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Texas Outlaws #1
Texas Outlaws: Jesse
WANTED: A Red-Hot Rebel
Ever since his father's famous bank robbery years ago, rodeo cowboy Jesse James Chisholm has been the bad boy of Lost Gun, Texas. A rule breaker. A heartbreaker. But he's still haunted by his history, and the only girl who could match his wildness with her own—until she ditched her own bad-girl ways in favour of respectability….
But mayor-elect Gracie Jones isn't quite the upstanding role model she projects. Underneath those conservative skirts and blouses? Very naughty underthings. Jesse's return has stirred not only her long-slumbering wild side, but an insatiable hunger for this rugged, sexy cowboy. And this Texas town is going to see a side of the Wild West they never expected.
Ever since his father's famous bank robbery years ago, rodeo cowboy Jesse James Chisholm has been the bad boy of Lost Gun, Texas. A rule breaker. A heartbreaker. But he's still haunted by his history, and the only girl who could match his wildness with her own—until she ditched her own bad-girl ways in favour of respectability….
But mayor-elect Gracie Jones isn't quite the upstanding role model she projects. Underneath those conservative skirts and blouses? Very naughty underthings. Jesse's return has stirred not only her long-slumbering wild side, but an insatiable hunger for this rugged, sexy cowboy. And this Texas town is going to see a side of the Wild West they never expected.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Raye
138 books460 followersI've always been an incurable romantic. While I enjoy reading all types of fiction, my favorites, the books that touch my soul, are romance novels. From sexy to thrilling, sweet to humorous, I like them all. But what I really love is writing romance--the hotter the better!
I started my first novel back in high school and have been writing ever since. To date, I've published over thirty novels, one of them a prestigious RITA Award nominee, Romance Writers of America's highest award of excellence. I have also been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for several Reviewer's Choice awards, as well as a career achievement award.
I've written for several different publishers, including Harlequin Books, Leisure Books, Berkley/Jove, St. Martin's Press and Warner Books. Born and bred in the Lone Start State, I still live deep in the heart with my real-life hero, Curt, and our young children.
Like any over-worked, under-appreciated wife and mother, I have very little free time. But when I find a few precious moments, I LOVE to read. Some of my favorite authors include Janet Evanovich, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Charlaine Harris (see my Favorite Reads page for more) and the exceptionally talented Nina Bangs. Give me a bag of Sugar Babies, a Toby Keith or Kevin Fowler CD (I love Texas music), and a great book, and I'm in heaven!
I started my first novel back in high school and have been writing ever since. To date, I've published over thirty novels, one of them a prestigious RITA Award nominee, Romance Writers of America's highest award of excellence. I have also been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for several Reviewer's Choice awards, as well as a career achievement award.
I've written for several different publishers, including Harlequin Books, Leisure Books, Berkley/Jove, St. Martin's Press and Warner Books. Born and bred in the Lone Start State, I still live deep in the heart with my real-life hero, Curt, and our young children.
Like any over-worked, under-appreciated wife and mother, I have very little free time. But when I find a few precious moments, I LOVE to read. Some of my favorite authors include Janet Evanovich, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Charlaine Harris (see my Favorite Reads page for more) and the exceptionally talented Nina Bangs. Give me a bag of Sugar Babies, a Toby Keith or Kevin Fowler CD (I love Texas music), and a great book, and I'm in heaven!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 11, 2013
Woman... what do you have against a cupcake?????
This wasn't a bad book but I just COULD NOT GET INTO IT! I tried for about 5 days... Nothing.
Zilch. Zero. Nada.
The only part that was genuinely annoying was this chick going overboard to be "stable". Seriously? Cutting even sweets. It was kind of lame.
No go eat a cupcake.
This wasn't a bad book but I just COULD NOT GET INTO IT! I tried for about 5 days... Nothing.
Zilch. Zero. Nada.
The only part that was genuinely annoying was this chick going overboard to be "stable". Seriously? Cutting even sweets. It was kind of lame.
No go eat a cupcake.
December 13, 2013
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2013/12...
Gracie Stone is the mayor-elect of Lost Gun, Texas and she’s determined to be everything a model mayor should be. She’s calm, controlled, and won’t let her wild past ruin her stable life. Then Jesse James Chisholm blows into town and threatens to upend everything Gracie has worked so hard to achieve. Jesse’s the black sheep of the Lost Gun community, and the man whose heart Gracie once broke. Her attraction for him hasn’t faded in the twelve years since she dumped him, but what’s more dangerous is the pull the sexy bull rider still has on her heart…
Texas Outlaws: Jesse is a sinfully sexy read that’ll draw you in from the very first page and not let you go. Jesse is a hot as hell cowboy who will make you swoon. He acts the bad boy, but underneath the toughened exterior is a man who still desperately wants to be accepted by the people of Lost Gun. I yearned to see Jesse find his place, both in his hometown and in Gracie’s life. Gracie is so determined to be everything she thinks she should be that she’s missing out on all the opportunities life has to offer. I loved watching her break free of her self-imposed bondage and embrace the real her, a woman who’s a mix of the wild child she once was and the staid adult she had become. As a pair, she and Jesse have chemistry to spare. The two of them are a dynamic couple that bring excitement to Texas Outlaws: Jesse , even when they’re not hitting the sheets ;)
Unexpected moments of humor and what looks to be a series-long mystery about missing money from a bank robbery Jesse’s father was involved in round out the romance, making Texas Outlaws: Jesse a “full” story, so to speak. I enjoyed every plotline author Kimberly Raye wove in and I admit to being more than a bit impatient for the next Texas Outlaws book. Jesse’s brothers promise to be great heroes and there’s definitely one character I’m hoping winds up with Billy or Cole Chisholm. All in all, I recommend Texas Outlaws: Jesse . It’s sexy, fun, and wonderfully entertaining.
Gracie Stone is the mayor-elect of Lost Gun, Texas and she’s determined to be everything a model mayor should be. She’s calm, controlled, and won’t let her wild past ruin her stable life. Then Jesse James Chisholm blows into town and threatens to upend everything Gracie has worked so hard to achieve. Jesse’s the black sheep of the Lost Gun community, and the man whose heart Gracie once broke. Her attraction for him hasn’t faded in the twelve years since she dumped him, but what’s more dangerous is the pull the sexy bull rider still has on her heart…
Texas Outlaws: Jesse is a sinfully sexy read that’ll draw you in from the very first page and not let you go. Jesse is a hot as hell cowboy who will make you swoon. He acts the bad boy, but underneath the toughened exterior is a man who still desperately wants to be accepted by the people of Lost Gun. I yearned to see Jesse find his place, both in his hometown and in Gracie’s life. Gracie is so determined to be everything she thinks she should be that she’s missing out on all the opportunities life has to offer. I loved watching her break free of her self-imposed bondage and embrace the real her, a woman who’s a mix of the wild child she once was and the staid adult she had become. As a pair, she and Jesse have chemistry to spare. The two of them are a dynamic couple that bring excitement to Texas Outlaws: Jesse , even when they’re not hitting the sheets ;)
Unexpected moments of humor and what looks to be a series-long mystery about missing money from a bank robbery Jesse’s father was involved in round out the romance, making Texas Outlaws: Jesse a “full” story, so to speak. I enjoyed every plotline author Kimberly Raye wove in and I admit to being more than a bit impatient for the next Texas Outlaws book. Jesse’s brothers promise to be great heroes and there’s definitely one character I’m hoping winds up with Billy or Cole Chisholm. All in all, I recommend Texas Outlaws: Jesse . It’s sexy, fun, and wonderfully entertaining.
December 1, 2013
Jesse James Chisholm's father was out outlaw. Ever since his father has passed he was always the outcast of the town. He and now elect mayor Gracie were once a item way back when. She goes out to the ranch to warm him the media is coming again to do a show about his father and where they are now. Spark rise but neither one acknowledged what went on. After times Jesse can not get Gracie out of his mind and wants her back in his bed for good. She doesn't want to listen.
I loved this story as both characters were stubborn and neither one wanted to give in to the other. The author did a great job on that part of the story and the setting. The book had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens. I will be reading more by this author and this series.
Thank you Netgally for allowing me to read this story for an honest review.
I loved this story as both characters were stubborn and neither one wanted to give in to the other. The author did a great job on that part of the story and the setting. The book had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens. I will be reading more by this author and this series.
Thank you Netgally for allowing me to read this story for an honest review.
January 23, 2014
Texas Outlaw: Jesse is a sweet story about a rekindled love that never should have lost its fire to begin with. A good read for any fans of the genre looking for a quick fun read.
Gracie was once the town’s bad girl. But she's changed that and much more about herself since her high school days. She’s now the town mayor and...Well sort of happy. Plans she once had for herself and her life, she just let go of. The only thing she still holds onto for over the last decade is her love for a certain cowboy.
Jesse has a reputation that he was born with due to his father's past. He on the other hand is nothing like his father. But that doesn't matter. No one in the tow, except for a special lady and a couple of the town inhabitants are willing to see...him.
This story was not what I expected from its title and description and its ending left me...wanting. But it's still a well written and worthwhile story that I enjoyed my time reading.
Gracie was once the town’s bad girl. But she's changed that and much more about herself since her high school days. She’s now the town mayor and...Well sort of happy. Plans she once had for herself and her life, she just let go of. The only thing she still holds onto for over the last decade is her love for a certain cowboy.
Jesse has a reputation that he was born with due to his father's past. He on the other hand is nothing like his father. But that doesn't matter. No one in the tow, except for a special lady and a couple of the town inhabitants are willing to see...him.
This story was not what I expected from its title and description and its ending left me...wanting. But it's still a well written and worthwhile story that I enjoyed my time reading.
October 19, 2018
Short and sweet
Short sexy story about second chances involving w cowboy and his childhood sweetheart. Entertaining but with other characters for future books. Okay read.
Short sexy story about second chances involving w cowboy and his childhood sweetheart. Entertaining but with other characters for future books. Okay read.
January 22, 2014
The first book in a wonderful new contemporary series! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
In the small town of Lost Gun, Jesse James Chisholm is considered a bad boy. As the son of a criminal, many of the townspeople look down on him. While growing up, the boys were against him, but the girls were intrigued by his bad boy image. The one girl who has always interested him is the mayor’s niece, but after a passionate three weeks together, she broke it off with him. After his father burned up in a house fire, Jesse and his two brothers were raised by Pete, a rodeo champ who taught the boys all that he knew. Leaving his hometown, Jesse travels the rodeo circuit and is the newest Pro Bull Riding champ. He has just returned to Lost Gun to attend Pete’s wedding, something he would not miss for the world.
After the death of her parents, Gracie Stone was raised by her uncle, the mayor and his wife. Distraught at the death of her parents, she had resorted to acting up and the best way to do that was to hook up with the local heartbreaker, Jesse. But she could not deny the sparks that flew whenever they were together. The only thing Gracie has ever wanted, besides Jesse, is to leave the small town and pursue her love of photography. However, when a second tragedy hit her family, she knew she had to change her ways. Her younger sister took the news badly, rarely letting Gracie out of her sight, fearing that she would lose her, too. So Gracie set about trying to reform and broke off her relationship with Jesse. Now twelve years later, she has succeeded in repairing her reputation and has just been elected mayor.
Years earlier, Jesse had been badly injured due to the actions of the producers of a television documentary. It had taken quite a bit of time and money for his recovery and now the producers are returning to town to tape a new show to see where those in the original program are today. Gracie could have prevented his earlier injuries by warning Jesse about the producers, but she worried that seeing him again would be too tempting and would ruin her attempt at reforming herself. She has lived with that guilt and tries to repair it by warning him of the show’s return to Lost Gun.
Talking to Gracie again only makes Jesse want her more. Certain that if they had too much of each other he could work her out of his system, he makes a suggestion to Gracie. She would do anything to be able to forget Jesse and get on with her life, so she agrees. But unlike his experience with cherry pie, too much intimacy with Grace may not leave him sick of her. Instead, it may result in his desire for a future with her. But since he longs to leave Lost Gun and she refuses to, are they doomed to heartache?
Hot, hot, hot! TEXAS OUTLAWS: JESSE, the first book in author Kimberly Raye’s TEXAS OUTLAWS series, is a sensual contemporary romance that is sure to touch hearts as two vulnerable people with a history are offered a second chance. Jesse has always wanted the townspeople to see him for himself, but there are too many narrow minded residents who equate him with his criminal father. He is about to start a business in Austin and one of the things he tries to accomplish while in town is to tie up loose ends, including Gracie. But he soon finds that some people are not so easy to forget.
A hidden fortune, tragedy, a rodeo cowboy, a reformed bad girl, prejudice, scorching sensuality, humor, healing, forgiveness, small town dynamics, romance and true love all combine to give readers a mesmerizing tale they will think about long after the last page is read. A fan of Ms. Raye’s work, I expected a great read when I opened this book and I was not disappointed. After reading this novel, I could not wait to get my hands on the next installment of this series, Billy’s story, which has just been released. While you are picking up Jesse’s book, why not go ahead and pick up Billy’s too?
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
In the small town of Lost Gun, Jesse James Chisholm is considered a bad boy. As the son of a criminal, many of the townspeople look down on him. While growing up, the boys were against him, but the girls were intrigued by his bad boy image. The one girl who has always interested him is the mayor’s niece, but after a passionate three weeks together, she broke it off with him. After his father burned up in a house fire, Jesse and his two brothers were raised by Pete, a rodeo champ who taught the boys all that he knew. Leaving his hometown, Jesse travels the rodeo circuit and is the newest Pro Bull Riding champ. He has just returned to Lost Gun to attend Pete’s wedding, something he would not miss for the world.
After the death of her parents, Gracie Stone was raised by her uncle, the mayor and his wife. Distraught at the death of her parents, she had resorted to acting up and the best way to do that was to hook up with the local heartbreaker, Jesse. But she could not deny the sparks that flew whenever they were together. The only thing Gracie has ever wanted, besides Jesse, is to leave the small town and pursue her love of photography. However, when a second tragedy hit her family, she knew she had to change her ways. Her younger sister took the news badly, rarely letting Gracie out of her sight, fearing that she would lose her, too. So Gracie set about trying to reform and broke off her relationship with Jesse. Now twelve years later, she has succeeded in repairing her reputation and has just been elected mayor.
Years earlier, Jesse had been badly injured due to the actions of the producers of a television documentary. It had taken quite a bit of time and money for his recovery and now the producers are returning to town to tape a new show to see where those in the original program are today. Gracie could have prevented his earlier injuries by warning Jesse about the producers, but she worried that seeing him again would be too tempting and would ruin her attempt at reforming herself. She has lived with that guilt and tries to repair it by warning him of the show’s return to Lost Gun.
Talking to Gracie again only makes Jesse want her more. Certain that if they had too much of each other he could work her out of his system, he makes a suggestion to Gracie. She would do anything to be able to forget Jesse and get on with her life, so she agrees. But unlike his experience with cherry pie, too much intimacy with Grace may not leave him sick of her. Instead, it may result in his desire for a future with her. But since he longs to leave Lost Gun and she refuses to, are they doomed to heartache?
Hot, hot, hot! TEXAS OUTLAWS: JESSE, the first book in author Kimberly Raye’s TEXAS OUTLAWS series, is a sensual contemporary romance that is sure to touch hearts as two vulnerable people with a history are offered a second chance. Jesse has always wanted the townspeople to see him for himself, but there are too many narrow minded residents who equate him with his criminal father. He is about to start a business in Austin and one of the things he tries to accomplish while in town is to tie up loose ends, including Gracie. But he soon finds that some people are not so easy to forget.
A hidden fortune, tragedy, a rodeo cowboy, a reformed bad girl, prejudice, scorching sensuality, humor, healing, forgiveness, small town dynamics, romance and true love all combine to give readers a mesmerizing tale they will think about long after the last page is read. A fan of Ms. Raye’s work, I expected a great read when I opened this book and I was not disappointed. After reading this novel, I could not wait to get my hands on the next installment of this series, Billy’s story, which has just been released. While you are picking up Jesse’s book, why not go ahead and pick up Billy’s too?
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
December 4, 2013
Book Info
Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: December 17th 2013 by Harlequin
ISBN 0373797842 (ISBN13: 9780373797844)
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
WANTED: A Red-Hot Rebel
Ever since his father's famous bank robbery years ago, rodeo cowboy Jesse James Chisholm has been the bad boy of Lost Gun, Texas. A rule breaker. A heartbreaker. But he's still haunted by his history, and the only girl who could match his wildness with her own—until she ditched her own bad-girl ways in favour of respectability….
But mayor-elect Gracie Jones isn't quite the upstanding role model she projects. Underneath those conservative skirts and blouses? Very naughty underthings. Jesse's return has stirred not only her long-slumbering wild side, but an insatiable hunger for this rugged, sexy cowboy. And this Texas town is going to see a side of the Wild West they never expected.
Jesse James Chisholm embodies the charismatic cowboy whose rugged sexy devil-may-care exterior houses a heart that yearns for acceptance in a town filled with narrow minded people that have long labeled him as not worth their notice, unless it is to make a disparaging comment about his family! Now his dreams of having his own business in Austin are close to reality yet Jesse finds himself strangely reluctant to leave Lost Gun for good thanks to unfinished business between he and Gracie.
Gracie Jones along with her younger sister was orphaned and then raised by their Aunt and Uncle. Gracie spent her formative years rebelling against convention and dreaming of the day she finally left Lost Gun in her dust. She and Jesse had a hot and heavy time together until the day she got the news her older brother had been killed in the line of duty, from that moment on the bad-girl became the model of decorum.
Living as a model citizen of Lost Gun may not be the exact life that Gracie had once envisioned but she is determined for her sisters sake to provide a stable home so if that means her own wants, needs and desires are put on indefinite hold so be it.
Now here it is 12 years later and Jesse is a top-notch record setting Bull Rider on the rodeo circuit and Gracie has become the newly elected Mayor of Lost Gun, will their past fiery fling rekindle or is it too late for them to finally realize that they have already spent too much time apart?
Read this humorous, fast paced, laugh out loud deliciously steamy tale and find out for yourself if Gracie finds the inner courage to grab the “bull by the horns” and hang onto Jesse ASAP!
Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: December 17th 2013 by Harlequin
ISBN 0373797842 (ISBN13: 9780373797844)
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
WANTED: A Red-Hot Rebel
Ever since his father's famous bank robbery years ago, rodeo cowboy Jesse James Chisholm has been the bad boy of Lost Gun, Texas. A rule breaker. A heartbreaker. But he's still haunted by his history, and the only girl who could match his wildness with her own—until she ditched her own bad-girl ways in favour of respectability….
But mayor-elect Gracie Jones isn't quite the upstanding role model she projects. Underneath those conservative skirts and blouses? Very naughty underthings. Jesse's return has stirred not only her long-slumbering wild side, but an insatiable hunger for this rugged, sexy cowboy. And this Texas town is going to see a side of the Wild West they never expected.
My Thoughts
Jesse James Chisholm embodies the charismatic cowboy whose rugged sexy devil-may-care exterior houses a heart that yearns for acceptance in a town filled with narrow minded people that have long labeled him as not worth their notice, unless it is to make a disparaging comment about his family! Now his dreams of having his own business in Austin are close to reality yet Jesse finds himself strangely reluctant to leave Lost Gun for good thanks to unfinished business between he and Gracie.
Gracie Jones along with her younger sister was orphaned and then raised by their Aunt and Uncle. Gracie spent her formative years rebelling against convention and dreaming of the day she finally left Lost Gun in her dust. She and Jesse had a hot and heavy time together until the day she got the news her older brother had been killed in the line of duty, from that moment on the bad-girl became the model of decorum.
Living as a model citizen of Lost Gun may not be the exact life that Gracie had once envisioned but she is determined for her sisters sake to provide a stable home so if that means her own wants, needs and desires are put on indefinite hold so be it.
Now here it is 12 years later and Jesse is a top-notch record setting Bull Rider on the rodeo circuit and Gracie has become the newly elected Mayor of Lost Gun, will their past fiery fling rekindle or is it too late for them to finally realize that they have already spent too much time apart?
Read this humorous, fast paced, laugh out loud deliciously steamy tale and find out for yourself if Gracie finds the inner courage to grab the “bull by the horns” and hang onto Jesse ASAP!
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
January 11, 2014
After a tragic accident leaves her and her two siblings homeless, Gracie Jones is forced to move in with her uncle, the mayor of Lost Gun, Texas, and his wife. Gracie does everything she can to escape being the "good-girl niece" of the mayor, including spending all of her days and nights with bad boy Jesse James Chisolm.
Jesse Chisolm has spent the majority of his life trying to escape the name of his outlaw father Silas Chisolm. He began his rodeo riding career at a young age, and although he tries convincing himself he doesn't care what the people of Lost Gun think of him, he cannot deny that he would like to feel like he belonged. Gracie Jones fills that void for him.
The chemistry between Jesse and Gracie is undeniable, and they begin making plans for their future; including getting out of Lost Gun altogether.
When tragedy strikes yet again for Gracie, she fails to meet them on the night of their getaway, throwing away not only the plans they made together, but the plans she had made for herself.
Today, Jesse is the hottest bachelor to hit the rodeo riding circuit, and Gracie, long abandoning her wild girl past, is the mayor-elect of Lost Gun. When Gracie goes out of her way to warn Jesse about the possibility for some unwanted press for Jesse and his brothers, they both realize that chemistry is just as intense as it was before.
This was an enjoyable read and my first by this author. I really enjoy the Harlequin Blaze line because the chemistry between the H/H is always front and foremost and you can sense it right from the beginning; this story was no exception. I thought the author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, particularly Jesse. This man is sexy and it seeps off the pages, making me feel like he was almost in the room with me. Hot, Hot, Hot!!
I really enjoyed reading about the town of Lost Gun and all the characters that pop up within the story. Being from the South myself, I thought the author did a great job with language and really making the setting come to life.
The heroine just didn't do it for me. I had a hard time believing that Gracie was a recovering wild girl. She wouldn't even eat a brownie because it might tarnish her new good girl image? She seemed way too uptight at times, and I quite often found myself rolling my eyes at her.
I also did not care for how quickly the story ended. There was no real climax in the story, a turning point for the H/H, and I felt like things sped up very quickly to get to the ending. Having said that, there was a particularly good epilogue that has definitely piqued my interest enough to read the next book.
This book has all reliable things that make Harlequin Blaze a favorite line of books for me; sexy hero, hot chemistry, and good romance. Three star read.
***This book was provided to me by NetGalley***
Jesse Chisolm has spent the majority of his life trying to escape the name of his outlaw father Silas Chisolm. He began his rodeo riding career at a young age, and although he tries convincing himself he doesn't care what the people of Lost Gun think of him, he cannot deny that he would like to feel like he belonged. Gracie Jones fills that void for him.
The chemistry between Jesse and Gracie is undeniable, and they begin making plans for their future; including getting out of Lost Gun altogether.
When tragedy strikes yet again for Gracie, she fails to meet them on the night of their getaway, throwing away not only the plans they made together, but the plans she had made for herself.
Today, Jesse is the hottest bachelor to hit the rodeo riding circuit, and Gracie, long abandoning her wild girl past, is the mayor-elect of Lost Gun. When Gracie goes out of her way to warn Jesse about the possibility for some unwanted press for Jesse and his brothers, they both realize that chemistry is just as intense as it was before.
This was an enjoyable read and my first by this author. I really enjoy the Harlequin Blaze line because the chemistry between the H/H is always front and foremost and you can sense it right from the beginning; this story was no exception. I thought the author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, particularly Jesse. This man is sexy and it seeps off the pages, making me feel like he was almost in the room with me. Hot, Hot, Hot!!
I really enjoyed reading about the town of Lost Gun and all the characters that pop up within the story. Being from the South myself, I thought the author did a great job with language and really making the setting come to life.
The heroine just didn't do it for me. I had a hard time believing that Gracie was a recovering wild girl. She wouldn't even eat a brownie because it might tarnish her new good girl image? She seemed way too uptight at times, and I quite often found myself rolling my eyes at her.
I also did not care for how quickly the story ended. There was no real climax in the story, a turning point for the H/H, and I felt like things sped up very quickly to get to the ending. Having said that, there was a particularly good epilogue that has definitely piqued my interest enough to read the next book.
This book has all reliable things that make Harlequin Blaze a favorite line of books for me; sexy hero, hot chemistry, and good romance. Three star read.
***This book was provided to me by NetGalley***
February 27, 2014
***ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I don't understand how a person can deny herself cupcakes because she is trying to be reliable and responsible. I think Gracie took being a steady presence in her sister's life to the extreme. I'm not sure how denying yourself a life is supposed to be a good example for a younger sister. Despite that one annoying part of the story, I really enjoyed Texas Outlaw:Jesse.
Raye did a wonderful job in capturing the idiosyncrasies of society in small town USA. The gossip, discrimination, and old fashioned views of the citizens of the small Texas town influence the relationship between Gracie and Jesse.
Gracie struggles with being true to herself about what she really wants in life and what she thinks she needs to be for her sister and the town. She places everyone else before her own needs and wants which seems innocent and selfless. However I think she does it out of fear. Jesse is relentless in his pursuit of Gracie and determined to overcome her fear of risking her heart.
Overall this was a fast paced and easy read. My only complaint is how overboard Gracie goes with her need to be a steadfast fixture in her sister's life. I mean really since when is eating a cupcake such a terrible offense? A little obsessive much? Other than that I really enjoyed Jesse and Gracie's story. If you like cowboys, I recommend you give Jesse a try ;)
I don't understand how a person can deny herself cupcakes because she is trying to be reliable and responsible. I think Gracie took being a steady presence in her sister's life to the extreme. I'm not sure how denying yourself a life is supposed to be a good example for a younger sister. Despite that one annoying part of the story, I really enjoyed Texas Outlaw:Jesse.
Raye did a wonderful job in capturing the idiosyncrasies of society in small town USA. The gossip, discrimination, and old fashioned views of the citizens of the small Texas town influence the relationship between Gracie and Jesse.
Gracie struggles with being true to herself about what she really wants in life and what she thinks she needs to be for her sister and the town. She places everyone else before her own needs and wants which seems innocent and selfless. However I think she does it out of fear. Jesse is relentless in his pursuit of Gracie and determined to overcome her fear of risking her heart.
Overall this was a fast paced and easy read. My only complaint is how overboard Gracie goes with her need to be a steadfast fixture in her sister's life. I mean really since when is eating a cupcake such a terrible offense? A little obsessive much? Other than that I really enjoyed Jesse and Gracie's story. If you like cowboys, I recommend you give Jesse a try ;)
January 18, 2015
Ok. 1st: WHAT WOMAN DOESN'T LOVE CUPCAKES?! Ugh, I started getting annoyed at how many times it was brought up. Then, 2nd: It's called Texas Outlaws. Where's the Outlaw part? Not that Jesse, the rodeo cowboy wasn't hot, but damn it, I was expecting full on bad boy. It was a huge let down. Even the whole straight edge, about to be mayor part of the story was awful. Um, if you worked your butt off to get a job, and you just walk away from it, I doubt the town you love so much, that all voted for you, would just be happy about it. I feel like this story was going all over the place, except where it should have. It wasn't even that sexy, and for a Harlequin, that's sad. I'm not saying this is a horrible book, it was just a huge disappointment.
February 3, 2014
I love me some cowboys and I loved me some Jesse. It's apparent that perhaps maybe there is still something between Jesse and Gracie, "Jesse? Ohmigod! Are you all right? Is he all right?" Her desperate voice slid into his ears and stalled his heart." Jesse he's a cocky tempting boy, "sugar, the only place I'm going after this is straight into a hot shower." He gave her a sly grin he wasn't feeling at the moment and winked. "If you're inclined to follow, then by all means, let's go." I think the boy really likes his girl, "I want to dance." He slid a possessive arm around her waist and pulled her close. He's possessive, "you are the wildest woman," he growled, resting his forehead against hers for several fast, furious heartbeats. "My woman."
August 26, 2016
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Kimberly Raye has Jesse James back in town looking troubled, annoyed, sexy and hungry for a woman like Gracie Jones. Jesse has tried to keep it low even though it’s hard to do considering his father’s shining robbery years ago. Only one woman has made him see that he has nothing to be ashamed. I loved that even though she is now mayor of the small town one look from Jesse James and she’s a stuttering fool in love girl. Gracie was funny trying to decide the pros and cons over being with a man like Jesse James. It was fun to read and have to say if I was Gracie heck I wouldn’t be going over the pros and cons. Great book by Kimberly Raye and can’t wait for more of hers.
Past reviews at http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com/
Kimberly Raye has Jesse James back in town looking troubled, annoyed, sexy and hungry for a woman like Gracie Jones. Jesse has tried to keep it low even though it’s hard to do considering his father’s shining robbery years ago. Only one woman has made him see that he has nothing to be ashamed. I loved that even though she is now mayor of the small town one look from Jesse James and she’s a stuttering fool in love girl. Gracie was funny trying to decide the pros and cons over being with a man like Jesse James. It was fun to read and have to say if I was Gracie heck I wouldn’t be going over the pros and cons. Great book by Kimberly Raye and can’t wait for more of hers.
January 29, 2014
This is my first book from Kimberly Raye and I found it quite enjoyable. Ms. Raye has a talent for creating a strong, sexy, yet vulnerable hero. He was believable, likeable, and compelling. The heroine in this book was not as engaging at first. I found her compulsion to be good just a little over the top and unreal; she did however loosen up and develop into an interesting character. I cannot deny that Ms. Raye brought the heat, instant chemistry is apparent and
the romance is satisfying. The secondary characters, as well as the town, were quirky and interesting, I see a series in the future.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
the romance is satisfying. The secondary characters, as well as the town, were quirky and interesting, I see a series in the future.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
This was a very quick read to get through. I wasn't really a fan of Jesse. I found him kind of... annoying part of the time. There was just something about him that just wasn't clicking with me. Oh well. That happens sometimes. Gracie was definitely the better of the two.
I originally thought I would enjoy the plot more, but about halfway through it started growing more and more on the boring side. I skimmed a couple of spots, but not too many. The ending was interesting at least. More so than most Harlequin novels that wrap everything up in a neat tidy bow.
This was a very quick read to get through. I wasn't really a fan of Jesse. I found him kind of... annoying part of the time. There was just something about him that just wasn't clicking with me. Oh well. That happens sometimes. Gracie was definitely the better of the two.
I originally thought I would enjoy the plot more, but about halfway through it started growing more and more on the boring side. I skimmed a couple of spots, but not too many. The ending was interesting at least. More so than most Harlequin novels that wrap everything up in a neat tidy bow.
January 30, 2014
Blaze books aren't my thing, lol! I received this as a freebie from Harlequin, and I figured I'd try to get through at least a few chapters. I actually finished the book...and it was okay. Though, I wouldn't read it again.
I mirror others who didn't like the heroine. She wasn't believable, and seemed ditsy to me. That annoyed me. I rooted against her the entire book (is that normal for a Blaze book?). She annoyed me to no end. The rest of the book was okay.
The story didn't seem to drag on, or rush along too quickly.
I mirror others who didn't like the heroine. She wasn't believable, and seemed ditsy to me. That annoyed me. I rooted against her the entire book (is that normal for a Blaze book?). She annoyed me to no end. The rest of the book was okay.
The story didn't seem to drag on, or rush along too quickly.
October 8, 2014
I loved Kimberly Raye's Dead End Dating series, and the idea of a straight-up cowboy romance series was appealing, but unfortunately the main characters of this one left me unconvinced. The heroine, Gracie, was a little too uptight to buy into her bad girl past (which didn't seem that bad anyhow), and she spent so much page space taking about baked goods that I became convinced that she didn't need the titular hero at all - just a good fudge brownie.
I'm still holding out some hope for the rest of this series, though. Possibly in vain.
I'm still holding out some hope for the rest of this series, though. Possibly in vain.
February 19, 2015
I like second chance at love stories, and this one was great. Gracie walked away from Jesse, and changed her whole life. Jesse can't get her out of his mind. He's convinced that if he has sex with her one more time, he'll be able to forget her. They give it a try, but they awaken the desire they had 12 years ago. Jesse finally understands he loves Gracie, but has to let her go again, and leaves. Gracie comes to realize she can change her life and have Jesse again. This is the first book of a Blaze mini-series - the next two Texas Outlaws feature Jesse's brothers.
November 4, 2013
Truly Red Hot! Deliciously dangerous! That is, in Gracie's position. I'd certainly run for safety if Jesse happened to show up in front of me. :D
Can't wait to read the next two Chisholm's brothers!
*eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley.
Can't wait to read the next two Chisholm's brothers!
*eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley.
July 23, 2016
I got this as part of a Christmas gift, and it was a fun, quick read. The Blaze line is always fun if you want some steamy scenes. I was interested enough in the characters and the town that I would read the books about the other brothers if I happened across them.
February 9, 2014
While I enjoyed the reunion of the characters, I don't think this book was up to Kimberly Raye's usual genius standards. That being said, it still got 4 stars, because it kept my attention and was still well written.
May 14, 2014
Just not my taste, I like a little less chip on the shoulder of my cowboy.
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August 14, 2017Miniseries: The Texas Outlaws
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