Texas Splendor

Texas Trilogy #3

by Lorraine Heath

A man on a mission . . . After five grueling years in a Texas prison, Austin Leigh is finally a free man. He can’t wait to go home and be reunited with his sweetheart. But when he discovers she didn’t wait for him and is now married, he becomes more determined to clear his name of the crime he never committed. Meets the one woman who could offer him salvation—and love . . . En route to the state capital, he meets a young woman, Loree Grant, and her dog. When he learns that they have survived a mysterious tragedy, he is moved—and curious. And as he spends more time with the lovely, intriguing woman, he sees glimpses of a future he had thought was no longer possible as they both find a new lease on life—and a love that can overcome any obstacle . . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Westerns, Historical, Western Romance, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Also writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.

Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."​​​​​​​

She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.

When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.

Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including ​​​​​​​USA TODAY and the New York Times.

The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.

Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal r​​omance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.

Reviews

[peachygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars only for Austin, an arguably cute dumbass with crap taste in women.

First comes Becky, the bitch.
So this guy goes to prison for 5 years for a crime he didn't commit to hide the fact that she did the nasty with him and she marries his bestfriend. AFTER PROMISING TO WAIT FOR HIM.
WTF???

You'd think anyone who comes after Becky couldn't be worse, but you'd be wrong. This one basically gets knocked up after 2 days of knowing the guy, gets married, acts all victimy and then throws a hissy fit because Austin doesn't tell her that he could play the violin, all the while hiding an itsy bitsy fact that she killed a guy. No big deal, huh?
Such a hypocrite.
Arghhhh.
I can't even -
And that court scene was a joke. I couldn't wait for this tragedy to end. The only good thing about this was the appearance of some of my favorite characters from the previous books.
This series deserved a much better ending!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally on Kindle!!!

I know people, including myself, who paid a small fortune on eBay for used copies of these books, but I just discovered they're FINALLY available on kindle! These 3 books are seriously 3 of my favorite historical romances, and worth every penny! And yes, I'll be buying them again!

Texas Destiny http://amzn.to/1HA0eD0
Texas Glory http://amzn.to/1Lmm1if
Texas Splendor http://amzn.to/1FExUQA

My review...

Texas Splendor, the final book to Lorraine Heath’s Texas Trilogy, is Austin Leigh’s story. It picks up five years after Texas Glory, with Austin’s release from prison where he’d served time for a murder he didn’t commit. As he makes his way home from Fort Worth to Leighton, there are only two things on Austin’s mind – clearing his name and claiming the girl who promised to wait for him. What he finds, however, is that Becky has married his best friend, finding the real killer isn’t going to be easy and returning to his old life is nearly impossible.

Watching Austin grow from a young man into a mature adult as the books progressed was a treat. I’ve come to love him as if he was my own brother, and sharing in his successes as well as his struggles endeared him to me all the more. And because of this, my heart really did break when he found out that the girl who he’d planned to build his life with and whose memories had kept him going while he was in prison had married his best friend. I knew it was going to happen, the book synopsis makes that clear, but still, my heart ached for him, and even knowing what was coming I wasn’t prepared for the impact it had on both Austin and myself.

Loree Grant. Wow, what an amazing, loving, passionate, compassionate, tortured heroine. I’m not at all sure that I could have kept going after what she had lived through, honestly. In the real world, I believe that from time to time, God brings two people together whose life’s experiences have been so tragic that the only way they can grow and heal is with someone who’s been there, too. And in this fictional tale, such is the case with Loree and Austin. I can’t imagine another human being on the face of the planet who could have been a more perfect match for Austin, and he for her. I won’t go into the details of their relationship except to say that I was so happy, for both of them, to find the comfort they needed in one another. Austin gave her a family, after having her own brutally taken from her. And she… well, she gave Austin a desire to not just live, but to follow his dreams and live life to the fullest.

One of many favorite quotes from this book -

"Don't stop loving me, Loree. You want me to learn what those little black bugs on those pieces of paper mean, I'll learn. You want me to play the violin from dawn until dusk, hell, I'll play till midnight, just don't stop loving me."

She flung her arms around his neck and felt his arms come around her back, the violin tapping against her backside. "Oh, Austin, I couldn't stop loving you if I wanted."

Texas Splendor is a wonderful story, and amazing ending to the Texas Trilogy. It’s not often that I say this, but I hated to see it end. There were many other characters whose lives I would have loved to follow, but most of all, Rawley Cooper. In this book we see how he’s grown into quite a young man. Someone with honor, integrity and all the makings for an amazing hero should he ever get his own story. I can only keep hoping that Ms. Heath will feel the way I do and make sure that Rawley gets his own happily ever after, too.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three quarters of this book delivered Texas-sized splendor but the last quarter was a Texas-sized mountain of cow chips. Don’t make the mistake I did and read the whole book. Stop reading at 75%, right after Austin picks up his violin again, and then jump to the epilogue. Avoid the cow chips. You’re welcome.

Youngest brother Austin, released after five years of imprisonment for a murder he didn’t commit, finds out his love Becky has married his best friend during his incarceration and, feeling angry, bereft, alienated, and very alone, sets out for the city of Austin hoping to find a way to clear his name. En route, he comes across the homestead of Loree, whose family had been gruesomely murdered five years previously. She’s also bereft, grieving, and very alone, and they offer each other a night of comfort and passion, ruined when Austin disastrously utters the name “Becky” during his release.

Yeah.

In spite of that hiccup, Austin has trouble staying away from Loree and Loree can’t keep her heart from leaping each time he shows up on her doorstep. After four months, Austin’s attempts to find Boyd McQueen’s murderer remain fruitless and he’s decided to return home when he receives a short note from Loree informing him he’s going to be a father, but asking nothing of him.

Both Austin and Loree are surprisingly uncertain, sensitive, kind, and accommodating. Their marriage is one of necessity, but it’s also warm and caring and full of promise. Heath includes some very nice moments between them, building trust and intimacy. Family relationships are handled well also, with humor and genuine emotions among the brothers and their families. The big family Christmas was wonderful, though I still carry a grudge against Cameron and Becky.

And then, when the actual murderer of Boyd McQueen is unveiled (and the reader knows it’s coming), Austin panics, Loree loses any semblance of common sense, melodrama piles on, and the most ridiculous courtroom scene in a genre rife with ridiculous courtroom scenes ties it all up into a tidy, ludicrous little package.

I implore you, save yourself. Avoid the last quarter of this book. It’s just stupid.

[Capt. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment right after reading Dallas and Dee’s book.

This is why I hate the dead wife/MMCs that experienced love before because I can’t help but feel the FMCs in these books are 2nd choice at best. Though he did say that what he felt for her was much more intense than what he felt for his 1st love but come onnn! He moaned the OW’s name when they first had sex liiiiike 🤢💀🤢

The FMC became pregnant because of that horrible disgusting disastrous first time btw, so yep she had no choice but to be around him. This is why unwanted/surprise pregnancy being used as a catalyst to force the couple to be around each other rarely works for me.

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio: 5 STARS!
Story: 3.5 STARS!

Not all prisons came with walls.

While Austin and Loree's story wasn't my favorite of the trilogy, the combination of Lorraine Heath's writing and Eva Kaminsky's narration made Texas Splendor impossible not to enjoy.

But man, there were some huge romantic highs and seriously maddening lows in this one. Regardless, I wouldn't have skipped this book for the world. I adored the Leigh family.

The epilogue was truly sublime!

[Hannah B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Her dog got killed by a bobcat ON PAGE and then this genius was like wow why don’t I fuck her and moan the name of my first love instead of hers. Mind you her dog literally just died!! All at like 29%. Genuinely one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The dog murder trauma was then multiplied by the heinous murder of her family!!! Lorraine was like fuck romance let’s write a horror novel instead. She also threw shades of incest into the epilogue lmao. A little garnish.

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One of these days, Sugar, I’m gonna kiss you until you forget about promises.”

I knew I would love Austin’s book! This trilogy got better with each book. My heart ached for Austin at the end of book 2. He was the Leigh brother that was the most kind-hearted. Dallas and Houston were pretty great too but Austin was so damn sweet. He loved deeply and you could tell by his fierce protection of those he loved.

When fate brought him to the doorstep of Loree’s he was given a sense of hope that he hadn’t had in over 5 years. They were drawn to each other but Loree didn’t dare hang her heart on this man because after losing everyone she loved she couldn’t survive losing anyone else.

As they say you can’t fight what fate has in store for you. But it can be tested.

I love the strength and support of this family. Even the littlest gave Loree and Austin the hope they needed. And to have Austin hear the music again was the best thing ever! ❤

[Pepa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2020/...

Una historia cuca
Pero se nota que es de sus primeras publicaciones. Me ha faltado la originalidad que acompaña a lo que últimamente está escribiendo.
Una historia bonita, sin grandes altibajos y bastante predecible,en fin, muchas casualidades y el mundo es un pañuelo
Me ha gustado ella y me ha gustado él, pero les ha faltado la garra que los protagonistas de las historias anteriores
Lo mejor, ese epílogo en el que aparecen las tres parejas y lo mucho presencia de Dallas, Houston, Drew y Amelia
Me ha gustado saber de ellos y no sé si los hijos tienen historias porque se podrían ver una pareja en un futuro....

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. I'm sorry, but no. He spends five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit in order to spare the reputation of a stupid little girl who not only couldn't be bothered to wait for him, but who was also a selfish coward who couldn't be bothered to try and set things right?

I fucking hated everyone in this book. I even hated Loree. When she flips out on Austin because he never told her he could play the violin? Yeah, when she flipped out and accused him of lying by omission and saying they shouldn't be keeping secrets from one another... When she's keeping from him the fact that she fucking killed a guy?!!? ... Yeah. Ugh.

[Donna (Currently Absent) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book by Lorraine Heath in the Texas Trilogy series. It focuses on MMC Austin Leigh’s life after spending five years in Huntsville Prison for the murder of Boyd McQueen. He is now about 26 or 27 years old. Prison was hard on him. But coming home to Leighton proves to be difficult also. Especially after he finds out the woman he thought would be waiting for him is now married to someone else.

If the reader finished the second book in the series, then they already know that Austin is innocent. Not wanting Becky Oliver to be his alibi for the night of the murder, he goes through with the trial hoping for a better outcome. He was unchaperoned with Becky on the night of Boyd’s murder and they were being intimate. Austin didn’t want Becky’s reputation or her father’s general store business to suffer because of the circumstances, so he refused her offer to be his alibi.

Due to the evidence presented at the trial, Austin was determined to find out who framed him for Boyd’s murder. His oldest brother Dallas told him he’s been paying a private detective over the last five years to investigate the murder and prove Dallas’ innocence. But the search has been futile so far. Re-thinking the context of the “Austin” message written in the dirt beside Boyd’s body, Austin decides to travel to the city with the hope of finding out more information.

FMC Loree Grant has been living alone for five years not far from Austin, Texas. She first meets Austin Leigh when he rides up to her place injured and seeking food. He thinks she’s a young boy because she’s dressed in her brother’s clothes and struggling to chop wood. Austin says he will gladly chop all the wood she needs to earn some food. Loree agrees only after making him discard every gun and knife he has on his person. It’s when she returns to him with a bowl of stew that he realizes the person he encountered is a young woman and not a boy.

After taking care of his injury, Loree and Austin develop feelings for each other. Only Austin, in the throes of passion, blurts out another woman’s name and for most of the book, Loree feels inadequate and Austin works hard to make up for his post coital blunder.

After learning more about why Loree refuses to leave her home, readers will figure the story out very quickly. What kept me turning the pages was wanting to know how Loree’s background fits into the story. Let’s just say the author did her historical homework.

It was a good story, but just a little bit unbelievable in certain areas. I'd list those areas, but then they would all be spoilers.

[Buggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Line: "Moments stolen...never to be regained."

What a great ending to an absolutely fabulous trilogy. I actually hunted down these books used because of the rave reviews and am I ever glad I did. This series will definitely be getting a reread. Lorraine Heath can tell a story, flawlessly capturing the emotions of her characters and never giving them an easy route to love. I always enjoy how our couples fall in love slowly, almost like it’s a surprise to them while they struggle through numerous hardships. And her heroes… jeez. Big, tough, damaged cowboys, willing to do anything for their women and usually causing this reader to tear up once or twice in the process.

Here we get youngest Leigh Brother Austin’s story which is made all the sweeter because we’ve watched him grow up throughout the previous books. When we left him last (5 years ago) he had just gone to prison for a murder he didn’t commit, all in the name of protecting his sweetheart.

Upon his release from prison Austin is devastated to learn that Becky hasn’t waited for him, in fact she’s married his best friend. I really appreciated how lost he was during this time; life had moved on during his incarceration, children had been born and grown, he didn’t know anyone including himself and no longer felt like he had a place in the world. I was also moved by the loss of Austin’s music as he gives up his violin because he can no longer hear the songs in his head. Heartbreaking.

Setting off for the capital to find the real killer and clear his name Austin gets delayed when his horse goes lame. Finding his way to a rundown farm he comes across a shy, innocent (and often barefoot) young woman with a sweet smile who is living in seclusion and has secrets and nightmares of her own. Of course romance blooms and these two damaged souls seek comfort in each other. Never one to shirk his responsibilities Austin marries Loree when he learns she is with child (whoopsie) returning to the Leigh homestead to build a future together and presumably purchase a lot of sugar.

Austin and Loree are a fantastic couple who are virtual strangers when they marry and watching them grow and and ultimately love each other is just beautiful. Much like in book 1 (Texas Destiny) it’s also a story of two wounded souls finding and healing each other however here we also have big a secret hanging over their ultimate HEA. I didn’t figure out this mystery until I was right on top of it and was surprised and pleased with the outcome.

In the background of Loree and Austin’s romance we also spend considerable time with the other brothers and their wives and while it was fun catching up with Dallas and Huston I did get a bit tired of all the children and babies being born and felt that the book kind of stalled out for a while with all the family stuff going on in the middle (over Christmas) The series concludes with a fantastic epilogue taking us 10 years into the future which I loved -it wasn’t the future I’d expected but it was so satisfying.

As others have mentioned Rawley Cooper really shines in this story and I can only hope Heath has given him a story of his own as he definitely deserves a HEA. 5 star series 332jb4

[Irina (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

She had touched the tender part of himself that he'd locked away in solitary confinement in order to survive within prison walls. With her arms circling his neck, she had sent his good intentions to perdition and unleashed desires and needs that he'd kept tightly reined.
    And for those few moments of splendor, when he had held her close, the loneliness that always ate at his soul had ceased to feast.


This book makes it pretty clear that the Texas Trilogy is more of a family saga in three parts than three connected stand-alone novels. Yes, you can read every book as a stand-alone, but seriously, you shouldn't.

The story centers around the murder of Boyd McQueen, which happened in book 2 of the series, Texas Glory. The youngest Leigh brother, Austin, was sent to prison for five years for killing his brother-in-law, even though he didn't commit the crime. He could have saved himself by revealing his alibi, but he chose not to because he didn't want to ruin the girl he was with that night.

Now, after being released from prison, Austin returns home and learns that "his" Becky didn't wait for him as promised—his girl married his former best friend instead. He has also lost the music in his soul and therefore his exceptional talent for playing the violin. People whispering behind his back and calling him a murderer makes his life even more insufferable, so he heads out to find the real killer of Boyd McQueen and clear his name.

What he finds is Loree, a girl who lives alone in the wilderness near Austin since her family was mysteriously killed. She feeds him and tends to his wounds, and in return, he helps her with chores. They are "kindred hearts with a haunting past that had stolen dreams", and it is inevitable that they have sex to overcome their terrible loneliness. No illusions, no obligations—or so they thought. Fate has other plans: Loree becomes pregnant.

When Austin learns about it, he doesn't hesitate a second. He marries her and takes her back to his family in Leighton, West Texas—not only out of a sense of responsibility, but also because he likes her and wants to care for her and their child. It's wonderful to watch Austin and Loree's relationship slowly unfold and deepen. They are both great heroes with rough edges, disastrous secrets and emotional scars.

One of these secrets, Loree's, looms over them like the sword Damocles since the very beginning, and when it's finally revealed, I was honestly stunned. Hats off to Lorraine Heath for this surprising turn of events and for excellent plotting. The stories of books two and three, including the subplot involving Rawley Cooper, blend together seamlessly here.

Speaking of Rawley Cooper, the family aspect is one of the strengths of this trilogy. The Leigh brothers and their families share a strong bond, they care for each other and support each other no matter what. As the trilogy spans eleven years, you see adults and children grow older and it's lovely to watch.

My biggest quibble with this book is Becky's role. Not only because she broke Austin's heart by marrying his best friend, but also because their love story felt rather unfinished, as if neither of them had really come to terms with it. They claim they did, but whatever they say, every encounter and every conversation with or about each other feels strained and leaves you wondering.

However, it was an entertaining book and an entertaining series. I'm off to read Rawley's novella now (which was published twenty years after book 3).

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m only thinking of you, Loree,” he rasped. She dropped her head back. “I know.”

Loved Austin's story, and especially the lovely epilogue that wrapped up the whole series. I imagine that there is something that comes later for Rawley and Faith. Or maybe Maggie May? Seems like there are enough kids now to keep the series going indefinitely. This was a delightful series to read, and my first experience with Heath's writing. I'll definitely be checking out more of her books.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 Stars***

As smoothly as the dawn pushed back the night, the song grew deeper, stronger. The chords echoed around them, thundering against the falls, filling the night until chills swept through her and her heart felt immense gladness. The song rang of destiny and glory and splendor.

Book hangover, party of one, your table is ready.

I've spent the last couple of weeks with the Leigh brothers, and now I'm done and I'm sad. I've absolutely loved this series.

I fell in love with Austin Leigh the instant he came on page in Texas Destiny. In that book, he was a teenage boy who wanted his brothers to see him as the man he was becoming. And over the course of this series, I saw him become that man and become an even fiercer protector than his brothers.

After the events of Texas Splendor, my heart broke for Austin and I just couldn't wait to see what Lorraine Heath had in store for him.

And she certainly didn't disappoint. Ms. Heath gave Austin the heroine that he deserved. Loree was the perfect woman to reawaken the music in Austin's heart.

However, I had a hard time connecting with how quickly Austin and Loree developed feelings for each other. While my head understood they were immediately drawn to the loneliness they saw mirrored in each other's eyes, my heart took longer to get on board.

But even with my heart riding in the slow lane, I was completely absorbed by the story and this family that I've grown to love.

There are twists and turns, heartache and loss, laughter and lightness, and definitely passion and love. This final book in the series delivers every emotion.

And that epilogue brought the biggest smile to my face.

So I may be saying good-bye, but it's definitely only for now, because I know I'll be rereading these books in the future.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After five long years in prison, Austin Leigh is a free man. Happy to be heading home to his family and friends, he learns that his girlfriend married another man, and people still believe that he is a murderer. Determined to prove his innocence and capture the real killer, Austin rides out of town and finds Loree Grant. Loree was the sole survivor when her family was massacred a few years ago. Since she now lives alone, Austin helps her around the farm as he searches the nearby towns for clues to who really killed Boyd McQueen.

When the first two books in a trilogy are fantastic, I usually find the third book to be a little disappointing. I'm happy to say that in this case, that is not true. This book was a fantastic end to the Leigh Brothers trilogy. I loved how Austin and Loree supported each other through the ups and downs of their relationship. I also loved the revelation of who killed Boyd. Great ending to this series!

This was a re-read for me. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Eva Kaminsky this time around. She does an excellent job with all of the characters. My rating: 5 Stars.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is skippable. Not a good story. Not good relationship development.

The author’s goal was to write three books about three brothers. But when she sat down to write this book - the third one- she couldn’t think of a good story. She should have waited until she had one. Was she pressured by the publisher to get it done?

Here’s the relationship. Austin just got out of a five year prison sentence. He was innocent. He meets Loree. He feels he has nothing to offer her because of the stigma of being a murderer. But they have sex. He accidentally blurts out his former girlfriend’s name Becky. Loree says don’t have sex with me again until you can promise me you won’t think about her. He was not thinking about Becky, it was some other kind of response, but he doesn’t tell her that. So now they don’t have sex again until toward the end of the book. One time they almost did and she said “Remember your promise?” He wasn’t thinking about Becky, but her comment made him angry or ruined the mood or something. So he stopped sex and walked away.

The second plot/story is the mystery about finding Boyd’s killer. That get’s resolved, but I did not care for it. Kind of stupid. And the reason Austin went to jail in the beginning was for no good reason. He lied about something. There were other better solutions than his lie.

Actually, one of my complaints in book 1 “Texas Destiny” was about Austin telling a lie - a different lie.

THE SERIES:
I gave 3 ½ stars to book 1 “Texas Destiny.” I did not like books 2 and 3 “Texas Glory” and “Texas Splendor.”

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 252 pages. Swearing language: mild including religious swear words. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: 1887 to 1898 West Texas. Copyright: 1999. Genre: western historical romance.

[KatLynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published: Jan 1999

A quote from Austin to Houston in Texas Destiny....“Well, I’m not learned in these matters, but I’d like to think if a woman ever loved me as much as that one loves you ... I’d crawl through hell to be by her side.”

Texas Splendor continues the family saga of the Leigh brothers. This third book in L.Heath’s Texas Trilogy gives us Austin’s story. He is the youngest of the three brothers and we were first introduced to this sweet talking teen in Texas Destiny. Five years later, he is a young, twenty one year old who loves music more than cattle or horses, has found his first love and honor seems to be his bent. In the second installment, Texas Glory, we know that he has been sentenced to five years in prison for a murder he did not commit.

Now, five more years have passed and Texas Splendor begins with his release and from the very first pages I was entranced and loved every minute of this delightful read.

Prison has certainly changed his life and his sister-in-law’s words keep echoing in his heart and now he knows first hand what the lack of freedom does to a soul. He is saddened by how much his family has grown and his loss of being a part of their lives. Before prison, he could “hear” the music that he so loved to play; now, there is only silence. And the final blow comes when he learns his true love, Becky, has married his best friend.

Tormented, lonely, and with a broken heart and the loss of dreams, he travels to the town of Austin to seek the murderer and clear his name. And along the way, he meets a heroine that I adored from the very first, Loree Grant, who soon will become “the most precious dream he’s ever had.”

I did not want to put this book down! Heath’s talent of wrapping my emotions into knots and capturing every moment of my attention kept me reading Austin’s story until the wee hours! And I loved everything about this book; from the hero, the heroine and the mystery involved with a tragedy from Loree’s past. I liked how the author kept the other family members involved without overshadowing the main love story, keeping us up to date with the events of the town and their lives.

This is one of the best series I’ve read and all three books are five star reads for me. I don’t think I will ever forget these men and the trials they each faced and the love and happiness they found in their life mate.
Austin & Loree’s story is heart-wrenching, tender, poignant and my emotions were tattered near the end. I love it when an author’s talent makes me feel the emotions of the characters, and near the end I was an emotional wreck:-) There is despair, heartache….and I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough! Ah, but then comes that joy of a HEA and I hated that this one had to end:-)!

One of the greatest delights of Austin’s story is the epilogue, giving us a glance into the growth of this family along with the HEA’s of each brother.

“…Ah, Loree, You should hear the music….”

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting that Austin Leigh was the first character Lorraine Heath thought up in the trilogy and the hero that inspired her to write her first series. He was also my favorite Leigh brother. I got to see him grow up over a decade from a boy of 16 to a man of 26, which is when this story begins. He was kind and moral and sweet. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite story of the trilogy.

I have included some minor spoilers below but nothing that would ruin the story.

Austin was loyal and had loved and protected Becky for seven years. She was fickle and only good for spreading her legs. Apparently she planned to just have sex with Austin's best friend Cameron while Austin was in jail for five years for a crime she knew he did not commit, but she got pregnant. To protect her child, she was forced to marry Cameron two years before Austin got out of jail. No one told Austin. Austin's family loved Becky and Cameron and welcomed them as members of the family. After all, Austin wasn't around. I guess they hoped he'd fallen out of love with Becky while he was in prison. No one ever blamed Becky. Austin was angry with Cameron only, but he forgave him in time. The good thing was that Austin was forced to dodge a bullet.

After finding out this heartbreaking news of double betrayal by his love and his best friend shortly after coming home from prison, Austin leaves town and meets Loree Grant on his way to search for the true murderer. Loree is like Austin: lonely, kind, and sweet. It confused me; but Loree, a virgin, and Austin who has only had sex one time with the woman he loves, have a one night stand after knowing each other for 24 hours. Totally didn't make sense to me, but it forced them to spend time together even though they didn't have sex again for months. After all, Austin would always love Becky; but they were not as lonely as they were before meeting.

I really liked Loree. The only thing that bothered me was how long it took for her to tell Austin her secrets. I don't like dishonestly in relationships, and it took her way too long to open up in my opinion. Fortunately, by the end, everything came out. Loree and Austin got to travel and see the world, which was difficult and expensive at that time. More importantly, Loree and Austin didn't have to see Becky's beautiful face every day; so they had a chance to love each other.

The best part of the book was Lorraine Heath's writing. No matter how frustrated I was with the circumstances or that Austin wouldn't move on, I wanted to read more and find out what came next. I definitely recommend reading the other two books first. It's not necessary, but I liked them better. It also gave me more insight into Austin's soft and loyal heart.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just makes my heart so full. I love this family and I loved seeing their love grow and multiply. I can't wait to read the novella about Faith and Rawley!

[Grecia Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 STARS ***

Siento que este libro no estuvo a la altura de los anteriores pero tampoco fue un libro malo.

El romance fue muy instalove/instalust para gustó me hubiera gustado un poco más de desarrollo en esa parte pero no me molestó tanto.

Loree al igual que las otras protagonistas era muy tierna aunque creo que ella era más a pesar de todo lo que sufrió con lo que le pasó a su familia siempre conservó ese halo de inocencia y ternura y era bien linda con Austin.

Austin era mi personaje favorito de los anteriores libros era un chico sin filtro nunca se quedaba callado era alegre y luego con su don de la música pss yo me derretía con él, por eso me enoja que la autora lo haya vuelto tan emo y le haya quitado esa parte de él que tanto me gustaba era obvio que iba a cambiar después de haber estado en prisión pero ni enamorado volvió a ser el de antes y eso me entristece.

Y sí me enoja que mi personaje favorito no haya tenido un libro a la altura.

Pero aun así le daré las 4 estrellas además que el epílogo me gustó mucho.

PD. Vii que a Rawley lo emparejaron con Faith pero yo sentía que tenía más química con Maggie la hija de Houston.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on holidays so usually cannot keep up with reviews... back again now to reality!

Enjoyed this one ... again. I know I am doing a lot of re-reads and listening to the audible of books that I have already read but I am enjoying them.

[Menia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Πριγκιπέσσες buddy-reading

[Viri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Es más tres que cuatro. LO SÉ Y LO ACEPTO.

Pero ese señor Epílogo fue bien qlslqldnsldnfkdldkfkkd 😍😍😍😍🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Me encantó jejejejeje... Costó conectar con el insta love y con la protagonista. Pero una vez que ellos llegan al pueblo la historia toma más ritmo y me logró enganchar. No es tan bueno como el anterior ( Es que Dallas es 😍❤️😛) pero si terminó por conquistarme.

Además todo el tema musical le aportó un poco de magia al libro. En el buen sentido claro.

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro

3'5 estrellitas

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...


Hmm, I can’t decide what to REALLY write about this book. I liked it, liked a lot of things about it but I was sorely disappointed as well. Maybe I expected a bit too much because I so liked Austin in the first two books, was really looking forward to his book. But, *sigh*

Austin is really easy to love; I didn’t doubt it for one moment. And, he stayed that way all through the book. When he was released from the prison, he seemed changed in a lot of ways but I think the inherent ‘goodness’ of his soul wasn’t killed. After getting out, knowing about Becky’s betrayal was a knife through his heart. His family never informed him that Becky, to save whose reputation he served the sentenced for a murder he never committed, married his best friend Cameron 3 yrs ago. Austin doesn’t know what to do, how to deal with it. I thought he was way TOO NICE about handling the situation as he just gave Cameron a few punches. Later when he goes to see him again regarding Boyd's murder, Becky was quite rude to him. Left me thinking, really, how could she? I absolutely loved Austin’s homecoming; adored seeing Houston (got 4 daughters, another on the way) and Dallas’s family, Amelia and Dee, his nieces all over the place, Rawley, the brothers together ... everything. Austin was a bit overwhelmed with all the change around him and he feels lost. Afterwards, seeing how the townspeople still labeling him as a murderer, Austin had only one thought in his mind, to find out the killer and claim his good name back. He had this new thought, what if Boyd wrote ‘Austin’ as the town and not his name? In the meantime, Duncan attacks him and injures him on the back.

So, Austin was on his way to Austin (I know, gets a bit confused lolz) to see if he can figure out anything. But his tracking skill is only limited to tracking cow chips, learned an early age from Dallas. He has no idea how to go about. On the way, close to the town, he comes to this place in the middle of a wooded, secluded area where he sees this boy with a dog. Austin asks for food in exchange of some handy labor. The boy seems wary of him and takes his gun and knife from him, while holding a rifle at him. Austin relents and tries to work even with the pain in his back, he knew the gash from the knife wound must be festering. He asks the boy where his family is, and learns they’re ‘in the back’. When the wood chopping was done, he sits to eat while the boy brings him food. As he moved to take the bowl, he sees the ‘boy’ has long pale, braided hair! And, that’s how we met the heroine Loree. Austin was amazed at how he confused the girl as a boy. It really irritates me sometimes if the heroine is so lacking in obvious womanly shape that if she wears shirt and britches, she looks like a man! Bleh! Anyway, they talk and it’s obvious she is alone and doesn’t really trust anyone. Austin asks to stay the night in the abandoned barn near the house and is granted the permission.

Loree lives alone, without a family or friend nearby. When this handsome stranger comes to her door, she doesn’t trust him yet can’t help but feel for him. Her past and the brutal murder of her family left a scar in her soul, and there is a secret she’s keeping for which she lives this life of a hermit. Her only visitor is a boy named DeWayne, her deceased brother’s good friend. As the night gives into heavy rainfall, Loree is very irritable to find that she’s worried about her unwanted visitor as the barn is totally non-habitable. Albeit unwillingly, Loree goes to the barn look in on him and finds him shaking with a fever. Austin tells her about the injury and she takes him inside the house, takes care of the problem and lets him sleep in her bed. And, this is how their ‘friendship’ begins. Austin is there for a few days, recuperating and doing little chores for her in exchange of his food and keep. Loree’s dog, Digger, who’s usually wary about strangers, makes friends with him too. I had lots of questions about Loree’s lifestyle, first of all was how can she live here all alone, where her family was murdered and she watched them being murdered? Is that at all possible? Isn’t she scared? I got goose bumps reading about the murder and the fact that they’re buried in the backyard, which is why she told Austin they’re ‘in the back’. She does all the chore of the house herself. I was also curious as to how she gets her food and other materials since she said she doesn’t visit the town of Austin anymore. Later on, I figured it must be DeWayne, who still keeps an eye on her. Austin at first, didn’t know anything but wonders why is she so alone or why is the barn abandoned while the little livestock she has are mostly outside. In the meantime, their relationship grows; they started trusting each-other and little things about themselves. Austin learns that Loree is too fond of sugar and takes lots and lots of it with coffee and so on. I couldn’t believe the amount, oh lord, does anyone really take so much sugar in his/her coffee and not get ill? She is thin as a stick and doesn’t think she’s beautiful. But Austin finds her very sweet and it comes back, over and over again in the story as Austin starts calling her ‘sugar’ (which was too cute for words IMO).

DeWayne pays a visit a few days later, which is how Austin finds out about her family. I wasn’t sure what to think of it and kept thinking about what she has really done. Lorraine Heath really caught my attention about Loree’s past. Some information fall into pieces and Austin knows why she just hates the barn. Loree tells him a little about her family and that she wants to burn the burn. Austin starts on it, thinking it’ll be as a pay back for at least some of the things she’d done for him so far. And then, Digger gets killed in a fight with a bobcat. Loree is almost hysteric seeing all the blood. When Austin returns burying Digger, he finds her in her room, naked from waist up and muttering “I can't get his blood off”, although there wasn’t any blood left on her. Austin helps her get ‘cleaned’ and then, they sought comfort each-others arms by making love which ends in a bit of a disaster as Austin says Becky’s name. Loree is hurt; of course she’s supposed to be hurt but she thought: well, he doesn’t love me, what happens between us was nothing really, so no point in taking umbrage in it. But, she’s still hurt. Austin feels guilty too. I was supposed to be really pissed but somehow I wasn’t, I knew what Austin did was clumsy but I also knew he didn’t do it intentionally. His love for Becky was still apparent but I really wished he’d let her go. He’s already told Loree about his prison sentence but not the details of it. In his feverish state, he talked about Becky too, so Loree knew who she was. Austin tells her he can’t give her a future since ‘the future’ is quite blank for him at the moment. Later he decides to leave for ‘Austin’.

At this point, I wasn’t still feeling the book and Loree/Austin’s relationship. Sadly, although they had this ‘nice friendship’-kind of thing going on, I didn’t really feel any attraction or sexual tension between the two, despite their lovemaking. Even with the low heat level in this series, first two books had convincing attraction/yearning between the h/h. In this one, I just didn’t feel it at all, not even on the last page. What kept me going was the way Lorraine Heath’s narration with the mention and interaction of the whole Leigh family in the book. Back to the story, Austin reaches the town and finds out the detective Wylan, whom Dallas has hired a long time back, to work on his case. He waits there with the guy but to no avail; they couldn’t find any additional information. Austin is pretty deflated thinking it wouldn’t work after all, 5 yrs is a long time. But, he can’t forget Loree so he goes back there couple of times, takes her on a picnic and to visit the place where he was born. I liked this scene; the way he paid respect to his mother’s grave (more on it was on the 1st two books) and seeing Loree, who goes bare footed in her home, having trouble walking in shoes, how Austin takes her foot on his thigh and rubs them. This part became my favorite thing about them throughout the book. He even buys her a new puppy, naming it Two-bits himself. But, nothing else happens between them.

Loree feels lost without Austin too; she kept thinking of his beautiful, innocent-looking blue eyes and his long fingers. Loree knows a few things about music herself so seeing his hands she thought Austin could be a great violinist. A few more days later, Loree finds out she’s pregnant and sends Austin a note. He comes running, telling her he’d do the right thing and proposes her. Loree doesn’t agree at first but when Austin reasons about the baby, she agrees on one condition; if he’s thinking of Becky, he can’t make love to her. I mean, really, I get the emotion behind it but hell, it went on for TOO LONG for my liking. And, still I couldn’t feel any attraction between them. So they marry and ride back home to Leighton. Dallas acts like an a$$ at first hearing about the baby but soon resolves his attitude. The others in the family take Loree in with open arms. Man, I have to say it again, how much I loved this family, wished to be a part of it and how much I’m gonna miss them. It made me incredibly sad that this is the last book of the series.

Things go on quite well but Loree is sometimes scared that Austin would find out about her ‘past’. She also meets Becky in an incident in her shop and instantly feels vulnerable, thinking Becky’s so beautiful while she’s not. I wish this part of Becky and Cameron didn’t come back over and over again in the story. It should’ve been regarded as ‘let bygones be bygones’ (read: ignore them) but hell, they did. I guess because they lived in the same town and known each-other for such a long time, it couldn’t be avoided. In between, Austin tries to make love to Loree once but the mention of her promise ruins it for him. Later, she thinks she might not have made him such a promise after all. I was mostly rooting for the family, to read about them; especially the kids, all the girls and Rawley. I liked it when Amelia again had another girl and the brothers make fun of it. Then the family, together give balls and attend the theater. Rawley tells Austin that it’d be great if his is a boy since they are outnumbered by women in the family. Cute!

Becky and Cameron come back in the story again, in the ball, as Becky learns the woman whom she met in her shop is actually Austin’s wife. I liked the way Austin was in that scene, when Becky asked him how he’s doing, he answered “Wiser”. Also, on the Christmas as the kids wanted their ‘Uncle Cameron’ here. Austin does that for them, after making sure it won’t hurt Loree. I found it difficult to believe, considering the time frame, that how cool Becky appeared after her and Austin’s shared past; they slept together for God’s sake, doesn’t matter that it was their first time, that it was 5 yrs ago or that they were young or even the fact that she’d married his best friend. She didn’t seem uneasy talking about it/at the mention of it when Boyd’s murder would come up. In the end, it was glossed over by making it look like Becky and Austin’s was a young love that didn’t survive the time apart. That Cameron loved her all along so when his and Becky’s father died, they both turned to each-other for comfort. In the process, she became pregnant and they had to marry. Austin also turned to Becky for comfort after Dallas’s accident. So, where does it leave me? I’m confused. As a result, throughout the story I couldn’t help but feel that Austin let it go too easily, being too nice, going as far as threaten Cameron if he makes Becky unhappy, he’ll have to answer to him. WHY Austin? I felt awkward every time these two are there in the story with Loree and Austin. Loree wouldn’t let go at first; she was angry that Becky broke Austin’s heart (which I thought was really commendable of her) and tells him that, too but because of Austin, later she had to.

I hoped to see this ‘promise’ thing resolved sooner but it didn’t. Loree steps into her advanced pregnancy. In the meantime, someone tries to hurt Austin again so Loree is concerned. She’s hovering between if to tell him everything or not. She’s scared of Austin’s reaction. Loree’s been trying to make Austin learn to play violin, not knowing that Austin already knows how to. Cameron mentions it (not knowing of course) and Loree is angry. I was like, why? You’re not angry at seeing his past love(r) at every turn but you’re angry because he didn’t tell you he plays violin?! This was probably the first scene I saw some yearning, at least from Austin. I have to quote it:

The melody drifted into an aching silence. Austin lifted his head, and she saw his tears, trailing along his cheeks, glistening in the moonlight.

She slipped from beneath the blankets, her bare feet hitting the cold floor. "What were you playing?" she asked reverently, not wanting to disturb the ambiance that remained in the room.

"That was my heart breaking," he said, his voice ragged.

She felt as though her own heart might shatter as she took a step toward him. "Austin—"

"Don't stop loving me, Loree. You want me to learn what those little black bugs on those pieces of paper mean, I'll learn. You want me to play the violin from dawn until dusk, hell, I'll play till midnight, just don't stop loving me."

She flung her arms around his neck and felt his arms come around her back, the violin tapping against her backside. "Oh, Austin, I couldn't stop loving you if I wanted."

"I do know how to love, Loree. I just don't know how to keep a woman loving me."

"I'll always love you, Austin," she said trailing kisses over his face. "Always."

She felt a slight movement away from her as he set the violin aside, and then his arms came around her, tighter than before. "Let me love you, Loree. I need to love you."

And, they make love for first time since they’re married. Afterwards, he tells her some beautiful things:

He rolled her over, rising above her, cupping her cheek. "I wasn't lying, Loree. I've always heard the music in my heart but I lost the ability to do that when I went to prison. It was like the music just shriveled up and died. I thought I'd never hear it again. How could I play the violin if I couldn't hear the music? Then lately, I started going crazy because I'd hear snatches of music—when you'd look at me or smile at me. But I couldn't grab onto it, I couldn't hold it. Then last night, you told me that you loved me and I heard the music, so sweet, so soft. It scared me to hear it so clearly after I hadn't for so long.

"Tonight, I hurt you—again. I was going to let you go, Loree. I was gonna take you back to Austin. But I heard my heart break and I knew that's all I'd hear for the rest of my life. Don't leave me, Sugar."

Joy filled her and she brushed the locks of hair back off his brow. "I won't.".

See how Austin calls her ‘sugar’, so sweet! And the line “You should hear the music.” made me fuzzy every time he’d say it to express his feeling for her. *sigh*

Though things improved between them quite a bit, still Loree felt like a kid to me (no idea why) whom Austin is trying to pamper and so on. Loree even tries to teach Austin the ‘little black bugs’ on the music sheet that she’d given him for as a Christmas present. Loree is amazed to know that Austin learned to play without knowing the music notes. It’s pretty obvious from his story on how he learned that Austin’s a genius. A few months pass by and Loree has the baby, a son, whom they named Grant, after Loree’s family. Austin is very happy, so is everyone else in the family. But, soon Becky comes to see Grant and slips the fact that Austin was imprisoned as Boyd McQueen’s murderer. I already had my hunch about what Loree did and it was confirmed. Loree, so far, didn’t know the man’s name; she thought Austin acted in self-defense. Now, knowing the impact of the truth, she’s totally lost.

Soon, they attend an orchestra. Loree was being distant from Austin, which made him quite insane, not knowing why. But, he manages to convince her to attend with him (a very very cute demonstration with his violin, loved it). As they’re listening to it, Austin realizes he’d found his dream. He knew it was inside him but until now he didn’t know if he wanted to grab it. So he tells Loree about his wish to become a part of the orchestra. Loree’s pretty sure Austin would be selected but when he isn’t, she decides to confess (I couldn’t quite believe her story). She couldn’t look at the sadness caused by a ruined dream on Austin’s face, though he tried to smart it, making it look like it’s nothing. Learning the truth, Austin tries to figure out what to do. He’s thinking fast and goes to Dallas that night. Man, that was a funny scene, as Dee and Dallas were about to... ermm and Austin barges in. I mean, what’s wrong with these men? First Houston, now Austin? Poor Dallas! Anyway, Austin knows he loves Loree, so does she so somehow he has to save her. But the next day, she goes to the sheriff and confesses, making it difficult for Dallas and Austin to save her... One thing, in the end, I didn’t really appreciate Austin taking her to the waterfalls where he took Becky all those years ago and trying to reason with her about his past with Becky. Not really Austin. I’d rather you ignored her.

Anyway, I’d like to talk about the epilogue which takes place 11 years afterwards. Austin was now a famous violinist and toured the world with Loree by his side. They have 5 sons, youngest is 2 yrs old. They’ve just arrived in Leighton, marveling at the changes and so on. I really loved it and felt so completely wistful that the series is ending. Almost all the characters were mentioned. It was good to see how their lives have changed, how the kids grew up. It ended with some loose ends as well, about Rawley and who he might end up with. I didn’t think it’d be Faith (Dallas’s daughter) because they’ve always acted as brother and sister. The way it ended, I’m not sure though. Could he think of her as something else? Since Lorraine Heath didn’t continue with the series and there’s no mention of it in her website, guessing we won’t be reading Rawley’s story. I wish it was otherwise. I would’ve loved to read about him and see more of the Leigh brothers too. 3.75 stars because it was worth a read. *sigh*

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
Rarely have I found an author who is able to write a complete series with every book in the series being consistently good enough to earn keeper status from me, but Lorraine Heath's Texas Trilogy did exactly that. It is also equally rare for an author to tug at my heartstrings in quite the way that Lorraine Heath does, but somehow her stories always manage to make me teary-eyed more than once along the way. Texas Splendor was no exception. It is an emotionally complex tale about how things don't always turn out the way we might expect, but something better may be waiting about the bend; about how even our greatest pain and biggest mistakes can turn into something good; about how people's destinies can be intertwined in truly unexpected ways; about dreams lost and found again; and about forgiveness of something that a first glance may seem unforgivable. As with the other books in the series, Lorraine Heath delves deeply into her characters feelings and motivations, making them very relatable and sympathetic. She also has a way with building an emotional connection and exquisite sexual tension between the hero and heroine. For once, I didn't mind this couple making love right after meeting, because the author made it all about them offering mutual comfort during an extremely vulnerable and lonely time for both of them, and didn't have them declaring their love for one another immediately afterward. Although they were both deeply affected by the experience, they were also quite realistic in their expectations and were mature enough to understand that love had nothing to do with it at that moment. In fact, Austin made a stupid mistake in the heat of passion, which caused friction between them that lasted even for a while after they're married. Also, the whole experience brought them closer together when they otherwise probably would have parted ways. I really appreciate Ms. Heath's ability to backtrack after a moment of passion like Austin and Loree shared and then slowly build a real, lasting, and believable love relationship between them.

After seeing Austin as a major secondary character in his brothers' stories, I knew that he was going to be a gentle beta hero like Houston, but still with his own personality and set of talents. Spending five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit hardened Austin, but not enough to make him mean or hateful. That just wasn't in his nature. Even though he was a changed man, I was still able to see glimmers of the boy/young man I came to love so much in the previous books. Austin has always craved a female presence in his life ever since his mother died when he was a little boy, and I think this side of him became a protector to all the women who became a part of his life. In fact, it was his desire to protect the reputation of the woman he loved which landed him in prison in the first place, and when Loree finally divulges her secret, Austin was prepared to once again take the blame in order to protect her too. Although his brother, Dallas, had a hard time seeing Austin as anything but an irresponsible kid, I think that Austin proved his deep sense of responsibility many times over. He is also incredibly sweet to Loree. I loved how he always called her Sugar, and the way he often took her shoes and stockings off to rub her feet and make her more comfortable could be both cute and sexy at the same time. Austin was definitely the type of guy who could make a woman feel pampered and cherished. While he wasn't quite a virgin when he met Loree, he was very much a sexual novice, which just added to his appeal for me. I think the best thing about Austin though, was his amazing musical talent. The horrors of prison had quieted the music within his soul, and the moment he rediscovered it again was so incredibly beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.

Loree is a strong heroine who was the sole survivor of a brutal, murderous attack which left the rest of her family dead. This event drove her do something she is not proud of, and she harbors this dark secret throughout most of the book. I have to admit that I correctly guessed what it was early on, but this knowledge did not diminish my enjoyment of the story, mainly because it was not so much about the mystery as about how Loree's secret affects her marriage to Austin both before and after it comes out. Because of what she did, Loree also doesn't feel like she deserves Austin's love or to realize any of her dreams. When Austin finds her, she is basically punishing herself, but her self-recrimination isn't overdone. Loree still longs for her dreams very much, and does reach out to grasp some happiness when the opportunity presents itself. Her experiences also make her accepting of Austin and his past in a way that others are not, and eventually, she very bravely admitted her secret and faced the consequences. In her heart, Loree was a kind and gentle person who was driven to do something uncharacteristic because of extraordinary circumstances which was something I found to be very thought provoking.

I love the family saga feel of the Texas Trilogy. All three of the Leigh brothers as well as their wives and families play substantial roles that are interlaced throughout each of the books. It was wonderful to visit with all of them again and see them so involved in each others' lives. Houston and Amelia still have a slight edge as my favorite couple, and it was so much fun to meet their kids and see how their lives have changed. Dallas is still as stubborn as ever, sometimes irritating, yet sometimes making me laugh. It was rather funny when Austin punched him for the exact same thing Houston did in the first book, which goes to show that he apparently didn't learn his lesson, although he was big enough to admit that he'd made a mistake. Dee has come a long way from the timid woman she was in the beginning of book #2, and has expanded Dallas's vision of the town of Leighton to the point that it has almost become a character unto itself. Rawley and the other kids are growing like weeds and really developing their personalities. Becky and Cameron, Austin's first love and best friend respectively, played a big role too. They are definitely at odds with Austin when he returns from prison, because he feels that they betrayed him in the worst possible way. The beauty in the author's portrayal of these characters was that I understood how all three of them felt, Austin being angry because Becky didn't wait for him like she promised, and Becky and Cameron loving each other but feeling guilty for it. In spite of all that had happened between them, I couldn't help but want them to still be friends, and when the reconciliation happens, it was yet another beautiful moment. I also have to say that I loved the nice long epilogue that brought everyone back together a decade in the future, letting me see that this family is still strong and the next generation will definitely carry on the legacy started by the three Leigh brothers.

Overall, I think Texas Splendor may have been the most emotionally charged book of the trilogy, and that's saying quite a lot since the other two were very emotional as well, especially Texas Destiny. I think this may be owing to Austin being so much more demonstrative in his feelings than the other two brothers were. Also, both Austin and Loree are two very tortured souls who must find healing for their battered hearts, and they are quite observant, sensitive and intuitive of the others' needs and understanding of things that happened in their pasts, which only added to the intensity of the romance. My one and only minor complaint is that I've noticed the author has a tendency to repeat certain words and phrases, but although noticeable, it didn't really detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Ms. Heath is extremely talented at bringing to life complex character-driven plots which really make me think in a deep and profound way and thoroughly satisfies me on an emotional level, and in doing so she also creates flawed but extremely likable characters who I find myself wishing existed in real life. Texas Splendor is book #3 in the Texas Trilogy, preceded by Texas Destiny and Texas Glory. As I predicted in my review of Texas Glory, I'm happy to know how things turned out for this family, but equally sad to let them go. These three books have certainly earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf, and I hope to revisit them at some point in the future. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing my exploration of Lorraine Heath's back-list.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why, why, why this series has to end???



Please, pretty please with cherry on top, Ms. Heath, do write more!!!

Austin... poor, poor Austin... :(
I just knew at the end of the second book what will happend!!! My heart was crying for him when he found out that Becky married! More so because she married Cameron!!! Double betrayal!!!
I wanted to hug him, to console him... I wanted to smack Becky and Cameron, evend if all worked wonderfully at the end!
Austin is sexy, sweet and completely different from his brothers. He doesn't fight his feelings all that hard. At the beginning, yes, but after a while he accepts, even if he is no-good at saying them out loud!

Loree is just as good. She fell in love with Austin almost since the beginning, because he was so good nd honorable, not to say anything about beautiful and sexy! *wink* She just continues falling during the whole book! And more deeply she falls more she's afraid to tell the truth. And what a truth that is!!! Explosive! It could destroy everything! I loved how this was explained and developed.

I loved also how the music is woven through every feeling.

And the music. Although he wasn't playing his violin, she almost imagined that she heard the chords thrumming through her heart as he brushed his lips over the curve of her breast.

Wonderful, wonderful book!!!

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Texas Splendor was absolutely fantastic. A very moving story with wonderful leading characters who both have very sad histories, are somewhat broken, and in great need of healing. It's also great to get to see the rest of the Leigh family. I guessed the mystery somewhat early on, but I still thought that part of the book was very well-crafted and well-planned. The only criticism I have is a small thing about the epilogue, but even that was overall a great addition. Like everyone else, I'm *anxiously* awaiting Rawley's story and was wondering in the past book whether he might have his own book with Maggie, and then in this one whether it might be with Maggie or with Faith.

TEXAS TRILOGY:
Book 1 - Texas Destiny , Houston Leigh and Amelia Carson
Book 2 - Texas Glory , Dallas Leigh and Cordelia (Dee) McQueen
Book 3 - Texas Splendor, Austin Leigh and Loree Grant

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting the stage:
So we begin this story learning that our MMC, Austin, is being released from prison after spending 5 years there for a crime he didn’t commit: the MURDER of Boyd McQueen.
Those 5 years have changed Austin in many ways, but the one thing he’s clung to is his love for Becky, his first love, and who he was actually with the night of the murder, but he refused to let her testify and provide him an alibi because he didn’t want to ruin her reputation.
His brothers, Houston and Dallas, are there at the prison gates to meet him and take him home to Dallas’s ranch, where he lived before this nightmare began. Once there and after being reunited with the rest of his family, he’s anxious to leave and see Becky— only to be stopped by Dallas as soon as he steps off the porch with the crushing news that Becky married two years ago. And not to just anyone, but to his best friend, Cameron. Austin sees red and sets out into the night.
Of course, once in town, he finds Cameron and lays him out, but Cameron refuses to fight him. Then after an awkward confrontation with Becky (who’s holding her and Cameron’s toddler son) he heads to the saloon. But the townspeople still see him as a murderer, so his presence is met with sideway glances and whispered insults. Out of nowhere, Austin is literally stabbed in the back, followed by the shouts and screams of Boyd McQueen’s brother declaring that he should have hung!
Austin is able to get away, but he knows he’s not going to be able to live like this. If only Boyd McQueen hadn’t written his name in the dirt before he died causing everyone to think he was leaving behind the identity of his killer. Then Austin is struck with the idea that maybe Boyd wasn’t naming his killer, but WHERE his killer came from.
Even though his brother, Dallas, has already hired a detective to investigate and locate the real killer, after 5 years without any results, Austin doesn’t have faith that this detective will be able to accomplish his task. He sets out towards Austin, Texas to find the real killer himself. Only he’s in such a hurry to do so, he neglects to seek medical attention for the stab in his back.
By the time he’s on the outskirts of Austin, he’s in severe pain, tired, and hungry. He happens upon a boy struggling to chop wood and offers to chop the wood for him in exchange for some food and water. The boy agrees and returns once Austin is done with the meal promised. When Austin turns to get the food, he’s sees that the boy was never a boy at all, but a petite woman that was wearing men’s clothing. This is how Austin meets the FMC, Loree. They talk while he eats and eventually Loree begins to notice he seams weak and is feverish to the touch. He confesses about the knife wound on his back and Loree is determined to take care of him. This is how the beautiful, chaotic love story of Austin and Loree begins. ❤️

My random thoughts/feelings:
So— I enjoyed this story immensely, but it wasn’t perfect. Austin makes the mistake of calling out his first love’s name [Becky] while Loree is losing her virginity to him. This of course devastates Loree and, damn, how my heart broke for her too. This didn’t win Austin any “favorite hero” points. Now I will say that the author does well with making Austin suffer and grovel as a result of this, but consequently, it also causes the story to be fixated too much on his previous lover. This, coupled with the inclusion of Becky and Cameron all throughout the latter part of the story, just didn’t sit well with me. It just felt so unnecessary and kept driving the knife deeper into Loree’s heart. Even at the end of the story he goes as far to take Loree to the location of where him and Becky first made love and precedes to tell her about it and then makes love to her there too. Hell to the no! That would not be happening if that was me and, needless to say, I did not appreciate the inclusion of it in the story.
I also figured out the “twist” of the story early on, so relying on the miscommunication of it all got a little annoying as the story progressed. I was just wanting Loree to sit down and have an open, honest, and thorough conversation with Austin. In fact, it would have helped if Austin did that too. For all his ranting and wailing about how he was crazy about Loree, he sure didn’t share too much about his life with her. 🤷‍♀️

Still— it was very heartfelt and I loved seeing the evolution of the relationship between Austin and Loree. By the end of the story, I was truly convinced that Austin wanted Loree more than he ever wanted Becky.

Quick Notes: [POSSIBLE SPOILERS]
Told in 3rd person POV
No cheating/sharing (unless you include Becky not waiting for Austin to get out of prison and sleeping with/marrying his best friend)
Does have OW drama
No OM drama (I think this would have actually enhanced this story greatly if it had been worked in)
Pregnancy trope
Mentions death of family members
References child abuse/assault (off-page)
Virgin FMC
MMC has only had two lovers, including the FMC
Betrayal by friend
Death of an animal
HEA
Does have an Epilogue (10 years after story “ends”)

Would recommend to anyone that loves historical, western love stories.

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐