getting help. From there they dance around there feelings.
June 21, 2018
Good read
WOW! Talk about some hot sex! The characters are great.....colorful, sexy, funny with a little angst and drama. She dislikes him immensely, while being drawn toward him. He thinks she's a snobby bitch.......til his sister makes him help her. Then the sparks fly. Highly recommend.
WOW! Talk about some hot sex! The characters are great.....colorful, sexy, funny with a little angst and drama. She dislikes him immensely, while being drawn toward him. He thinks she's a snobby bitch.......til his sister makes him help her. Then the sparks fly. Highly recommend.
July 16, 2022
An excellent read
An amazing story about two people, both bent but not quite broken by life's trials. Vanessa and Dane struggle through to find life's new normal in this sweet romance, hot but not X-rated, that shouldn't be missed. A great book in a fabulous series.
An amazing story about two people, both bent but not quite broken by life's trials. Vanessa and Dane struggle through to find life's new normal in this sweet romance, hot but not X-rated, that shouldn't be missed. A great book in a fabulous series.
December 11, 2023
Two very different people, a hotelier creating a one of a kind 5* bed and breakfast place even whilst her past is a cloud hanging over her, and the rolling stone photographer who needs the wilderness to breathe. A very family orientated story with a HFN ending.
April 7, 2024
Fun to read a romance based in Austin, with a little bit of West Texas, and some remote international locations as bookends. Taking care of an injured dog is the initial meeting of the two strong-headed protagonists. 3.5 stars
July 30, 2020
Really enjoyed it
Jean brashear dies it again. Love this family and it’s dynamics. I fall in love with the characters in each book and can’t decide which one I love the best.
Jean brashear dies it again. Love this family and it’s dynamics. I fall in love with the characters in each book and can’t decide which one I love the best.
October 23, 2022
Great story !
February 20, 2023
good read
Fun read, enjoyed it from behind to the end. I recommend it to anyone wanting an easy entertaining read. Enjoy
Fun read, enjoyed it from behind to the end. I recommend it to anyone wanting an easy entertaining read. Enjoy
July 16, 2019
I loved this book. Each one of Jean’s books just drags the reader in. I can’t put them down.
April 14, 2016
Nice read. I'm pretty sure I've read it before, but... The hero is a nature photographer who is trying to get a perfect shot on some mountain when he and his partner/ assistant/ friend fall off the mountain. The friend is killed, hero's badly injured. He heals slowly, and can't make himself pick up his camera again. Parents are driving him nuts with their hovering, so he goes to stay with his sister in Austin. The heroine is his sister's friend, renovating an old mansion-cum-boarding house into a boutique hotel. The hero's sister is manipulating him into donating pictures, which gets him to thinking the heroine is taking advantage of sis, and then hero and heroine meet over an Irish setter that's been hit by a car. This is actually one of the things I recall from reading this before-- arguing over whose dog it is and what its name is. It's a nice story, bringing in the hero's horde of siblings in a fairly natural way. I enjoyed it.
Brashear lives in Texas, and at least has a sense of distances. She's solved the "getting from far west Texas to Austin quickly" problem by having one of the brothers be a private pilot. I do wonder about how odd a log cabin might look in an area without many trees... but the Davis Mountains do have more trees than most parts of the Trans-Pecos.
Brashear lives in Texas, and at least has a sense of distances. She's solved the "getting from far west Texas to Austin quickly" problem by having one of the brothers be a private pilot. I do wonder about how odd a log cabin might look in an area without many trees... but the Davis Mountains do have more trees than most parts of the Trans-Pecos.
June 15, 2018
A charming story!
Once again Jean Brashear has given us a new refreshing book involving the Sandovals and Sullivans. Initially, Vanessa and Dane, the main characters, are not at all "compatible". One leads a very planned structured life, while the other lives for the next great adventure.
They repel each other upon their first encounter. Vanessa was walking to her friends' party and came upon an injured dog. Dane was out walking away from his sisters' party and came upon an attractive woman and the injured dog. As the story developed, the complexity of characters was evident. I enjoyed the story as it developed. Once I start reading one of Jean Brashear's books, I have difficulty putting it down. I can't wait to find out what happens next! There are "curveballs" in the relationship, just as there are "curveballs" in the opening of Vanessa's new Hotel.
I always enjoy reading about other supporting characters in the Texas Heroes books. They were likely main characters in there own Texas Hero book. It brings everything "together".
I recommend this book. Excellent character development and story line. I received an ARC and have chosen to provide my honest review.
June 17, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Texas Wanderer is book 6 in the Lone Star Lovers (Texas Heroes book 28) an another amazing read by Jean Brashear.
Dane Sullivan is a world famous photographer always looking for the perfect photograph and a loner until he is seriously injured and his friend and guide dies while trying to get the perfect shot. Now being back home recovering from his injuries he starts wondering if he's lost his mojo as he can't bring himself to pick his cameras up again...that is until he meets Vanessa, a strong independent woman who has lost her brilliant career as a hotelier. She is determined to show everyone what she is made of by taking a old mansion and turning into a boutique hotel that caters to the rich and famous. With her funds running low she has been making all the repairs by herself and when her friend Jilly volunteers her brother Dane, with his expertise as a handyman which he learned growing up.
Can these two find way to heal their past, move forward in a relationship, build a future together or will Dane get a last shot at being world famous again but lose the love of his life he thought he would never find??
Texas Wanderer is book 6 in the Lone Star Lovers (Texas Heroes book 28) an another amazing read by Jean Brashear.
Dane Sullivan is a world famous photographer always looking for the perfect photograph and a loner until he is seriously injured and his friend and guide dies while trying to get the perfect shot. Now being back home recovering from his injuries he starts wondering if he's lost his mojo as he can't bring himself to pick his cameras up again...that is until he meets Vanessa, a strong independent woman who has lost her brilliant career as a hotelier. She is determined to show everyone what she is made of by taking a old mansion and turning into a boutique hotel that caters to the rich and famous. With her funds running low she has been making all the repairs by herself and when her friend Jilly volunteers her brother Dane, with his expertise as a handyman which he learned growing up.
Can these two find way to heal their past, move forward in a relationship, build a future together or will Dane get a last shot at being world famous again but lose the love of his life he thought he would never find??
June 14, 2018
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. I accepted it because I’ve enjoyed earlier books of the Texas Hero’s series. But I admit to a special feeling for this book. Partly because, as an artist I appreciate that the main characters are creative.
He was a photographer who was injured during a shoot and feared that the part of him who saw what was unique was lost to him forever. For a while, he couldn’t even carry a camera.
She was a hotel manager who had been thrown out of her job by a jealous coworker who threatened her with a scandal and lies to destroy her. Each of them feels they should be self sufficient and not let the other help and steady them. As they learn to lean on each other, they become increasingly worried about losing who they are, but can’t seem to separate until the last minute.
I felt for both of them and enjoyed the people as they struggled with change. The story struck me as realistic as to the feelings of each of the family members. A thoroughly enjoyable read
He was a photographer who was injured during a shoot and feared that the part of him who saw what was unique was lost to him forever. For a while, he couldn’t even carry a camera.
She was a hotel manager who had been thrown out of her job by a jealous coworker who threatened her with a scandal and lies to destroy her. Each of them feels they should be self sufficient and not let the other help and steady them. As they learn to lean on each other, they become increasingly worried about losing who they are, but can’t seem to separate until the last minute.
I felt for both of them and enjoyed the people as they struggled with change. The story struck me as realistic as to the feelings of each of the family members. A thoroughly enjoyable read
June 15, 2018
Dane, an injured photo artist has come to visit his sister while he recovers from a tragic accident which took the life of his photo partner. Vanessa, a business woman who was forced to make a new start in her career has chosen to open a unique hotel. Dane’s sister engineers their meeting but an injured dog intervenes and instead they meet and join forces to get the dog the needed medical care. The story develops from there chronicling the beginning of their relationship which slowly blossoms into love. Outside forces in Vanessa’s life conspire to spoil things for her. Dane's guilt over his partners death is holding him back from living his life fully. Can these two overcome the odds and move forward in life and love? I was gifted a copy of this novel and am giving my honest review. Reading a Brashear book is like coming home; her books are so warm and realistic you get lost in them quickly being absorbed into the characters lives.
June 14, 2018
Jean Brashear never disappoints! The newest story in the Texas Heroes-Lone Star Lovers series is a keeper. You can feel the emotions of the characters from page one and through to the end. Both of them have huge life events to overcome and neither one wants to look weak doing it.
Dane Sullivan is an extreme photographer who has the innate sense of what a picture should be – he just knows – until he gets injured in a fall and that feeling is gone. While recuperating from his injuries, he finds his sister’s friend, Vanessa Porter refurbishing a mansion to become a boutique hotel. He has time on his hands and she needs help. Not willing to back down, he somewhat bullies his way in providing the labor she can use.
Their story is one of ups and downs, miscommunication, and eventually deep compassion. You’ll want some tissues for this one!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
Dane Sullivan is an extreme photographer who has the innate sense of what a picture should be – he just knows – until he gets injured in a fall and that feeling is gone. While recuperating from his injuries, he finds his sister’s friend, Vanessa Porter refurbishing a mansion to become a boutique hotel. He has time on his hands and she needs help. Not willing to back down, he somewhat bullies his way in providing the labor she can use.
Their story is one of ups and downs, miscommunication, and eventually deep compassion. You’ll want some tissues for this one!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
June 21, 2018
Jean Brashear writes stories that you know are going to give you a happy ending, but she also makes her characters work hard getting there.
In this installment of the Texas Heroes series (number 28, but don't let that scare you, they are all standalone books) Dane Sullivan and Vanessa Porter are starting over after careers that came crashing down around them. Dane was badly hurt and his friend died while Dane was taking photographs and Vanessa was framed at the hotel she ran and accused of stealing money.
Neither of them are looking for a relationship, but they are thrown together a few times and the sparks begin to fly.
When I typed that this is the 28th book in this series and because I have read every one, anyone reading this will know I am a fan. The author writes characters that are admirable and puts them in situations that aren't always that easy to escape.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to read HEA stories. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
In this installment of the Texas Heroes series (number 28, but don't let that scare you, they are all standalone books) Dane Sullivan and Vanessa Porter are starting over after careers that came crashing down around them. Dane was badly hurt and his friend died while Dane was taking photographs and Vanessa was framed at the hotel she ran and accused of stealing money.
Neither of them are looking for a relationship, but they are thrown together a few times and the sparks begin to fly.
When I typed that this is the 28th book in this series and because I have read every one, anyone reading this will know I am a fan. The author writes characters that are admirable and puts them in situations that aren't always that easy to escape.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to read HEA stories. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
June 14, 2018
I loved this story. These characters grabbed my heart right from the start. Both Dane and Vanessa have had hard times hit their lives. Dane suffered a loss of a dear friend and now finds himself lost and his career in jeopardy. Vanessa had her heart and career ripped away in humiliating implosion. Now she's starting over but the mansion she plans to rehab and turn into a small hotel may be more than she bargained for. These two are brought together when Dane's sister Jilly offers up his services as a handyman. As these two work together sparks begin to fly. Could they help heal each other without getting hurt all over again? She's digging in deep roots while he has always been a wanderer. Could this ever work?
This is a wonderfully done story and one I think everyone will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.
This is a wonderfully done story and one I think everyone will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.
June 16, 2018
Jean Brashear has done it again!!! The newest story in the Texas Heroes-Lone Star Lovers series is AWESOME!!!
The story starts with Dane Sullivan taking yet another adventure photograph. His career is grounded after a fall that nearly kills him and does kill his best friend and spotter. Dane seems to have lost his eye for getting the amazing pictures. While recuperation, he gets to know Vanessa Porter, who is redoing an old mansion into what she hopes will be a five star hotel. I can't tell you anymore without giving away the whole store!!! BUT - OMG OMG OMG - this one (like all of Jean's books) is a MUST to read!!!
I will warn you that it might make you shed a tear or two at the end -- but that is just the way that Jean writes her love stories!!!
The story starts with Dane Sullivan taking yet another adventure photograph. His career is grounded after a fall that nearly kills him and does kill his best friend and spotter. Dane seems to have lost his eye for getting the amazing pictures. While recuperation, he gets to know Vanessa Porter, who is redoing an old mansion into what she hopes will be a five star hotel. I can't tell you anymore without giving away the whole store!!! BUT - OMG OMG OMG - this one (like all of Jean's books) is a MUST to read!!!
I will warn you that it might make you shed a tear or two at the end -- but that is just the way that Jean writes her love stories!!!
June 17, 2018
I have read all of Jean’s books and as each one gets better, this is by far my favorite! Maybe that has to do with the fact that I too have a creative artistic side. Dane, the extreme photographer who is injured doing what he loves most, Vanessa the hotelier who has lost so much in her life and is once again starting over - they don’t just touch your heart they grab your heartstrings and don’t let go! When Vanessa describes to Dane what she visualizes in the artwork she’s looking for to hang in her hotel - it’s so descriptive you can actually visualize it yourself. Can’t wait to read the last two books in this series!!
July 8, 2018
This is another great book from Jean Brashear, each book can be read as a standalone but also a series so that you get a sense of how the families work.
Vanessa has been through a lot in her life and is used to depending on herself to do everything . She will not ask for help but when Dane forces himself on her with helping out she can't seem to say no.
Dane has led a lonely life by choice but he knows his family is always there. When he runs into Vanessa and feels a spark in his life he has never felt before, he is not sure what to do.
What develops is something that they both weren't expecting but were trying to fight.
Vanessa has been through a lot in her life and is used to depending on herself to do everything . She will not ask for help but when Dane forces himself on her with helping out she can't seem to say no.
Dane has led a lonely life by choice but he knows his family is always there. When he runs into Vanessa and feels a spark in his life he has never felt before, he is not sure what to do.
What develops is something that they both weren't expecting but were trying to fight.
June 14, 2018
She is run out of her job by bad coworkers with jealous attitudes towards her. She gets a victorian house and decides to turn it into something. He is a photographer that got hurt. while recooping from that is volunteered to help her from her friend, his sister. They have their ups and downs. He is offered a job of a lifetime and she needs him. What does he do? I recommend reading it, I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
February 3, 2012
Two wounded people--adventure photographer Cade MacAllister and hotelier Sophie Carlisle--struggle with their respective pasts and with the powerful attraction between them. This book gave me what I expect in a Jean Brashear romance: characters I care about, emotional punch, and an HEA that left me smiling. Another winner from this talented author!
June 14, 2018
Jean's books draw me in from the first page! Dane captured my heart from the first scene! Vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there in the story. Vanessa and Dane together were electric!! I couldn't put it down!! You will love this book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews