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The Gallaghers of Morning Star #1
Texas Secrets
From New York Times and USAToday bestselling Texas romance author Jean Brashear, the first book in her popular Texas Heroes series:
Up-and-coming chef Maddie Collins finds out that her father's life was a lie when she is bequeathed a family homeplace she never knew existed—by the husband of the only woman her father ever loved. A former SEAL, sexy cowboy Boone Gallagher arrives back in Texas to discover that the father who drove him away has struck one last blow. The only place he's ever thought of as home now belongs to a woman who doesn't want it, and he must keep her there for thirty days—or it will be lost to them both.
Up-and-coming chef Maddie Collins finds out that her father's life was a lie when she is bequeathed a family homeplace she never knew existed—by the husband of the only woman her father ever loved. A former SEAL, sexy cowboy Boone Gallagher arrives back in Texas to discover that the father who drove him away has struck one last blow. The only place he's ever thought of as home now belongs to a woman who doesn't want it, and he must keep her there for thirty days—or it will be lost to them both.
209 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
1756 people are currently reading
2865 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 - 30 of 351 reviews
September 9, 2015
Written August 19, 2015
2 1/2 Stars - Quite nice
Added the $2 audiobook to my freebie e-book I got two years ago. — 6:24 hrs narrated by Eric G. Dove (new for me) and some happy reviews about this contemporary m/f cowboy romance. — We will see...
Well... what to say?
*********************************************************
The big-city girl and chef Maddie Collins arrives to a big Texas cattle ranch. She has inherited the mansion house from an unknown "relative", a man who felt he owned her father. There, in a far away Texas nowhere is also the former SEAL, a gorgeous sexy —but sulky and grumpy— cowboy. Boone Gallagher, the oldest son of the recently passed away ranch owner.
Boone has also just arrived back home to discover that the father who drove him away has struck one last hard blow. The only place he's ever thought of as home now belongs to a woman who doesn't want it. The will says they must keep her there for thirty long days or he will loose his old beloved home for ever.
*********************************************************
I'm glad I made it to the end...
I'm sorry to say but this was pretty sweet but too predictable and ordinary. Probably forgotten tomorrow. When a writer mention the main characters names in every sentence it makes me want to scream. I didn't count but I sure I heard "Maddie" and "Boone" at least a thousand times.
Audiobook and narrator
The narration didn't make me overly happy either. He, Eric G. Dove did in most ways a well enough job but the heroines voice felt poorly weak. This woman was in many ways a strong heroine I liked but here in the audiobook edition she appeared as a damsel in distress too often.
Anyway, I finished and that's a good enough sign.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - a tiny bit
2 1/2 Stars - Quite nice
Added the $2 audiobook to my freebie e-book I got two years ago. — 6:24 hrs narrated by Eric G. Dove (new for me) and some happy reviews about this contemporary m/f cowboy romance. — We will see...
Well... what to say?
*********************************************************
The big-city girl and chef Maddie Collins arrives to a big Texas cattle ranch. She has inherited the mansion house from an unknown "relative", a man who felt he owned her father. There, in a far away Texas nowhere is also the former SEAL, a gorgeous sexy —but sulky and grumpy— cowboy. Boone Gallagher, the oldest son of the recently passed away ranch owner.
Boone has also just arrived back home to discover that the father who drove him away has struck one last hard blow. The only place he's ever thought of as home now belongs to a woman who doesn't want it. The will says they must keep her there for thirty long days or he will loose his old beloved home for ever.
"Take me home, Boone."
For one quicksilver, impossible moment, Boone let himself imagine a life where those words could be ordinary.
Take me home, Boone.
They weren't real. He knew that.
But for tonight, at least, he was the man who had the right to take Maddie home.
*********************************************************
I'm glad I made it to the end...
I'm sorry to say but this was pretty sweet but too predictable and ordinary. Probably forgotten tomorrow. When a writer mention the main characters names in every sentence it makes me want to scream. I didn't count but I sure I heard "Maddie" and "Boone" at least a thousand times.
Audiobook and narrator
The narration didn't make me overly happy either. He, Eric G. Dove did in most ways a well enough job but the heroines voice felt poorly weak. This woman was in many ways a strong heroine I liked but here in the audiobook edition she appeared as a damsel in distress too often.
Anyway, I finished and that's a good enough sign.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - a tiny bit
May 4, 2013
Two-haiku review:
She inherits house
Must live in it thirty days
Falls for house and guy
Beginning not great
Then characters develop
And plot nicely done
She inherits house
Must live in it thirty days
Falls for house and guy
Beginning not great
Then characters develop
And plot nicely done
June 16, 2013
I picked up Texas Secrets as a free read. I've had my fair share of duds that I obtained this way, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed this one! This is the story of Maddie, who comes to Texas to claim a ranch house left to her by an estranged friend of her now deceased father. There she encounters Boone, the friend's son, who is (needless to say) ticked about the fact that his father didn't leave the house to him and his brother.
I thought the tension between the two characters was realistic and well-done. Both were well developed and very likeable. Secondary characters were also well done here...I especially loved Jim - such a sweet older man. A nice foil for Boone's stubborness, and a fatherly voice of reason. Steamy scenes, although not plentiful, were hot enough to satisfy. This one really wasn't just about the sex, there was a real plot here...and it was interesting enough to keep me reading ( I read this in one day). The door has obviously been left open for more books in the series, and I'd definitely check them out.
4 stars
I thought the tension between the two characters was realistic and well-done. Both were well developed and very likeable. Secondary characters were also well done here...I especially loved Jim - such a sweet older man. A nice foil for Boone's stubborness, and a fatherly voice of reason. Steamy scenes, although not plentiful, were hot enough to satisfy. This one really wasn't just about the sex, there was a real plot here...and it was interesting enough to keep me reading ( I read this in one day). The door has obviously been left open for more books in the series, and I'd definitely check them out.
4 stars
October 21, 2013
Full disclosure: I got this book for free from Bookbub, so my rating might be somewhat skewed. It was by far the best free book I've read in ages. Unlike many (apparently self-published?) books, this one is NOT rife with spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes -- nor with plot holes or unresolved story-lines. This book seemed to be really professionally written and edited.
As to the story itself, I thought the exposition could've been done with a bit more clarity. It's a complicated story with a lot of characters and history, and it took me longer than I think it should have to understand who everyone was and what was their bearing on the current situation (which I'd like to think is a failure on the part of the writing, not my reading!).
Regardless, the characters in the current story were, to me, all likeable and understandable. The drama was more about external conflict (rational characters finding themselves in bad/odd situations), rather than the characters' hangups and stupidity causing them to make poor choices, thus causing "drama." The romance was of course maybe not the most realistic, but that's not why we read these books, is it? It was sweet and progressed at an even, if accelerated pace.
Altogether, I really did enjoy this read. Unfortunately it's not available at the library. I may end up buying the rest of the series because I enjoyed this one enough that I'd really like to continue on. (It's not a cliffhanger, though -- you can read this book and stop there if you want to.) I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a sweet and easy romance novel.
As to the story itself, I thought the exposition could've been done with a bit more clarity. It's a complicated story with a lot of characters and history, and it took me longer than I think it should have to understand who everyone was and what was their bearing on the current situation (which I'd like to think is a failure on the part of the writing, not my reading!).
Regardless, the characters in the current story were, to me, all likeable and understandable. The drama was more about external conflict (rational characters finding themselves in bad/odd situations), rather than the characters' hangups and stupidity causing them to make poor choices, thus causing "drama." The romance was of course maybe not the most realistic, but that's not why we read these books, is it? It was sweet and progressed at an even, if accelerated pace.
Altogether, I really did enjoy this read. Unfortunately it's not available at the library. I may end up buying the rest of the series because I enjoyed this one enough that I'd really like to continue on. (It's not a cliffhanger, though -- you can read this book and stop there if you want to.) I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a sweet and easy romance novel.
December 11, 2013
I read another review that summed this story up as 'small town family drama.' In many ways they were right but this story is so much more. Here's what I loved:
Excellent characterization: beyond dialogue & action, the author captures facial expressions, body language, and vocal nuance to establish impressively round characters.
Developed setting: with details that move you clearly from space to space.
Sexual tension: this is a romance after all. We are looking for heat & we get an undeniable awareness between H/h within 2-3 pages. I like the 'hate at first sight' with irresistible pulls toward one another formula so this aspect worked for me as well.
Steamy sex scene: I say 'scene' because there really is only one. I typically find the 'wait till the end' sex scene annoying, but there was ample sensuality here. Plus, if you are going to make me wait, make it hot enough to fry my Nook :-). The final connection was definitely hot so I'll say it was worth it!
Overall, loved this one & will definitely read the others in the series.
Excellent characterization: beyond dialogue & action, the author captures facial expressions, body language, and vocal nuance to establish impressively round characters.
Developed setting: with details that move you clearly from space to space.
Sexual tension: this is a romance after all. We are looking for heat & we get an undeniable awareness between H/h within 2-3 pages. I like the 'hate at first sight' with irresistible pulls toward one another formula so this aspect worked for me as well.
Steamy sex scene: I say 'scene' because there really is only one. I typically find the 'wait till the end' sex scene annoying, but there was ample sensuality here. Plus, if you are going to make me wait, make it hot enough to fry my Nook :-). The final connection was definitely hot so I'll say it was worth it!
Overall, loved this one & will definitely read the others in the series.
May 10, 2014
This is a great story! I loved it so much I read all 3 books in the Gallaghers of Morning Star series in 3 Days!A
Book A Day.
The first one is Boone and Maddie's story and the pace is Fabulous.
Kept me riveted with new discoveries, some mysteries, and decades old pain and loss that strummed my heart strings.
You've gotta read this.
Book A Day.
The first one is Boone and Maddie's story and the pace is Fabulous.
Kept me riveted with new discoveries, some mysteries, and decades old pain and loss that strummed my heart strings.
You've gotta read this.
July 31, 2013
The description of this one is off just a little. It may have been just my take on it after I read the book though. Basically, it was family drama. That’s pretty much all you need to know.
Boone came back to his family ranch after his father died. To say that they had a strained relationship would be putting it mildly. He (Boone’ dad) basically shut himself down when his wife died and drove his sons away from him physically and emotionally. His final act was to try to make things right. Not necessarily for his sons, but for the daughter of his best friend who he felt like he had treated unfairly as well. Maddie came to the ranch to stay the 30 days that Boone’s dad (Sam) had requested. At the end of the allotted time she could decide to either keep the house and some acreage or sell it to Boone. If she didn’t stay the allotted time then the property would be forfeited to a neighboring family with a not so nice reputation. See, just a little different, but I think you get the gist of it now.
As far as contemporary cowboy romances, I think Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star is one of the better ones I’ve read lately. Sometimes the romances like these tend to get a little corny. That’s probably not fair, but I’m not really sure of any other way to put it. I didn’t get that from Texas Secrets. The premise was unique and the flow of the story was believable. There was a strong connection with the characters but it wasn’t forced.
I really liked these characters. Maddie was a free spirit. She was strong and determined and felt like she belonged at Morning Star from the moment she saw it. Part of that was because she had spent her life on the run with her mother and father. She had never settled in one place for very long and the fact that she had roots at Morning Star made the draw and appeal even stronger.
For Boone, Morning Star was the only home he had ever known and he wasn’t about to give it up without a fight. He was also broken and Maddie was the perfect person to make him feel again. He was committed and determined as well, but he also had a soft side that I loved watching Maddie uncover.
The supporting characters were great and were more than just filler. They were witty and the friendship and sense of family between them all was strong. I loved all of them. There were even a couple of twists and turns and more than a few surprises. Although Maddie and Boone’s story came to a satisfying end, it’s evident in the set up for the next books that they will play a role in them. At least I hope so.
The next two books in the Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star series are Texas Lonely and Texas Bad Boy. Telling you now who they feature would throw out some pretty huge spoilers, and you know how I feel about them.
Boone came back to his family ranch after his father died. To say that they had a strained relationship would be putting it mildly. He (Boone’ dad) basically shut himself down when his wife died and drove his sons away from him physically and emotionally. His final act was to try to make things right. Not necessarily for his sons, but for the daughter of his best friend who he felt like he had treated unfairly as well. Maddie came to the ranch to stay the 30 days that Boone’s dad (Sam) had requested. At the end of the allotted time she could decide to either keep the house and some acreage or sell it to Boone. If she didn’t stay the allotted time then the property would be forfeited to a neighboring family with a not so nice reputation. See, just a little different, but I think you get the gist of it now.
As far as contemporary cowboy romances, I think Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star is one of the better ones I’ve read lately. Sometimes the romances like these tend to get a little corny. That’s probably not fair, but I’m not really sure of any other way to put it. I didn’t get that from Texas Secrets. The premise was unique and the flow of the story was believable. There was a strong connection with the characters but it wasn’t forced.
I really liked these characters. Maddie was a free spirit. She was strong and determined and felt like she belonged at Morning Star from the moment she saw it. Part of that was because she had spent her life on the run with her mother and father. She had never settled in one place for very long and the fact that she had roots at Morning Star made the draw and appeal even stronger.
For Boone, Morning Star was the only home he had ever known and he wasn’t about to give it up without a fight. He was also broken and Maddie was the perfect person to make him feel again. He was committed and determined as well, but he also had a soft side that I loved watching Maddie uncover.
The supporting characters were great and were more than just filler. They were witty and the friendship and sense of family between them all was strong. I loved all of them. There were even a couple of twists and turns and more than a few surprises. Although Maddie and Boone’s story came to a satisfying end, it’s evident in the set up for the next books that they will play a role in them. At least I hope so.
The next two books in the Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star series are Texas Lonely and Texas Bad Boy. Telling you now who they feature would throw out some pretty huge spoilers, and you know how I feel about them.
October 25, 2013
An enjoyable book that follows the story of two people from 'different walks of life' and the problems that can cause.
Maddie, a chef from New York discovers that the ranch house that once belonged to her late grandmother and should have past to her father but instead was sold to her father's best friend Sam(though a series of sad events) has been past back to her.
The same ranch that has been Boone's (Sam's son) home all his life. Sam's will stipulates that the land will continue to belong to Boone but the house as well as a few acres are Maddie's. She is free to sell the house to Boone after staying their 30 days. Otherwise Boone loses any chance of buying it from her.
We watch the conflict between the two as they discover the reasons behind Sam's will. We also watch Maddie grew to love the land.
The attraction between Boone and Maddie is very evident but they both have pre-conceived notions on what the other wants. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and self doubt add fuel to their confusion as they struggle with getting too close.
Maddie, a chef from New York discovers that the ranch house that once belonged to her late grandmother and should have past to her father but instead was sold to her father's best friend Sam(though a series of sad events) has been past back to her.
The same ranch that has been Boone's (Sam's son) home all his life. Sam's will stipulates that the land will continue to belong to Boone but the house as well as a few acres are Maddie's. She is free to sell the house to Boone after staying their 30 days. Otherwise Boone loses any chance of buying it from her.
We watch the conflict between the two as they discover the reasons behind Sam's will. We also watch Maddie grew to love the land.
The attraction between Boone and Maddie is very evident but they both have pre-conceived notions on what the other wants. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and self doubt add fuel to their confusion as they struggle with getting too close.
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January 8, 2015
This author is new to me so I started this part of a series with neutral expectations.
The story had, although really nothing new and rather predictable to nearly every scene, quite a good pacing. I guess it although has to do with it being on the short side of a novel, but still.
The characters were drawn in a realistic way and I was able to sympathise with them, although the hero, Boone, got on my nerves at some point. I don't like heroes who whine too much about the fact that they are oh so unworthy of the heroine. In this case the hero (sorry if anyone's dearest out there is called Boone, but I find it to be a funny and unmanly name) always seemed to know what's best for the heroine, which was repetitive in the end.
Though I had my down moments with it, overall it was a enjoyable read, with enough angst to keep my interest and enough lightness to make up for it.
The story had, although really nothing new and rather predictable to nearly every scene, quite a good pacing. I guess it although has to do with it being on the short side of a novel, but still.
The characters were drawn in a realistic way and I was able to sympathise with them, although the hero, Boone, got on my nerves at some point. I don't like heroes who whine too much about the fact that they are oh so unworthy of the heroine. In this case the hero (sorry if anyone's dearest out there is called Boone, but I find it to be a funny and unmanly name) always seemed to know what's best for the heroine, which was repetitive in the end.
Though I had my down moments with it, overall it was a enjoyable read, with enough angst to keep my interest and enough lightness to make up for it.
October 9, 2013
This is my first read for this author and really enjoyed the story.
This is the 1st of the Gallaghers of Morning Star.
The main characters are Maddie Rose Collins - a city girl and up and coming chef and Boone Gallagher whose father passed away and left the house where he always lived to Maddie.
Maddie has to live in the house for 30 days or face the sale of the house to an outsider. So Boone wants her to stay (at times) so that
he can buy the house.
I loved the characters in this story and will be looking forward to reading the next one.
This is the 1st of the Gallaghers of Morning Star.
The main characters are Maddie Rose Collins - a city girl and up and coming chef and Boone Gallagher whose father passed away and left the house where he always lived to Maddie.
Maddie has to live in the house for 30 days or face the sale of the house to an outsider. So Boone wants her to stay (at times) so that
he can buy the house.
I loved the characters in this story and will be looking forward to reading the next one.
May 21, 2013
Absolutely loved this story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series if they are as good as this book it will be a great series.
Want to read
January 4, 2015Free on Amazon as if 10/29/14!
December 31, 2015
Okay, just not riveting. The pacing was a bit slow.
November 5, 2025
The things I do for my book club...
As proven by the load of great reviews for this book first published in 1999, I am definitely in the minority with my opinion here. But this book did not work for me in the slightest because it incorporated some of my least favourite tropes of all time, the secret baby (of which we have even have two in this book!) included.
The premise of the book is that the MMC's dead father gifts a house to former best friend's daughter (FMC) and forces her to live there for 30 days. After which she should sell the house to one of his sons, preferably the MMC. As a matter of course, said MMC and FMC are so attracted to each other that the thought of another taking a shower (naked! who would have thought!) makes their blood pressure rise, their cravings surge and apparently makes the tension in the room so hot that we need a fire brigade to take some of the heat off. (I personally did not feel this.)
We have some of the silliest writing in existence with ladies whose long legs make men cry, the first sex scene next to a birthing horse (I am not kidding here as we literally have a sentence where the birthing horse cries out at the same time with the heroine's orgasm), the strongest muscles the FMC has ever touched and the softest skin the hero has ever touched with such lush breasts that basically overflow his palms when grasping.
Of course, we have a hero who can only love once, despite being married before. He is traumatised from his mother's death and his father grief after said passing. He promised himself that he will never love like that, and yet... less than 2 weeks with a woman (of which he also spends 4 days off the farm) whom he actually tries to avoid most of the time... and he is head over heels.
As might be expected, the hero is a jealous bastard who loses his mind because said heroine HUGS another man. He accuses her of having an affair behind his back even.
Most definitely, we have a heroine who is a master chef (no pun intended here), but is willing to kill all of her dreams for a guy whom she met for the first time literally 2 weeks ago. Instead of a high level restaurant she has worked years toward, she has an opportunity to take over a diner at a small town and she will take it because she just met the love of her life like 2 eons (read: weeks) ago.
Naturally, we have side characters who support the MC-s strong attraction for one another and strongly advise them to persuade the other to stay with them for the rest of the life. Did I mention that the side characters met the main character also less than 2 weeks ago and therefore don't actually know each other?
Oh, and the real kicker here? The reason the FMC and MMC even met, the MMC's father's will, right? Apparently, this estranged dead father of his set them up! I am paraphrasing here, but his last letter to his son says things like: "By now you've met Maddie Rose and whatever has happened between you two, she has spark and may she make you happy."
And the real reason I started reading this book, was to tick off the "secret baby" square for my book club bingo. There are two. One of them is the MMC's former wife's child (am not sure if he was the father or not as she was a cheating scumbag) who passed away in utero with the former wife. And the second secret baby? Potential half-sibling to both FMC and MMC. The same father with the FMC and same mom with the MMC. They got married before finding if they have a joint sibling or not...
The thing I liked best about this book, was the fact that I had grabbed it as a freebie at some point and I can breathe easily for not having paid for these couple of hours of suffering.
I think it comes as a surprise to all that I am not going to continue with this series.
As proven by the load of great reviews for this book first published in 1999, I am definitely in the minority with my opinion here. But this book did not work for me in the slightest because it incorporated some of my least favourite tropes of all time, the secret baby (of which we have even have two in this book!) included.
The premise of the book is that the MMC's dead father gifts a house to former best friend's daughter (FMC) and forces her to live there for 30 days. After which she should sell the house to one of his sons, preferably the MMC. As a matter of course, said MMC and FMC are so attracted to each other that the thought of another taking a shower (naked! who would have thought!) makes their blood pressure rise, their cravings surge and apparently makes the tension in the room so hot that we need a fire brigade to take some of the heat off. (I personally did not feel this.)
We have some of the silliest writing in existence with ladies whose long legs make men cry, the first sex scene next to a birthing horse (I am not kidding here as we literally have a sentence where the birthing horse cries out at the same time with the heroine's orgasm), the strongest muscles the FMC has ever touched and the softest skin the hero has ever touched with such lush breasts that basically overflow his palms when grasping.
Of course, we have a hero who can only love once, despite being married before. He is traumatised from his mother's death and his father grief after said passing. He promised himself that he will never love like that, and yet... less than 2 weeks with a woman (of which he also spends 4 days off the farm) whom he actually tries to avoid most of the time... and he is head over heels.
As might be expected, the hero is a jealous bastard who loses his mind because said heroine HUGS another man. He accuses her of having an affair behind his back even.
Most definitely, we have a heroine who is a master chef (no pun intended here), but is willing to kill all of her dreams for a guy whom she met for the first time literally 2 weeks ago. Instead of a high level restaurant she has worked years toward, she has an opportunity to take over a diner at a small town and she will take it because she just met the love of her life like 2 eons (read: weeks) ago.
Naturally, we have side characters who support the MC-s strong attraction for one another and strongly advise them to persuade the other to stay with them for the rest of the life. Did I mention that the side characters met the main character also less than 2 weeks ago and therefore don't actually know each other?
Oh, and the real kicker here? The reason the FMC and MMC even met, the MMC's father's will, right? Apparently, this estranged dead father of his set them up! I am paraphrasing here, but his last letter to his son says things like: "By now you've met Maddie Rose and whatever has happened between you two, she has spark and may she make you happy."
And the real reason I started reading this book, was to tick off the "secret baby" square for my book club bingo. There are two. One of them is the MMC's former wife's child (am not sure if he was the father or not as she was a cheating scumbag) who passed away in utero with the former wife. And the second secret baby? Potential half-sibling to both FMC and MMC. The same father with the FMC and same mom with the MMC. They got married before finding if they have a joint sibling or not...
The thing I liked best about this book, was the fact that I had grabbed it as a freebie at some point and I can breathe easily for not having paid for these couple of hours of suffering.
I think it comes as a surprise to all that I am not going to continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
Looks like I will have myself another series I am going to have to finish. We watch as two, presumed different people meet under unfortunate circumstances. Boone's Dad passed away and left their family house to a woman named Maddie. Boone is a country boy, wears the boots and hat and all. He works hard on his family farm tending to the animals and land. He is not thrilled to say the least about this city girl claiming the house. Maddie is from New York and a well known chef. Her grandmother actually lived in the house in Texas and Maddie is hoping to find some answers into her family's past. She is now an orphan with no family to go to. During their 30 days together, as per Boone's dads will, the two are on an emotional roller coaster. Can they overcome the secrets that are about to be uncovered? What about the feelings they have for each other? Oh did I forget to mention that Boone's mom and Maddie's dad were once in love? It really is a story filled with twists and turns.
April 2, 2017
Excellent
Great story that's very well written with interesting characters and intriguing twists in the storyline. Madden Rose Collins had no idea what to expect when she arrived in Morning Glory Texas but the beautiful home, quaint town, and Boone Gallagher were all a nice surprise. Definitely a recommended read.
Great story that's very well written with interesting characters and intriguing twists in the storyline. Madden Rose Collins had no idea what to expect when she arrived in Morning Glory Texas but the beautiful home, quaint town, and Boone Gallagher were all a nice surprise. Definitely a recommended read.
June 3, 2018
Texas Secrets
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Jean Brashear's The Gallaghers of Morning Star series. Boone and Maddie are strong characters and really start this series off great.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Jean Brashear's The Gallaghers of Morning Star series. Boone and Maddie are strong characters and really start this series off great.
June 7, 2021
A very quick read. I really liked Maddie and her energy and her determination. I really didn’t like Boone, who put people in a box and refuse to see them any other way until he’s hit over the head (metaphorically speaking). Rather frustrating.
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September 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/18/2020)! 🎁
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October 7, 2021A sweet book--take Miss Sunshine City Girl and Mr. Grumpy Wounded Cowboy and put them together on a ranch that technically neither of them owns. But they might if they spend time together...
April 18, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on October 6, 2013 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I never know exactly what to expect when I pick up a freebie, especially one I grabbed in 2013 when I was reading more romance. Texas Secrets was my first experience with this author.
Maddie came to Texas to fulfill the terms of an inheritance but it was hurtful to Boone either way, if she stayed or if she left. They didn't trust each other but certainly they were attracted. Maddie is at a point where she has lost her family and is excited to learn more about the ranch where her father was raised and her grandmother. Boone has lost his wife and daughter but only wants to find his brother Mitch and shut everyone else out.
I appreciated that Maddie was a chef; I always enjoy foodie aspects. I also enjoyed the ranch and the horses. Maddie and Boone slowly became more familiar with each other. I am excited about the future books in this The Gallaghers of Morning Star series as well where I could learn more about family secrets and connections. There are two more books in this trilogy.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on October 6, 2013 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I never know exactly what to expect when I pick up a freebie, especially one I grabbed in 2013 when I was reading more romance. Texas Secrets was my first experience with this author.
Maddie came to Texas to fulfill the terms of an inheritance but it was hurtful to Boone either way, if she stayed or if she left. They didn't trust each other but certainly they were attracted. Maddie is at a point where she has lost her family and is excited to learn more about the ranch where her father was raised and her grandmother. Boone has lost his wife and daughter but only wants to find his brother Mitch and shut everyone else out.
I appreciated that Maddie was a chef; I always enjoy foodie aspects. I also enjoyed the ranch and the horses. Maddie and Boone slowly became more familiar with each other. I am excited about the future books in this The Gallaghers of Morning Star series as well where I could learn more about family secrets and connections. There are two more books in this trilogy.
February 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. The romance was sweet, and also HOT, and steamy.
Maddie Collins arrived in Texas after she inherited a old mansion that was sitting on a cattle ranch. She had inherited the house from a man that she had never met. He had been best friends with her dad, and owed him. Leaving the house to her, was paying off a debt that could never be paid off. She was a very good chef, that worked in a Manhattan restaurant. The big-city girl feel in love with Texas and all it had to offer the first day. She had to stay in the house for 30 days. The only person she could sale the house too if she did not want it, was Boone Galagher.
Boone never got along with his dad. He always dreamed of owning the ranch, and home one day. Now he finds out his dad left the house Maggie. The two has to share the house for 30 days. The chemistry between the two is instant. They both know a fling is the last thing that they should have. This could be a very long 30 days.
Maggie always moved around a lot growing up. She always wanted to belong some place. She had a craving for roots. For the first time she feels like she is home. Will she be able to walk away at the end of 30 days, and give the house to Boone? She knows how bad his father has hurt him. She is starting to really care for Boone. Sweet book.
Sample from chapter 8 - Maddie was always so relentlessly cheerful that he's come to think nothing could bring her low. To see that he was so very wrong struck him in a way that scattered his resolutions. Maddie needed someone. Right now, it would have to be him. She nestled into him and sobbed softly. Boone thought at that instant that he would slay dragons to bring back Maddie's smile.
Sample from chapter 10 - No words passed between them, but words weren't needed. Too often, words had driven them apart. Maddie slid her arms around Boone's wide chest and clung. Then the need for comfort melted like candle wax under the heat of a desire too long denied. She lifted her head and saw her yearning mirrored in his eyes.
May 23, 2013
Book one of a series of five in the Texas Heroe's series.
Oh my. This story had some serious, serious mojo going for it. Great plot and sub, great characters you could sympathise with, slow build up of sexual tension, intrigue, heartbreak, betrayal... Loved it.
October 2, 2015
Glad this book is over! Sigh.. Great Narration though! (audible whispersync reveiw)
Geez I am glad that book is over. It became so annoying. The angst and thoughts of the hero and heroine was aggravating to say the least. It was hard to like them. There really was not chemistry between them and the relationship felt forced, not genuine at all. There is one sex scene towards the end of the story. And let me just add that you will listen/read the entire book until these two admit they even like each other, let alone love each other, as it occurs around 95%. SMH.....
All the hero Boone kept thinking about was "Maddie won't stay, she is a city girl", "I can't ask her to stay", "Maddie won't stay", "Maddie won't stay" Get that repetitive feeling. Yeah, I know!
And Maddie's thoughts "He doesn't want me to stay" over and over.
The plot and story line was just blah and boring, The so called "secrets" were pretty lame. Then the few things you do want to find out about will require you to get the next book. I will pass. This just wasn't for me. Happy for those who enjoyed this story. I did not.
As for the narration, that was the only reason I kept with the book. Eric Dove is a fantastic narrator, he gives everyone their own distinct voice. The women sound like women. His reading voice is great and he reads with emotion and inflections such has coughing, sighing, yelling, whispering, etc.. It's great!.
I cannot recommend this book but I totally recommend the narrator!
This was free on amazon and 1.99 for the whispersync. Glad for that deal. Anymore dollars than that would have been a complete waste of money.
Geez I am glad that book is over. It became so annoying. The angst and thoughts of the hero and heroine was aggravating to say the least. It was hard to like them. There really was not chemistry between them and the relationship felt forced, not genuine at all. There is one sex scene towards the end of the story. And let me just add that you will listen/read the entire book until these two admit they even like each other, let alone love each other, as it occurs around 95%. SMH.....
All the hero Boone kept thinking about was "Maddie won't stay, she is a city girl", "I can't ask her to stay", "Maddie won't stay", "Maddie won't stay" Get that repetitive feeling. Yeah, I know!
And Maddie's thoughts "He doesn't want me to stay" over and over.
The plot and story line was just blah and boring, The so called "secrets" were pretty lame. Then the few things you do want to find out about will require you to get the next book. I will pass. This just wasn't for me. Happy for those who enjoyed this story. I did not.
As for the narration, that was the only reason I kept with the book. Eric Dove is a fantastic narrator, he gives everyone their own distinct voice. The women sound like women. His reading voice is great and he reads with emotion and inflections such has coughing, sighing, yelling, whispering, etc.. It's great!.
I cannot recommend this book but I totally recommend the narrator!
This was free on amazon and 1.99 for the whispersync. Glad for that deal. Anymore dollars than that would have been a complete waste of money.
March 31, 2013
In Texas Secrets, Jean Brashear begins her series of Texas Heroes with the story of Boone Gallagher, a cowboy returning from war, and New York chef Maddie Rose Collins, thrust unexpectedly into a world she finds completely foreign.
Many stories portray struggles between good and evil, but here, the conflict is between dark and light. Both Boone and Maddie are injured souls, with no sense of self. Both have been betrayed by those who should have loved them but didn't, by family and lovers alike.
When Boone's father leaves his Texas ranch to Boone and his missing brother Mitch, but the house to Maddie, provided she live there for a month, Boone considers it one more insult from the father who never loved him.
As the month ticks away, both struggle with demons from their past and clouded hopes for the future, complicated by the "moth-to-the-fire" sexual tension building between them.
Texas Secrets provides a character-driven, emotionally rich story which is Jean Brashear's trademark and always a reason to pick up her latest work.
Many stories portray struggles between good and evil, but here, the conflict is between dark and light. Both Boone and Maddie are injured souls, with no sense of self. Both have been betrayed by those who should have loved them but didn't, by family and lovers alike.
When Boone's father leaves his Texas ranch to Boone and his missing brother Mitch, but the house to Maddie, provided she live there for a month, Boone considers it one more insult from the father who never loved him.
As the month ticks away, both struggle with demons from their past and clouded hopes for the future, complicated by the "moth-to-the-fire" sexual tension building between them.
Texas Secrets provides a character-driven, emotionally rich story which is Jean Brashear's trademark and always a reason to pick up her latest work.
November 1, 2013
First novel by this author, pretty good. Was a little frustrated by all the noble shenanigans going on between Maddie and Boone though. I mean, really,I just have a hard time buying it when they grab each other and do tonsil hockey and then they pull away and say I better get back to work and then what, nothing! Really, yeah and then days go by, and there both fighting it. Maybe I'm not that type of noble person but with the chemistry these two had, why would you fight it. Screw it, I say being all noble and what not. Thank God they came to their senses and finally tore each others clothes off. Then I wanted to give Boone a 2X4 up beside his head for trying the noble act again. No really you should go. Grrrrrrr, I'm like yelling, Man Up, Boone! Thank God he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2016
My first Jean Brashear book but won't be my last. I am hooked. I loved this book. Of course there were times when I just wanted to knock Boone upside the head because he was being so mean to Maddie because he was scared to show her how he truly felt but he redeemed himself because he realizes he was being mean right as it happens and he does try to apologize for his behavior. But at times I just wanted them to get together already. They both held themselves so closed off but they were feeling so much with both scared of being the one to disclose their feelings first. I guess the story would've been too short if they were honest from the beginning. I also loved all the secrets being revealed. Kept me reading through the night. Can't wait to continue the series.
February 3, 2014
While I must admit that I got this as a freebie, it was my first book by this author and I was impressed both by the quality of the writing (and editing) as I was by the story itself. The characters were very current and likable. I do warn that is you as a reader get confused by a multitude of characters and their history this might be a frustrating read for you. However compared to books such as Tolkien and most Russian authors not nearly enough to confuse me. :)
Since I can't seem to find this at the library I have a feeling I shall be downloading the rest of this series soon. It is a good read and while part of a series it works as a standalone book as well.
Since I can't seem to find this at the library I have a feeling I shall be downloading the rest of this series soon. It is a good read and while part of a series it works as a standalone book as well.
June 20, 2015
3.5 STARS~
Being a Texas Native, it's a foregone conclusion that I will read any book set in my home state. I found this freebie, saw that it had some good reviews and had some time to kill so I figured I'd give it a shot. What I found was that I was pleasantly surprised with this little gem.
Boone and Maddie had instant chemistry and I couldn't wait to see it catch fire once they both stop fighting it. The main issue I had was the lack of communication, if they had talked more and shared their history with each other before rushing into a profession of love within two weeks of meeting the storyline would've been more believable to me.
Being a Texas Native, it's a foregone conclusion that I will read any book set in my home state. I found this freebie, saw that it had some good reviews and had some time to kill so I figured I'd give it a shot. What I found was that I was pleasantly surprised with this little gem.
Boone and Maddie had instant chemistry and I couldn't wait to see it catch fire once they both stop fighting it. The main issue I had was the lack of communication, if they had talked more and shared their history with each other before rushing into a profession of love within two weeks of meeting the storyline would've been more believable to me.
September 12, 2016
This was a free book from BookBubs so I didn't know if I would enjoy it plus a new author for me. I had never read any of Jean Brashear's books but suffice it to say after reading this one, I was definitely buying the rest of the series!
This is a very well written love story/family drama about two people being thrown together by circumstance. The characters came to life on the pages for me with sweet romance and yes, hot sexual tension!
Definitely a five star in my opinion and a great read!!!
This is a very well written love story/family drama about two people being thrown together by circumstance. The characters came to life on the pages for me with sweet romance and yes, hot sexual tension!
Definitely a five star in my opinion and a great read!!!
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