Left in Texas

by Sandy Appleyard

The right girl. The wrong past. The mystery double life that catches up to her. The special gift that begs for blood...

Well, that’s just great. I’ve missed the cut-off to apply for a scholarship, so my folks are freaking out about two things now. As if going to school in another city isn’t bad enough. As if me agreeing to countless asinine things to keep my parents happy isn’t grating on me already. And then I meet Gunner and it all falls apart. He’s the man of my dreams, and yet he’s the man that tears my world apart…but he doesn’t know it. And now I can never see him again. I can never hear his voice again. Most of all, I can never feel my heart beating against his ever again.

It didn’t occur to me until it was too late. How right my brothers are, that is. I ran from Clarkstown to Houston to get away. The great escape. Funny how leaving home for all the wrong reasons made everything else look right. Understand that it was just too much. But what I find out in Houston is that Ava’s life pales in comparison. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought everything would turn out okay. Until she vanishes off the campus floors and I don’t see her again…for another year. And then I find out the truth, and it changes everything forever. Can we ever get back what we had?

HEA (Happily Ever After)
Ranch romance
Cowboy romance
College romance
Medium heat
Course language
Small town romance
Cliffhanger ending

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2022

About the author

Sandy writes in several genres, however romance, inspirational fiction and suspense are her favourites.

As a working writer, Sandy squeezes writing time in during breaks (extended ones if the boss isn't watching ;). Happily married since 2004, Sandy resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario with her husband, two daughters, and two furbabies.

For more information, book links, contact information and blog posts, see her website www.sandyappleyard.com or visit her on Twitter @sandyappleyard

Reviews

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar and Ava were friends then sweethearts in college until her parents forced them to part and she disappeared. In the months since then, life has spiralled for Gunnar. His tumultuous emotions were wrecking havoc with his life and his attitude. He flunked out of college and went back to the ranch. His careless and reckless behaviour ended in an injury and surgery and he generally just felt sorry for himself. Discovering that Ava is enrolled in the school he is going to into the fall for a fresh start put him in a bit of quandary. Was he happy or mad about that?

Ava’s life changed drastically too since she left Gunnar behind. She left her parents and home behind, got a job and a scholarship with the help of a new friend. Seeing Gunnar in their home town months later shook her, especially the hate and anger in his eyes. Finding out that he is going to the same school in Dallas gave her mixed emotions too. Could a new start be possible? She was afraid to hope.

Fate or a higher power definitely wanted these two together. You will need to read this engaging and entertaining book to discover how things unfolded for them. As with the previous books in this series, Gunnar’s family and their spouses or girlfriends all make appearances in this book giving readers more glimpses into the lives of all of the characters. These glimpses add to the enjoyment of this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Big Heart, Small Town Address Series and it is Ava and Gunner's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Gunner and Ava met at university and forged a connection when they had to work together on a assignment as they are both loners and they then progressed into them becoming special friend's and then falling in love only for everything to spectacularly fall apart because of Ava's parent's leaving them both heartbroken. Ava and Gunner once again find themselves at the same university but keep there distance from each other even though they are still in love with each other then something happens and they start to become friend's again and spend a lot of time together and start talking through what they have gone through and how a lack of communication is what kept them apart so long so will this be there second chance and get the happy ending that they both deserve. Just when Ava and Gunner start to happen between them and they start to become a couple you get an explosive cliff hanger ending that leaves you wanting the next book to see what happens next. This series just gets better and better with each book written and I definitely recommend you read this series and you will not be disappointed as they are so addictive and kept you on the edge of your seat and kept your attention throughout.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunner and Ava's story is a page turner. Gunner leaves home to go to college where he meets Ava, a quiet, smart, sheltered young lady. Their friendship is beautiful to watch, but Ava is controlled by her parents and soon the young couple are parted, Sandy gives us a story of young love, a woman trying to come into her own and a young mans determination to succeed. This series gets better with each story. The characters are worth rooting for. You could feel Ava's pain when she reveals her family secrets. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right girl. The wrong past. The mystery double life that catches up to her. The special gift that begs for blood...

A page turner you can't stop reading. A must read you want on your TBR list. It's well written, captivating to say the least and 100% enjoyable. You can't help but love the characters as you get to know them with every turn of the page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story from the beginning. It's easy to fall in love with the family who opens it arms to everyone even Ava who has no idea what a normal family, let alone a loving family are, having been in a strange family situation.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Love the trials and turbulent events this lovely couple are put through, nice cliffhanger can't wait for the next book to find out how they will come through it all