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Blood Brothers #1
True Blue Cowboy
Will his proposal eventually win her heart?
For rancher Chance Braxton, Josie Monroe was the classic girl next door. He’d fallen early and hard, but because her heart had belonged to his careless and indifferent brother, Chance had been permanently friend-zoned since Josie was a teen. Now Josie’s running her failing ranch all alone, and it’s time for Chance to step up and keep a promise he made to her dying mother – marry Josie and combine their ranches.
Josie Monroe doesn’t want help or need to be saved by anyone – especially her wealthy ranching neighbor and forever thorn in her paw, Chance Braxton. The serious, way-too-handsome cowboy has starred in too many of her fantasies, but he still sees her as a heart-broken girl. She’s a woman now, and she’s determined to prove everyone wrong: She can save her ranch and rebuild her father’s legacy…alone.
When Chance proposes, Josie’s problems are just beginning. So why does her pulse kick up every time he rides by and tips his Stetson?
For rancher Chance Braxton, Josie Monroe was the classic girl next door. He’d fallen early and hard, but because her heart had belonged to his careless and indifferent brother, Chance had been permanently friend-zoned since Josie was a teen. Now Josie’s running her failing ranch all alone, and it’s time for Chance to step up and keep a promise he made to her dying mother – marry Josie and combine their ranches.
Josie Monroe doesn’t want help or need to be saved by anyone – especially her wealthy ranching neighbor and forever thorn in her paw, Chance Braxton. The serious, way-too-handsome cowboy has starred in too many of her fantasies, but he still sees her as a heart-broken girl. She’s a woman now, and she’s determined to prove everyone wrong: She can save her ranch and rebuild her father’s legacy…alone.
When Chance proposes, Josie’s problems are just beginning. So why does her pulse kick up every time he rides by and tips his Stetson?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2020
823 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Debra Holt
32 books339 followersBorn and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!).
Debra's real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn't busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance...Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs... to all who believe in happily-ever-after's.
Debra invites you to visit her website at www.debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com.
Debra's real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn't busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance...Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs... to all who believe in happily-ever-after's.
Debra invites you to visit her website at www.debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 25, 2020
Interesting romance.
Chance runs his own ranch since the death of his father and he has been very successful at it. Josie is his neighbour and she has been struggling to keep the ranch running since the death of her parents. Besides Josie has always had a crush on Devlin, Chance’s younger brother, which was why, she never saw Chance the way she should.
But in order to save her ranch, Chance and Josie try to get married and that is when Josie discovers what she feels for Chance.
The story moves at a predictable pace and is interesting at times with its own difficult moments between the lead characters as they misunderstand each other in their journey.
Overall, a cute emotional read.
Chance runs his own ranch since the death of his father and he has been very successful at it. Josie is his neighbour and she has been struggling to keep the ranch running since the death of her parents. Besides Josie has always had a crush on Devlin, Chance’s younger brother, which was why, she never saw Chance the way she should.
But in order to save her ranch, Chance and Josie try to get married and that is when Josie discovers what she feels for Chance.
The story moves at a predictable pace and is interesting at times with its own difficult moments between the lead characters as they misunderstand each other in their journey.
Overall, a cute emotional read.
August 27, 2020
Great book
JOSIE &Chance made this & interesting book to read.This is so many stories where you don't up on someone's true feelings & things get mixed & misunderstood. This story puts in such a way you feel as though you are in Josie's shoes.Could not stop until the end.
JOSIE &Chance made this & interesting book to read.This is so many stories where you don't up on someone's true feelings & things get mixed & misunderstood. This story puts in such a way you feel as though you are in Josie's shoes.Could not stop until the end.
February 3, 2020
True Blue Cowboy reads like a country song. Josie and Chance are a walking heartache with a lifetime of baggage to work their way through. Will foolish pride be the deciding factor for a couple of battered hearts in need of a second chance? Holt aims to wring out every emotion. From heartbreak to hope, she takes a detour at humor, before she reaches her ultimate destination and lays claim to the heart.
March 7, 2023
I found this plot very realistic, and for me that can be either a good thing or a trigger pulling thing. Unfortunately, it was the latter for this story.
This was a sweet, lovely story of a man who had secretly loved his neighbor girl for years, and how he wrangled in the stubborn, ornery, emotional dumb Redhead to love him too.
This might have been a simple love story, but there was a twist in the love scenario half way through the book. And, that tiny twist definitely caused me some angst. All I could think of was what nightmare is coming for my Sweet Cowboy (Yeah, Chance was all that we love in our imaginary men with an Extra Cherry on Top).
The whole miscommunication or non-communication really got to me…Ugh! It wouldn’t for most readers, but one of my emotional reading triggers was pulled. I knew there was, hopefully (Yes, that freaking Fullerton Family Saga Still Haunts Me), a happy ending coming but that didn’t seem to help with my own emotional dumbness…LOL
Excellent Story - Excellent Writing - Excellent Read
This was a sweet, lovely story of a man who had secretly loved his neighbor girl for years, and how he wrangled in the stubborn, ornery, emotional dumb Redhead to love him too.
This might have been a simple love story, but there was a twist in the love scenario half way through the book. And, that tiny twist definitely caused me some angst. All I could think of was what nightmare is coming for my Sweet Cowboy (Yeah, Chance was all that we love in our imaginary men with an Extra Cherry on Top).
The whole miscommunication or non-communication really got to me…Ugh! It wouldn’t for most readers, but one of my emotional reading triggers was pulled. I knew there was, hopefully (Yes, that freaking Fullerton Family Saga Still Haunts Me), a happy ending coming but that didn’t seem to help with my own emotional dumbness…LOL
Excellent Story - Excellent Writing - Excellent Read
August 24, 2020
Team Chance all the way. The patience and character of this H was unbelievable. For him, you only gave your heart away once. I mean wow, just wow. But...it was almost too unbelievable for me. Josie was too antagonistic and hard headed to realize what was right in front of her. Both of their communication skills left a lot to be desired. The brother (wanna-be OM) was really a non-starter except for the hangup from their shared past and her fantasy world.
I did enjoy the story even if it did stimulate a need to smack the h to realize reality and smack Chance to quit treating her with kid gloves. They did f-i-n-a-l-l-y achieve their HEA, finally.
I did enjoy the story even if it did stimulate a need to smack the h to realize reality and smack Chance to quit treating her with kid gloves. They did f-i-n-a-l-l-y achieve their HEA, finally.
January 8, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A quote (from ARC):
«“You need something all right. I can’t decide if your father should have tanned your hide more when you were growing up or you just need a strong man to rein you in now.”» (Chance to Josie)
A besotted, smitten hero’s patience is tested in “True Blue Cowboy”, by Debra Holt (Tule Publishing), when a stubborn heroine fails to see where true love is.
Chance is a solemn, guarded, honorable hero, and the fact he’s been in love with Josie for ages is sweet and endearing. Yet there are some facets of his personality that aren’t that appealing: a tendency sometimes to have a martyr complex or when his character conveys an opinion as the one quoted above.
The marriage-of-convenience trope isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but the besotted hero who struggles to win an elusive heroine infatuated with another man is very interesting.
It is an enjoyable read but perhaps the resolution happened too easily; some things in this story felt a bit flat or just didn’t sit well with me: why would a young woman like Josie assume the dichotomy between the virgin/promiscuous female?
A quote (from ARC):
«“You need something all right. I can’t decide if your father should have tanned your hide more when you were growing up or you just need a strong man to rein you in now.”» (Chance to Josie)
A besotted, smitten hero’s patience is tested in “True Blue Cowboy”, by Debra Holt (Tule Publishing), when a stubborn heroine fails to see where true love is.
Chance is a solemn, guarded, honorable hero, and the fact he’s been in love with Josie for ages is sweet and endearing. Yet there are some facets of his personality that aren’t that appealing: a tendency sometimes to have a martyr complex or when his character conveys an opinion as the one quoted above.
The marriage-of-convenience trope isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but the besotted hero who struggles to win an elusive heroine infatuated with another man is very interesting.
It is an enjoyable read but perhaps the resolution happened too easily; some things in this story felt a bit flat or just didn’t sit well with me: why would a young woman like Josie assume the dichotomy between the virgin/promiscuous female?
August 26, 2020
Nice story
Predictable but enjoyable. Chance has more patience than any man I’ve ever known. I can understand Josie wanting to prove she can run her ranch as well as any man. She has trouble accepting help, especially from Chance. I hope we get to go further into the future with these two characters.
Predictable but enjoyable. Chance has more patience than any man I’ve ever known. I can understand Josie wanting to prove she can run her ranch as well as any man. She has trouble accepting help, especially from Chance. I hope we get to go further into the future with these two characters.
August 24, 2020
True love at last
Very entertaining. Josie remembers her childhood crush on one brother and how Chance had always been in her corner no matter what stupid thing his brother had done to break her heart. She is slowly learning the difference between a crush and true love. It seems that fate has stepped in put her and Chance together. Question is will they survive?
Very entertaining. Josie remembers her childhood crush on one brother and how Chance had always been in her corner no matter what stupid thing his brother had done to break her heart. She is slowly learning the difference between a crush and true love. It seems that fate has stepped in put her and Chance together. Question is will they survive?
August 26, 2020
Love it
Really great story and fun to read. Can't wait to read the next one in the series. Search easy and enjoyable rating.
Really great story and fun to read. Can't wait to read the next one in the series. Search easy and enjoyable rating.
August 26, 2020
Sweet Romance
I enjoyed the story of Josie and Chance. It’s a classic friends to lovers story. Only insecurities get in their way. I’m interested in reading more from this series.
I enjoyed the story of Josie and Chance. It’s a classic friends to lovers story. Only insecurities get in their way. I’m interested in reading more from this series.
September 13, 2020
Love for a lifetime
A very naive heroine doesn't realize her neighbor loves her. She seems to invent devious motives for his every helpful move.
A very naive heroine doesn't realize her neighbor loves her. She seems to invent devious motives for his every helpful move.
August 28, 2020
Sweet romance
A very sweet and engaging story with compelling characters and an interesting premise. The story really free me in, but I started struggling with it about halfway through although I'm not quite sure why.
A very sweet and engaging story with compelling characters and an interesting premise. The story really free me in, but I started struggling with it about halfway through although I'm not quite sure why.
August 29, 2020
Open your eyes!
Chance and Josie’s story is great, in that Chance was always there for Josie. She just didn’t realize it. I loved the descriptions of the ranch life and the effect of the winter storms.
Chance and Josie’s story is great, in that Chance was always there for Josie. She just didn’t realize it. I loved the descriptions of the ranch life and the effect of the winter storms.
August 27, 2020
Too stubborn for her own good.
I enjoyed this story very much. The story line was involved enough to be really interesting and draw you in. From the opinionated Josie to the tall dark, handsome cowboy named Chance came lots of head butting and tense moments. Can they ever resolve their differences and admit their feelings? Check it out!
I enjoyed this story very much. The story line was involved enough to be really interesting and draw you in. From the opinionated Josie to the tall dark, handsome cowboy named Chance came lots of head butting and tense moments. Can they ever resolve their differences and admit their feelings? Check it out!
August 28, 2020
Great story
You don't need to be a cowboy to like this story about two people who grew up together and ultimately fell in love. Just took Josie a long time to figure it out.
You don't need to be a cowboy to like this story about two people who grew up together and ultimately fell in love. Just took Josie a long time to figure it out.
September 2, 2020
An angst filled whirlwind
My word this book had premise but it fell short in terms of character development. What I mean instead of getting better gradually they were up and down as if they trying to shake a fever. The suppose chemistry wasn’t all there for me. Rosie was a roaring feminist and in many times a petulant child. She wanted to prove that she could work a ranch like any man yet with her personality quick to anger and mistrust she almost lost the only man that cared about her. Then there’s Chance who loves with no bounds to the point that he is a little less than a doormat. Then to add to this awkward love triangle the brother Dev whom is all but a lowlife player she has always had a crush on. I mean how much angst can you serve in one book. I couldn’t get on board with Rosie and Chance is supposed to be strong but where was his tongue. And with a brother like that who needs enemies. There needs to be balance and the author missed the mark between well placed angst and then the love. Plus it required some editing there were a few times when instead of Chance there was Chase. Chance gave Rosie too many chances even if you knew losses that doesn’t excuse her behavior and miscommunication.
My word this book had premise but it fell short in terms of character development. What I mean instead of getting better gradually they were up and down as if they trying to shake a fever. The suppose chemistry wasn’t all there for me. Rosie was a roaring feminist and in many times a petulant child. She wanted to prove that she could work a ranch like any man yet with her personality quick to anger and mistrust she almost lost the only man that cared about her. Then there’s Chance who loves with no bounds to the point that he is a little less than a doormat. Then to add to this awkward love triangle the brother Dev whom is all but a lowlife player she has always had a crush on. I mean how much angst can you serve in one book. I couldn’t get on board with Rosie and Chance is supposed to be strong but where was his tongue. And with a brother like that who needs enemies. There needs to be balance and the author missed the mark between well placed angst and then the love. Plus it required some editing there were a few times when instead of Chance there was Chase. Chance gave Rosie too many chances even if you knew losses that doesn’t excuse her behavior and miscommunication.
February 8, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
True Blue Cowboy begins the Blood Brothers series with a story that grabbed my emotions early on and never let go. Let’s address those emotions because they flew by like a roller coaster ride. Chance has been in love with Josie for years yet she only had eyes for his careless, player brother Devlin so Chance is well accustomed to being firmly in the friend-zone, the one who picks her heart up off the ground when Dev breaks it once again. Now, after her mother’s sudden death Josie is facing the reality that the ranch is backed by loans that Chance is covering, her mother strongly wanted a union between the neighboring ranches going as far as getting a ‘facing death’ promise from Chance that he and Josie would marry… and the always present draw to the truly bad boy brother who never fails lets her down. So, yeah, there are emotions all over the place in True Blue Cowboy.
Being the first story in a new series there is world-building in this one, there has to be so it wasn’t unexpected for me and wasn’t the least overwhelming. Josie and Chance have personalities that are strong, stubborn, and will have some readers pulling their hair out or yelling at the book – I think I did both. Not in a bad way, simply knowing if these two actually “talked” to each other their troubles could be rather easily resolved but, of course, they went their own ways and mistakes, misunderstandings resulted. Watching them grow together, for Josie to begin to see Dev with wide-open eyes, and seeing Chance in a different light was an enjoyable journey. Now Dev… *sigh*. I know we’ll get this player’s story one day in the series and I’m really looking forward to that for I hope karma comes along and takes a huge bite out of his arrogant, careless arse. I really do. I think there’s a good man hiding somewhere in Dev and it will take the right woman for that man to show himself – and I expect fireworks when that happens.
In all, True Blue Cowboy is a marriage of convenience story with old friends who learn to see each other with different eyes. I enjoyed myself very much in this world and will definitely be back for more. If you love a good, solid romance with characters you may not love deeply at first but will grow on you as time moves on – then you’ll want to start the Blood Brothers series right now and get in on the beginning of what promises to be an intriguing series.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
True Blue Cowboy begins the Blood Brothers series with a story that grabbed my emotions early on and never let go. Let’s address those emotions because they flew by like a roller coaster ride. Chance has been in love with Josie for years yet she only had eyes for his careless, player brother Devlin so Chance is well accustomed to being firmly in the friend-zone, the one who picks her heart up off the ground when Dev breaks it once again. Now, after her mother’s sudden death Josie is facing the reality that the ranch is backed by loans that Chance is covering, her mother strongly wanted a union between the neighboring ranches going as far as getting a ‘facing death’ promise from Chance that he and Josie would marry… and the always present draw to the truly bad boy brother who never fails lets her down. So, yeah, there are emotions all over the place in True Blue Cowboy.
Being the first story in a new series there is world-building in this one, there has to be so it wasn’t unexpected for me and wasn’t the least overwhelming. Josie and Chance have personalities that are strong, stubborn, and will have some readers pulling their hair out or yelling at the book – I think I did both. Not in a bad way, simply knowing if these two actually “talked” to each other their troubles could be rather easily resolved but, of course, they went their own ways and mistakes, misunderstandings resulted. Watching them grow together, for Josie to begin to see Dev with wide-open eyes, and seeing Chance in a different light was an enjoyable journey. Now Dev… *sigh*. I know we’ll get this player’s story one day in the series and I’m really looking forward to that for I hope karma comes along and takes a huge bite out of his arrogant, careless arse. I really do. I think there’s a good man hiding somewhere in Dev and it will take the right woman for that man to show himself – and I expect fireworks when that happens.
In all, True Blue Cowboy is a marriage of convenience story with old friends who learn to see each other with different eyes. I enjoyed myself very much in this world and will definitely be back for more. If you love a good, solid romance with characters you may not love deeply at first but will grow on you as time moves on – then you’ll want to start the Blood Brothers series right now and get in on the beginning of what promises to be an intriguing series.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
February 3, 2020
True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt
Will his proposal eventually win her heart?
For rancher Chance Braxton, Josie Monroe was the classic girl next door. He’d fallen early and hard, but because her heart had belonged to his careless and indifferent brother, Chance had been permanently friend-zoned since Josie was a teen. Now Josie’s running her failing ranch all alone, and it’s time for Chance to step up and keep a promise he made to her dying mother – marry Josie and combine their ranches.
Josie Monroe doesn’t want help or need to be saved by anyone – especially her wealthy ranching neighbor and forever thorn in her paw, Chance Braxton. The serious, way-too-handsome cowboy has starred in too many of her fantasies, but he still sees her as a heart-broken girl. She’s a woman now, and she’s determined to prove everyone wrong: She can save her ranch and rebuild her father’s legacy…alone.
When Chance proposes, Josie’s problems are just beginning. So why does her pulse kick up every time he rides by and tips his Stetson?
This is Josie Monroe and Chance Braxton's story.
“My brother never deserved you.”
“Did you stop by today just to cheer me up?” Josie Monroe threw the words over her shoulder, intent on adjusting the cinch on the saddle of her horse. “If so, it isn’t working.”
“Just stating a fact. And, since today is your twenty-eighth birthday, I hoped to find you doing something a bit different. You know a person can take a day off now and then…maybe celebrate.”
The man stepped forward, settling long, muscular arms along the top of the weathered planking of the stall door. His Stetson covered a good deal of his face, but the part Josie could see was not smiling. “Thought I should deliver the latest news about Devlin Braxton in person. There was a phone call this morning.”
His gaze didn’t miss the fact her body subconsciously steeled itself for whatever might be coming. It was something she had practice doing over the years, particularly where Dev was concerned.
“Plans changed, I guess? So, he won’t be coming home anytime soon? Nothing surprising about that one.”
True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Debra's Books with Tule:
Beware the Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Lawman’s Apache Moon
Texas Lawmen
Along Came A Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels
Texas Lawmen
True Blue Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Homeward Bound, Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Her Secret Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Will his proposal eventually win her heart?
For rancher Chance Braxton, Josie Monroe was the classic girl next door. He’d fallen early and hard, but because her heart had belonged to his careless and indifferent brother, Chance had been permanently friend-zoned since Josie was a teen. Now Josie’s running her failing ranch all alone, and it’s time for Chance to step up and keep a promise he made to her dying mother – marry Josie and combine their ranches.
Josie Monroe doesn’t want help or need to be saved by anyone – especially her wealthy ranching neighbor and forever thorn in her paw, Chance Braxton. The serious, way-too-handsome cowboy has starred in too many of her fantasies, but he still sees her as a heart-broken girl. She’s a woman now, and she’s determined to prove everyone wrong: She can save her ranch and rebuild her father’s legacy…alone.
When Chance proposes, Josie’s problems are just beginning. So why does her pulse kick up every time he rides by and tips his Stetson?
This is Josie Monroe and Chance Braxton's story.
“My brother never deserved you.”
“Did you stop by today just to cheer me up?” Josie Monroe threw the words over her shoulder, intent on adjusting the cinch on the saddle of her horse. “If so, it isn’t working.”
“Just stating a fact. And, since today is your twenty-eighth birthday, I hoped to find you doing something a bit different. You know a person can take a day off now and then…maybe celebrate.”
The man stepped forward, settling long, muscular arms along the top of the weathered planking of the stall door. His Stetson covered a good deal of his face, but the part Josie could see was not smiling. “Thought I should deliver the latest news about Devlin Braxton in person. There was a phone call this morning.”
His gaze didn’t miss the fact her body subconsciously steeled itself for whatever might be coming. It was something she had practice doing over the years, particularly where Dev was concerned.
“Plans changed, I guess? So, he won’t be coming home anytime soon? Nothing surprising about that one.”
True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Debra's Books with Tule:
Beware the Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Lawman’s Apache Moon
Texas Lawmen
Along Came A Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels
Texas Lawmen
True Blue Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Homeward Bound, Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Her Secret Cowboy
Blood Brothers
January 11, 2020
I received this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story. This was the first book in a new series. The book was about Chance Braxton and Josie Monroe. Josie had always had a serious crush on Chance’s younger and playboy brother Dev. We learn that Chance has always been secretly in love with Josie but never did anything about it. Both families live on neighboring ranches but the Munroe’s ranch is in financial trouble. Josie has been running it since her dad died and has been struggling to survive.
As the book begins, we learn that Josie’s mom has been ill but didn’t let on about it. She dies of heart attack complications. Right before her death she set up a plan for Chance to act as the executor and marry Josie and save their ranch for her.Josie is not happy about it but goes along with the plan hoping to make enough money to pay off the loans and end the marriage. They get married and work through the changes. Dev shows up looking for money from his trust and when he sees Chance with Josie he is jealous and tries to convince her to run away with him. Josie is innocent in relationships and realizes she has fallen for her husband but doesn’t believe he reciprocates her feelings. She realizes the difference between what she thought she felt for Dev and what she really feels for Chance.
The story has many angsty moments and some steamy encounters. There is suspense and character growth. We see interactions between Chance and Josie and Dev as well as the ranch foreman, the doctor and other townspeople. Debra does a great job of keeping the reader interested and at the edge of their seat. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. This is definitely a five star read.
As the book begins, we learn that Josie’s mom has been ill but didn’t let on about it. She dies of heart attack complications. Right before her death she set up a plan for Chance to act as the executor and marry Josie and save their ranch for her.Josie is not happy about it but goes along with the plan hoping to make enough money to pay off the loans and end the marriage. They get married and work through the changes. Dev shows up looking for money from his trust and when he sees Chance with Josie he is jealous and tries to convince her to run away with him. Josie is innocent in relationships and realizes she has fallen for her husband but doesn’t believe he reciprocates her feelings. She realizes the difference between what she thought she felt for Dev and what she really feels for Chance.
The story has many angsty moments and some steamy encounters. There is suspense and character growth. We see interactions between Chance and Josie and Dev as well as the ranch foreman, the doctor and other townspeople. Debra does a great job of keeping the reader interested and at the edge of their seat. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. This is definitely a five star read.
February 6, 2020
True Blue Cowboy, by Debra Holt is very much a Texas cowboy romance with both protagonists working their ranches. Josie Monroe has grown up as an only child on a ranch that has seen its fair share of hardship thanks to drought and other factors beyond her family’s control.
With her father dead, Josie’s story opens with her facing yet another hurdle as a major loan payment looms. Her mother’s death compounds her problems until neighbour and close family friend Chance Braxton steps in to save the day. Chance has managed his much larger and more successful ranch for years following the death of his father. He’s every woman’s dream cowboy - gorgeous to look at, hardworking, wealthy, and successful, and he’s had eyes for nobody but Josie for years. His younger brother Dev, think Devil rather than Devlin, is also a stunner to look at but he’s a player, not just with women but with money, and Josie’s teenage crush on him has irked Chance for years.
This is an enjoyable story to read though at times it gets a little melodramatic. Dev has a habit of really pushing both Josie’s and Chance’s buttons and I did struggle with believability occasionally. It’s also a sexy story and while I have no problem with open bedroom doors in romance I do struggle to stay in the story when the sex gets down to the nuts and bolts rather than the emotional journey. There was one scene where I didn’t know whether to laugh or gag at the image that was conjured up. Apart from that, the story moves well, kept me interested and entertained and came to a satisfactory conclusion.
With her father dead, Josie’s story opens with her facing yet another hurdle as a major loan payment looms. Her mother’s death compounds her problems until neighbour and close family friend Chance Braxton steps in to save the day. Chance has managed his much larger and more successful ranch for years following the death of his father. He’s every woman’s dream cowboy - gorgeous to look at, hardworking, wealthy, and successful, and he’s had eyes for nobody but Josie for years. His younger brother Dev, think Devil rather than Devlin, is also a stunner to look at but he’s a player, not just with women but with money, and Josie’s teenage crush on him has irked Chance for years.
This is an enjoyable story to read though at times it gets a little melodramatic. Dev has a habit of really pushing both Josie’s and Chance’s buttons and I did struggle with believability occasionally. It’s also a sexy story and while I have no problem with open bedroom doors in romance I do struggle to stay in the story when the sex gets down to the nuts and bolts rather than the emotional journey. There was one scene where I didn’t know whether to laugh or gag at the image that was conjured up. Apart from that, the story moves well, kept me interested and entertained and came to a satisfactory conclusion.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed reading this first book in a new series by author Debra Holt. It was my first time reading this author & from the preview of the next book in this series it won’t be the last. Chance & Josie were a great couple, with Josie’s fiery temper & Chance’s ever needed patience we got see the start of forever even though it started a long time ago. This book was made up of so many what ifs, questions & false assumptions. Always there to pick Josie up after her heart was continually broken by his ne’er do well brother, Chance has been biding his time & hoping Josie will see him as more than a friend because he’s been in love with her forever. A promise to her dying mother gives him the opportunity to get her to see him as more, but misunderstandings & the return of his brother Dev are causing major problems in his plans. As Josie awakens to the truths of the past & present we watch her grow in character as well as a woman in love & we hope that the misunderstandings are soon cleared up. This book was an emotional roller coaster most of the time & that’s what made it so good. Recommend to read. I received this book from the publisher through Bookfunnel for an honest review.
February 3, 2020
Wouldn’t a young John Wayne be perfect to play the role of Chance in True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt? This is a stubborn woman loved by a determined loyal cowboy story. While Josie Monroe is likable, Chance Braxton is lovable.
Well-written romance that gives insight into the plight of small family owned ranchers and farmers in the US today. One might would say well look at Chance’s family ranch, certainly the biggest around that Texas town. Even that one now has a board of trustees, not exactly just the patriarch running the total show anymore.
The marriage proposal is somewhat out of the norm but not so much as to be unbelievable. You can’t help but hope that Josie will get over her must-do-this-alone-to prove-females-can attitude before it is too late. I understand it but we are all stronger standing with someone we love and who loves us. Also the absent elusive Dev is so much part of this story that t the end you can’t help but hope his story is being written soon.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well-written romance that gives insight into the plight of small family owned ranchers and farmers in the US today. One might would say well look at Chance’s family ranch, certainly the biggest around that Texas town. Even that one now has a board of trustees, not exactly just the patriarch running the total show anymore.
The marriage proposal is somewhat out of the norm but not so much as to be unbelievable. You can’t help but hope that Josie will get over her must-do-this-alone-to prove-females-can attitude before it is too late. I understand it but we are all stronger standing with someone we love and who loves us. Also the absent elusive Dev is so much part of this story that t the end you can’t help but hope his story is being written soon.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 26, 2019
This story was a good start for the new series titled Blood Brothers.
Chance Braxton is a wealthy, and well respected rancher in Braxton. Josie Monroe is the daughter of his neighboring ranch. A ranch she’s struggling to keep from going under. She is also the girl that was always following him around and the one that only had eyes for his younger brother , Dev.
While Josie cried on his shoulders whenever Dev let her down, Chance only had feelings for Josie.
Fate and a promise brings them together when her mother dies. Will this finally open Josie’s eyes to Chance or will the past, Dev and circumstances surrounding them keep them apart?
The story was engaging, and the characters complex. While I liked Chance, and I understood Josie’s determination to do her own thing, at times I felt she was exasperating and not my favorite person.
That said, I am looking forward to what and who will be in the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Chance Braxton is a wealthy, and well respected rancher in Braxton. Josie Monroe is the daughter of his neighboring ranch. A ranch she’s struggling to keep from going under. She is also the girl that was always following him around and the one that only had eyes for his younger brother , Dev.
While Josie cried on his shoulders whenever Dev let her down, Chance only had feelings for Josie.
Fate and a promise brings them together when her mother dies. Will this finally open Josie’s eyes to Chance or will the past, Dev and circumstances surrounding them keep them apart?
The story was engaging, and the characters complex. While I liked Chance, and I understood Josie’s determination to do her own thing, at times I felt she was exasperating and not my favorite person.
That said, I am looking forward to what and who will be in the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. the opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 4, 2020
This is a first in series and a first tine read of this author for me and I have to say I was impressed The book flowed well there was a little drama to keep it interesting but overall it was just a sweet love story
Chance Braxton has always loved the girl next door the only problem was that she belonged to his brother Devon the one that went of to fight for his country. So why can't he get her out of his mind. Josie Monroe always new that her parents thought of Braxton as the son they never had and that annoyed her after all she was just as capable of running the ranch as a man what she doesn't know is that her mother asked Chance to marry Josie and combine the ranches and now he is ready to do it, but does she still love his brother or can there be something between them you will have to read to see
Chance Braxton has always loved the girl next door the only problem was that she belonged to his brother Devon the one that went of to fight for his country. So why can't he get her out of his mind. Josie Monroe always new that her parents thought of Braxton as the son they never had and that annoyed her after all she was just as capable of running the ranch as a man what she doesn't know is that her mother asked Chance to marry Josie and combine the ranches and now he is ready to do it, but does she still love his brother or can there be something between them you will have to read to see
February 11, 2020
Josie's mom makes Chance acting executor of and makes him promise to marry Josie to save their ranch. Chance has loved Josie forever, but she was younger and hung up on his younger, player brother Dev. Now her mother is gone and Josie is struggling. Chance proposes and offers to save her ranch, but he wants more than a marriage in name only. She unhappily agrees to the marriage with an added escape clause. Once the year is over and the ranch is saved Josie is out. We see character growth as Josie realizes her school crush on Dev was never love and she has never felt what she feels for her temporary husband. What happens when Josie falls for her husband? I loved this story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 3, 2020
This was a great start to this new series. It was also my first book written by this author and I have to say that I really enjoy it from start to finish. I fell in love with Chance and Josie. The story line was well written and the characters were all very well developed. I loved the relationship between Chance and Josie and how over the course of the book you could see it changing. Both Chance and Josie were stubborn and neither was willing to give an inch. From the moment I picked up this book I was held hostage page after page until the very end. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2020
I adored this book and can’t wait to read future ones from the series. I fell in love with the fiercely independent and strong woman Josie and her dreamy, reliable, hard working cowboy neighbor. I really loved their relationship and how it progressed although they were incredibly irritating at times and had me shouting at the book for them to just communicate and yet I loved that, I love when I react strongly to a book and I love even more when it’s not so easy and more real life than neat little fantasy.
January 28, 2020
The story of Josie and Chance.
Josie has always has a thing for Chance's brother, and Chance has accepted this even though he wants Josie for himself. When Josie's mother passes away, Chance proposes to Josie, and offers to help her out with the ranch. The more time they spend together, the more Josie see Chance in a new light and starts to fall for him, but will either of them admit how they really feel?
A great read - looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Josie has always has a thing for Chance's brother, and Chance has accepted this even though he wants Josie for himself. When Josie's mother passes away, Chance proposes to Josie, and offers to help her out with the ranch. The more time they spend together, the more Josie see Chance in a new light and starts to fall for him, but will either of them admit how they really feel?
A great read - looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
February 6, 2020
First off let me say the cover should be framed in a gallery somewhere. IT screams East TEXAS in the Springtime and had me wanting to walk in the bluebonnets. Chance & Josie both have ranches side by side in East Texas and have grown up that way. Neighbor kids who saw each other every day and were friends. But Chance wanted more. Could Josie ever see past her school girl crush on his never do well brother Dev and look his way with more than a good friend look? Then life goes an throws unexpected hurdles called her mom's will their way and well life really does get interesting.
December 22, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A enjoyable start to a new series True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt. Book one in the Blood Brothers series. Enjoyed the setting, connection between the characters, and storyline. This storyline grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t want to let go. Can’t wait to read more in this series and see where it takes us.
A enjoyable start to a new series True Blue Cowboy by Debra Holt. Book one in the Blood Brothers series. Enjoyed the setting, connection between the characters, and storyline. This storyline grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t want to let go. Can’t wait to read more in this series and see where it takes us.
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