The Texas Cowboy's Proposal

Texas Heritage #1

by Debra Holt

They had a foolproof plan…until one little girl got involved.

Sammi Jo Burkitt’s formidable grandmother’s will is pushing Sammi Jo to the brink. Yes, the feisty cowgirl can keep the ranching empire known as Aces High, which has been the family birthright for two centuries, but she must marry her rival and stay married for three years as part of the deal. Say no, and Aces High goes on the auction block.

Beaudry Hawkes wants nothing to do with the high and mighty Burkitts. Until the day Sammi Jo shows up on his doorstep with a proposition no one in their right mind would refuse: wear her ring, then accept thousands of acres of rich ranch land and a tidy sum of three million dollars when they part ways. The windfall could change everything for his daughter’s future.

But eight-year-old Lacy is becoming attached to the idea of one happy family. Nothing short of a true marriage between the two can make her dreams come true. Can Sammi Jo and Beaudry find their freedom and love too?

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Cowboy Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series.

Sammi Jo Burkitt’s grandmother was a master at ruling lives. So when she passed away and left a stipulation in her will stating Sammi Jo was to marry her neighbor/rival, Beaudry “Beau” Hawkes in order to save the family ranch, Sammi Jo shouldn’t have been surprised. Her grandmother was literally telling people what to do, even from the grave. Will Sammi Jo and Beau be able to put their differences aside for the sake of the ranch?

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The background of a family feud that went on through generations was interesting. I liked seeing how it finally ended when Sammi Jo and Beau unite. Love was right in front of them all along and they were just too stubborn to see it.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Sometimes you just have to shake your head and sigh at the antics of family, especially deceased family. Sammi Jo is doing more than shaking her head, she is seething mad at her grandmother’s declaration in her will that in order to keep the family ranch, Aces High, Sammi Jo must marry not only her rival, Beaudry, but remain married for three long years or she loses everything. Thanks, Gram! So begins The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal, the beginning of the Texas Heritage series with a complicated romance that starts off with a demand and eventually leads to real love… but it’s going to be a bumpy road to get to that eventual happily ever after for Beau and Sammi Jo.

The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal is full of everything I enjoy, especially from this author — strong, believable characters, a well-written story that engages emotions galore, a challenge to overcome, and a couple that has a second chance to rewrite their history into a happy ending for them and Beau’s daughter, Lacy. What is not to love about all of that? The real star of this story is Lacy, an adorable little girl who just wants a family and in spite of the tensions between Sammi Jo and Beau, this little one’s happiness is heavy on their minds and their hearts in this decision of agreeing to a marriage of convenience, temporary at most and what that will do to them all in the end. It’s a risk and choices as well as mistakes will be made by both Beau and Sammi Jo along the way.

Their romance is a strong beginning to a series that has my attention for all the right reasons. No one is perfect, as Sammi Jo and Beau learn, but they can still be perfect for each other with some give and take and understanding on both sides. I enjoyed this couple, adored Lacy, and was intrigued by a grandmother who wields such power from beyond the grave and can’t wait to continue this series with The Texas Cowboy’s Lady (which I’m already deep into).

If you love a solid romance with characters who are flawed but realistic, a bit of pulling of the strings from a deceased family member, and watching two people fall in love for real… then The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal is a perfect match for you.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[Deborah Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author

I love this book. I am from Texas. I moved to Kentucky 38 years ago. (My husbands home), however I am a true Texas girl, deep in my heart, my soul, and to the bone, a Texas girl, I will never change. Leaving Texas forever is like experiencing the death of a family member, although I love my family and my life here in Kentucky, I still grieve the loss of Texas, even after 38 years. I love Texas romances and this author writes awesome books without all the X-rated love scenes and vulgar language/verbiage, however, still, sexy, and great entertainment I never have to worry if my kids are looking over my shoulder while I’m reading good, clean story lines. Plus, some of these fictional cities are close to real cities and I get to take a few minutes to transport my mind back home and enjoy feeling like I have taken a trip back in time to a place where “I” was back home with my horses, brushing or grooming in your feeding them, caring for my saddles in my tack, bottle feeding a calf for whatever reasons needed to be. I know at almost 70 years old I’ll never go back to live in Texas, but through Debra’s books I can keep my memories alive. Debra Holt plays a large part in soothing A core deep home sickness and whether she knows it or not her books take me home gives me comfort, if even for a short time of daydreaming. A special message To Debra Holt, Please do not stop writing about some real things in Texas in your stories like including things like real locations the Texas wildflowers, blue bonnets, things she would see in the Hill country, the beautiful purple flowering trees called Mountain laurel with a great awesome fragrance that they produce, cities like Austin San Antonio Travis Lake Guadalupe River. All of those things could be mentioned and take people like me back home even if just for a short time. IF I COULD GIVE 10 STARS TO THIS WRITER …I WOULD. I might be biased to Texas story lines for personal reasons, LOL

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start for a series that promises to entertain the readers for a long time.
The story centers around Sammi Jo Burkitt and Beaudry Hawkes.
Sammi Jo is a member of the elite, and wealthy Burkitts. Owners of Aces High, an empire that not only encompasses hundreds of acres, but also oil, racing horses etc.
When her grandmother dies, the ranch is inherited by her and her sister, Laurel . But the stipulations of the inheritance are high and involve none other that Beaudry Hawkes. The boy, now a man, that was a thorn on her side during HS, and is the co-owner of the adjourning ranch. If she marries him , she keeps the land and he gets a large piece of acreage as well as a few million dollars.
Both are shocked about the news and have given themselves a month to decide if they’ll marry or not . Beaudry is determined to protect his daughter at all cost after her mom abandoned her. So the child will be a deciding factor as well.
What neither expected was that feelings would develop.
Will they go on with the “arranged marriage” that has an expiration date of 3 years? If they don’t, what happens to the ranch, as well as themselves? Or will they each go their separate ways and it’s the end of Aces High?
This story, with an engaging plot, a strong female character, and an honorable man, was a story about family, a dynasty, responsibilities, and second chances in life and love.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens with Beaudry’s brother and Sammi Jo’s sister.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Holt’s The Texas Cowboy's Proposal is a powerful introduction to the new Texas Heritage Series. A grandmother who is formidable even after death and a young daughter who is just as much so make this an enjoyable as well as unique read. I am not sure which is the most impressive, Sammi Jo Burkitt’s late grandmother or Beaudry Hawkes’ young daughter.

This arranged marriage has Sammi Jo and Beaudry against the wall. Three years is a long time to stay together but the benefits will be worth it. Of course, Beaudry’s daughter wants a real family. The battle is on to hold on to their hearts while fulfilling the demands of the will.

This is Dynasty with a heart. It has strong females, an honorable male, a young Haley Mills kind of character and a ranch empire at stake. For great entertainment read The Texas Cowboy's Proposal.

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.

[Stephanie Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very wholesome book

This is the first love story/ romance that I've read in many years with such love and NO sex scenes at all, not even modest ones. The last bit of that made it a little unrealistic but it is still a good story.

My favorite person in the whole thing is Lacy! She and Sammi Jo hit it off like 2 peas in a pod and I loved it, it's too bad that Sammi and Beaudry were so stubborn that it almost caused me to stop reading, literally. I decided to give it one more chapter and something happened that kept me going and it worked out in the end but, they were so pigheaded that even their inner monologue didn't agree with a lot of the idiotic crap they would say or do.
Anyway it was, as a whole, a really good story about several different things (not to give away the plot) that was a lot of small but important things learned in the end.
Imo, the writer/narrator was being too formal with the delivery of such a book. It didn't sound right, even in my head.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start to a new series that has all the hallmarks of being a great series. It flowed well kept me engaged and had me laughing out loud quite a few times

Sammi Jo Burkitt is pone of the wealthy Burkitt's that own the multi faceted Aces High business everything should be perfect in her life but the recent death of her grandmother has thrown a spanner in the works Her will states that she has to marry Beaudry Hawkes and stay that way for a minimum three years Beaudry was the boy that tormented her all through high school and is now a single dad who owns the adjacent ranch. Can these two enemies find common ground Can they build a future together and maybe they can actually fall in love You will have to read to see what is in their future

[Kriss Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read every book Debra Holt has ever published. She just keeps getting better and better. The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal actually surprised me at the end — and that’s not easy to do! I feel like I know these characters like they’re my closest friends, especially little Lacy.

The only thing I really knew about Texas heritage was to remember the Alamo. Debra opened my eyes to the rich history of ranching in Texas; I actually went and read more about its history. There are stories all over the place in Texas!

I can’t wait to see what else the series has in store!

I received an advance reader copy of this book. My opinions and views are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was cute. I loved Lacy she was so adorable in this book she was wise beyond her years for sure. I loved Sammi Jo as well she is not who she seems in a good way and she was a true pistol/fighter but she knew the most important thing in life and she knew that not everything come from money. I did not like Beaudry I just felt he was a big jerk and I felt like Sammi JO deserved so much more then him. I was a huge fan of Jaxson and Matt they had so much more sense and so much more sassiness they took a serious situation and had you laughing! Overall this was a fun book and semi clean.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A TEAR JERKER!! I laughed at Sammie and Beau going back and forth fighting with each other and I adored how Sammie took such good care of a little girl whose mom deserted her and cared little for her to only to be a pawn between her dad and she. I couldn't never understand how a woman could birth her baby but never cared for the child! I liked that Beau adored his little girl and got full custody. He and his brother owned a ranch, but not as big as the as the other ranches. I loved when Sammie gave Beau the terms of her grandmother's will and how he responded. NOW I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story being set in Texas in ranch country, with a strong female heroine and sexy, strong cowboys. Throw in an old family feud between the Burkitt and Hawkes families and I loved the book. It was such fun finding out about Grandma Sarah McNamara Burkitt's will and last say about the ranch, She had raised Sammi Jo and her older sister Laurel since Sammi Jo was 6. I also liked that Sammi finally found her true heritage. I look forward to more books in this new series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.

A really enjoyable start to a new series, The Texas Cowboy's Proposal by Debra Holt. I loved past books I've read by author and if you enjoy romance, cowboys and books set on a ranch you will enjoy this one. Loved the main characters Sammi Jo, Beaudry and his daughter Lacy. There wasn't anything I didn't enjoy in this book. I can't wait for book two in the Texas Heritage series.

[Kay Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had all of the characters that I like: a strong female protagonist, a confident, loyal cowboy, and interesting family members. The grandmother caused a major conflict, but the characters rose to the occasion. Debra Holt does a great job of developing her characters. She uses the themes of loyalty to the land and steadfast love. The pitfalls along the way make the story interesting. I am an AR reader, and this is my honest opinion.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great beginning to a new series.
Sammi Jo must get and stay married for three years in order to save her family’s Ranch. All this according to her late grandmother’s will.
Beaudry wants nothing to do with Sammi Jo but can’t turn down her proposal because of the rewards at the end.
Beaudry’s daughter falls for Sammi Jo and wants them to remain a family.
Can this marriage of convenience turn into something more?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I pick this book up I could not put it down. I fell in love with Sammi Jo Burkitt and Beaudry Hawkes. These two were so much a like but so different too. Sammi Jo needs to marry Beaudry if she wants to keep her family ranch. These two have never really been friends. The ranch is very important to Sammi Jo so she will do whatever it takes to keep it. She goes to Beaudry and proposes to him. Beaudry does not really know what to do. He has to think of his daughter. In the end he agrees to her deal. Then their story really begins. You have yourself a nosey small town, a sweet girl, a meddling family and two very stubborn people that are set in there ways. You have yourself a very entertaining read and I cannot wait for the next book. This is a must read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal does not disappoint. I loved that it has a slow build romance that surprises both of the participants. Plus, there is an absolutely wonderful young girl who just takes over your heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Great start to a new series. Nice to see the millionaires being women instead of men for a change. A delightful little girl adds charm to the tale. I am eager to read the other sister's story. Fun banter and relationships. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Delacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story and strong start to a new series. I like the majority of characters, though just as I started to warm up to Beau his actions had me really question if he cared, and he never redeemed himself IMO. All that being said, I did enjoy the story. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeehaw! I found a new series!! Incredible characters who are complex, interesting, and real carried this first book in a new series from the very beginning right through to the end. I can't wait to read the next installment.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Flo Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, love and commitment

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of a supposedly arranged marriage to keep her heritage. For Beaudry and Sammi Jo it soon became the real thing for them. Family, love and commitment was far more important than anything else.

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest proposal

Thus was a beautiful story of long feud that turned into a wonderful love story. They had competed against each for years and never a nice word between them Then her first grandmother's will was read. What a change in their lives that made. You'll love it.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I loved every minute of this story. You did a great job of telling this story...good job. I would recommend this story to anyone. In My opinion a truly great story doesn't have to be full of sex and F bombs and that's what you did your a great writer. Thank you.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters Sammi and Beaudry, and the story was engaging, romantic, funny, and sweet. From cover to cover I didn't want to put it down. I will check out more books in the Texas Heritage series.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. No sex. Just cute. I liked that there wasn't overly unnecessary drama.

[Mari Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I read this book after the one that came after it in the series, but it's still good to read these books as stand-alones all the same. A great book for anyone who likes cowboy romances.

[Flo Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal

Easy read, not all romance but sweet ending. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book,or even on audio.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in author Debra Holt’s new series was wonderful. I enjoyed the tension & verbal sparring that Sammi-Jo & Beaudry always found themselves engaged in. Her grandmother has the last say from the grave with her will, as she’s forces Sammi-Jo into a marriage with Beaudry if she wants to keep the family’s ranch. Their history is long but it’s also rocky. With a failed past marriage Beaudry isn’t very happy with the idea but the compensation is beyond belief & would help his ranch & family. I loved watching them spend time together & watching the sparks ignite around them as they finally see each other for who they really are & not who they thought they were. I also adored Beaudry’s daughter she was sweet, cute, funny & had everyone wrapped around her finger as she built a relationship with Sammi-Jo. Definitely recommend.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc of The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in Debra Holt’s new series, Texas Heritage. In the first book we meet Sammi Jo Burkitt. Her grandmother has recently passed away. Her will stipulates that in order for her to keep the family ranch, Aces High, she must marry her long time enemy, Beaudry Hawkes and remain married for 3 years. Beau will receive acreage and money which is desirable to him. Otherwise the ranch will be sold and Sammi Jo and her sister would get the proceeds but lose the ranch. Sammi Jo goes to Beau’s ranch to present the deal. Beau agrees to abide by the terms depending on how His daughter reacts to the situation. She meets his sweet young daughter Lacy and they bond. They have a month to make a decision whether or not they will move forward with the marriage.

We learn that Lacy has not had her mother in her life as she left both her and Beau. Sammi Jo spends time with Beau and Lacy and they start seeing that the other one isn’t a bad person. Both are worried how the ending of the marriage after 3 years will affect Lacy. As time passes they realize they have a chemistry and wonder if this fake marriage could become the real thing.

The characters are genuine and very likable. Beau’s brother and Sammi Jo’s sister are welcome additions to the cast of characters. There is some angst and suspense when Beau’s ex wife returns to town with the intent to cause trouble and get something for herself. I found myself hoping Beau and Sammi Jo will find happiness together. This is a wonderful romance and great start to the series. I recommend this book highly.

[Louise Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular book! I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thank you, Tule Books.
I read an arc of this book in exchange for my review.