Texas Hellcat

Texas #1

by Shelley Stringer

Kelly Sanger is a beautiful but damaged young woman. Having raised herself and her younger sister, she's put herself through UT-Austin, and learned she doesn't need anyone else to survive. But when the small Austin advertising and management firm brings in a hot new consultant, she finds herself with feelings she can't control. Liam Covington is everything she has tried to avoid --devastatingly handsome, cocky and rich, just like the men who destroyed her mother. But Liam makes it his mission in life to convince her otherwise. As she comes face-to-face with her troubling past, will Liam stand by his Texas Hellcat, or run like all the other men she's ever known? Texas Hellcat is a love story laced with mystery, suspense, and murder. With a rich backdrop of The Texas Hill Country, Old Texas money and good-ole boy Texas politics, it is a must-read for every romance reader.

Genres: Contemporary

306 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2015

Reviews

[Tammy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Shelley Stringer for sending me a copy to review!!

I enjoyed reading the story of Liam and Kelly...it was well written with strong developed characters...it was suspenseful, while at times bringing me to tears...sexual abuse and its effects was a strong topic that Kelly and Liam tackled...this book wasn't over sexual but erotic with a sweet side of romance...leaves you with a cliffhanger during the epilogue so be prepared!!

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent this book for free, and asked to write a review. Yay free books! Of course I would love to write a review. Here it is:

Kelly is the office Cinderella: beautiful, talented, and bullied by her boss. Her drug addicted single mother little sister needs all Kelly’s cash, but none of her loving nags (aww). She lives in a really awesome sounding group house with her besties, but she’s imposed her own housemate friendship hierarchy. She’s on the bottom, doing all the chores.

Kelly’s job is to do a whole lot of work so that her boss can take the credit. She’s setting up a huge PR event with $20, unpaid interns, and crafting projects, all by herself. She can’t afford a proper dress so she has to wear a boy’s suit. And her boss rewards her for all this by saying completely disgusting crap and drunk pawing her on the dance floor.

Wow is Dan Carter a prize. From the beginning he’s ‘why aren’t you suing him for harassment?’ foul, and yet for some reason tipsy girl co-workers willingly sit on his lap when they’re all out having office drinks. Shocking.

When Liam walks into Kelly’s office, he’s so hot. Confusingly, he’s also pretty damn harassy, so it took me a bit of time to work out that he was the romance hero. When he first turned up I was thinking: so this is office romance, and there will be sexy times with the hot new guy and then after many trials Kelly will finally get the promotion she deserves, and while sure, that’s going on, there’s also the little matter of just how many people out there are planning to rape and or murder Kelly for various nefarious reasons.

Just about everyone who hates Kelly is uncompromisingly evil. Girl’s not only got ‘Pretty Woman’ snooty shop assistant enemies, jealous, wanna steal your boyfriend enemies, she’s got serious, super-villain style enemies. Each time I started thinking that maybe Kelly is a touch too beautiful and sexy and smart and beloved by her cheer squad of infants, friends and rich ladies, I’d remember those enemies and think well, yes, on balance she deserves a fair amount of adoration.

Kelly’s had a tough life, and takes rape/murder/stalking/insults/jealous bitches (mostly) in her stride. She turns out some pretty decent heroine moments, including doing something so surprisingly sensible that I forgave her a lot of moaning about how she’s not good enough. Her big issue is that she’s super modest about her value in any relationship.

That made getting close to Liam a problem, because she kept having ‘I’m not worthy moments’ and Liam kept throwing up his hands and walking out. Liam’s a strange mix. I couldn’t get over the fact that he’d been kind of wrong to her in the beginning, and then his idea of progressing their relationship was to get overly protective and then throw money at her while she begged him to stop. He redeemed himself mostly by being sensitive, if a trifle impatient.

This is one of those awesomely fun books where even though I know I’m being manipulated by a simplistic plot that just throws a bunch of outrageous bitches, dangers, sorrows and troubles at the heroine and occasionally rewards her with some sweet fashion moments and sexy times.

At about the twenty per cent mark, Liam declares his love and I couldn’t help wondering what was going to happen with the rest of the book. Turned out: plenty. There is much drama. Enough, in fact, that there’s a setup for a sequel. I’m looking forward to more outrage and fun in that.

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *

This is a completely new and different type of story than I have come to expect from author Shelley Stringer, but it is just as amazing and fantastic as her other books! I really wasn't sure what to expect from her since I love her Southern series soooo much, but I have a feeling that this one is going to quickly become a new favorite series of hers. She has taken all of the details, plot twists, and compelling characters that we have loved and turned them into a new twisted story that deals with the everyday. There are no vampires, spirits, or un-dead things in this story, but you will wish a few of the characters dead once you start reading!

She has given us Kelly and Liam and as much as we don't want Kelly to fall for Liam, we want her to be happy. The author has taken some very difficult topics and spun them into a web so full of twists, turns, bumps and curves that the reader is on a non-stop roller coaster ride the whole time they are turning the pages of the book! The author has the reader feeling all of the emotions possible - they are laughing, crying, yelling, screaming and at times threatening to throw their kindle/books because the action and drama never stop in this book. The characters instantly become a friend and someone that you admire.

It was a fast ride and the plot flowed so smoothly that before I realized it, I had read the day away (not that I am complaining). The author takes the reader straight into the pages of the book and doesn't give them a chance to stop reading because they need to know more and they need to know now! I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I have barely finished this one! This is the kind of story that you think about long after you have finished reading it - I have continued the story in my mind on several occasions and each time it is a bit different. I can't wait to see what the author actually has in store for us!

Add this to your TBR list and move it to the top! It is a great book for the beach, the pool, an afternoon of reading or just for those moments when you want an amazing book! Don't miss this one, it is a phenomenal read and it is worth every minute that you spend with it! Enjoy ~

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Tee]

DNF 15% without prejudice. The plot is not holding my interest, the characters are not holding my interest and the writing style most definitely does not recommend itself.

The book is just too mundane for what I’m craving right now. There is nothing electrifying, intriguing or remotely attractive about either of the main characters. I don’t understand Liam’s appeal in the least. Kelly and Liam’s interactions feel forced. So I don’t feel any need whatsoever to be invested in their story.

The writing style is also... and I hate to describe any book like this, but I don’t know how else to put this. The writing style so far feels rudimentary.

Sentences and entire thoughts or scenes seem drawn out to highlight the wrong... most boring things. Description are too shoddy and sparse. They do not bring the scenes to life. Instead, they are either lost in the process of setting the scene for the “attraction” or too drawn out that any steps towards “attraction” seem out of place and well... cringe-worthy.

The story also unfolds in conversations and summaries of conversations. There is no narration. No real story-telling that strings words and sentences so seamlessly you can’t but forge ahead. Instead the plot kinda hops from scene to scene (conversations to summaries), sometimes without sign-posts, explanations or connectors.

It is in this fashion, the author drags readers through the nitty-gritty of the boring and mundane life Kelly lives, amidst the most boring sexual tension.

It doesn’t help that Kelly’s thought process, character depiction and reasoning, reads so juvenile, almost child-like. Kelly’s inner dialogues are underdeveloped and painfully surface level. It lacks the complexity and depth that a character with her dark and disturbed backstory should have.

Okay so maybe there is some prejudice... lots of prejudice. What can I say. I am a sucker for great storytelling and writing. Even if I end up hating the plot or characters, I always stay to appreciate the unraveling of a well-told story. This book did not have the beginnings of one.

Anyway, I’m still not going to rate this. Because reading 15% is not exactly the prime example of giving this book a chance.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Hellcat by Shelley Stringer. I received this free e-book. I am gladly going to review it. Kelly Sanger worked in advertisement for a large company. Kelly and the office girls did all the work on things but her boss took the credit. In comes Liam Covington to the company. He is there to weed out the people not doing their jobs. Liam and Kelly get involved. Kelly's boss ends up getting fired. Some people working there don't like it that Kelly is moving up in the company and she has only been there a few months. They think she is only moving up because she is sleeping with the boss, Liam. Kelly has had a rough life. Only her sister and her nephew left in the family. Her mother got in with the wrong people. She took drugs and was killed by a man who now wants to be Senator. The man is now after Kelly to shut her up. Or so we think it is that man. This man goes after Kelly and ends up being killed. We are to believe he was the one after Kelly. At the end of the book we don't find out who is after Kelly. A guy is talking to himself about still going after Kelly. I am looking forward to reading the next book. I would like to have found out who was after Kelly in this book. Guess I will have to wait. A good read.

[Emelie Johansson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating 4.5

This book was so good! I went into it not really sure what to expect except a love story. I thought it sounded good but I was a bit afraid the it might be cliche. I did not have to worry about that. This book made me feel so much towards the characters. They are so good and they have depth. I was captured by there story and background and I just wanted to find out more and keep reading. I enjoyed this book so much! And I think that there is going to be a second book, and I can not wait for it!

[Adriana Buiuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion. So here it is:
I liked the book, it's a nice romantic story , ideal to read in the weekend or on your holiday. But what I didn't like was that it was pretty predictable. I anticipated what will happen on most occasions and that for me is a buzz kill. I like to be kept in suspense and interested in the book I read otherwise there is a chance I get bored of it.
What I didn't expect was the epilogue. Congratulations for that one. Huge Cliff hanger!
But per total, the book is good and I recommend it.

[aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley did it again...action, suspense, love, heartbreak, a hot man and even some sexy times...that can make you blush! Shelley's writing makes you feel like your right there experiencing everything that Kelly goes through. I couldn't put the book down! I can not wait for the next part in this series! Hats off to you Shelley!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review and can I just say that I really really liked it! And the only reason that I did not say I loved it was because I felt it could have been better if There was Liam's POV too. It left the perfect cliffhanger and now I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Texas Hellcat" by Shelley Stringer is my first read by this author but it will not be my last. I loved this book. The story between Kelly and Liam is a complicated one and even though we don't want to see this relationship go anywhere, read the book you'll know what I'm talking about, the author makes it work.

[Suleika Santana -All About Books]

DNF at 60%
Sorry just not for me.
I love this author and her other books but this one did not work for me at all so I am giving up :(

[JJH--Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read

This is the first book I read from this author, and I found it very entertaining. I thought the writing style was good--I seemed to really enjoy the dialogues between the characters. Even though the story had a good flow, I found the timeline sometimes moved very quickly--I wouldn't consider it a problem, but I did find it a little confusing in places. As far as the main characters go, I really enjoyed the H. He is you typical wealthy, alpha character (which I love) who gets taken with the h pretty much instantly. The h is sweet, innocent, and beautiful (but she doesn't know it). I thought the H was incredibly patient with the h, who I found could act a little immature--sometimes I wondered if he was just going to give up on her altogether. Luckily, her character showed a nice amount of growth throughout the book, and I ended up enjoying her more towards the end. To me, the growth made them more suitable as a believable couple. I found the story as a whole far from boring, and I had trouble putting it down sometimes. I liked how the author kept the reader engaged with quite a few misunderstandings between the main characters (which get resolved rather quickly, but new ones kept popping up) and a nice suspense aspect.

*** I received this book from the author for an honest review, but it is definitely something I would have chosen to read myself.

[iamGamz]

DNF

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*



This was my first read from Shelly Stringer and it was not what I thought it would be. It was so dark and disturbing. I wanted to like this book because the blurb was so promising, but it was just not for me. Kelly and Liam did not hold my interest or motivate me to want to care about them. The story was also much darker than I expected. I got about 20% in and had to stop reading. It just wasn’t for me.

[Susie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Novel from Shelley Stringer

This book touches us with topics we rarely discuss. I loved the fact that Kelley is a survivor and the man who loves her does it unconditionally. The book is a fun read and Shelley does not disappoint with her love scenes. I only have one daughter left at home. Although she is about to turn 21 I am going to hide the book for at least another 20 years! No kidding aside. Great characters...great story and I appreciate the fact that you brought into Texas Hellcat the realities of life and innocence lost. Hurry up Shelley...I am ready for another book!

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself kept me engaged. I admit the h had way too much bad karma going on. A little less would have been better. But what I didn't like was the ending. It was left in a cliffhanger. If I had known that I would not have read unless the next one was out. But it's been 18 months since this was written and still no sign of the second book. Don't know if I'll read the next one if it ever comes out. I know I'll have forgotten this one by then.

[Melissa Khang · Rating 2 out of 5]

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review.***

I finished this book up until 14%. This was just not my cup of tea. I could not continue reading the book. It has a good synopsis and keeps you suspended but while reading the book itself, it didn't hold up the appeal for me.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not care so.much for this book. the heroine goes through way too much turmoil. soon as you think she is ok. and the hero is just too creepy I cannot get athyny empathy for him.

[Tjm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really awful

Just a stupid book that ends in a cliffhanger. Total waste of time. If you can't write one good book, why would I want to continue with the next book.