Hot Texas Sunrise: A Coldwater Texas Novel

Coldwater Texas #2

by Delores Fossen

Love was the last thing on this untamed cowboy’s mind…until she stole his heart away.

Cleo Delaney will do anything to keep her promise and raise her best friend’s sons - even if it means telling a little white lie to the state to keep them. Cleo turns to the only person she can trust to help her - her first love, Judd Laramie. If he fosters the three young brothers in name only, she’ll do all the heavy lifting. It’s a foolproof plan...but she never imagined that the feelings they once shared would return. With a vengeance.

Texas deputy Judd Laramie is stunned by Cleo’s request. Being a dad - even on paper - is the last thing this cowboy needs right now. But no one knows better than Judd how flawed the foster system is and how much these brothers need Cleo’s protective love. What starts as a simple lie becomes so much more, and soon it’s clear Judd needs Cleo and the family they’ve created as much as they need him. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to win Cleo’s heart and claim the future they all deserve.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Westerns

Audible Audio

First published March 26, 2019

About the author

Thank you for finding me on Goodreads!

Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:

I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.

Reviews

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the publisher (Harlequin) in exchange for an honest review.

I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.

I actually have the first book in this series but for some reason decided to start with this one. I’m glad I did because I loved it!

This book has the perfect blend sexy and heartfelt moments. The foster care system is at the center of the story so there were so many heart tugging scenes related to that. I really liked that the book dove deep into the complexities of the foster care system. You really got to see the good and bad sides to it. I really felt for the three boys and what they were going through.



I loved the two leads, Cleo and Judd. They had sizzling chemistry and they made a great couple. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I also loved the supporting characters. Judd’s sponsor (Judd is a recovering alcoholic), Mercy, was quite the character and juxtaposition. Her and Judd’s dynamic was unique to say the least.

My only critique is the ending. The ending felt a little rushed and I wanted a little more closure, especially in regards to Cleo and Judd’s relationship and their future together.

Overall, this story was both spicy and heartfelt! I recommend this book if you want a romance with a little more substance than your typical romance novel.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, sexy, and heartfelt!

Hot Texas Sunrise is a lighthearted, second-chance romance between the dedicated, selfless Cleo who’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect her best friend’s orphaned children and the conscientious, handsome Judd who’s got enough on his plate just battling his own demons from the past.

The prose is smooth and fluid. The characters are engaging, scarred, well-drawn, and endearing. And the plot is an affecting tale full of family, secrets, abuse, deception, hilarious hijinks, witty banter, palpable chemistry, steamy romance, as well as a little insight into the limitations, deficiencies, maltreatment, neglect, and odd success story of the foster care system.

Overall, Hot Texas Sunrise is a warm, charming, entertaining read that I feel has just the right amount of emotion, angst, drama, passion, and cowboys to make this an excellent choice for those who love contemporary, western romance.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is Judd Laramie did not disappoint. ;) What a great, complex, emotionally conflicted hero. A recovering alcoholic, Judd the Stud thinks avoiding emotional entanglements is the way to endure. Bless his big, rough-around-the-edges heart--he cares more about the heroine, Cleo, and her three unofficial foster children than he even knows. But conquering past demons to accept the love and family that's right there in front of him is a realistic struggle for this hero.

Yes, I laughed at some of the humor in the book. I teared up a couple of times, too.
Yes, there's a steamy connection between Judd and Cleo, as they rekindle a teenage romance several years later.
Yes, he's the deputy you want showing up to save the day.
Yes, he's the father those three troubled boys need.

Book 2 in Delores Fossen's Coldwater, TX novels from HQN.

Loved it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second chance romance that is full of love, family, hope, and fear. Cleo's best friend passed away, leaving her three boys to Cleo to raise. Unfortunately, the official paperwork didn't get done before Miranda died, putting the three boys in the custody of their drunken, abusive grandmother. Cleo wants to foster them, but has some strikes against her - mainly that she's had some trouble with the law and owns a bar. To get around the problem, she contacts fellow foster survivor and friend Judd to ask him to go on the record as their foster parent while she does the actual work.

Judd is stunned by Cleo's proposal. While he is empathetic to the boys' plight, having had a truly horrifying experience in the system, he's not ready to take on that responsibility. His memories sent him down a dark path, one he used alcohol to deal with. He's been sober for a year, but every day is a struggle and he doesn't think he can handle the extra stress.

The central theme of this book is getting the boys away from their grandmother and in a loving home. The relationship between Cleo and Judd takes a bit of a backseat, but is bolstered by their joint involvement in protecting the boys. Though I understood his reasons, I was disappointed in Judd's refusal. I thought that he was a lot stronger than he and others believed he was. I liked how oldest brother Kace stepped in to fill the breach and how the rest of the family also became part of the solution. I did like that Judd didn't avoid involvement. There are some heartbreaking scenes of him with the oldest boy, Beckham. Judd sees a lot of himself in Beckham and develops a pretty solid connection with him. The path to saving the boys does not run smoothly. The grandmother is a piece of work. She doesn't want the boys herself, she just wants to be sure that Cleo doesn't get them. There is also a social worker who has an agenda of her own and is not as impartial as she ought to be. I liked seeing the effect that the love of the whole Laramie family had on Beckham, Isaac, and Leo. However, there were still obstacles to overcome, including a chance that they would lose the boys completely. The scene at the end with the social worker was a nail-biter with an ending that had an unexpected twist to it.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Judd and Cleo. The chemistry between them dates back to when they were teenagers and both fostered with Buck. Even though they haven’t seen much of each other in the intervening years, the pull between them is still strong. Judd doesn't do commitment, however, as he has so many issues he doesn't want to inflict on anyone else. As he and Cleo are thrown together more frequently, the more difficult it is to keep their hands off each other, until they finally give in. It's easy to see that their feelings for each other deepen, as each one becomes more concerned with how things affect the other one than in protecting themselves. I felt bad for Cleo, who kept apologizing to Judd for getting him involved, and for Judd, who felt guilty because he felt like he was letting her down. I felt like both of them needed a good shove to get them headed in the right direction. Those shoves came about in unexpected ways, making for a very satisfying ending.

The secondary characters added to the fun and feelings of the story. Beckham, Isaac, and Leo were the most important of these. The misery and pain they endured made my heart ache for them. Little Leo was adorable, and I loved seeing Isaac and his joy at helping Rosy in the kitchen. But my favorite brother was Beckham. He is so intent on protecting his brothers, even though it's clear that he's just as scared as they are. I liked the way that he connected with Judd and began to lose a little of his distrust of adults. I hope to see more of him in the upcoming books. Buck and Rosy were fantastic with their willingness to do whatever needed to help make a home for the boys. I still get a little creeped out by Rosy's taxidermy efforts. Billy the armadillo is still a presence, plus there's a funny scene involving some frogs. I also loved Judd's sponsor. She is quite a character, and I laughed out loud at her safe words and distraction objects. I liked seeing more of Judd's brothers, Kace and Nico, and can't wait to read their stories.

[Janet Rodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Cleo Delaney and Judd Laramie have a history. Cleo is in a tough spot and needs Judd’s help in fostering three boys. Unfortunately, Cleo has a few strikes against her so she can’t foster her friend’s boys. Judd also has an issue that he has to work through as well. Cleo, Judd and Judd’s family work very hard to keep the boys despite all of the obstacles facing them. This story touches on many issues as well; alcoholism, foster care, child abuse, mistakes made in youth, and adoption. Ms Fossen touches on all of these topics throughout the story. She also shows that there is room for forgiveness in order to achieve your happily ever after. Enjoyed this story.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few authors who can get me as enamored with a story as Delores Fossen does with her excellent, engaging storytelling talent and her way to use the English language. And Hot Texas Sunrise -- I just loved it, every word, scene and moment of it as I was simultaneously sobbing, laughing, swooning and falling in love.
Prepare yourself for an emotional ride that will pull all the feels into the surface.
Even with the mighty serious subjects of child neglect, abuse, and foster care challenges, and alcoholism, through the tale, there is a tiny line of hope following each challenge that the life throws at the brothers. There is that faith that things will turn better, that everything will work out, as long as we stick together and have each other's back. And that they do. They might have shown some tough love at times, but they are always there for each other.
Judd Laramie was so delightfully easy to fall for, completely. His humble kindness, his sense of humor, his way to look at life and the people he interacts with, he won me over from the start, no doubt about it. He struggles with his demons from his challenging childhood, yet he is honest about them and doesn't hide behind the troubles, but is trying to move forward.
Cleo Delaney is a feisty, spirited, determined, and brave, a true heroine doing her best to save the kids of a friend who passed away. Her passion for life and everything she engages with is admirable and fiery, as she gives her all every waking moment.
The connection between Cleo and Judd goes all the way to their teenage years, as does the burning chemistry between them, the attraction that has been there for always. It is a tangible force, that takes off like a hurricane, and there is nothing they can do to stop it, so they just enjoy the ride (the pun intended.)
Hot Texas Sunrise is a story of survival, a family of heart, the strong bonds of brothers, and about resurrection and love. It is a tangled mess, it is fervent and intense. It has such hilarious unexpected humor in the most serious situations, and it has the feels, all the emotions on the surface as the story unfolds. I savored each moment of the tale, pacing myself, so I could catch each nuance and twist, take pleasure in a story while getting to know Judd and Cleo, and the whole wanton bunch at the Coldwater ranch.
~ Five Spoons!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judd tends to have a one track mind, "at the moment, his mind was focused on just one thing. Get Cleo naked now." I liked this book, I loved Judd.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Delaney's best friend and single mother of three boys, Miranda Morrelli, has died and her sons have been placed with their drunken and abusive grandmother, Lavinia Mercer. Miranda wanted Cleo to raise her boys for her but the paperwork granting guardianship to Cleo didn't get done in time. Cleo needs a plan to rescue the boys, Beckham, Issac and Leo. Child Protective Services won't accept her for fostering for a couple of reasons. Her plan.... get Deputy Judd Laramie to apply to foster the boys, in name only, while she actually raises them. When she brings Judd to Lavinia's house they find a great mess. Shortly after their visit the boys run away. Judd finds them and takes them to the ER in Coldwater to get documentation of how Lavinia physically abused them. CPS is involved and there will be all kinds of hoops to jump through so Cleo can raise the boys she loves. Will Judd help? Will this plan work?

Hot Texas Sunrise by Delores Fossen is the second book in her Coldwater Texas series. This story encompasses a great sense of love and family. As discovered in the first book in the series the Laramie brothers grew up in the foster system and had some truly rough times until all four brothers were placed together with Buck McCall. The depth of the damage and hurt when a foster placement goes wrong is brought home with the backstory of the Laramies. No one wants the three Morrelli brothers to face lots of difficulties. How this author writes about the determination of Cleo Delany to keep the boys she loves is inspirational. The depth of the character development is impressive and the storyline was so compelling that I just had to see how the book ended all in one sitting. Anyone looking for a story with depth and lots of loving character interactions will enjoy this book.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot Texas Sunrise is the second book in Delores Fossen's Coldwater Texas series, and the second book in the series I've read and reviewed, but it certainly can be read as a standalone novel. First, the title of this novel had absolutely nothing to do with the content of this novel whatsoever or the serious issues with which it deals, and while I loved that Ms. Fossen took a good hard look at alcoholism as well as the realities of the foster care system and its lifelong, negative effects on some of the children placed into the system and fostered by people who should never be allowed to be foster parents, I felt that the romance part of this second chance at love story gave romance short-shrift, and seemed to confuse lust with love, which felt somewhat contrived. Additionally, the the happily-ever-ending was far to abrupt and desperately in need of an epilogue, which is why I was unable to give this novel more than a 3.5 star rating.

The story centers on Cleo, herself a product of the foster care system, Deputy Judd Laramie and his brothers, who all met while growing up in the system, and finally ending up at a good foster home, but as for the Laramie brothers, especially Judd, the nightmares and PTSD caused by his previous placements at dreadful and appallingly violent and abusive foster homes left its scars on his soul, and eventually led him to drown his nightmares and memories in a whiskey bottle for over a decade, and, as the novel opens, he's managed to stay sober for one year, but as is true for most alcoholics, they're lucky if they can manage to stay sober one day at a time.

Suddenly, into his life walks Cleo Delaney, who shared his foster home at the ranch for several years, and whom he deflowered at her request when she was just 16. She knows all about his issues with alcohol, but she's desperately in need of his help. Cleo's best friend, Miranda, was diagnosed with cancer, and died within weeks of that diagnosis, intending to leave her 4 sons to Cleo, but the paperwork was never signed or notarized. The four boys are currently living with their only other relative, their alcoholic and abusive grandmother, Lavinia, and they have the bruises to prove it, and Cleo wants them out of her clutches before she can do more harm to the boys or place them in the foster care system. Cleo knows that her having a juvenile record, as well as an arrest at 18, and currently owning a bar would be huge stumbling blocks in her path to foster her best friend's children, so she's there to ask Judd if he could possibly be their foster father in name only, but he's unwilling to step in--fearing it might affect his sobriety. Luckily, Buck and Rosy, who own the ranch, and Judd's brother, Kace, open their hearts to these boys, and everyone in their circle of friends is willing to pitch in and help raise them in a loving environment, but Lavinia wants them back (heaven knows why) and isn't above making trouble, especially for Cleo, whom she hates for no reason I was able to discern.

To further complicate matters, Beckham, the eldest brother is a runner, and he knows that if fostered out, he and his brothers will be separated. That's exactly what happened to Judd, whose 2 younger brothers were so badly beaten at the foster home they were sent to that they nearly died--something for which he still feels guilty about but which he couldn't possibly have changed. It also seems that in the 17 years since Judd last saw Cleo, the lust he felt for her and the lust she felt for him have never gone away, and while they are back together again, these two can't keep their hands off one another, although Judd wants recreational sex only (rec sex), not a relationship, and Cleo is willing to comply. While I love a second chance at romance story, this wasn't really it--while the steamy scenes were fine, there was no romance involved, and Judd castigates himself immediately after each encounter, and still wants nothing to do with the orphaned boys, now living with his foster father, Buck and his brother Kace.

There are some lighter moments in this novel too. The youngest of the four orphans is Little Leo, a total charmer, and Judd's AA sponsor, Mercy, who is a hoot and a half. It was hard not to fall in love with these 4 boys, and Beckham's protectiveness of his siblings, as well as all the other characters at the ranch, and despite the rec sex between Judd and Cleo, at no time was the welfare of those 4 boys put on the back burner. Slowly, Judd and Beckham become closer because Judd sees himself in Beckham, and doesn't want to see him experience what Judd and his brothers experienced in foster care. Cleo keeps trying to get Judd involved in their care, but he still doesn't want the pressures of parenthood, which might possibly send him back to the bottle.

There are plenty of triggers in this novel, abandonment, domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect feature prominently, but all are handled with sincere kindness and concern. There is also graphic sex, so I'd place this novel in the adults only category. While it was hard not to feel sympathy for the sexy, tortured, self-doubting, and closed off Judd Laramie, his unwillingness to open his heart to the 4 boys, and to Cleo, made him somewhat less of a sympathetic character than I had hoped he would be. Yes, there's an HEA ending in the last few pages of this novel, but as I stated at the outset, it was far too rushed and incomplete, and far less emotionally satisfying than it might have been, and frankly, I was rather disappointed by it. While the novel had it's problems, kudos to Ms. Fossen for tackling such a serious and real issue as the downside of the foster care system and the children stuck in nightmarish foster homes.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving the Coldwater Texas series. “Hot Texas Sunrise” was a charming, albeit emotional, story of family and romance. Cleo and Judd were temporarily placed in the same foster home with the amazing Buck, who now has cancer and can no longer foster. During that time, they dated a little and hooked up definitely. Since then, they have always remembered the other, but have only spoken vaguely. When Cleo calls Judd and says she needs to talk, he isn’t sure what to expect.

Cleo has a small record which is tailing her. Because of it, she bought a bar- the Angry Angus- but put it in her friend’s name and they run it together. She is also unable to get custody of her best friend’s three sons, even though her best friend wanted her to be the one to take care of them. She died quickly, within a few weeks, due to a sudden and aggressive cancer. Now, Cleo is trying to figure out a way to take care of the three boys within the Child Protective Services (CPS) system. Her idea is for Judd to sign the line on custody in name only, and then she will take care of them with Buck and Rosy (who don’t qualify due to health).

Judd is reluctant to help, as he is only one year sober, and this brings up a lot of bad memories about his brothers and himself in foster care. However, when he sees how badly the boys are being treated by their grandmother, who plans to put them into foster care anyway, he is willing to try to help. His brother, Kace, steps in to get custody, but the battle is just getting started as their grandmother is holding onto plots for revenge against Cleo.

As Judd and Cleo spend time together, they find that the old feelings are still there and they are intensely attracted to each other. While their romance is the icing on the cake, the strongest part of the story is around the three boys and their path to security and home. The way the whole family comes together is just beautiful, and the storylines with the boys were just absolutely charming and lovely. While this book deals with some big issues such as child abuse (which made me want to cry) and alcoholism, it manages to infuse the story with some humor, hope, and joy.

This is such a wonderful series, and I loved reading Judd and Cleo- but especially the three boys’ stories. I cannot wait for the next installment- this is ultimately a series infused with love- family, friend, and romantic. Please note that I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

[I received a digital arc from NetGalley for an honest review]

Hot Texas Sunrise is the second book in Delores Fossen's Coldwater Texas series but can be read as a standalone novel.

Deputy Judd Laramie was greatly impacted by the negative experience he had in foster care before he found a good home. It turned him into an alcoholic, and he is one year sober when a blast from his past turns his world upside down. Cleo spent the most memorable part of her childhood living alongside Judd in foster care but it's been a long time when she shows up asking him for a favor. With her spotty record, she's having trouble gaining custody over her late friends three children. Cleo will do whatever is necessary to keep the boys together, but she has an up hill battle ahead of her. Through all the chaos Cleo and Judd have trouble ignoring the chemistry that's still between them, but all the stress and tension may be too much for Judd to handle.

The main focus of the story is Cleo keeping the three boys out of the foster care system. The romance tends to take a back set to these adorable boys, which was fine because it made the story realistic. Yes, Cleo and Judd give into their carnal desires but it never once took priority over matter with the family.

The characters in Hot Texas Sunrise were a wonderful crew. They were honest and there was plenty of playful banter. Cleo was strong and caring and didn't play games with Judd. She expressed her feelings without regret and wasn't bashful when it came to intimacy. Sometimes I felt like she was too much for Judd to handle, and he was scrambling to keep up. Judd was the sexy, tortured cowboy who hide his feelings. He was really great with the boys though because he could relate and didn't want them to go through what he had gone through. Those three boys mad the entire story for me, they broke my heart and put a smile on my face.

Overall, Hot Texas Sunrise was a nice addition to the Coldwater Texas series. I have my hopes set on Nico being my favorite, so I can't wait for his story.

[Aymee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo Delaney is the kind of woman I'd love to have as a friend.  Funny, feisty, and loyal to a fault, she's the person you'd call in a pinch.  She's also the perfect person to wrangle her friend Miranda's three orphaned sons.  Her promise to Miranda coupled with her love of the boys made me really want to root for her to gain custody.  Her business partner, Daisy, was an amusing addition as well, always supporting Cleo and helping to guide her in the right direction.  

Judd Laramie is one hot cowboy deputy.  In addition to being Judd the Stud, he's also an upstanding man with a history of alcoholism.  I think that his sobriety is approached in a realistic way with real worries.  His sponsor, Mercy, was one of the brightest spots of the book.  Although she was a little over the top, she was often needed comic relief.  Judd's relationship with Cleo as well as with the boys was sweet and heartfelt, but I wish he'd have stepped up sooner.  There were a ton of opportunities, but he never did.  I have no doubt he was probably feeling cut out of the situation as well as doubting his ability to help due to his past, but he really could have said, "Wait, I want to help!" long before he actually did.  That said, the way he reached out to Beckham was wonderful.  He saw a lot of himself in the kid and it showed.  

As a parent, the blurb caught me hook, line, and sinker.  Who can resist three young boys who have not only lost their mother but are also about to be thrown into foster care because their only living relative doesn't want them?  The way Cleo, Judd, and the entire Laramie clan came together to keep these boys together was truly heart-warming.  Although this is only my second book by this author, it's definitely not going to be my last.  She's proven to me that she can write varied and enjoyable romance novels with characters that are not just likable, but relatable as well.  

*Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for a fair review.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a story that delights in the easy way to do practically anything, but really, SUCH IS LIFE, and yes, I read fiction to step away from reality, but it doesn't mean that a dose of it in the story is any less enjoyable. Take this one for example. I have the utmost respect for Judd's initial reaction to Cleo's request. He has issues, he knows his limits, and he doesn't want to inflict them on innocents...not that things are going were going to work out that way initially or in the foreseeable long run, but still...and you know there is that whole man-of-the-law bit. A man that admits when he's in over his head though, GOLDEN! Same for Cleo though...she was asked something from the heart of a dear friend, but left without the means to make it happen. It wasn't anyone's fault, life took an unexpected and sudden turn, but it didn't make it any less of a challenge to take care of the loved ones left behind...and Cleo is DEFINITELY a woman of her word. The highs and lows they both experience, alongside the cast of zany and lovable characters, makes this more than a story of second chances for all involved, but a testament of sorts to family being more than blood...family being the people we choose to let into our lives and our hearts.

All in all, a delightful read that hits all the right heartstrings, while giving us a story to remember.
Recommended for fans of the author as well as Contemporary Romance fans that love a heavier story with their weekend reading flirtation.


**copy received for review; opinions are my own

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to start reading this complimentary ARC book provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Although part of a series it could be read as a stand-alone story as the author provides background on Judd and his brothers along with Cleo, who experienced the foster care system growing up. Now Cleo's best friend Miranda has died and her intent was to have Cleo take custody of her 3 boys. But her poor excuse for a mother is still in the picture and Miranda tries everything to get the boys out from her home. She has a juvenile record and is a bar owner so not an option for her to take over care legally. She turns to the only person she trusts, her former foster friend Judd. He and his brothers spent many years in the system dealing with abuse until Buck and his wife stepped in to take them in. They all end up at Buck and Rosie's with the Laramie family helping to transition the three boys to a life without their mom. Judd battles his own demons and guilt at not protecting his brothers and is a recovering alcoholic.

The descriptions provided of the ranch and town of Coldwater put you right in the heart of their lives. Combined with the daily battles Cleo and Judd face in their personal lives, this story had the perfect balance between drama and romance and was a quick read. Strong characters along with a sensitive plot makes me glad to recommend this book and look forward to more books in the Coldwater Texas series!

[Monica Cardoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Texas Sunrise is the second installment in the Coldwater, Texas Series. Judd is a Deputy in Coldwater and his life is about to implode. Cleo was also a foster child that was there when the Laramie brothers were their but she ended up leaving. Now she is back in Judd’s life after Buck’s health scare but that is not the only reason Judd is back in her life she would like for him to foster her best friend’s children. They were 3 boys and they had a rough life living with their grandmother and it had not been long since their mother died. Judd knows that he can’t take them in because of his situation and Cleo is not able to take them in also because she has a record so Judd’s older brother decided to step up. They are going to go through a roller coaster ride with grandmother but also they are going to have to deal with the emotions of the children. The children have a lot of trust issues and the oldest is the one that takes care of his baby brothers and will do anything to protect them. Judd is going to be tempted into drinking and Cleo will be there to help him out but in the end I love how Judd steps up. Cleo and Judd are going to go through many ups and downs with the children but they are both going to learn so much of what they are capable of doing.

This is a must read and I can’t wait to read the next book which is Nico’s turn to have his happily ever after.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo's best friend past away leaving her son's in her care. Thing is the unfit grandmother is putting up a fuss. Cleo also hasn't had the best past and has a criminal record from when she was young. So she turned to deputy Judd who had a similar past with foster care and see if he can care for the boy in name only because shed be doing the work. But the grandmother is looking for ways to discredit the two and get her grandchildren at whatever means necessary.

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting seeing the lengths that Cleo would go to to make sure the boys where in her care. Shes not above asking for help and she really trusted Judd. Judd has his own issues with the bottle and really doesn't need this stress but will also do everything he can to help Cleo and make sure these boy's stay together because in foster care they take the risk of being separated and these two know what its like. I loved seeing the romance and there was plenty of steamy scenes. I loved that there was plenty of drama going on to keep things interesting as well because that grandmother wasn't' going to go away without a fight. Overall it was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Coldwater Texas novel, in which Cleo Delaney is faced with how to keep her promise to her best friend's boys--all three of them. She won't be approved as their foster mother because she owns a bar and has a police record from when she was an out-of-control teenager, but that doesn't stop her. She enlists her friends' help, including Buck and Rosy, who'd fostered her while also keeping Judd and his three brothers in line.

Judd's another problem. She's had a crush on him since before she asked him if he wanted to get lucky and divest her of her virginity and those feelings haven't diminished. But Judd isn't interested in any kind of commitment unless you call it rec sex, which Cleo deems not a bad idea, at least in the short run.

However, both have to get real with how to take care of the boys when a social worker steps up and says SHE and her husband will foster them. Not something the boys wants and they prove it by running away. There's no question Judd and Cleo and all their buddies will find them, but then what? Who's going to step up and keep those three together?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Texas Sunrise by Delores Fossen brings a few people together to help keep three brothers out of foster care. Cleo Delaney's dear friend Miranda Morelli died three weeks after a Cancer diagnosis, leaving behind three sons. Miranda didn't have time to finalize giving Cleo custody. Their father died years ago in a construction accident so the boys end up with their abusive and uncaring grandmother. Cleo's friends, the Laramie brothers, understand foster homes. Their mother had been a neglectful junkie who beat them. Cleo had also been in foster care and she was determined to do whatever she had to in order to raise her friend's sons. This book has likable characters that you can't help rooting for. I really enjoyed Popsicle the kitten and Mango the puppy. Imagining them made me smile. It also has a nice romance between two people who care about helping each other. This is an entertaining book!

[TeriLyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Hot Texas Sunrise generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This book started off really strong for me and then fell apart through the middle into the end. So much was happening and I didn't feel the authenticity of the situation with the boys. Cleo's history didn't feel all that bad to me for such scrutiny when the primary goal is to keep the kids together. And the way Kace stepped up and Judd still didn't make a move towards that rubbed me the wrong way too. Lavinia didn't get fully solved and Judd's coming around happened so late in the book it was too late for me. The bright spot that I really adored throughout the story was Judd seeing something in Beckham that reminded him so much of himself and the lessons he brought to Beckham. It was worthwhile and made me feel hopeful at his turn around on the situation.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful Delores Fossen book. The second in the Coldwater Texas series. We get caught up with the characters from the first book..Buck the foster day to al these boys..Judd included.. Cleo grew up there too for a little while. Judd was her first and she has never forgotten him. She is trying to get her friend that passed boys to take care of them but their grandmother is mean and won't let her but when the grandmother does bad things Judd sweeps in to help! You go through the story of Judd and Cleo rooting for them to get the three boys, that so much remind Judd of his childhood. This was a must read book that I couldn't put down..Please give it a read you won't be disappointed

[Kerry - Readkerryread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cold hard look into the realities of the foster care system. When Cleo is trying to raise her beset friends kids, she is denied because of her past. So she tries to recruit her old friend and one time fling. He was a product of the system so he understands how important it is to find someone who cares. The threat that the boys won't stay, the mean drunk grandmother threatening them, and the foster system itself. I could feel the fear and pain that the boys displayed which is telling of a well written story. Bravo!

I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your best friend dies and wants you to raise her children. That is the dilemma driving the plot in Hot Texas Sunrise. The kids are interesting, the adults helpful, and the problems are many. I loved the way Cleo and Judd react and how they work together. It was also great to see how they worried about how events would affect the other. Great characters, interesting plot and some fun moments kept this a hard to put down story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart tugging story of three orphaned boys that their mother’s best friend was trying to find a home for. Cleo Delaney lost her best friend to cancer but she would do her best to see that her three boys would not be split up in foster care. Cleo had come through foster care and knew how hard it could be and so did four brothers that she grew up with who were in the same foster home as she was. Deputy Judd Laramie wanted to help Cleo but he had troubles of his own. Could he overcome his own problems to keep these three boys together. Good book.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable read is filled with emotions and some deep issues. The well crafted story pulls you in and has fully invested in the outcome. I liked Cleo a lot and I hated what she was going through. I felt for Judd but many of his actions (or inactions) really annoyed me. A very emotional read. Of my own accord I'm posting a sincere review.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching, but sweet and sexy at the same time! Cleo and Judd were a slow burn, almost second chance story. They had history, and both had not so good childhoods, but they definitely worked together to figure out how to take care of the boys. Even if Judd was reluctant, he was in from the first.

[Alima Livzletlivz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book from Delores Fossen is pretty entertaining!!!! I mean who would have the guts to raise three kids and rope in a Texas Deputy to be their Father so she doesn't lose her best friend's kids? That's Cleo Delaney for you. Just the plot alone gives an inkling of how this story would go - kids, a deputy and of course humorous situations and a dose of love.

Warm hearted read!

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Goodfm)

Jud had his own demons,which he had tried, unsuccessfully to drown, in the bottom of a bourbon bottle.
When called on to help three kids, in need of a hsafe home and a guiding hand, Jud baulked, feeling unfit for the job. However, time and events were to provide him the answers he needed.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judd Laramie & Cleo Delaney

A second chance at love story
Finding redemption and forgiveness
Family coming together to help one another
I loved the ‘dad jokes’ that Mercy his AA sponsor said to anyone who she was talking to
I loved how Gopher the flasher kept showing up
And the bull kept getting loose and stopping traffic

[Virna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good and the characters were both a bit broken with the past lives, These two end up on one roller-coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns they both face it together. But this finnish a little to abrupt.

[Karen Machamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, yet another great book by Delores. I highly recommend it to everyone.