Devyn came here to be invisible. To run from a past that gives her no chance of a future. Until the day I pull a gun on her and fall head-over-heels in love. With her tenacity; her beauty; even her brokenness.
I don’t need to fix her. I just want to help put together her shattered pieces. I know how to do it. I know broken.
But in our world of untold truths, love doesn’t heal all wounds. And I’m about to find out just how deep hers are.
Texas Lilies can be read as a standalone novel. It is book two in the Devil’s Horn Ranch Series. This series can easily be enjoyed out of order.
Texas Lilies is the second book in the Devil’s Horn Ranch series. This story follows Aaron and Devyn and their mysterious beginning, intense attraction, and unpredictable future.
Both Aaron and Devyn have a painful past full of loss but they cope in different ways which lead to different outcomes, separate paths, until their worlds collide.
Aaron is the son of Skyler and Griffin Pearce from Samantha Christy’s best selling book, While Lilies (a heartbreakingly beautiful story). It was amazing to read about past characters! It’s like coming home and no one does that better than Samantha herself. I absolutely loved “the talk” between Skyler and Devyn and then that letter… gaaahhhh!!!
1.5 ⭐️ DNF @ 61% - not romantic, just toxic **Some spoilers below** • • • “Well, I’m saying no. No fucking way. We’re having this baby.” -H/Aaron to h/Devyn
The H not only pretends to respect the h's boundaries of giving her time to tell him about her past to do the opposite when he's not with her, he also tries to force her to carry their child. It's not his freaking decision for her to continue with a surprise pregnancy (that happened from her first time having sex!). He can ask her to consider keeping the baby, but when he not only knows that she has trauma with small children (that she went to PRISON for and just got out) but that she has already decided she wants an abortion, he tries to force her into having the baby with ultimatums and manipulative "I love yous".
“It’s not your decision to make.” (h/Devyn)
“The hell it’s not.” I stride over to her and put my hand on her belly. “This is my child. My son or daughter. I fucking love you, Dev. We can do this.” (H/Aaron)
Roe v. Wade/abortion rights are being seriously threatened in the US right now. This book being published in light of that as well as after the appalling recent Texas abortion ban is honestly just so clueless and offensive.
I couldn't quite put my finger on why this book was taking me so long to get through (a couple weeks instead of a few hours) but I think the power dynamics of him employing her and being her only place to go for other resources like a place to stay makes everything between them icky. His mantrum over her very valid decision of an abortion sealed the deal for a DNF.
This author has used some questionable plot devices in the past, but usually I was able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the love stories, but this was too flippin' patriarchal and twisted for me. Probably not even going to try any more of her work.
First for context... I loved the Mitchell Sister’s series so much that anything following it is sure to be dissapointing.
The first book in this series Texas Orchids was good. However this book was slow and the main character's were very young in age and maturity. 💕Spoilers: . . . . . . . . Then there is a hugely problematic section of the book around the decision to end a surprise pregnancy.
I did not like the long (several chapters) section of the book that was spent around convincing the h to proceed with the pregnancy. I was very uncomfortable with the pressure placed on the h and the implication that she wasn't clear in her thinking and obviously did want the baby but was just afraid. The detailed descriptions of the 9 wk fetus characteristics actually had me googling if the author was publicly anti-abortion. At another point the H rushs into a clinic screaming the h's name to stop her from getting an abortion. There is a lot of emotional manipulation to convince her to keep the pregnancy.
I appreciate that this is likely a realistic and common experience but it really took away from the beauty of their romance. Also all the supporting character's that added in various ways to the narrative that she really will be a great mother and should keep the pregnancy. I support a woman's right to her own choices related to her body. I did not like the message in this book that she didn't know her own mind and was only choosing to not have a baby because of fear and trauma or that the H should change her mind or should convince her to continue the pregnancy.
It felt like this book was written in the 80's. The Dr./Nurses refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. because obviously if there's a pregnant woman with a man she must be married to him. There are many cringy things like that throughout the book. I am almost 50 and this was very uncomfortable to listen too. It was hard to finish.
If you thought Erin, Skylar and Griffin's story was heart wrenching, you're in for an amazing ride with their son Aaron and his once in a lifetime love, Devyn!
Following her release from state jail, Devyn Dunlap DiMaggio goes to the one place she always felt a little safe. The old hunting lodge on the Devil's Horn Ranch. Expecting the lodge to still be a run down mess, she shocked to find it turned into a ranch destination B&B. With no other place to go, Devyn decides to hide out in the attic that no one ever uses until she can come up with plan for her life.
Only she's not prepared for the life she's about to have the night the owner of the B&B catches her sneaking down to the kitchen............
Aaron Pearce has grown up, and is still working at become the man his parents knew he would be. Ever since his stay at DHR at 15, he's been drawn back again and again, and the ranch is now home. Turning the old lodge into a successful B&B a dream come true. Except for being told he has a ghost. Not believing any such nonsense, Aaron comes up with a plan to catch the trespasser. He just wasn't expecting to catch Devyn.
After giving Devyn a job and a place to stay, Aaron finds himself drawn and very attracted to Devyn. But he also knows Devyn carries a secret as big as his own. Can they both learn to forgive themselves and let the past go? Or will they loose everything they suddenly desire?
Samantha Christy delivers yet another unique, unforgettable HEA. The next generation is as amazingly remarkable as their parents! Don't forget the tissues; they are definitely needed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh this book gave me all the feels. Devyn has been dealt a really tough hand. With a series of bad luck, homelessness and desperation brings her to the devil's horn ranch where things start to brighten for her. Aaron is so lovely, he reminds me so much of Erin - his namesake. It was lovely to see how much he has changed since he arrived to the ranch in the previous book!
“Texas Lilies” (Devil's Horn Ranch book 2) by Samantha Christy
Devyn has been dealt a raw hand in life. She will never forgive herself for what happened. She can’t trust herself with anyone or anything. She will forever be alone…. It’s what she deserves after all right?
Aaron knows it can’t be possible but all the little signs are there. He will find out who or what it is. To say he is surprised is an understatement. She is stunning but why is she doing this? Does she not have anyone to take care of her? What secrets is she hiding? He can see it in her eyes…
A little accident and now she is stuck with him for a little while longer. She can’t stay but having a roof over her head even for a little while feels great. She can do this right? Eventually she feels things she has never felt before. All her life, all she has ever wanted was to be loved and to be accepted. No one wanted her but she has learnt to accept that and life will go on.
He is beside himself… What was she thinking? Could she really go through with it? He hopes to find her before it’s too late. She thinks he doesn’t know but he does. He knows everything and it’s about time she knows about his past too. Maybe then she can get past hers and move on.
Like all of Samantha’s stories, she writes with her heart on her sleeve. Her stories will captivate you from beginning to end. Her characters are well thought through and with them having their own P.O.V, you get to live their lives with them. I cried, I laughed and I chewed a couple nails… Such a beautiful story with a HEA. So much story to read…
Cannot wait for Texas Roses... Bring on Quinn and Amber ❣
Devyn and Aaron’s story was an emotional one that is full of secrets. I completely fell in love with these two from the start. There is so much pain in their pasts and it is a pain that they both share and can help each other with. It feels as if they were meant to meet and their paths were meant to cross.
I loved Devyn. She is trying to start over while hiding her past at the same time. You can’t help but feel for her and also want her to find the happiness she truly deserves throughout the story. I also loved Aaron. He also had a past and it isn’t something that he has really ever opened up about, especially to his own family.
There is an instant connection between Devyn and Aaron. They both see something in the other and are drawn to each other. I love what once the truth comes out neither of them run, instead Aaron does everything he can to help Devyn and to be there for her when no one else has. There is no doubt that these two are perfect for each other.
There were so many sweet, beautiful, emotional and steamy moments throughout this story. It was great to return to Devil’s Horn Ranch and get updates on Maddox and Andie, see the Pearce family again, and get a little bit of Aaron’s guardian angel.
It can be read as a complete standalone, but I highly recommend reading the original book White Lilies (Aaron’s parents story) and Texas Orchids first.
If you’re looking for a small town, emotional romance full of secrets this is one to read!
Cutesy little comfort book. Some of the stuff Aaron would come out with would be very cringe. The book was all very fast paced, I got so confused when they started to telling each other they loved one an another when I'm thinking it's only been like a few weeks. Maybe I read it wrong but who knows. Other than that it was a very cute book and will be reading quinns book next 😊
Oh man does Aaron and Devyn's story pack a punch! Aaron is living on DHR in the cabin he built himself and running the hunting lodge he cleaned up and turned into a destination for city slickers when noise of a ghost lurking peeks his interest. After some careful planning and recording he realizes he doesn't have a ghost but he does have a sqatter lurking in his mist. Devyn is running from a secret past she is afraid will catch up to her and ruin her if she is found out. With the help and compassion of Aaron who is also dealing with his past demons she is able to find a safe place to fall and one of those places is into the arms of Aaron. These two are hiding secrets that they fear will destroy them and keep them from finding happiness. With a bit of digging and soul searching Aaron will soon discover who the real Devyn is. Will the truth destroy them or bring them closer to healing and each other? This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I found myself cheering for Devyn and having anxiety over her past. I couldn't put this down until their secrets were revealed. This was a must read for lovers of Samantha Christy and I can't wait for book 3!
This is the second part of the Devils Horn Ranch series… if you haven’t read part one, Texas Orchids, I strongly suggest that you do. It also might help to read the Mitchell Sisters series because the main character, Aaron is the son of one of the main characters.
Well, Wow!! That’s all I can say!
When I first read that this book was about Aaron from book one… I have to admit that I wasn’t sure. In book one, Aaron is a teenage tear away that is sent to Devils Horn Ranch by his exasperated parents. They were at their wits end as their troubled son started to take the wrong path. With their nephew, Maddox’s help and a bit ranch style tough love, Aaron manages to turn his life around to become a fine figure of a man… and it’s one damn fine figure!!
He’s out his heart and soul into restoring the former lodge at the 10,000 acre ranch and with the support of Maddox, Andie and his ranch family he has transformed it into a thriving business in its own right.
But when guests start talking about seeing and hearing ghosts in the lodge, Aaron turns detective to hunt down the culprit. Convinced he’s got an opportunist thief, he starts staking out the property in the hopes of catching the criminal. What he discovers is not a thief, but a conscientious squatter hiding in his attic.
Devyn is a young woman who’s been dealt a poor hand in life. She’s a victim of poor judgement and an even poorer justice system and it has taken the last few years of her life away from her.
When Aaron accosts her in one of her late night fridge raids, she expects him to call the police - but what he actually does shocks her. He doesn’t hand her over to the cops, but instead he gives her a job, a roof over her head and his understanding.
Both Aaron and Devyn have traumatic pasts and as they start to get closer and spend more time together, Aaron realises that Devyn needs closure in order to forgive herself. Aaron is the first person who has shown any interest in helping her since her life took the most serious of turns. The more her shows her that she can trust him, the more her barriers start to come down.
This story really is beautiful to read as you watch their story unfold. They bond over their shared trauma and when an unexpected turn of events brings their lives even closer together it all seems to be going perfectly. They are finally getting their chance at happiness. But not everyone at the ranch is happy for them and when Devyn is framed for something she hasn’t done - everything looks like it’s about to tumble down around them again.
What the conniving person doesn’t expect though is Aaron’s resoluteness in his belief that the woman he loves is innocent. Will he be able to get the evidence he needs to prove Devyn isn’t guilty? Will they get their happily ever after?
Of course they will… this is Samantha Christy!! She always makes sure we get the best happy endings… and this one is no exception.
Absolutely loved this story and Aaron is just the most amazingly caring guy. He’s so unbelievably adorable… Devyn is one heck of a lucky girl. I love Devyn too. She’s had it tough, but it hasn’t made her bitter or twisted. She’s not out for revenge or retribution… just peace and understanding. Bless her… she’s so damaged by her experience that she doesn’t believe she deserves to be happy. Thank goodness Aaron and everyone at the ranch and the lodge makes her realise that she does. She’s strong, she’s smart and she’s perfect for Aaron. I love the letter from Aaron’s guardian angel at the end. It’s poignant and thought provoking.
Yet another triumph by this fabulous romance writer. Amazing story and incredible characters that has left me with a warm heart and smile on my face. Brilliant.
I…AM…GUTTED! In the best way possible! I should’ve known that this one would get me. White Lilies has been my favorite, I should’ve known that Texas Lilies would get me just as much. Aaron is just so absolutely perfect. He lived a life of being the kid that was so desired by the “mom” he never would know, but would always have as a guardian angel. His mom & dad wanted him & loved him so much, but had to deal with a great tragedy & come to terms with the pregnancy. (If you don’t know, just read White Lilies…trust me). Add on a tragic event in college, & he is damaged goods. But damaged goods that is working so hard to become something so much more. Devyn was dealt a tough hand from birth. So so many losing hands were played, and she was a woman just determined to survive. All it took was one very special man to give her a chance & an opportunity to make more of her situation. Their connection, just as friends, was so special. They both had secrets, but Aaron just wanted to show her that he could accept whatever she could give him. Their love grew, & as their love grew, so did their confidence in sharing their true self. The letters from Erin made me so emotional. Erin was a very special character in a very special kind of story…one that grips your heart and holds on tight. I’m so happy we got a glimpse of her here. I was trying not to have my whole body shake as the tears rolled down my face. Oh gah, I could go on & on about this book, but just know that these 5 stars are so deserved. Samantha Christy…thank you so much for sharing Aaron’s story ♥️
Audiobook review. Book two in the Devil's Horn Ranch trilogy. Both narrators read well but I'm not a fan of Erin Mallon's Texas accent. Convict-virgin-heroine/surprise pregnancy. Content warnings: drowning death of a 5 year old; fraternity hazing with alcohol led to the death of H best friend; military platoon slaughtered; Joe attempted su¡c¡de in the military, it left him with only one eye.
Aaron Pearce (23) degree in petroleum engineering; 9 years younger than his cousin Maddox; running a ranch-style air bnb. Devyn DiMaggio (22; aka Devyn Dunlop/DeeDee/Dev) was recently released from jail after being convicted of manslaughter, is a homeless virgin whose evil step-father/adoptive politician father is still making her life miserable. Devyn finds sanctuary on Devil's Horn Ranch and finds love in Aaron's arms. In the end she gave birth to her first child, a son named after her deceased sister and Aaron's deceased best friend: Casey Cameron Pearce. JP
2nd listen 09-20-23
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I knew I would be giving this book five stars by chapter 5. There were so many secrets and I thoroughly enjoyed discovering each one. I think if I had known off the bat what both Devyn and Aaron were struggling with and unable to talk to each other about, it would have taken away from the book. I liked finding out piece by piece as they revealed their secrets to each other. I felt so much for both Aaron and Devyn. This was definitely an emotional read. If you haven’t read White Lilies, although not necessary to understand the plot, I highly recommend it. There are some things that I think made more sense to me about Aaron because I knew the background of his parents’ relationship.
I liked this book more than the first in the series, I just found it so very gripping. It was heartbreaking at times but that made the HEA at the end even more special. It was definitely a book I had to take a moment to process after finishing.
OMG I don't even know what to say...I think the author excelled on this one, and I've read all of her other books The story is beautiful, well built. Devyn went through hell, not just emotionally but physically as well. Aaron also went through an emotional hell. And then they found each other and it wasn't an easy journey but they did everything to be together despite all the ups and downs. I confess, in the last few months I was dedicated to short stories, insta love, no drama, and with a HEA after 40 pages. I bought this book on pre-sale and it took me two weeks to read it after it was delivered and I regret it. I didn't know I was so in need of a more elaborate story that it made me cry, but not in a bad way. The book has drama, but nothing absurd and out of context. I can't wait for the next book (which I've also pre-ordered), texas roses.
This storyline was very interesting( see the Mitchell sister series first this is there kids 25 years later) it's nice having the first series characters back as a cameo and the parents.I would of liked more of them showing up for a holiday break the way these series jump forward years at the end they are going to be in there 90s soon. I do feel this author drags things out you are half way into the book and not much happens or less important (same for all of them mostly) it's the last 80% of her books when you think finally worth the read.(maybe more banter will make it less boring at the beginning) now for the good this author is good at picking storylines in a heart breaking shocking way plus her bad guy or gal you really hate them and shocked by there morals. Quinn's story is next he is Karen Thompson's son (the women we hate)
OMG I loved Aaron's book. Wasn't too sure what to expect at first. I was trying to figure out who Cameron was and also trying to figure out Devyn's story. But it was all played out the further I got into the read. Wow that POS Lora reminded my of Karen Thompson UGH. I guess if I was in Devyn's shoes I wouldn't want anyone to know my history so glad she finally let it go with Jo and Aaron. This is a have to read story. But curious minds want to know........did Devyn ever get Jo and her case worker to meet. Will we find out in Quinn's book or was that just a little filler. I'd love to see Jo get a happily ever after. Okay peeps onto Quinn and Amber's story. This should be interesting for sure.
From both Devyn and Aaron’s pov, both have so much sadness in their pasts.
Finding one another when they do was clearly meant to be, written in the stars, Kismet!
Devyn isn’t prepared to let go of the past and move on with her life, she believes she deserves what life’s now thrown at her. She’s made mistakes, now she’s paying her dues.
Aaron isn’t willing to let Dev continue on the path of destruction, he knows how she feels, he just needs to find a way to let her know.
Not everyone is prepared to give her the break she needs!
A fantastic read with the second generation Pearce clan. Gets emotional at times, especially when a guardian angle makes an appearance, it took me right back to White Lilies.
Great story for the second generation. I was not a fan of Aaron in the first story in this series but he did redeem himself massively in this one. He definitely turned his attitude around and was very lovely guy and seem more like his parents than before.
I liked Devyn, I understand why she struggled and I was glad she over come everything.
For me I struggled how they built a relationship when they left too much unsaid. Obviously once everything come out and they build it up more made sense but just for me I struggled how they was together when really they never talked about anything except current.
Texas Lilies is the second book in the Devils Horn Ranch series by Samantha Christy. Aaron is the son of Skyler and Griffin from White Lilies, and as a book that absolutely broke me and had me weeping into my kindle, I knew this would be an equally emotional story, albeit with its own tale to tell.
Wow!!!! This book was unbelievably phenomenal! A story full of pain, heartbreak and laced with secrets, this was never going to be an easy ride for Aaron and Devyn. Especially when their pasts catch up with them. But with the connection between them so strong, both of them laden down with baggage from their past, can they beat the odds and make it work?
Every single time I read a Samantha Christy book I know it’s going to be fantastic. But I am never fully prepared for just how incredible it is each and very time!!!
Beautifully written, realistic and relatable character with stories that can easily reflect our own, I truly loved this book.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to think of Aaron’s character - given the glimpse you get about him in book one. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This one is pretty entertaining - straight from the beginning! The female has a different background and I liked that - it mixes things up!
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“If you want something, don’t wait, because you never know what could happen. Live for the day. Don’t wait to do the things you dream about.”
“Be her sunshine when she’s weathering a storm. And don’t be afraid to let her be yours.”
A book I have waited for for so long. Aaron and Devyn have such haunted pasts, yet when life hits them with a surprise Devyn has to learn to let go. That it is okay to trust, love and care about herself again, more so about Aaron. They both made mistakes and over time they learned from them. Want to learn more about the past that Aaron was talking about, I suggest reading White Lillies, the romance novels between his parents, Skylar and Griffin.
This book has all the feels: happiness, sadness, anger, and love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll want it to never end. Aaron and Devyn's story is one of my favorite love stories of all time because it shows you that there is happiness and peace on the other side of hell. Personally, I found it very cathartic for my own internal wounds. I can see myself coming back to read this book every couple of years, like visiting an old friend.
What a lovely book! Devyn and Aaron are such delightful people and a great couple. The plot is special to me as it is different from any of the other rom/com books I’ve read. I won’t give any details to be sure I don’t create any spoilers. Rest assured that it follows the right formula of the other adult rom/com books I have read. It’s a very cute, entertaining novel! One of my favorites. Thank you Samantha!
I loved this story between Aaron and Devyn!! I went back between Texas Orchids and Texas Lilies and re-read the Mitchell sister trilogy. It was almost better the second time around. This series of the second generation is excellent. Aaron and Devyn are truly made for each other, just like Skylar and Griffin. I can't wait for Quinn and Amber's story!!
Big fan of this book!! Liked it a lot better than the first book in this series actually. It would have been 4 stars but surprise pregnancy or pregnancies in general are not really my jam. Aaron is a dream hero, and I liked Devyn a lot! I finished this book super quickly and am on to the ARC for Texas Roses which might be even better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The second book in this series. I loved Aaron and Devs story, more fun and games at the ranch. Devs story broke me I cried real tears, there could only be one man that could have saved her and Aaron is that man. This story is so compact, there's so much to take in, it flowed easily and I loved every word. I highly recommend this book. Now book 3
What a great read. I am so I love with Aaron and Devyn. From the first time they eyes connected you just knew that this was going to be great. I just wanted to hug Devyn, her story was just heartbreaking. I will not do any spoilers because I want everyone to find out for themselves how great this book is.
This is my most favorite one yet. All of these stories are amazing. From the original sisters now to their children. But this one is special. It moved me. So much love and angst. I almost didn’t read it because this couple is younger than I typically like to read about. But never again will I let something like that sway my thinking. A must read.