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Texas Heat #3
Texas Pride
A fight for her rights. A job she can’t quit. And a man who makes her burn…
It’s not Shannon Calhoun’s first rodeo. She’s supposed to be running the show. But since her father’s will landed her in a wretched cubicle, typing out press releases for her own family’s company, she’s been trapped in a job with no prospects, no control—and barely any cash.
When her old flame Billy Pagan turns up with a hundred rude questions and a thousand-dollar suit, Shannon isn’t sure if the heat she feels is from humiliation, fury, or desire. But whatever else has happened, the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Long before he became Houston’s best defense attorney, Billy had a thing for the spoiled rich girl who got away. But now that Shannon is hustling to save the family business, she's more irresistible than ever. Too bad about the murder investigation and the fraud that’s going to bring the company crashing down around her.
Unless, of course, his Texas princess actually pulls off the save of a lifetime. With Billy’s negotiating skills and Shannon’s determination, the hardest part might be keeping the business away from the pleasure . . .
It’s not Shannon Calhoun’s first rodeo. She’s supposed to be running the show. But since her father’s will landed her in a wretched cubicle, typing out press releases for her own family’s company, she’s been trapped in a job with no prospects, no control—and barely any cash.
When her old flame Billy Pagan turns up with a hundred rude questions and a thousand-dollar suit, Shannon isn’t sure if the heat she feels is from humiliation, fury, or desire. But whatever else has happened, the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Long before he became Houston’s best defense attorney, Billy had a thing for the spoiled rich girl who got away. But now that Shannon is hustling to save the family business, she's more irresistible than ever. Too bad about the murder investigation and the fraud that’s going to bring the company crashing down around her.
Unless, of course, his Texas princess actually pulls off the save of a lifetime. With Billy’s negotiating skills and Shannon’s determination, the hardest part might be keeping the business away from the pleasure . . .
- GenresContemporary Romance
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
57 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Gerry Bartlett
33 books915 followersGerry Bartlett figures that vampires are pretty much like everyone else except for the liquid diet.
Eternity or Mexican food? Tough call.
Gerry’s a native Texan and lives halfway between Houston and Galveston. Pictured with her is her late wonder dog, a Bedlington Terrier named Belle.
When she started writing, she was still teaching and used the pseudonym Lynn McKay. You can probably still find her historical and two romantic suspense books for a penny on-line. Now that she’s no longer in the classroom and discovered the fun of writing about vampires, she uses her real name. Too bad some people think Gerry is a boy's name or short for Geraldine. No, it's not. Really.
She's still writing her Real Vampires series but is back to romantic suspense and contemporaries. Her Texas Heat series starts in Houston, her home town. Then there's her Lone Star Suspense series set in Austin where she went to the University of Texas. She loves the hill country there and brought some of her favorite characters from the Texas Heat series to Austin for the fast-paced suspense in the three books in that series.
You can check out Gerry’s website at gerrybartlett.com to find her blog and articles for writers. Her Perils of Publishing gives the scoop on what happens once "the call" comes. Oh, did you think it would be all roses and champagne? Well, of course it is.
When Gerry's not writing, she's treasure hunting for her antiques business in Alvin. Her favorite finds? Vintage purses and jewelry. It's a struggle not to keep it all. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter for the latest info about her books at http://ymlp.com/xgeyeewwgmgw
Eternity or Mexican food? Tough call.
Gerry’s a native Texan and lives halfway between Houston and Galveston. Pictured with her is her late wonder dog, a Bedlington Terrier named Belle.
When she started writing, she was still teaching and used the pseudonym Lynn McKay. You can probably still find her historical and two romantic suspense books for a penny on-line. Now that she’s no longer in the classroom and discovered the fun of writing about vampires, she uses her real name. Too bad some people think Gerry is a boy's name or short for Geraldine. No, it's not. Really.
She's still writing her Real Vampires series but is back to romantic suspense and contemporaries. Her Texas Heat series starts in Houston, her home town. Then there's her Lone Star Suspense series set in Austin where she went to the University of Texas. She loves the hill country there and brought some of her favorite characters from the Texas Heat series to Austin for the fast-paced suspense in the three books in that series.
You can check out Gerry’s website at gerrybartlett.com to find her blog and articles for writers. Her Perils of Publishing gives the scoop on what happens once "the call" comes. Oh, did you think it would be all roses and champagne? Well, of course it is.
When Gerry's not writing, she's treasure hunting for her antiques business in Alvin. Her favorite finds? Vintage purses and jewelry. It's a struggle not to keep it all. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter for the latest info about her books at http://ymlp.com/xgeyeewwgmgw
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October 19, 2017Book 3 in the series.
Sadly this is the first book from Ms. Bartlett I didn't enjoy. I just didn't like one the main characters, Shannon, and felt nothing for their relationship. I read only 50% before dropping it. I found myself not caring about her and where she goes at all, so I didn't finish. Ms. Bartlett won me over years ago with her fantastic characters in her plus sized vampire series. This one book has not made me less of a fan, not every character is for every reader.
Sadly this is the first book from Ms. Bartlett I didn't enjoy. I just didn't like one the main characters, Shannon, and felt nothing for their relationship. I read only 50% before dropping it. I found myself not caring about her and where she goes at all, so I didn't finish. Ms. Bartlett won me over years ago with her fantastic characters in her plus sized vampire series. This one book has not made me less of a fan, not every character is for every reader.
August 31, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was the third book in the series, and I do not know if the series is going to continue, but I got the vibe that it was ending, and I kind of hoped to read about Ethan, and also to know what happened with their crazy mother, and read about Cass and Mason's wedding. So this is Shannon's book, the oldest sister next to Cassidy. Shannon has turned into a drunk after her father died and hearing the terms of his will and also the devastating news of the criminal activity that he and her mother did to secure their company at the start of it. She has to work closely with a previous lover Billy Pagan, whom she is strongly attracted to but feels she has to fight it because he is all wrong for her. However, Billy is not going to go for that, he is balls to the walls, going after her, and she does give, many things happen, betrayals, lies, excitement, and family unity, and a surprise!!! I wont give you spoilers my friends so please read, and I hope this is not the end..
September 28, 2017
Shannon Calhoun is still reeling from the revelations dogging Calhoun Petroleum, not to mention the terms of her father's will, which have her working in a cubicle in the public relations department of the now-shaky family business. How is she going to tell her contacts in the world of high society fund raising that Calhoun can no longer afford to support their causes?
Things only get stranger when Shannon walks into her sister's office to find Billy Pagan, the boyfriend she dumped in college, now a high-powered criminal attorney brought in to help with Calhoun Petroleum's legal woes. The old sparks are still there, but have Shannon and Billy grown up enough to fan them into a lasting fire--without burning each other?
Texas Pride is full of action, from motorcycle gangs to an airplane crash, moving from high-rise Houston to an East Texas Indian reservation, and a cast of characters ranging from Billy's orange-haired grandma to his Harley-riding investigator. But at the heart of the book are Shannon and Billy, searching for a path through life that they can travel together.
Bartlett is planning more books set in the world of the Calhouns, featuring some characters we've met and some we haven't, coming from Kensington nest year. I'm looking forward to visiting them again.
Things only get stranger when Shannon walks into her sister's office to find Billy Pagan, the boyfriend she dumped in college, now a high-powered criminal attorney brought in to help with Calhoun Petroleum's legal woes. The old sparks are still there, but have Shannon and Billy grown up enough to fan them into a lasting fire--without burning each other?
Texas Pride is full of action, from motorcycle gangs to an airplane crash, moving from high-rise Houston to an East Texas Indian reservation, and a cast of characters ranging from Billy's orange-haired grandma to his Harley-riding investigator. But at the heart of the book are Shannon and Billy, searching for a path through life that they can travel together.
Bartlett is planning more books set in the world of the Calhouns, featuring some characters we've met and some we haven't, coming from Kensington nest year. I'm looking forward to visiting them again.
October 8, 2017
Shannon Calhoun and Billy Pagan have a rocky history, one that dates back to their college days. They’re thrown together once again when Shannon foregoes her socialite lifestyle to take on a year of day-to-day grind in the public relations department of the family business, and the company hires hotshot criminal attorney Billy to help with the impending lawsuits they face due to her father’s initial underhanded business practices. Chemistry draws Shannon and Billy together once again, albeit against their better judgement.
What I like best about this story is that these two both have real problems, their issues not just a misunderstanding that a conversation can fix. Add to that, action-packed danger coming at them from several different areas of their lives, along with some quirky and unique secondary characters, and you’ve got romantic suspense at its best.
Although this is the last in this Texas Heat series, new Texas stories from Gerry Bartlett are promised in the near future, featuring some friends we’ve met, plus some new sexy personalities. I can’t wait!
What I like best about this story is that these two both have real problems, their issues not just a misunderstanding that a conversation can fix. Add to that, action-packed danger coming at them from several different areas of their lives, along with some quirky and unique secondary characters, and you’ve got romantic suspense at its best.
Although this is the last in this Texas Heat series, new Texas stories from Gerry Bartlett are promised in the near future, featuring some friends we’ve met, plus some new sexy personalities. I can’t wait!
October 4, 2017
Shannon Calhoun is thrust into an office job at Calhoun Oil thanks to the stipulations of her father’s will. A joint charity event gives her ex-boyfriend, attorney Billy Pagan, an opportunity to rekindle the flames between them. While the two of them butt heads with each other, they’re also dealing with Calhoun Oil’s fraud fall-out, Native American land complications, a murder investigation and a group of off the grid survivalists who want them dead.
This is the most exciting book yet in the Texas Heat series. Aside from the main characters that we were already acquainted with, some new secondary characters came on the scene that I really enjoyed. The relationship between Shannon and Billy grew as they both made important discoveries about themselves. And Billy’s background was particularly interesting, as were his employees.
I’d love to see some of the characters we’ve met along the way get their own books. Hopefully there will be more Texas Heat books on the horizon.
This is the most exciting book yet in the Texas Heat series. Aside from the main characters that we were already acquainted with, some new secondary characters came on the scene that I really enjoyed. The relationship between Shannon and Billy grew as they both made important discoveries about themselves. And Billy’s background was particularly interesting, as were his employees.
I’d love to see some of the characters we’ve met along the way get their own books. Hopefully there will be more Texas Heat books on the horizon.
September 10, 2017
I enjoyed Texas Pride which brings us Shannon and Billy’s story. Although I felt some questions should have been answered hopefully there will be further books to address these. Overall a great story with great character and a wonderful addition to the Texas Heat series.
December 6, 2018
Texas Pride
The series continues. This time it's Shannon's story. She is assigned to the public relations department. Her task is to keep a positive public image for the family business as they struggle to prevent bankruptcy and to compensate the illegal transgressions of the parents.
The series continues. This time it's Shannon's story. She is assigned to the public relations department. Her task is to keep a positive public image for the family business as they struggle to prevent bankruptcy and to compensate the illegal transgressions of the parents.
October 30, 2018
What happened to the ending
I read all three books and was disappointed with the endings. What happened to the family company, how did it turn out for the characters involved. The books were good but the endings sucked
I read all three books and was disappointed with the endings. What happened to the family company, how did it turn out for the characters involved. The books were good but the endings sucked
March 17, 2024
Texas Pride is a good fit for those seeking a romantic and empowering story about a strong-willed woman fighting for her rights and her family's business, with a healthy dose of Texas charm and a sizzling romance.
December 18, 2017
Love all three. But I feel empty not knowing the final outcome if they saved Conrad’s legacy. Also if the brothers found his true love and happy ever after.
October 6, 2017
Big sister, Shannon Calhoun has enjoyed and taken advantage of all the privileges that comes with being a Rich Spoiled Princess. But when her Daddy dies, the terms of his will send her and the rest of the family scrambling to adjust to a new life style – working for a living & struggling to save Calhoun Petroleum in a depressed economy. And, to make matters worse, the family soon learns of Daddy’s fraud, an intrinsic part of building his company.
Instead of being one of Houston’s premier Charity Fund Raisers, Shannon has resigned from all her charitable obligations and now has to find a way tell the world that Calhoun Petroleum will not be sponsoring any charities this year. Shannon spends her days in a small cubicle typing up press releases – can you believe she didn’t even get her own office?!
Billy Pagan is Houston’s best defense attorney and has been hired to guide Calhoun Petroleum through the quagmire of legal trouble uncovered when the Patriarch died. When Billy learns that Calhoun is withdrawing their Sponsorship of the Ballet Ball, he offers a partnership – he’ll put up all the money in exchange for equal billing, which will provide invaluable advertising for his law firm and elevate him in the eyes of Houston Society, with the added advantage of forcing Shannon to attend the charity balls as his date.
In college, Shannon and Billy were once a couple, but he wouldn’t put up with her partying, drinking ways, so she unceremoniously dumped him and broke his heart. Can he accept Shannon’s drinking, now that they are older and more mature?
Can Shannon quit drinking long enough to find out where these sparks with Billy are leading?
Will she find a way to protect her reputation among the Dames of Houston Society?
Can Calhoun Petroleum be saved?
We’ve sweated the Heat; survived the Fire and now it’s time to reclaim Texas Pride. Don’t miss the 3rd installment of the Texas Heat Series.
Instead of being one of Houston’s premier Charity Fund Raisers, Shannon has resigned from all her charitable obligations and now has to find a way tell the world that Calhoun Petroleum will not be sponsoring any charities this year. Shannon spends her days in a small cubicle typing up press releases – can you believe she didn’t even get her own office?!
Billy Pagan is Houston’s best defense attorney and has been hired to guide Calhoun Petroleum through the quagmire of legal trouble uncovered when the Patriarch died. When Billy learns that Calhoun is withdrawing their Sponsorship of the Ballet Ball, he offers a partnership – he’ll put up all the money in exchange for equal billing, which will provide invaluable advertising for his law firm and elevate him in the eyes of Houston Society, with the added advantage of forcing Shannon to attend the charity balls as his date.
In college, Shannon and Billy were once a couple, but he wouldn’t put up with her partying, drinking ways, so she unceremoniously dumped him and broke his heart. Can he accept Shannon’s drinking, now that they are older and more mature?
Can Shannon quit drinking long enough to find out where these sparks with Billy are leading?
Will she find a way to protect her reputation among the Dames of Houston Society?
Can Calhoun Petroleum be saved?
We’ve sweated the Heat; survived the Fire and now it’s time to reclaim Texas Pride. Don’t miss the 3rd installment of the Texas Heat Series.
September 3, 2017
Texas Pride is the third instalment in Gerry Bartlett’s Texas Heat series. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and develop throughout the series and feel there is so much more still to be revealed. Unfortunately, book three portrays a sense of finality; so if this is the end, I’m sure many readers will feel a little robbed.
I personally was hoping to delve further into the reasoning behind their crazy mother, get some insight into Cass and Mason’s wedding, and what about Ethan? There just seems to be so much further the author could take this series.
That said, Shannon and Billy’s story is enjoyable and full of angst, betrayal, family and joy. I still hold out hope for more stories, but this one was good.
I personally was hoping to delve further into the reasoning behind their crazy mother, get some insight into Cass and Mason’s wedding, and what about Ethan? There just seems to be so much further the author could take this series.
That said, Shannon and Billy’s story is enjoyable and full of angst, betrayal, family and joy. I still hold out hope for more stories, but this one was good.
September 15, 2017
This is book 3 of Ms Bartlett’s series, Texas Heat. I have to say , that since I did not read the previous books, even though this one is considered a stand alone, I feell I missed quite a bit of the dynamics of all the characters.
The story centers around Shannon Calhoun and Billy Pagan. These two have a history that didn’t end well. They are now thrown together when Shannon is trying to safe the family’s business. Will they resolve their problems and find happiness or will the fire fizzle?
All that said, I have to confess that I was lost with some of the characters and Shannon’s Mother’s story seemed unfinished. I was not a fan of Shannon and didn’t feel engage in the story.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story centers around Shannon Calhoun and Billy Pagan. These two have a history that didn’t end well. They are now thrown together when Shannon is trying to safe the family’s business. Will they resolve their problems and find happiness or will the fire fizzle?
All that said, I have to confess that I was lost with some of the characters and Shannon’s Mother’s story seemed unfinished. I was not a fan of Shannon and didn’t feel engage in the story.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
October 26, 2017
An entertaining, convincing look at how two people, who used to be together, split apart and came back together stronger. Not easily done - it's usually oh I made a mistake, but the two central characters here have flaws and grow from them. Billy is controlling and actually comes off as obnoxious at first. Shannon is a party girl, running from a messed-up home life. But together they have to restore the reputation of a faltering oil company and dodge an unknown assailant. It's an exaggerated plot for a fun read and very well executed character development.
July 19, 2019
Fun romantic suspense novel with a couple who first met back in college, but just weren't ready for each other back then. The heroine is the last daughter of the Calhouns, with their issues. The hero is the lawyer they've hired to help them with their father's fraud, discovered after his death. This story is set in Houston, mostly, with an excursion to the Indian casino in East Texas. It really gets the flavor of that part of the state. It's a good read. I liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews