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Crisis: Cattle Barge #3
Texas Grit
He must face his own demons
To rescue his childhood friend
Dade Butler’s father ruled with an iron fist. Carrie Palmer was bounced around the foster system. But they found solace as childhood friends. Neither imagined their grown-up reunion would involve the six-foot-four handsome rancher rescuing Carrie from a would-be assault. But when a stalker nearly kills Carrie, Dade will stop at nothing to save her—and turn this friendship into a permanent relationship.
To rescue his childhood friend
Dade Butler’s father ruled with an iron fist. Carrie Palmer was bounced around the foster system. But they found solace as childhood friends. Neither imagined their grown-up reunion would involve the six-foot-four handsome rancher rescuing Carrie from a would-be assault. But when a stalker nearly kills Carrie, Dade will stop at nothing to save her—and turn this friendship into a permanent relationship.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2018
84 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Barb Han
365 books211 followersBARB HAN is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 20, 2019
Ooh, I struggled with my rating for this one, but ultimately it was just a tad too dull and silly for me to really recommend it! Our heroine is Carrie Palmer, and a hard-knock life barely begins to cover it when it comes to her past! She's your standard bounced-around-foster-homes romance heroine - except every place she was sent to involved some sort of abuse, or some tragic self-sacrificing foster parent. (One had a terminally ill spouse, so she was given up. Another had cancer, and had to give her up.) It was a little much!
Anyway, trouble just follows Carrie wherever she goes! She has an ex-boyfriend, Brett, who won't accept their break-up. There's also some carnival worker called Nash who won't take no for an answer when he keeps asking for a date. He corners her in a parking lot, seemingly intent on raping her, when saviour Dade Butler shows up. They were pals in school, until she felt he thought he was too cool to be seen with her, and then she had to flee her uber-abusive family situation.
Dade Butler is still haunted by the murder of his father (the overriding mystery of this series), but he's also haunted by not "protecting" Carrie all those years ago. So now he wants to protect Carrie in her latest situation, where it appears somebody is obsessed with her. She is receiving flowers and unwanted gifts. It seems possible that it could be her ex - until he is murdered! So it must be Nash, right? Just read the "Cast Of Characters" page at the beginning of the book, and you'll quickly figure it all out.
Dear Intrigue editors - GET RID OF THE CAST OF CHARACTERS PAGE!!!!
Or I could just not read it, I suppose.
The romance was handled reasonably well. I liked Carrie and Dade. He was a little bit too much poor-little-rich-boy for my taste, but didn't test my patience to any great degree. Carrie indulged in a bit too much of the "I can never have a happy life" rhetoric, but similarly, didn't aggravate me all that much. I felt they were a good match. The H and h had enough conversations between them to convince me that they had a strong connection.
But ultimately, the proceedings were too dull and predictable. If I'm reading romantic suspense, I like the suspense to be present also! It wasn't evident here. It was a bit hard to believe that Carrie had that many psychos possibly obsessed with her. And whoever it was didn't really provide that much of a persistent threat. They weren't terribly proactive. Normally, a good climax can see me lift a star, but not here.
I was also bothered by the constant "Dade can protect me" statements. I don't like the idea some romances float that a woman will be safe simply because a man of her dreams is there to protect her. That's never a given, man or not. While that is an underpinning of just about any romance, most of them normally give the impression that the heroine can look after herself (in the Intrigue line, at least, that is), and a protective hero is an added bonus. Here, it seemed as if Carrie was doomed if she didn't have Dade there to save her.
And that title? Texas Grit? What does that even mean? I won't hold it against the book that it's set in Texas, seemingly like about 90% of the books in the Intrigue line, but while the romance was satisfactory, it kinda flunked out in every other aspect.
Anyway, trouble just follows Carrie wherever she goes! She has an ex-boyfriend, Brett, who won't accept their break-up. There's also some carnival worker called Nash who won't take no for an answer when he keeps asking for a date. He corners her in a parking lot, seemingly intent on raping her, when saviour Dade Butler shows up. They were pals in school, until she felt he thought he was too cool to be seen with her, and then she had to flee her uber-abusive family situation.
Dade Butler is still haunted by the murder of his father (the overriding mystery of this series), but he's also haunted by not "protecting" Carrie all those years ago. So now he wants to protect Carrie in her latest situation, where it appears somebody is obsessed with her. She is receiving flowers and unwanted gifts. It seems possible that it could be her ex - until he is murdered! So it must be Nash, right? Just read the "Cast Of Characters" page at the beginning of the book, and you'll quickly figure it all out.
Dear Intrigue editors - GET RID OF THE CAST OF CHARACTERS PAGE!!!!
Or I could just not read it, I suppose.
The romance was handled reasonably well. I liked Carrie and Dade. He was a little bit too much poor-little-rich-boy for my taste, but didn't test my patience to any great degree. Carrie indulged in a bit too much of the "I can never have a happy life" rhetoric, but similarly, didn't aggravate me all that much. I felt they were a good match. The H and h had enough conversations between them to convince me that they had a strong connection.
But ultimately, the proceedings were too dull and predictable. If I'm reading romantic suspense, I like the suspense to be present also! It wasn't evident here. It was a bit hard to believe that Carrie had that many psychos possibly obsessed with her. And whoever it was didn't really provide that much of a persistent threat. They weren't terribly proactive. Normally, a good climax can see me lift a star, but not here.
I was also bothered by the constant "Dade can protect me" statements. I don't like the idea some romances float that a woman will be safe simply because a man of her dreams is there to protect her. That's never a given, man or not. While that is an underpinning of just about any romance, most of them normally give the impression that the heroine can look after herself (in the Intrigue line, at least, that is), and a protective hero is an added bonus. Here, it seemed as if Carrie was doomed if she didn't have Dade there to save her.
And that title? Texas Grit? What does that even mean? I won't hold it against the book that it's set in Texas, seemingly like about 90% of the books in the Intrigue line, but while the romance was satisfactory, it kinda flunked out in every other aspect.
November 3, 2018
A gripping story that brings back hurt for one family with the murder of their Father and horrific memories too another as she is forced to try not to remember but ehen her ex is murdered she becomes the top suspect. It will take the two to brake the past find a killer and find the happyness they both need to survive in the town of Cattle Barge.
May 29, 2018
With a dark past that won't let go of her Carrie knows coming home is the best thing to do. Working endless amount of hours at her cold treats shop making sure everything is perfect has helped keep her mind busy, until the carnival comes to town and brings with it another distraction Nash a worker who will not take no for an answer... The last thing Carrie needs is another distraction or so she thought as she's soon sitting in a holding room being questioned for the murder of her ex boyfriend! The light at the end of the tunnel for Carrie is her childhood friend Dade who comes to her rescue more than once, and the fact that he's a 6'4" tall glass of handsome never hurts.
This book is full of twists and turns and just as I thought I figured out who the killer really was it sucked me the other way thinking it was someone else and in the end I had it right but Wow does this one keep you guessing and on your toes! What a great addition to the Crisis: Cattle Barge Series by Barb Han can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
This book is full of twists and turns and just as I thought I figured out who the killer really was it sucked me the other way thinking it was someone else and in the end I had it right but Wow does this one keep you guessing and on your toes! What a great addition to the Crisis: Cattle Barge Series by Barb Han can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
November 27, 2020
This is the second book I've read recently by this author, and I have the same complaint - the MCs spent way too much time thinking about why their relationship wouldn't work. The characters felt pretty flat, unfortunately. Also, the heroine knew 4 guys who had the hots for her, which I thought was excessive, especially since she lived in a small town. lol
This is number three in a series, and I've not read any of the others, which worked fine; I didn't need to know what happened before to get this book. However, there is an over-arching plot about who killed the ranch owner that is not solved here, in case you care.
This is number three in a series, and I've not read any of the others, which worked fine; I didn't need to know what happened before to get this book. However, there is an over-arching plot about who killed the ranch owner that is not solved here, in case you care.
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed this intriguing romance, although it felt like I may have read it before. I bought this at a local library book sale. I voluntarily chose to review this book and I've given it a 4.5* rating. This not for the under 18 readers. This book grabs you from the beginning and keeps pulling you in till the end. Lots to interest you here. Does anyone like ice cream? I'll just say that some people are not what they first seem.
June 2, 2018
Wow
Starts off fast and just keeps getting better and better.Suspense,mystery,thrills and a really good love interest.You'll be sitting on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end.
Starts off fast and just keeps getting better and better.Suspense,mystery,thrills and a really good love interest.You'll be sitting on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end.
October 19, 2023
good story
Suspenseful and thrilling. Enough to keep you guessing. Romantic and a nice love story. Barb Han is a good author I love her books
Suspenseful and thrilling. Enough to keep you guessing. Romantic and a nice love story. Barb Han is a good author I love her books
May 25, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
Childhood best friends reunite in a captivating mystery! With the latest in her Crisis: Cattle Barge series, author Barb Han brings us the next Butler sibling's story. Dade was the best of friends with Carrie when they were young, but then life changes and teenage strife separated them. Circumstances bring them together again, and he won't make the mistake of not being there to support a friend this time ... and based on their reaction to each other, she might not just be a friend for much longer! The development of their relationship could have been a little stronger, but the whodunnit aspect of the plot carried the book well. Overall a great read!
Recently discharged from the military, Dade Butler is feeling a bit at odds with life at the moment. He's returned home to Cattle Barge, Texas after his father's murder and is trying to settle into life on the ranch again amidst all of the family drama. When he meets up with Carrie Palmer after all of these years at just the right time to rescue her from a hairy situation, he sets out to make sure she remains safe.
Carrie Palmer has been bounced around a lot during her life, and the one place she always thought of as a safe haven was Cattle Barge. She's been doing well since returning and setting up shop, but all of a sudden a stalker, a would-be suitor and the town in general is closing in around her and making it a dangerous place to be. Will Dade be able to keep her safe from the danger ... and win her heart in the process?
Childhood best friends reunite in a captivating mystery! With the latest in her Crisis: Cattle Barge series, author Barb Han brings us the next Butler sibling's story. Dade was the best of friends with Carrie when they were young, but then life changes and teenage strife separated them. Circumstances bring them together again, and he won't make the mistake of not being there to support a friend this time ... and based on their reaction to each other, she might not just be a friend for much longer! The development of their relationship could have been a little stronger, but the whodunnit aspect of the plot carried the book well. Overall a great read!
Recently discharged from the military, Dade Butler is feeling a bit at odds with life at the moment. He's returned home to Cattle Barge, Texas after his father's murder and is trying to settle into life on the ranch again amidst all of the family drama. When he meets up with Carrie Palmer after all of these years at just the right time to rescue her from a hairy situation, he sets out to make sure she remains safe.
Carrie Palmer has been bounced around a lot during her life, and the one place she always thought of as a safe haven was Cattle Barge. She's been doing well since returning and setting up shop, but all of a sudden a stalker, a would-be suitor and the town in general is closing in around her and making it a dangerous place to be. Will Dade be able to keep her safe from the danger ... and win her heart in the process?
June 4, 2018
The 3rd book in the Crisis Cattle Barge series just gets better and better.
Dade and Carrie were childhood friends. A separation, a second meeting as young adults but circumstances have changed causing relations to be different.
A murder mystery needs to be solved. Dade and Carrie have a chance encounter as adults - sparks are ignited and there is an undeniable attraction. The mystery gets deeper as Carrie is being stalked and a killer is at large.
A story filled with drama and mystery, of protection and righting wrongs.
Dade and Carrie were childhood friends. A separation, a second meeting as young adults but circumstances have changed causing relations to be different.
A murder mystery needs to be solved. Dade and Carrie have a chance encounter as adults - sparks are ignited and there is an undeniable attraction. The mystery gets deeper as Carrie is being stalked and a killer is at large.
A story filled with drama and mystery, of protection and righting wrongs.
June 8, 2018
Texas Grit
Barb Han
Once again Barb has written a story that keeps the intrigue going to the end.
With all that is going on in both Dade Butler’s and Carrie Palmer’s lives, you wonder if there can be a happy ending for them.
Another late night burning of the midnight oil, but well worth it.
A must read from an excellent storyteller.
Barb Han
Once again Barb has written a story that keeps the intrigue going to the end.
With all that is going on in both Dade Butler’s and Carrie Palmer’s lives, you wonder if there can be a happy ending for them.
Another late night burning of the midnight oil, but well worth it.
A must read from an excellent storyteller.
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June 1, 2018Miniseries:
Crisis: Cattle Barge
Crisis: Cattle Barge
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June 1, 2018Miniseries: Crisis: Cattle Barge
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews