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Lasso Springs #1
Callie's Heart
Callie Daniels' mother has one dying wish. She wants neighboring rancher, Garrett O'Neill, to marry her seventeen year old daughter. It's not supposed to be a conventional marriage. Garrett O'Neill would keep Callie's ranch safe and Callie would go away to college.
Four years later, Callie comes home with stars in her eyes and happily ever after in her heart. She plans to make their marriage real until finds the new housekeeper, Sylvie in Garrett's arms.
Heartbroken, Callie takes off to her own house, which they closed up four years ago. She stays there with Old Henry, a longtime friend and ranch hand, until her new horse injures her. Garrett forces Callie to move back in to his house.
Callie finally gets her heart's desire. Alone in a line shack, they make sweet love for the first time. Unfortunately the love light is gone from Garret's eyes the next morning.
Four years later, Callie comes home with stars in her eyes and happily ever after in her heart. She plans to make their marriage real until finds the new housekeeper, Sylvie in Garrett's arms.
Heartbroken, Callie takes off to her own house, which they closed up four years ago. She stays there with Old Henry, a longtime friend and ranch hand, until her new horse injures her. Garrett forces Callie to move back in to his house.
Callie finally gets her heart's desire. Alone in a line shack, they make sweet love for the first time. Unfortunately the love light is gone from Garret's eyes the next morning.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
857 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ball
125 books683 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
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Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 17, 2019
The H loved the h. But he didn’t act on his feelings and pushed her away because she was too young. Okay !!!!!
But they were married. It was a marriage of convenience but still MARRIED.
So he keeps dating many random women to make the h leave him.
“I pretend to date. Callie's too young. If she thinks I'm dating several women, maybe she'll set her heart on someone her own age.”
I call such heroes COWARD pigs. It means that these guys are cowards and not man enough.
And then his latest pretend girlfriend aka his housekeeper aka the woman he kisses makes comment on the h’s home. She is a housekeeper for gods sake and she is commenting on her owners house. And all the while the H is just dumbly standing there. Then she even talks in sarcasm with the H. And still the idiotic dumbest H keeps silent.
The H knows the h wants him but still he ignores it.
And what the hell is the ow still doing in the house even after knowing the h hates her.
Yuck...
I hate OW dramas.
And I hate coward guys.
Would never recommend such books.
I don’t read books to read garbage like this.
But they were married. It was a marriage of convenience but still MARRIED.
So he keeps dating many random women to make the h leave him.
“I pretend to date. Callie's too young. If she thinks I'm dating several women, maybe she'll set her heart on someone her own age.”
I call such heroes COWARD pigs. It means that these guys are cowards and not man enough.
And then his latest pretend girlfriend aka his housekeeper aka the woman he kisses makes comment on the h’s home. She is a housekeeper for gods sake and she is commenting on her owners house. And all the while the H is just dumbly standing there. Then she even talks in sarcasm with the H. And still the idiotic dumbest H keeps silent.
The H knows the h wants him but still he ignores it.
And what the hell is the ow still doing in the house even after knowing the h hates her.
Yuck...
I hate OW dramas.
And I hate coward guys.
Would never recommend such books.
I don’t read books to read garbage like this.
March 21, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
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Zero is disgusting and his attitude in rubbing OW in the heroine's face is unacceptable.
I can't believe he didn't have sex with OW. Our Zeroine is a fool and the dinner scene and her witnessing OW rubbing her feet on Zero's cock under the table is disgusting.
Zeroine has no backbone and no self esteem, she humiliates herself for any crumbs of attention that Zero gives her.
And the resolution of the mystery about the villains was stupid.
Several scenes are similar to those written by Diana Palmer in her books. Anyone who is a fan of Diana Palmer will notice the similarities.
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Zero is disgusting and his attitude in rubbing OW in the heroine's face is unacceptable.
I can't believe he didn't have sex with OW. Our Zeroine is a fool and the dinner scene and her witnessing OW rubbing her feet on Zero's cock under the table is disgusting.
Zeroine has no backbone and no self esteem, she humiliates herself for any crumbs of attention that Zero gives her.
And the resolution of the mystery about the villains was stupid.
Several scenes are similar to those written by Diana Palmer in her books. Anyone who is a fan of Diana Palmer will notice the similarities.
==============================
They hadn't spent last Christmas together, he'd forgotten her birthday, and most puzzling, he hadn't attended her graduation.
He sat on the couch with a black haired beauty in his arms. They didn't notice her as they kissed, his hands moving through her hair. Callie watched the woman unbutton his shirt. She gasped, they looked at her and jumped up off the couch.
He was her husband in name only but they had exchanged vows.
"This is Sylvie, my new housekeeper." Garrett's explanation sounded lame.
"I wish we'd known you were coming," Sylvie said. "I've been storing my clothes and stuff in your room. The sheets are clean, I sleep with..."
She didn't believe for a minute Sylvie hadn't been in it. Hadn't she seen them on the couch only yesterday? Garrett had lied to her, it was the first lie he'd ever told her, that she knew of. There was bound to be more, she thought, as she gingerly edged off the bed.
Garrett said he didn't sleep with Sylvie. Yeah right. She wasn't here for her cleaning skills.
The only new clothing she'd had in about three years was the dress she wore for her homecoming.
He took the ring from her hand and walked away.
"You wear your heart for all the world to see, Cal Girl. You'll end up wearin' your heart plum out on him. He doesn't deserve you. Plenty of men here about would love to take a chance with ya."
It made her even madder when Callie gave her a list of chores to be done. The look on Sylvie's face had been priceless. Surprisingly, Garrett didn't take Sylvie's side when she showed him the list and the room.
Callie tried to ignore the jovial banter between Garrett and Sylvie during dinner. It seemed they had a few private jokes between them and it irritated her to no end.
"You two make me sick. At the kitchen table, really? With me here? What is wrong with you?"
"Callie?" "Let me go. I'll not be second best to the housekeeper."
She backed away from him, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "How could you? I'm not a plaything."
He'd abused her.
He'd taken her virginity and made her feel dirty and ashamed, and then he manhandled her. No, she didn't believe him, or his love.
April 7, 2012
I bought this book the day it was out because it reminded me of one of my favorite comfort read authors-- Diana Palmer.. I think this author might like her and maybe tried to pay homage or something but it went off... WAY OFF because honestly there were way too many similiarities between this book and three or four Diana Palmer books.. Before I get started on the similarites though Id just like to say this author I think has potential but there are way too many plot points in this story.. How many things can happen to this heroine? The doctor visited there so many times I lost count.. And the H was too wishy-washy.. This book could have been way shorter and still would have been a complete story.. The timeline is wonky on this book.. one paragraph would be one day and the next would be two days later but they would act like it was yesterday.. (I have a feeling that part didnt make much sense but it was just off) I would have loved it to end after the calf-killer was captured. The rest of the story was useless to me and honestly brought down my already low rating..
Okay onto the similarities-
Lawless-- Both couples are in a marriage of convenience. Both live on ranch. Both H's married the h after the h's mom passed away. Nobody in either book knew the H/h were married. Both heroines have went years without new clothes. Both heroines wear the H's school rings. Both heroines give the rings back to the H. Both H's put the ring back on the injured heroine's finger while she is recovering from some injury. Both Heroes forget the heroine's birthday.
Heartbreaker (Long, Tall Texans)- This is actually one of my favorite DP books but-- The heroines names are TOO similiar. Callie and Tallie.. In all the names in the world this heroine's name is one letter off from the h in Heartbreaker. Both heroines catch the Heroes in compromising situations, as a matter of fact those scenes are so similiar I was shocked. Both Heroes miss the heroines graduation, as a matter of fact the way they spend graduation night is similiar(both packing) and the similarities to Stamos and Grange were a little too much..
Honestly I wish I could have liked this book but like I said way too many similarities with other work Ive read and the longness (is that a word?) of the book kept me from it. I would be open to reading more from this author but I wont be paying 5.99 for it.
Okay onto the similarities-
Lawless-- Both couples are in a marriage of convenience. Both live on ranch. Both H's married the h after the h's mom passed away. Nobody in either book knew the H/h were married. Both heroines have went years without new clothes. Both heroines wear the H's school rings. Both heroines give the rings back to the H. Both H's put the ring back on the injured heroine's finger while she is recovering from some injury. Both Heroes forget the heroine's birthday.
Heartbreaker (Long, Tall Texans)- This is actually one of my favorite DP books but-- The heroines names are TOO similiar. Callie and Tallie.. In all the names in the world this heroine's name is one letter off from the h in Heartbreaker. Both heroines catch the Heroes in compromising situations, as a matter of fact those scenes are so similiar I was shocked. Both Heroes miss the heroines graduation, as a matter of fact the way they spend graduation night is similiar(both packing) and the similarities to Stamos and Grange were a little too much..
Honestly I wish I could have liked this book but like I said way too many similarities with other work Ive read and the longness (is that a word?) of the book kept me from it. I would be open to reading more from this author but I wont be paying 5.99 for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-way-jose
February 19, 2019Tianna Loves Books review
June 2, 2023
Garret the nit wit and Callie the cry baby.
Another book where the author just isn't my cup of tea.
Callie comes back from college to her husband making out with the slutty housekeeper.
BUT, it was a marriage of convenience only and it's also a secret marriage.
Callie grew up next door to Garret and was 17 when her mother asked Garret to marry her to keep the ranch from falling into the hands of her greedy aunt. Her mother dies and Callie goes to college. Of course she's loved Garret for years but he's 15 years older than her and even though they've always been close, he's never shown an interest in her that way.
Garret thinks he's too old for Callie so he pretends to date a bunch of women while she's in college and hires Silvie the slut who is constantly making moves on him and just about every other man in the vicinity.
So that's the OW stuff. Then there's the bad guys. Sylvie gets murdered before she gets too too annoying. But honestly there's no shortage of bad guys that keep popping up. Just when you think they've got the last one... So when I thought the story was done, along comes another bad guy and more lies.
Garret pushes Callie away, Callie runs off and cries herself to sleep, they avoid each other and give each other the silent treatment until the next bad guy pops up. Then they console each other till the next time he pushes her away for her own good.
It was all annoying but I stuck with it because I hoped Garret would apologize for the OWs and he does... 4 pages before the epilogue. Why he couldn't apologize sooner to the woman he loves, I don't know.
I felt very manipulated by the author with all the illogical reasons these 2 had for all the push and pull. And it took me a while to read. It's also available under a different title GarrettGarrett
Safey is OK.
I really didn't like the ending.
Another book where the author just isn't my cup of tea.
Callie comes back from college to her husband making out with the slutty housekeeper.
BUT, it was a marriage of convenience only and it's also a secret marriage.
Callie grew up next door to Garret and was 17 when her mother asked Garret to marry her to keep the ranch from falling into the hands of her greedy aunt. Her mother dies and Callie goes to college. Of course she's loved Garret for years but he's 15 years older than her and even though they've always been close, he's never shown an interest in her that way.
Garret thinks he's too old for Callie so he pretends to date a bunch of women while she's in college and hires Silvie the slut who is constantly making moves on him and just about every other man in the vicinity.
So that's the OW stuff. Then there's the bad guys. Sylvie gets murdered before she gets too too annoying. But honestly there's no shortage of bad guys that keep popping up. Just when you think they've got the last one... So when I thought the story was done, along comes another bad guy and more lies.
Garret pushes Callie away, Callie runs off and cries herself to sleep, they avoid each other and give each other the silent treatment until the next bad guy pops up. Then they console each other till the next time he pushes her away for her own good.
It was all annoying but I stuck with it because I hoped Garret would apologize for the OWs and he does... 4 pages before the epilogue. Why he couldn't apologize sooner to the woman he loves, I don't know.
I felt very manipulated by the author with all the illogical reasons these 2 had for all the push and pull. And it took me a while to read. It's also available under a different title GarrettGarrett
Safey is OK.
I really didn't like the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2012
Callies Heart ( Lasso Springs #1)
I can’t say I often see a book and buy it on a whim, but this was pretty much what happened here. I keep seeing this book on Facebook and it just kept tempting me. So for the first time, I bought a book from Amazon on a chance. Turned out, it wasn’t too bad after all.
Callies Heart is a Western Romance that will have you one moment clicking the pages on your kindle faster than you can imagine, then the next have you huffing at the H/H for being down right stupid. It’s a story of love, hate, fear, murder, longing, family roots and obligations. Callie and Garret are bound together through contract and the soil that ties their ranches together.
Garret and Callie married before Callies mother died out of obligation so that Callie could keep their ranch their own. Callie then takes off to College for four years and when she gets back wants to make her marriage to Garrett a real one. What she didn’t expect to come home to was a murder investigation, attempted murder and a husband who can’t make his mind up.
Carrie is head over heels in love with Garrett and heck, he loves her right back but the two are just so stubborn!! I was smothering my screams of frustration at these two in my pillows at night trying not to wake my husband. When Garret wanted to explain something to Callie that got her riled up, she wouldn’t listen and kept running away and sobbing into her pillow. This happened repeatedly and although Carrie is a grown woman, it made her seem like a childish teenager who wasn’t getting her way.
Garret is obviously the head smart one of the pair but even so, this one makes so might dumb moves throughout the book that cause more heart ache than good. But saying all this, the two and throw between these two are what made the romance its own. They fought their battles, fought side by side and overcame hurdles that most more than likely wouldn’t.
The story had a really good mystery aspect to it that I wasn’t expecting. It was well written and had me guessing the whole book. When it was all revealed I couldn’t believe it. Most books you get the idea who the bad guy is, but in this story the author ends up making you suspicious of everyone.
It really is a book that throws you through a loop, has you loving and hating the characters and making you want more sooner rather than later.
Next book is released in September 2012 – this will be on my TBR list.
I can’t say I often see a book and buy it on a whim, but this was pretty much what happened here. I keep seeing this book on Facebook and it just kept tempting me. So for the first time, I bought a book from Amazon on a chance. Turned out, it wasn’t too bad after all.
Callies Heart is a Western Romance that will have you one moment clicking the pages on your kindle faster than you can imagine, then the next have you huffing at the H/H for being down right stupid. It’s a story of love, hate, fear, murder, longing, family roots and obligations. Callie and Garret are bound together through contract and the soil that ties their ranches together.
Garret and Callie married before Callies mother died out of obligation so that Callie could keep their ranch their own. Callie then takes off to College for four years and when she gets back wants to make her marriage to Garrett a real one. What she didn’t expect to come home to was a murder investigation, attempted murder and a husband who can’t make his mind up.
Carrie is head over heels in love with Garrett and heck, he loves her right back but the two are just so stubborn!! I was smothering my screams of frustration at these two in my pillows at night trying not to wake my husband. When Garret wanted to explain something to Callie that got her riled up, she wouldn’t listen and kept running away and sobbing into her pillow. This happened repeatedly and although Carrie is a grown woman, it made her seem like a childish teenager who wasn’t getting her way.
Garret is obviously the head smart one of the pair but even so, this one makes so might dumb moves throughout the book that cause more heart ache than good. But saying all this, the two and throw between these two are what made the romance its own. They fought their battles, fought side by side and overcame hurdles that most more than likely wouldn’t.
The story had a really good mystery aspect to it that I wasn’t expecting. It was well written and had me guessing the whole book. When it was all revealed I couldn’t believe it. Most books you get the idea who the bad guy is, but in this story the author ends up making you suspicious of everyone.
It really is a book that throws you through a loop, has you loving and hating the characters and making you want more sooner rather than later.
Next book is released in September 2012 – this will be on my TBR list.
April 26, 2012
Callie's Heart, by Kathleen Ball, had my heart racing and my stomach doing flips, as if I were the one involved in Callie's romance with the hunky and vulnerable cowboy, Garret O'Neill.
Right from the first page, Ms. Ball had lassoed me in, inviting me to feel the bright, Texas sun on my face and the sweet, Texas grass on my feet. Like Callie, I too was in love with Garret, a strong, blue-eyed cowboy with a jealous streak. And like Callie, he broke my heart when he'd broken hers. I rode the emotional roller coaster with her every time Garret gave her his love and took it back. I wanted to shoot him, I wanted to love him.
Callie's Heart is a tender love story, painted in vibrant colors through Kathleen Ball's words. I didn't want it to end. Lucky for me, I can read it again and again until the release of her next novel. I don't usually re-read a novel as soon as I finish it, but the fluttering in my own stomach felt so real, that reading Callie's Heart is like falling in love all over again. Who wouldn't want to read a contemporary romance that makes you feel like that?
Right from the first page, Ms. Ball had lassoed me in, inviting me to feel the bright, Texas sun on my face and the sweet, Texas grass on my feet. Like Callie, I too was in love with Garret, a strong, blue-eyed cowboy with a jealous streak. And like Callie, he broke my heart when he'd broken hers. I rode the emotional roller coaster with her every time Garret gave her his love and took it back. I wanted to shoot him, I wanted to love him.
Callie's Heart is a tender love story, painted in vibrant colors through Kathleen Ball's words. I didn't want it to end. Lucky for me, I can read it again and again until the release of her next novel. I don't usually re-read a novel as soon as I finish it, but the fluttering in my own stomach felt so real, that reading Callie's Heart is like falling in love all over again. Who wouldn't want to read a contemporary romance that makes you feel like that?
November 15, 2021
Rated 3.5 stars
April 15, 2022
COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT 🤦♀️
Man this h cried a lot and then would decide she was strong and not cry and then cry again. This book was long and nothing was actually resolved that needed resolved...Sylvia, missing graduation, birthday, Christmas, Bailey, Samuel, the land, the oil rigs....and if it was talked about it was a passing conversation. This h is a doormat and desperate for the hero, because this man did not grovel, explain or redeem himself IMO.
Also where in the H-E double L did the invite go?! Did Sylvia take it? That's my guess
Man this h cried a lot and then would decide she was strong and not cry and then cry again. This book was long and nothing was actually resolved that needed resolved...Sylvia, missing graduation, birthday, Christmas, Bailey, Samuel, the land, the oil rigs....and if it was talked about it was a passing conversation. This h is a doormat and desperate for the hero, because this man did not grovel, explain or redeem himself IMO.
Also where in the H-E double L did the invite go?! Did Sylvia take it? That's my guess
Read
August 19, 2022Dnf,for now
March 23, 2022
2.5 “DP-lite” Stars
This reads like a couple Diana Palmer books rolled into one. (especially Lawless) Callie’s mother’s dying wish of 32 yr. old Garrett was to marry her 17 yr. old daughter. She was afraid her witchy sister would try to take the family ranch, so the two entered a marriage in name only. She’s had a crush on a Garrett forever (they were neighbors) but he’s never reciprocated. The gap was pretty big for being so young... (15 yrs.- I think) so feeling uncomfortable, the H has kept her at a distance for the past 5 yrs. and encouraged her to move on, but is attracted to her grown-up version.. **mild spoilers ahead…
G’s history while C was away at college was fuzzy. He says that he had fake GF’s to discourage her crush, but he was making out with one in the first scene… and had no idea that she was coming home from college. (his thoughts reflect heavy petting was the max w/ the OW)
"Pretend dating? Could have fooled me but hey who am I to be judging you? Marriage must be different now than in my day. In my day when you shared vows with a filly you stayed true to her."
"It's common knowledge your bedroom door is considered to be a revolving one," she said defensively. "What are you talking about?"
Garrett's eyebrow shot up in surprise. "When exactly did I have the time for another woman?" "When I was in college. Don't forget I saw you with Sylvie in your arms." "There hasn't been any other woman, Cal. It's always been you."
So, I’m assuming the author is hinting that he made out with others but never had sex. This wasn’t a big deal for me (I’m just nosy about details) because it was a paper marriage he was guilted into. There’s a bit of ow drama in the beginning with the housekeeper. (Sylvia) There’s also an OM thrown in. (Stamos)
My biggest grump was how long the back and forth/push-pull miscommunication dynamic went on... and on… and on. Each time they straighten things out something else it thrown in to cause problems… it was exhausting. It's also not fleshed out which killed my feels. There’s a side-plot mystery of someone trying to hurt them/ steal their land thrown into the mix as well.
Bottom Line- OK, not great… not terrible. IMO, it would’ve been better had the plot stayed focused on the relationship (digging deeper) and been about 100 pages less. The relationship constantly takes a backseat to the unrealistic mob/oil conglomerate mystery. I felt they became back ground noise with conflicts/misunderstandings sporadically thrown in to cause drama but not settled, just brushed away. For instance, at the end after you think everything is resolved… a random event is thrown in that creates a disagreement for Garrett and Callie, but the reasoning is not really explained or explored. He merely apologizes and she forgives (they didn’t talk it out and his apology is for other stuff- pushing her away and keeping a secret) which feels like filler. (no feels) There’s a short epilogue.
This reads like a couple Diana Palmer books rolled into one. (especially Lawless) Callie’s mother’s dying wish of 32 yr. old Garrett was to marry her 17 yr. old daughter. She was afraid her witchy sister would try to take the family ranch, so the two entered a marriage in name only. She’s had a crush on a Garrett forever (they were neighbors) but he’s never reciprocated. The gap was pretty big for being so young... (15 yrs.- I think) so feeling uncomfortable, the H has kept her at a distance for the past 5 yrs. and encouraged her to move on, but is attracted to her grown-up version.. **mild spoilers ahead…
G’s history while C was away at college was fuzzy. He says that he had fake GF’s to discourage her crush, but he was making out with one in the first scene… and had no idea that she was coming home from college. (his thoughts reflect heavy petting was the max w/ the OW)
"Pretend dating? Could have fooled me but hey who am I to be judging you? Marriage must be different now than in my day. In my day when you shared vows with a filly you stayed true to her."
"It's common knowledge your bedroom door is considered to be a revolving one," she said defensively. "What are you talking about?"
Garrett's eyebrow shot up in surprise. "When exactly did I have the time for another woman?" "When I was in college. Don't forget I saw you with Sylvie in your arms." "There hasn't been any other woman, Cal. It's always been you."
So, I’m assuming the author is hinting that he made out with others but never had sex. This wasn’t a big deal for me (I’m just nosy about details) because it was a paper marriage he was guilted into. There’s a bit of ow drama in the beginning with the housekeeper. (Sylvia) There’s also an OM thrown in. (Stamos)
My biggest grump was how long the back and forth/push-pull miscommunication dynamic went on... and on… and on. Each time they straighten things out something else it thrown in to cause problems… it was exhausting. It's also not fleshed out which killed my feels. There’s a side-plot mystery of someone trying to hurt them/ steal their land thrown into the mix as well.
Bottom Line- OK, not great… not terrible. IMO, it would’ve been better had the plot stayed focused on the relationship (digging deeper) and been about 100 pages less. The relationship constantly takes a backseat to the unrealistic mob/oil conglomerate mystery. I felt they became back ground noise with conflicts/misunderstandings sporadically thrown in to cause drama but not settled, just brushed away. For instance, at the end after you think everything is resolved… a random event is thrown in that creates a disagreement for Garrett and Callie, but the reasoning is not really explained or explored. He merely apologizes and she forgives (they didn’t talk it out and his apology is for other stuff- pushing her away and keeping a secret) which feels like filler. (no feels) There’s a short epilogue.
September 30, 2020
Whether or not it was a marriage of convenience... he was a pig. If he didn't want anything to do with her he should've been straight from the beginning. Instead his behaviour was abhorrent. That Sylvie? I didn't hold her responsible at all. She was awful... but she wasn't really doing anything wrong. He just... was so skeevy. That bit at the table? Awful. Just awful. But, they lived in a small community and what he did? His behaviour for a married man? Unforgivable. I didn't particularly like Callie either... frankly, she should've just stayed at her place and left him to rot. I skimmed through the most of this after that foot scene. This is just an nasty feeling book. Not a romance. More like a not-romance. How old was he? I don't have an issue with age gaps at all... but he seemed to treat her like an annoying child that he has to care for. He should've just annulled the marriage and given her some money. Dick.
When was this set?
When was this set?
April 10, 2012
This is the first contemporary weatern I've ever read and if this is an example of Kathleen's writing I can't, repeat can't, wait for her next book. She writes a story that kept me clicking to the next page on my Kindle.
A story of love, hate, fear, lose, family:and that's just between Callie and Garrett.
Two people bound by heart, desire and the feeling of being rooted to the soil of their Texas ranch struggle against all odds to make a life together. It's what they go through:murder, betrayal, property (animal and fences)damaged or destroyed all for greed.
Kathleen has created real-life people that you want to, one minute, root for and the next throw a lasso over the nearest tree and string them up (Garrett).
I can't wait for the next book in the series. September 2012 hurry up and get here so I can find out.
A story of love, hate, fear, lose, family:and that's just between Callie and Garrett.
Two people bound by heart, desire and the feeling of being rooted to the soil of their Texas ranch struggle against all odds to make a life together. It's what they go through:murder, betrayal, property (animal and fences)damaged or destroyed all for greed.
Kathleen has created real-life people that you want to, one minute, root for and the next throw a lasso over the nearest tree and string them up (Garrett).
I can't wait for the next book in the series. September 2012 hurry up and get here so I can find out.
April 5, 2012
A fantastic novel with characters you can't help but fall in love with. A page-turner!
Read
March 23, 2020Skim read—Diana Palmer wannabe.
February 15, 2023
CALLIE AND GARRETT
The story is the first in the Sweet Lasso Springs series. It contains secrets, lies, deceit, surprises, mystery, suspense, danger, and second chances. For Callie, returning home to Texas comes with mixed emotions. She is glad to be home, confused why Garrett didn’t make her graduation, and then she is hurt by what she sees, and she is lost, not knowing what will happen with her future. Being away at college for four years hasn’t been easy, but she hoped to finally have a true marriage with Garrett, not one in name only—but maybe that is a pipe dream she will have to give up.
The story is a page-turning tale with mystery, suspense, and danger. A detective that has it out for Garrett, a housekeeper that likes to stir up trouble, ranch hands that don’t seem to fit in, and unexplained things happening at the ranch. This story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people.
Callie and Garrett are married and have been since she was seventeen, right out of high school, as requested by her dying mother, to protect her rights to the land. But there is more to it than meets the eye. Garrett is a man who doesn’t have much respect for his late father and the way he treated his mother—and the fact that there was a significant age difference played a role. That is what keeps him at arm’s length with Callie. He feels he is too old for her, and she has never had a chance to make her own choices for romance. But the fact is, Callie has been in love with Garrett for a long time, long before they ever married, and those feelings aren’t one-sided.
I loved the mystery and suspense within this tale, trying to decide who could be trusted and who is trouble. The on-and-off relationship between Garrett and Callie is a rollercoaster ride of indecisions, mostly on his part or because of him. He sends such mixed messages that keep her off balance. Sometimes he seemed sweet and caring and then would turn around and say hateful and cruel things.
Between the cut wires, mishaps with Callie, cattle-killing, and a murder at the property, the law would rather blame Garrett than look for the true culprit. Not everyone is as they seem, and trouble threatens Callie and Garrett's livelihood and home. What will happen between them?
Callie: Cowboy, you have my heart, always have, always will.
Garrett: You are my heart, my soul, my best friend. I’ve been lost without you.
The story is the first in the Sweet Lasso Springs series. It contains secrets, lies, deceit, surprises, mystery, suspense, danger, and second chances. For Callie, returning home to Texas comes with mixed emotions. She is glad to be home, confused why Garrett didn’t make her graduation, and then she is hurt by what she sees, and she is lost, not knowing what will happen with her future. Being away at college for four years hasn’t been easy, but she hoped to finally have a true marriage with Garrett, not one in name only—but maybe that is a pipe dream she will have to give up.
The story is a page-turning tale with mystery, suspense, and danger. A detective that has it out for Garrett, a housekeeper that likes to stir up trouble, ranch hands that don’t seem to fit in, and unexplained things happening at the ranch. This story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people.
Callie and Garrett are married and have been since she was seventeen, right out of high school, as requested by her dying mother, to protect her rights to the land. But there is more to it than meets the eye. Garrett is a man who doesn’t have much respect for his late father and the way he treated his mother—and the fact that there was a significant age difference played a role. That is what keeps him at arm’s length with Callie. He feels he is too old for her, and she has never had a chance to make her own choices for romance. But the fact is, Callie has been in love with Garrett for a long time, long before they ever married, and those feelings aren’t one-sided.
I loved the mystery and suspense within this tale, trying to decide who could be trusted and who is trouble. The on-and-off relationship between Garrett and Callie is a rollercoaster ride of indecisions, mostly on his part or because of him. He sends such mixed messages that keep her off balance. Sometimes he seemed sweet and caring and then would turn around and say hateful and cruel things.
Between the cut wires, mishaps with Callie, cattle-killing, and a murder at the property, the law would rather blame Garrett than look for the true culprit. Not everyone is as they seem, and trouble threatens Callie and Garrett's livelihood and home. What will happen between them?
Callie: Cowboy, you have my heart, always have, always will.
Garrett: You are my heart, my soul, my best friend. I’ve been lost without you.
August 12, 2012
I was gifted this book for a review by the tour company that is hosting this for Kathleen. The gift of this book did not influence my review. To form your own opinion of this book please support the author and acquire your own legal copy.
Have you ever saw a title of a book and just knew it was going to be amazing? Something that you cannot wait to start reading. Something that will make you stop reading the current book you are on just so you can read the new book that you know will be amazing. Well, for me this was one of those books. I just had such a hard time putting it down and when it was over, I just could not believe it. I did not want the book to end. Well we all know that a book has to end but there is always a book that we just want to go on forever.
This book has two main characters Callie and Garrett. They are married to each other but only in name. Callie comes home from college and finds her husband in name only in another woman’s arms. Well even if the marriage is in name only who would not be upset. I know I would be and Callie was upset. For some strange reason all men Garrett thinks it is best to let Callie think he is seeing other women. He has allowed this to happen for the years that she has been away.
Callie and Garrett married when she was just 17 right before her mother passed away. This was to help save the ranch from Callie’s aunt. For Callie this was a dream come true. She was in-love with Garrett. Even though she went off to college she did not allow another man close to her heart.
Okay sorry I have to stop now. If I keep writing, I will write about everything in the book and then it would not be worth reading for anyone. I know you want a review, well read the book. This was a great read.
I know I am one of those women that will never understand what goes on in a man’s mind. However, what Garrett was thinking is just amazing. He kept thinking that what he was doing was best for Callie. Well, what man or anyone for that matter knows what is best for someone else. No one truly knows what is best from someone else.
This author has written an amazing book. It has some romance, mystery and a little crime in it. I so enjoyed this book. However, that is not the best part. This is the first in the series. I do not know if the author will be writing more about Callie and Garrett or if she will bring in additional characters. Nevertheless, this is just one of those reads that I cannot wait for the release date.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots
Have you ever saw a title of a book and just knew it was going to be amazing? Something that you cannot wait to start reading. Something that will make you stop reading the current book you are on just so you can read the new book that you know will be amazing. Well, for me this was one of those books. I just had such a hard time putting it down and when it was over, I just could not believe it. I did not want the book to end. Well we all know that a book has to end but there is always a book that we just want to go on forever.
This book has two main characters Callie and Garrett. They are married to each other but only in name. Callie comes home from college and finds her husband in name only in another woman’s arms. Well even if the marriage is in name only who would not be upset. I know I would be and Callie was upset. For some strange reason all men Garrett thinks it is best to let Callie think he is seeing other women. He has allowed this to happen for the years that she has been away.
Callie and Garrett married when she was just 17 right before her mother passed away. This was to help save the ranch from Callie’s aunt. For Callie this was a dream come true. She was in-love with Garrett. Even though she went off to college she did not allow another man close to her heart.
Okay sorry I have to stop now. If I keep writing, I will write about everything in the book and then it would not be worth reading for anyone. I know you want a review, well read the book. This was a great read.
I know I am one of those women that will never understand what goes on in a man’s mind. However, what Garrett was thinking is just amazing. He kept thinking that what he was doing was best for Callie. Well, what man or anyone for that matter knows what is best for someone else. No one truly knows what is best from someone else.
This author has written an amazing book. It has some romance, mystery and a little crime in it. I so enjoyed this book. However, that is not the best part. This is the first in the series. I do not know if the author will be writing more about Callie and Garrett or if she will bring in additional characters. Nevertheless, this is just one of those reads that I cannot wait for the release date.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots
November 22, 2021
I am not sure yet how I want to rate this book, now don’t get me wrong, it is a very good book, and this is the second time I have read it. I just am not sure if I will ever read it again which is what my key thought in ranking any book is.
Callie returns from college walks into home a finds her husband (in name only) kissing another woman and things just cascade downhill from there. Garrett O’Neil loves his very young wife and only wants to do right by her but keeps screwing it up and has no clue how to fix it because when it comes to women he doesn’t have the brains God gave a monkey. There are few minor characters who deserve a quick mention also there is Stamos the FBI Agent who really likes Callie and then there Sylvie the gold digging bimbo who are both basically monkey wrenches getting in the way of the couples connubial bliss.
I felt this book was a rather slow and took its time but then the emotional roller coaster was a definite whopper of a ride, with all the ups downs and loopy-loops, If it were a real roller coaster I could say my stuck was still stuck somewhere on the ride. I needed to stop reading a couple of times and read something else because the emotional intensity was just too much at times. Yes it had some boring parts but those were few and far between. The characters were well thought out and written and you could really connect especially with Callie. I did enjoy reading this and think it has potential to be a classic and I reckon that says something about the book in itself.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Callie returns from college walks into home a finds her husband (in name only) kissing another woman and things just cascade downhill from there. Garrett O’Neil loves his very young wife and only wants to do right by her but keeps screwing it up and has no clue how to fix it because when it comes to women he doesn’t have the brains God gave a monkey. There are few minor characters who deserve a quick mention also there is Stamos the FBI Agent who really likes Callie and then there Sylvie the gold digging bimbo who are both basically monkey wrenches getting in the way of the couples connubial bliss.
I felt this book was a rather slow and took its time but then the emotional roller coaster was a definite whopper of a ride, with all the ups downs and loopy-loops, If it were a real roller coaster I could say my stuck was still stuck somewhere on the ride. I needed to stop reading a couple of times and read something else because the emotional intensity was just too much at times. Yes it had some boring parts but those were few and far between. The characters were well thought out and written and you could really connect especially with Callie. I did enjoy reading this and think it has potential to be a classic and I reckon that says something about the book in itself.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
June 4, 2012
Callie’s Heart is a romance novel written by author Kathleen Ball. I really enjoyed the storyline in this novel. I read it all in one sitting once I got to about the third chapter.
Callie is a woman who I found to be emotional, but hard to dislike. She has been in love with the same older man since she was young. She was married to this man through a business deal to save their land while Callie went to college.
Garrett, the man she loves, has worked the land at the ranch while she was away. When she returns home she thinks that he has been sleeping with the housekeeper, but then the house keeper is murdered and their lives suddenly begin a tailspin of mysteries to solve and danger at every turn. Neither Callie nor Garrett know who to trust and they need to put their relationship issues aside to save the ranch and their lives.
I found this book to be a nice read. Romance isn’t ever my first choice for reading, but when I do read it I’m happy when there is a good mystery involved. I seriously did not know who had done it until it was revealed. Every single time I thought it was over, there was more to be read, the pages just kept turning.
If you like mystery and romance, this is a great story, so I do recommend it!
Callie is a woman who I found to be emotional, but hard to dislike. She has been in love with the same older man since she was young. She was married to this man through a business deal to save their land while Callie went to college.
Garrett, the man she loves, has worked the land at the ranch while she was away. When she returns home she thinks that he has been sleeping with the housekeeper, but then the house keeper is murdered and their lives suddenly begin a tailspin of mysteries to solve and danger at every turn. Neither Callie nor Garrett know who to trust and they need to put their relationship issues aside to save the ranch and their lives.
I found this book to be a nice read. Romance isn’t ever my first choice for reading, but when I do read it I’m happy when there is a good mystery involved. I seriously did not know who had done it until it was revealed. Every single time I thought it was over, there was more to be read, the pages just kept turning.
If you like mystery and romance, this is a great story, so I do recommend it!
May 17, 2013
A lovely book. Callie was very emotional and her multitude of feelings took you along with her on this roller-coaster of a romance. I particularly liked her jealous streak!
I enjoyed all the intrigue and was kept guessing about the underlying plot throughout the whole book.
The character descriptions are superb, though I had no idea that Garrett was fifteen years older than Callie until I was well into the book. It gave me a different perspective on why he couldn't get his head around the fact that she was no longer a school child and that it was okay for him to love her as a woman.
The writing is very good and well paced. I just kept turning the pages, unable to put it down.
I enjoyed all the intrigue and was kept guessing about the underlying plot throughout the whole book.
The character descriptions are superb, though I had no idea that Garrett was fifteen years older than Callie until I was well into the book. It gave me a different perspective on why he couldn't get his head around the fact that she was no longer a school child and that it was okay for him to love her as a woman.
The writing is very good and well paced. I just kept turning the pages, unable to put it down.
April 24, 2012
Kathleen's story will pull on your heartstrings and keep you up turning pages just to finish it! She is a gifted story teller who has the ability to make you fall in love with her charcters and gives you insight into their plights. You will be glued to the pages waiting to find out what happens next! This is a great cowboy romance and if you love westerns and romance you should give it a read! Can't wait until her next book!
September 25, 2012
Kathleen Ball is an incredibly talented writer. Callie's Heart is a beautifully written story and you can't help but fall in love with the hunky hero, Garrett O'Neill. This novel will break your heart, make you cry, make you laugh, cheer Callie on, and ultimately leave you eager for the next great Kathleen Ball novel.
5 star read - highly recommended.
5 star read - highly recommended.
August 16, 2014
1.5/5.0
The basis for this story is a great one and the unique romance angle promises a fun and creative twist. The problems come fast and furious, however.
Read full review in the 2013 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
The basis for this story is a great one and the unique romance angle promises a fun and creative twist. The problems come fast and furious, however.
Read full review in the 2013 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 4, 2013
A great read for anyone who enjoys Western Romance or loves Love. This book is filled with as many twists and turns as a Texas rodeo. Enjoyed the descriptions of my home state of Texas and felt that I was with the character's through their journey of Texas Heart. A must read!
May 8, 2017
Too Much Filler
This book was way too long. Callie cried so many times that I almost stopped reading the book. Kinda disappointed with the author because her other work was much better. Not sure if I'll finish the series.
This book was way too long. Callie cried so many times that I almost stopped reading the book. Kinda disappointed with the author because her other work was much better. Not sure if I'll finish the series.
February 9, 2017
New version is better.
April 30, 2017
Meh. It sounded good but just never really delivered for me. I had to slog through to the end.
July 4, 2021
Sorry but what a weak love story and the people were in an abusive relationship.
You have a husband who basically claims to love his wife whom he married when she was 17 years old to save her Aunt from getting her farm after Mom passed away.
Yet this man was making out with another woman when she returned home from college. Playing footsie with the housekeeper at the dinner table.
Drama unfolds with multiple people trying to get them to sign over the rights to one of the properties due to oil. It makes no sense how many different people try & kill them yet can't manage it.
She & he do it she gets pregnant & has a miscarriage.
They make up but she finds out he had been lying to her all along about the property & making others lie. After all is said he allows drilling on what had been her family property BUT hey he doesn't tell her, the property was in his name alone for marrying her AND he kept it from her that he was allowing the drilling.
So she is upset & a mutual family friend allows her to stay at his new place while she has time to come to terms. He immediately gets nasty & claims she is cheating.
Oh but he is being consoled by the pretty server who somehow gets invited to deliver lunch to this property.
Server tells her that her husband is coming in to be consoled by her, she goes to do ranch work and server tells her to go do man work she'll just look pretty. She goes off to think, comes back and people are looking for her.
Server gets mad and says how selfish she is that now HUSBAND and her can't go out together.
Sorry but this story just made me cringe. This guy was not a loving guy. What he did was emotional abuse. Making out, going on dates in front of his wife. Getting her pregnant then all over MULTIPLE women. Dating others while married.
I am disgusted she would stay with this man.
You have a husband who basically claims to love his wife whom he married when she was 17 years old to save her Aunt from getting her farm after Mom passed away.
Yet this man was making out with another woman when she returned home from college. Playing footsie with the housekeeper at the dinner table.
Drama unfolds with multiple people trying to get them to sign over the rights to one of the properties due to oil. It makes no sense how many different people try & kill them yet can't manage it.
She & he do it she gets pregnant & has a miscarriage.
They make up but she finds out he had been lying to her all along about the property & making others lie. After all is said he allows drilling on what had been her family property BUT hey he doesn't tell her, the property was in his name alone for marrying her AND he kept it from her that he was allowing the drilling.
So she is upset & a mutual family friend allows her to stay at his new place while she has time to come to terms. He immediately gets nasty & claims she is cheating.
Oh but he is being consoled by the pretty server who somehow gets invited to deliver lunch to this property.
Server tells her that her husband is coming in to be consoled by her, she goes to do ranch work and server tells her to go do man work she'll just look pretty. She goes off to think, comes back and people are looking for her.
Server gets mad and says how selfish she is that now HUSBAND and her can't go out together.
Sorry but this story just made me cringe. This guy was not a loving guy. What he did was emotional abuse. Making out, going on dates in front of his wife. Getting her pregnant then all over MULTIPLE women. Dating others while married.
I am disgusted she would stay with this man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
A ranch, an arranged marriage, unusual accidents, animals dying, all these things adding up to a fun, yet suspenseful listen. When Callie was 17, her mother made an arrangement with Garrett O'Neil to marry Callie and take care of the land. Garrett willingly did this, and though he loved Callie and she loved him(feelings never shared) he let her go off to college to live her dreams. Upon her return after graduation, things changed dramatically. Callie came home with the dream of being a ranchers wife and help run the business. These two have a lot of obstacles they created themselves over the years to get through. Add in someone who wants their land, some cattle being killed, several mishaps that happen on the ranch and you get this romantic suspense sure to keep you interested as you listen. I really enjoyed the banter between Garrett and Callie, though at times I did feel Callie's immaturity shining through. I like strong female leads, and she definitely has a lot of spunk and vigor. Garrett is your typical hunky cowboy, he is very successful for his age and he has that protectiveness you can't help but love. There are some very interesting supporting characters I would love to keep seeing, like Stamos, I think he has a story worth telling and hope Kathleen Ball includes him in her continuation of the series.
Meghan Kelly just keeps getting better and better each and every time I listen to her. She has a soothing voice, with a quiet strength for Callie and a masculinity for Garrett that will make you melt. She definitely brings this story to life.
Meghan Kelly just keeps getting better and better each and every time I listen to her. She has a soothing voice, with a quiet strength for Callie and a masculinity for Garrett that will make you melt. She definitely brings this story to life.
March 4, 2020
Callie and Garret have an interesting marriage. Its a regular roller coaster of love and mistrust. The ups and downs abound but the ups far outnumber the downs.
Callie is very young and seems to have to mellow in temperament before she can find true happiness. She has a wonderful love for animals and has conversations with them that are beautiful.
Garret is a hard working man who in his own bumbling way tries to do all he can to make this marriage work after Callie finishes school and comes home to live but she cant seem to forgive him for pushing her away for four years while she is at school because he feels he is too old for her. His persistence pays off in the long run and there is a lovely happy ever after.
I loved these characters and their attempts to find and hang onto their love and marriage.
Very nicely written by Kathleen Ball and beautifully narrated by Meghan Kelly, this audiobook is definitely worth listening to.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
Callie is very young and seems to have to mellow in temperament before she can find true happiness. She has a wonderful love for animals and has conversations with them that are beautiful.
Garret is a hard working man who in his own bumbling way tries to do all he can to make this marriage work after Callie finishes school and comes home to live but she cant seem to forgive him for pushing her away for four years while she is at school because he feels he is too old for her. His persistence pays off in the long run and there is a lovely happy ever after.
I loved these characters and their attempts to find and hang onto their love and marriage.
Very nicely written by Kathleen Ball and beautifully narrated by Meghan Kelly, this audiobook is definitely worth listening to.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
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