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Deep in the Heart #4
Texas Heartthrob
Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob Liam Sullivan has escaped the paparazzi and celebrity gossips after a sensational tragedy, reexamining his high-flying lifestyle and his priorities. In disguise, traveling through the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, he encounters a rail-thin, starving woman who has lost everything but the dilapidated cabin where she once lived with her grandmother in happier days. Raina Donovan is determined to make her stand there, but winter is coming, and Liam cannot desert her until he can make her safe, however much she tries to make him leave.
Day by day, they draw closer, but Raina has secrets and so does Liam. Before they can trust enough to confide in each other, the world catches up with them. Can they overcome the stunning shock of their deceptions to find a way to be together, or will the price of their lies ruin any chance they might have for a future?
Revised and updated edition of A Real Hero
The TEXAS HEROES contemporary western romance series includes:
TEXAS SECRETS
TEXAS LONELY
TEXAS BAD BOY
TEXAS REFUGE
TEXAS STAR
TEXAS DANGER
TEXAS ROOTS
TEXAS WILD
TEXAS DREAMS
TEXAS REBEL
TEXAS BLAZE
TEXAS CHRISTMAS BRIDE
TEXAS TIES
TEXAS TROUBLES
TEXAS TOGETHER
TEXAS HOPE
TEXAS STRONG
TEXAS SWEET
TEXAS HEARTTHROB
TEXAS HEALER
TEXAS PROTECTOR
Day by day, they draw closer, but Raina has secrets and so does Liam. Before they can trust enough to confide in each other, the world catches up with them. Can they overcome the stunning shock of their deceptions to find a way to be together, or will the price of their lies ruin any chance they might have for a future?
Revised and updated edition of A Real Hero
The TEXAS HEROES contemporary western romance series includes:
TEXAS SECRETS
TEXAS LONELY
TEXAS BAD BOY
TEXAS REFUGE
TEXAS STAR
TEXAS DANGER
TEXAS ROOTS
TEXAS WILD
TEXAS DREAMS
TEXAS REBEL
TEXAS BLAZE
TEXAS CHRISTMAS BRIDE
TEXAS TIES
TEXAS TROUBLES
TEXAS TOGETHER
TEXAS HOPE
TEXAS STRONG
TEXAS SWEET
TEXAS HEARTTHROB
TEXAS HEALER
TEXAS PROTECTOR
Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2004
177 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 1, 2011
The hero Zane is a world famous, and gorgeous, movie star but he is feeling dissatisfied with his fame and 'LA' life. His feelings are worsened when his ex girlfriend commits suicide after battling a drug addiction. Zane escapes on a road trip to his family home and to spend some time alone on the journey. He has also dyed his hair and grown a beard to avoid being immediately recognised. Stopping for gas in a small mountainous village he comes across Roan, the heroine. He notices how fragile and defeated she seems and wants to help her, especially when he finds her passed out on the side of the road. He helps her with some repairs to the dilapidated cottage she is living in, as well as trying to get her to open up.
Roan is trying to get through each day and battle her demons. She has had a hard life; growing up with an alcoholic mother, a disastrous marriage and the death of her baby all led her to a drug addiction and suicide attempt. She has chosen life but it doesn't make it any less hard for her to get through each day. She doesn't need or want Zane's help, but he insists. They grow close but with Roan's past problems and Zane keeping his true identity secret, any relationship between them is a disaster waiting to happen.
Phew, this is quite a tough book to read; it is intense, emotional and heartbreaking. It's certainly not a light read. The author has written a very, very flawed heroine but she never makes it seem like the character blames circumstance for her problems or wallows in self pity. I admired the bravery of the heroine and really responded to the fact that the author has taken a risk with this book. The hero is also a good character, although his 'do-gooder' needs got a little annoying. What I like most about this book is the journey that both the characters have been on and then go on together. There is some fantastic character growth, and the relationship between them is built slowly but beautifully. It is very satisfying. The ending felt a little forced though.
Have those tissues handy, this is an emotional book!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
Roan is trying to get through each day and battle her demons. She has had a hard life; growing up with an alcoholic mother, a disastrous marriage and the death of her baby all led her to a drug addiction and suicide attempt. She has chosen life but it doesn't make it any less hard for her to get through each day. She doesn't need or want Zane's help, but he insists. They grow close but with Roan's past problems and Zane keeping his true identity secret, any relationship between them is a disaster waiting to happen.
Phew, this is quite a tough book to read; it is intense, emotional and heartbreaking. It's certainly not a light read. The author has written a very, very flawed heroine but she never makes it seem like the character blames circumstance for her problems or wallows in self pity. I admired the bravery of the heroine and really responded to the fact that the author has taken a risk with this book. The hero is also a good character, although his 'do-gooder' needs got a little annoying. What I like most about this book is the journey that both the characters have been on and then go on together. There is some fantastic character growth, and the relationship between them is built slowly but beautifully. It is very satisfying. The ending felt a little forced though.
Have those tissues handy, this is an emotional book!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
October 19, 2019
31 May 18
I read this book as part of the boxes set Lone Star Lovers. I truly enjoy Jean Brashear's work, but not this one so much. It started out pretty good. The last chapter was good. The book was well written. It was FULL of angst. Too much for me. All the sadness, pain, and anguish was not what I was looking for in a book.
I wouldn't let that stop you from reading it. There was so little happiness, romance, and joy in this book, it left me feeling kind of sad. Even after the HEA.
Update 17 Oct 19
I listened to the Audio version of this book. The narrator was pretty good, but the narration did not change the original review of the book much. I would say that the last chapter was the only hopeful chapter in the book.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed the audio version of this book.
I read this book as part of the boxes set Lone Star Lovers. I truly enjoy Jean Brashear's work, but not this one so much. It started out pretty good. The last chapter was good. The book was well written. It was FULL of angst. Too much for me. All the sadness, pain, and anguish was not what I was looking for in a book.
I wouldn't let that stop you from reading it. There was so little happiness, romance, and joy in this book, it left me feeling kind of sad. Even after the HEA.
Update 17 Oct 19
I listened to the Audio version of this book. The narrator was pretty good, but the narration did not change the original review of the book much. I would say that the last chapter was the only hopeful chapter in the book.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed the audio version of this book.
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October 3, 2024
Very good,emotional read!!
September 26, 2013
This book was so hard to get through. I normally love Super romance but this one was completely not for me. I don't believe there is any man out there like Zane who would chase a woman up to her house and force himself into her house and MAKE her let him stay and repair her old shack of a cabin.
Zane is supposed to be this super hot Hollywood actor whose girlfriend just died and he seems to not care all that much, I mean I'm not one for dwelling on sad things but it was like, oh your girlfriend is dead. Oh really? Let me just go find some other broken animal to help. Really? Zane has this old school southern charm and dedication to his family that he always talks about which was one thing I liked about this book.
Roan. What's to like about Roan? She doesn't give in to her addiction at one point in the book, well congratulations Roan. Oh and she finally gets on her feet without the help of Zane in four months. Roan was skittish through the WHOLE book until it came to seeing Zane naked. Gosh. She complained the entire book about letting her deceased grandma down and how she was turning out like her alcoholic mother. Pity party!
I only continued reading this book because I was waiting for it to get better and at about halfway through when I realized that it probably wouldn't get better I felt an obligation to finish it because I had already read halfway through. You wont catch me reading the other stories in this series though!
Zane is supposed to be this super hot Hollywood actor whose girlfriend just died and he seems to not care all that much, I mean I'm not one for dwelling on sad things but it was like, oh your girlfriend is dead. Oh really? Let me just go find some other broken animal to help. Really? Zane has this old school southern charm and dedication to his family that he always talks about which was one thing I liked about this book.
Roan. What's to like about Roan? She doesn't give in to her addiction at one point in the book, well congratulations Roan. Oh and she finally gets on her feet without the help of Zane in four months. Roan was skittish through the WHOLE book until it came to seeing Zane naked. Gosh. She complained the entire book about letting her deceased grandma down and how she was turning out like her alcoholic mother. Pity party!
I only continued reading this book because I was waiting for it to get better and at about halfway through when I realized that it probably wouldn't get better I felt an obligation to finish it because I had already read halfway through. You wont catch me reading the other stories in this series though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2016
Texas Heartthrob is a wonderfully moving story about Liam Sullivan, who is, first and foremost a warrior gentleman in the truest sense and second, a magnificent looking movie star trying to find peace after a personal
tragedy. To get away from the chaos surrounding his public life in LA, he has changed his appearance to fool the press, and begins the journey home to visit his family in Texas.
In North Carolina he comes across a woman destitute and struggling to reach her place in the woods. Passing out along the side of the road, he cannot ignore her. Although torn about getting involved with a stranger, when he needs nothing more than a respite from his tortuous feelings, he finds he cannot leave her to fend for herself, no matter what he's going through.
Raina Donovan has her own secrets and pride won't allow her to accept help from anyone. The journey these two incredible people begin together is poignant, breathtaking and heartwarming.
From the minute I began reading, I could not put this book down. Ms. Brashear's grasp of human emotions creates characters rich in their humanity, flaws and all. I'm so happy to see that Rafe and Alex, Liam's brothers will have their own stories coming out soon. Cannot wait!
tragedy. To get away from the chaos surrounding his public life in LA, he has changed his appearance to fool the press, and begins the journey home to visit his family in Texas.
In North Carolina he comes across a woman destitute and struggling to reach her place in the woods. Passing out along the side of the road, he cannot ignore her. Although torn about getting involved with a stranger, when he needs nothing more than a respite from his tortuous feelings, he finds he cannot leave her to fend for herself, no matter what he's going through.
Raina Donovan has her own secrets and pride won't allow her to accept help from anyone. The journey these two incredible people begin together is poignant, breathtaking and heartwarming.
From the minute I began reading, I could not put this book down. Ms. Brashear's grasp of human emotions creates characters rich in their humanity, flaws and all. I'm so happy to see that Rafe and Alex, Liam's brothers will have their own stories coming out soon. Cannot wait!
November 4, 2019
I enjoyed this story of Liam and Raina. Liam has it all and Raina feels like she has nothing left. Liam is running from the paparazzi after an old girlfriend committed suicide. He runs into Raina and sees a woman who is at the end. She doesn't have any money, food and barely a place to stay. Liam decides he will not let another woman in trouble go it alone. He will be there. Raina doesn't want his help, but he will give it anyway. Liam has never felt this way about anyone and knows that it is love. But how does Raina feel?
April 2, 2018
Liam Sullivan is a Hollywood hearthrob. Only he has been knocked down and just wants to get away. He is traveling to his family home in Texas. Raina Donovan is down on her luck. Everyone in the mountains of North Carolina treat her like the plague. Liam is a helper and when he sees her, he can't help himself. The 2 are constantly at ends. Neither of them are telling the truth. Like all lies, the truth must come out. When it does, Liam is still in her corner. She needs time and he gives it to her. Christmas has arrived and Liam only wants Raina. Before he can make plans, she shows up. Before family, feelings are expressed and marriage is proposed. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
December 18, 2018
Read this as a box set.
Read this series and loved every story.
Raina and Liam’s story was great. She was so proud when life had knocked her down and she knew she had to help herself. Liam wormed his way in and showed her that there is people out there that are real.
Rafe and Diana’s story was awesome too in that Rafe showed her that plans are not set in concrete and can be changed and made better.
Alex and Jades story was a great read in how he battled in ways to protect her when all she needed was love.
Narration was awesome too.
Read this series and loved every story.
Raina and Liam’s story was great. She was so proud when life had knocked her down and she knew she had to help herself. Liam wormed his way in and showed her that there is people out there that are real.
Rafe and Diana’s story was awesome too in that Rafe showed her that plans are not set in concrete and can be changed and made better.
Alex and Jades story was a great read in how he battled in ways to protect her when all she needed was love.
Narration was awesome too.
June 26, 2017
These two characters come from very different situations. Liam grew up in a loving family; the only person in Raina’s life who showed her love was her grandmother. Liam’s had it easy; Raina has not. Liam is usually strong and self-confident; Raina is scared and vulnerable… and yet… this will change as the story develops. Some similar themes to DIRECTING ZAC including a violent encounter leading to a medical emergency – one of my favorite types of scenes!
October 5, 2022
Very moving.
This book gives the reader a small inside look at dealing with addiction. The feelings the emotions that a person feels and letting someone help you when you don't believe your worth it. It's a fantastic love story with two people struggling with life changes each one different. The love they find is raw and emotionally changing for each of them.
This book gives the reader a small inside look at dealing with addiction. The feelings the emotions that a person feels and letting someone help you when you don't believe your worth it. It's a fantastic love story with two people struggling with life changes each one different. The love they find is raw and emotionally changing for each of them.
December 8, 2023
3.5* - Not the light read that you might expect from the book title. A struggling woman gets unwanted (but needed) help from a movie star. Not that she knows he is famous because a recent tragedy has him in disguise. Both are hiding secrets until a vicious man from Raina’s past, nearly destroys them both. This story deals with addiction and a troubled childhood and as such is on the dark side.
July 9, 2020
In my opinion this was Texas Lonely with a few changes. I felt that Jean Brashear just replaced Mitch and Perrie's names with Liam and Raina's names. I had to go back and make sure I did not already read it, I kept saying this sounds familiar. I was entertained but I was not WOWED!.
January 26, 2021
Texas hearthrob
Wonderfully poignant romance.
What starts out as a kindness turns into so much more. Two tortured souls find strength and forgiveness.
Exceptionally well written. Cant wait to read more.
Wonderfully poignant romance.
What starts out as a kindness turns into so much more. Two tortured souls find strength and forgiveness.
Exceptionally well written. Cant wait to read more.
May 4, 2021
This is a Heart wrenching and heart-warming story courage, healing and love.
The storyline will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, holding your breath cheering for the good guys.
Another beautifully written love story from Jean Brashear.
The storyline will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, holding your breath cheering for the good guys.
Another beautifully written love story from Jean Brashear.
July 9, 2021
This was a good book, but I wish there was more intimate moments between the two main characters. The story is good and kept me interested. The growth in both main characters makes you cheer for them.
May 16, 2017
Texas Heartthrob is the first book in the Lone Star Lovers series written by author Jean Brashear.
February 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read more.
June 30, 2019
A great story from my Lone Star Lovers bundle in Bookfunnel.
October 20, 2020
It was OK!
It was sweet & romantic . It was a nice clean book. I enjoyed the faith that was written into it.
It was sweet & romantic . It was a nice clean book. I enjoyed the faith that was written into it.
December 27, 2020
DNF - 22%
This was definitely not a book for me. I found it quite boring. I tried to give it a chance but after a while I couldn’t concentrate anymore. Shrugs
This was definitely not a book for me. I found it quite boring. I tried to give it a chance but after a while I couldn’t concentrate anymore. Shrugs
June 7, 2024
Very average. Nothing special about it. #audio
March 19, 2017
TEXAS HEROES Lone.Star Lovers by Jean Brashear. Liam, a big, good looking actor, wanting to reexamine his life. Missing his two older brothers, and family, he heads to the hills. Meeting Raina, haunted, and too little kindness in her world. Time and experience had taught her to ask for nothing. While Liam had women thrown at him, yet, this is the one he wanted to cuddle and protect. Could these two, one that everything, to one that ask for nothing, could they find a way for love. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
January 26, 2020
She was a survivor...
This author can write any genre' and this book is only the beginning of a new series of great characters. If you enjoy tenderness; if you like anxious moments;and, you want suspense, this book is for you. There are highlights that make you "feel" and I loved it to The End.
This author can write any genre' and this book is only the beginning of a new series of great characters. If you enjoy tenderness; if you like anxious moments;and, you want suspense, this book is for you. There are highlights that make you "feel" and I loved it to The End.
January 25, 2020
Hollywood heartthrob escaping press ends up on NC mountain
Liam is running with guilt over the suicide of a former girlfriend when he happens upon Raina who is desperate and lonely and hurting. He extends a helping hand but fails to shield his heart. This is a great story and I was enthralled from beginning to end.
Liam is running with guilt over the suicide of a former girlfriend when he happens upon Raina who is desperate and lonely and hurting. He extends a helping hand but fails to shield his heart. This is a great story and I was enthralled from beginning to end.
January 30, 2020
Great easy read! Kept me involved and interested. I would recommend to anyone who likes to read romance, yet with sexy scenes but good story line.
May 18, 2022
This is sort of a tough read for me. It mostly deals with the hardships of a former pill addict. I don’t know if she did harder drugs, I have not read about it so far if she did, but she also has cut her wrists in this story.
People who are sensitive to this kind of reading material might not want to read this book.
People who are sensitive to this kind of reading material might not want to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
Liam is running away from the paparazzi and the death of a former girlfriend. I was frustrated he or anyone even entertained he was in any way responsible for her addiction. Raina is fighting her own addiction and the ire of people in her hometown. She is definitely a fighter and a match for Liam, if she only can see her own worth. Love the narrator, Eric!
September 11, 2016
Jean has another winner with this new series! She has a style of writing that puts the reader right in with the characters of her books. You feel their pain, their fear, their passion and their love. Looking foward to the next book in this series!
August 25, 2016
Gritty
A hard hitting,guy wrenching love story..Will have you sitting on the edge of your seat,holding your breath cheering for the good guys.
A hard hitting,guy wrenching love story..Will have you sitting on the edge of your seat,holding your breath cheering for the good guys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews