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The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs #5
Texas Blaze
From New York Times and USAToday bestselling Texas romance author Jean Brashear, another story in her much-loved Texas Heroes series:
Stilettos and pencil skirts are more successful, ambitious Pen Gallagher’s style than the jeans and boots of the ranch where she was raised. She’s fought hard for her success and spared no time for love, certain that marriage and family are not her lot. Now everything she’s worked for is jeopardized as scandal brews around her after she fell for a man who prized his own ambitions more. Forced to flee D.C. before her identity is revealed and she can never regain the life she battled to build, she reluctantly returns to Sweetgrass.
Former SEAL turned firefighter Bridger Calhoun, on the other hand, visits Sweetgrass every chance he gets. After a recent tragic fire in which he nearly sacrificed his own life, he is ordered to take time off—and Sweetgrass calls to him. After a lifetime spent rootless and fueled by adrenaline, Bridger wants a quiet life, a home and family of his own with a sweet, soft woman as eager for children as he is.
Then a long-legged, sharp-tongued lawyer crosses his path—and flames ignite. While he’s waiting to find Ms. Right and she’s waiting for the coast to clear…what’s the harm in a little fun? It’s only temporary, both agree—they have nothing in common except the heat that blazes high between them, and their goals could not be more opposed. Soon the fire will burn down to embers, and they’ll go on with their lives. Easy-peasy, right?
Except love may have other plans…
Stilettos and pencil skirts are more successful, ambitious Pen Gallagher’s style than the jeans and boots of the ranch where she was raised. She’s fought hard for her success and spared no time for love, certain that marriage and family are not her lot. Now everything she’s worked for is jeopardized as scandal brews around her after she fell for a man who prized his own ambitions more. Forced to flee D.C. before her identity is revealed and she can never regain the life she battled to build, she reluctantly returns to Sweetgrass.
Former SEAL turned firefighter Bridger Calhoun, on the other hand, visits Sweetgrass every chance he gets. After a recent tragic fire in which he nearly sacrificed his own life, he is ordered to take time off—and Sweetgrass calls to him. After a lifetime spent rootless and fueled by adrenaline, Bridger wants a quiet life, a home and family of his own with a sweet, soft woman as eager for children as he is.
Then a long-legged, sharp-tongued lawyer crosses his path—and flames ignite. While he’s waiting to find Ms. Right and she’s waiting for the coast to clear…what’s the harm in a little fun? It’s only temporary, both agree—they have nothing in common except the heat that blazes high between them, and their goals could not be more opposed. Soon the fire will burn down to embers, and they’ll go on with their lives. Easy-peasy, right?
Except love may have other plans…
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
149 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2019
Yeah I have no use for cheaters. While the heroine didn't cheat on the hero the book starts with her knowingly having an affair with a married man. That is a big ol nope for me. Especially when she started going on about the "jealous" wife. Bitch you are fucking her husband. You're lucky she hasn't run your skank ass over with a car.
January 24, 2024
This is another fun read set in Sweetgrass Springs. Pen Gallagher is coming home to Sweetgrass Springs to escape from a scandal in DC and to lick her wounds. She is glad to find Jackson back home and Rissa all grown up. Her intentions are to stay around long enough for things to cool off in DC< then go back to reclaim her position as a Shark in her law firm. Then Bridger Calhoun shows up for a visit and some down time from his job as firefighter/EMT in Tennessee.
The sparks immediately fly between Pen and Bridger and they both agree that a fling would be okay between them. But is a fling really what each want. They both know that Pen will be returning to DC and he will go back to Tennessee. Or will they
The sparks immediately fly between Pen and Bridger and they both agree that a fling would be okay between them. But is a fling really what each want. They both know that Pen will be returning to DC and he will go back to Tennessee. Or will they
January 24, 2018
Penelope Gallagher couldn't get out of Sweetgrass fast enough. Her world crumbled and she needed to find her way. Now she has made it to the top. She thought she found love, the kind her mom had. But the man lied and she went home to lick her wounds. Bridger is a former Navy SEAL and a fire fighter coming to help his buddy finish a project. Their eyes meet and pow. He knows he is not staying and she needs to get back. They are perfect for each other. Life interrupts. He needs to go home and she needs to get back to work. It is funny how big brother has decided to play matchmaker. You would think that Aunt Ruby has that job sewn up. Love the ending.
February 27, 2019
Audiobook Review: Texas Blaze (Texas Heroes, The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs, Book 5)
by: Jean Brashear (Author), Eric G. Dove (Narrator)
Shattered dreams, broken hearts and the chance to begin again. How does one bounce back from the embarrassingly painful moments or the heartbreaking surprises? With Texas Blaze, Brashear welcomes us into the chaos of everyday life. Bridger and Pen are fighting their way through the upsets to find a piece of solid ground. What get is more upheaval on the road to getting it right. Brashear is not afraid to bring readers into the story. With relatable subjects and lovable, yet flawed characters, she takes us one hell of a ride.
by: Jean Brashear (Author), Eric G. Dove (Narrator)
Shattered dreams, broken hearts and the chance to begin again. How does one bounce back from the embarrassingly painful moments or the heartbreaking surprises? With Texas Blaze, Brashear welcomes us into the chaos of everyday life. Bridger and Pen are fighting their way through the upsets to find a piece of solid ground. What get is more upheaval on the road to getting it right. Brashear is not afraid to bring readers into the story. With relatable subjects and lovable, yet flawed characters, she takes us one hell of a ride.
September 2, 2019
Good read
A DC shark lawyer, originally from Texas and a rootless ex-seal/firefighter looking for a small town home. He's a hot hunk and she's a snarky, leggy hotty. Can The Lady of Sweetgrass bring them together? She is in a pickle in Washington and runs home to recoup. He has nightmares from his time as a seal and his last fire. Can they help each other? Some hot sex, romance, angst, and some humor. No danger of mystery. Highly recommend.
A DC shark lawyer, originally from Texas and a rootless ex-seal/firefighter looking for a small town home. He's a hot hunk and she's a snarky, leggy hotty. Can The Lady of Sweetgrass bring them together? She is in a pickle in Washington and runs home to recoup. He has nightmares from his time as a seal and his last fire. Can they help each other? Some hot sex, romance, angst, and some humor. No danger of mystery. Highly recommend.
February 8, 2020
I really liked the book but I had a problem with Penny at the start, not a fan of knowing cheaters. I did enjoy Penny's growth. Texas Blaze lost another star because the timeline got confusing, since I read Texas Dreams, I felt Jean Brashear lost track of what she was writing. I loved Bridger and his knowing what to do when dealing with Penny. He is strong man and wants to step in and fix things, yet he knows how to step back and let Penny deal with things.
February 1, 2018
This book starts a little bit before book 4 and takes place during basically the same time period, and I'll admit that threw me a bit. It felt like the book got off to a slow start since we had already seen the wedding before. Pen and Bridger do have a lovely romance, but I found that I wasn't as in to the story as I was with Jackson and Veronica.
February 1, 2018
The magic of Sweetgrass Springs continues as Pen Gallagher returns looking for a soft place to land and finding it in the arms of the rugged firefighter Bridger Calhoun. What starts out as a fun time with no strings quickly turns into something neither of them were expecting.
Great characters and a fun, nice paced story made this an excellent read. I definitely recommend it.
Great characters and a fun, nice paced story made this an excellent read. I definitely recommend it.
September 6, 2018
These stories were a great follow on.
Story one was Jackson and Veronica much awaited, to see how things would go. Loved how it all turned out.
Next Penny and bridger this was awesome in how it came about, he was my favourite so far.
Then th least one where they marry and the whole clan and town comes together. Just an awesome read.
Narration was awesome too.
Story one was Jackson and Veronica much awaited, to see how things would go. Loved how it all turned out.
Next Penny and bridger this was awesome in how it came about, he was my favourite so far.
Then th least one where they marry and the whole clan and town comes together. Just an awesome read.
Narration was awesome too.
April 3, 2018
Polar opposites, each with pain so deep find comfort in each other’s arms. Can they help each other find answers and perhaps compromise that will allow a future together. So worth the read to find out.
February 19, 2019
Penelope is hurting and the return of her twin is an exciting but trying time for the family. Bridger wants a family but has a very specific woman in mind. They don't work on paper, but the fire between them is palpable. An awesome narrator. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of yours book.
May 19, 2017
Texas Blaze review
Texas Blaze is the fifth book in The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs series written by author Jean Brashear. Great author.
Texas Blaze is the fifth book in The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs series written by author Jean Brashear. Great author.
June 2, 2017
Book 5
Penny and Bridger, laughter, friendship, hate, deceit, cutthroat people, love blooms in spite of it in Sweetgrass.
Penny and Bridger, laughter, friendship, hate, deceit, cutthroat people, love blooms in spite of it in Sweetgrass.
September 8, 2017
Disappointing
It was disappointing to me. Most of the content was the same thing I read in the previous four books.
It was disappointing to me. Most of the content was the same thing I read in the previous four books.
August 11, 2025
Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
February 10, 2016
Just OK..
This is book 5 so I was very confused. Ian and Scarlett got together a couple of books ago and yet she and Nana are both getting married in this one. Weren’t these weddings thrown together a book or so ago? Jackson finally shows up after 17 years in this one when he’s already had his story, with Veronica, in book 4. I felt like this was a recap of all the stories with a little something of Pen and Bridger thrown in. If the books were supposed to run concurrent that was a bad idea. I felt like I was reading the book for a second and third time. Like some of it was simply copied and pasted from other books. I think in order to get everyone straight you’d have to read the Gallaghers books and the Marshalls and the Sweetgrass series, God only knows what else, in order of their writing because they ALL show up in Sweetgrass and if you don’t know who a person is it’s because you haven’t read their book. I mean, Boone and Rissa are in this book and they’re from The Gallaghers of Morning Star, Book 1. And Quinn and Josh was in this one and they're from Texas Refuge: The Marshalls Book 1. There’s a lot of people in this story and I don’t know a lot of them or their backstory. I think if there’s any more stories written about Sweetgrass, I’ll pass.
This was my least favorite of Ms. Brashear’s books and unless I can find one of her books that DOESN’T have a thing to do with Sweetgrass, a book written all by itself, no prequel, so sequel, no nothing, then I’m done. I mean, I read Boone’s story in June of 2012. That’s a long time to keep going with a series and expect readers to remember who all the characters are.
I liked all the players: Bridger, Pen, Nana Ruby, Scarlett, Ian, Boone, Rissa, the Marshalls, Jackson, Veronica, little Eric, and on and on. But, again, I didn’t like Pen and Jackson’s father. He was a mean and hateful man.
This is book 5 so I was very confused. Ian and Scarlett got together a couple of books ago and yet she and Nana are both getting married in this one. Weren’t these weddings thrown together a book or so ago? Jackson finally shows up after 17 years in this one when he’s already had his story, with Veronica, in book 4. I felt like this was a recap of all the stories with a little something of Pen and Bridger thrown in. If the books were supposed to run concurrent that was a bad idea. I felt like I was reading the book for a second and third time. Like some of it was simply copied and pasted from other books. I think in order to get everyone straight you’d have to read the Gallaghers books and the Marshalls and the Sweetgrass series, God only knows what else, in order of their writing because they ALL show up in Sweetgrass and if you don’t know who a person is it’s because you haven’t read their book. I mean, Boone and Rissa are in this book and they’re from The Gallaghers of Morning Star, Book 1. And Quinn and Josh was in this one and they're from Texas Refuge: The Marshalls Book 1. There’s a lot of people in this story and I don’t know a lot of them or their backstory. I think if there’s any more stories written about Sweetgrass, I’ll pass.
This was my least favorite of Ms. Brashear’s books and unless I can find one of her books that DOESN’T have a thing to do with Sweetgrass, a book written all by itself, no prequel, so sequel, no nothing, then I’m done. I mean, I read Boone’s story in June of 2012. That’s a long time to keep going with a series and expect readers to remember who all the characters are.
I liked all the players: Bridger, Pen, Nana Ruby, Scarlett, Ian, Boone, Rissa, the Marshalls, Jackson, Veronica, little Eric, and on and on. But, again, I didn’t like Pen and Jackson’s father. He was a mean and hateful man.
February 7, 2019
Jackson's twin, Pen, figures in this book and her relationship with Bridger. Two people with very different ideas of what they want in both a relationship and their future.
Pen and Bridger are combustible. Really enjoyed their dialogue, both being somewhat smart a$$ed. They share their secrets and realize together they have the strength to conquer their problems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
UPDATE - AUDIO VERSION 2/7/2019
I loved listening to this story with Bridger and Pen. They had such great chemistry. I enjoyed the snarky, witty back and forth they had even more, hearing it. The relationship with Pen's siblings was on point.
The narrator takes you through the book and is so adept at his job that each character has a distinct personality. The storyline is well written, but I imagine it takes a distinct talent to bring that storyline to life.
I hope there are future books to answer the questions I have after this book. What is going to happen with Jeanette? Is Jackson really going to make that move with his company? Will Bridger find his siblings? Will the Lady ever be released from what is keeping her in Sweetgrass?
A sweet, steamy small town romance full of love, loyalty, and friendship.
I voluntarily listened and reviewed this audiobook received from the author.
Pen and Bridger are combustible. Really enjoyed their dialogue, both being somewhat smart a$$ed. They share their secrets and realize together they have the strength to conquer their problems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
UPDATE - AUDIO VERSION 2/7/2019
I loved listening to this story with Bridger and Pen. They had such great chemistry. I enjoyed the snarky, witty back and forth they had even more, hearing it. The relationship with Pen's siblings was on point.
The narrator takes you through the book and is so adept at his job that each character has a distinct personality. The storyline is well written, but I imagine it takes a distinct talent to bring that storyline to life.
I hope there are future books to answer the questions I have after this book. What is going to happen with Jeanette? Is Jackson really going to make that move with his company? Will Bridger find his siblings? Will the Lady ever be released from what is keeping her in Sweetgrass?
A sweet, steamy small town romance full of love, loyalty, and friendship.
I voluntarily listened and reviewed this audiobook received from the author.
October 18, 2015
Texas Blaze is the story of Jackson's twin sister Pen. Pen left home as soon as she graduated from high school and never looked back. I think that Pen really never left, because she couldn't leave behind the sorrow of her twin leaving after their father kicked him out.
When scandal envelopes Washington DC lawyer, Pen Gallagher, she runs home to Sweetgrass Springs just in time for the double weddings of Scarlett and Aunt Ruby. While recovering from a dented heart and ego, she meets Bridger and contemplates her future. She also tries to reconcile her feelings about her twin.
This series is all about love and happily ever after, but the characters are good, kind people, with flaws just like the rest of us.
Pen's story and Jackson's (Texas Rebel) story run concurrently in their books and could have been intertwined, which is my only tiny complaint.
When scandal envelopes Washington DC lawyer, Pen Gallagher, she runs home to Sweetgrass Springs just in time for the double weddings of Scarlett and Aunt Ruby. While recovering from a dented heart and ego, she meets Bridger and contemplates her future. She also tries to reconcile her feelings about her twin.
This series is all about love and happily ever after, but the characters are good, kind people, with flaws just like the rest of us.
Pen's story and Jackson's (Texas Rebel) story run concurrently in their books and could have been intertwined, which is my only tiny complaint.
October 2, 2014
Ms Brashear is a fabulous author of novels set in Texas. Not all of her characters are cowboys. In this Book 5 of the Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs, the main characters are a hotshot lawyer in DC (Pen Gallagher) and former SEAL and now firefighter, Bridger Calhoun. I love everything (8 to date) I've read by this author. I look forward to the next on this series, and I hope it comes soon.
October 6, 2014
Another Sweetgrass Springs Hit
I almost Pen and Bridger are my favorite couple, their love was so simple and yet so complicated. I am hoping this is not the last we see of them, after all there has to be stories about Bridger's sister and brother.
I almost Pen and Bridger are my favorite couple, their love was so simple and yet so complicated. I am hoping this is not the last we see of them, after all there has to be stories about Bridger's sister and brother.
February 14, 2015
There is nothing like a HOT firefighter to heat up your reading pleasure, and Bridger more than fits the bill.. Bridger and Pen make a great couple and their story was heartwarming and steamy at the same time. I love this series and have become a Jean Brashear fan through it.
April 20, 2015
Bridger's and Penelope's story is one of my favs so far. They complement each other but provide support and love when needed. They are so great together even when they decide they might be better apart!
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April 23, 2019Loved it, but it seemed to just stop! Is there another one, this can't be the end!
October 13, 2014
Yet another amazing story by Jean Brashear. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I used up a whole box of tissues. Very intense story. Can't wait to read next book.
November 7, 2016
Love these books
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews