New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant takes you deep inside the Texas rodeo scene in the second book in her Heart of Texas series, Cowboy, Cross My Heart, where danger and desire ride side by side. . . Naomi Pierce isn’t the type to let a cowboy sweep her off feet. It’s not her first rodeo, after all. But when she returns to her Texas hometown, she can’t help but be swept up again in the … she can’t help but be swept up again in the rough-and-tumble world of hard-riding, bronco-busting good-ol’-boys she loved as a girl. She might be here to photograph her Rodeo Queen best friend. But it’s one fine-looking cowboy who really captures her eye…
Brice Harper is all man, all muscle, and all heart. From the moment he rides into the stadium, he can’t help but notice the beautiful stranger with a camera watching him from the stands. It doesn’t take a zoom lens to see the sparks of instant attraction. But things really heat up when he meets Naomi up-close–and he discovers that someone is stalking her friend. Brice wouldn’t be any kind of cowboy if he didn’t offer to help the ladies out. But can the rough rider keep this spirited shutterbug out of danger–without risking his heart?
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I loved the cover of this book so I grabbed it without reading on what it was about. I was not disappointed at all. I found the book completely hard too put down it was so good. From the beginning to the end it had you wondering each page was going to happen next for sure totally a on the edge of your seat and a real page turner. I really enjoyed Abby and how protective she was over her family, and its not just blood but those who you make family. I loved Jase and Cooper and how big of a role they played in this family as well. This book does have strong language and adult situations, however this book was so worth the read and did not disappoint at all. I can’t wait to read more about this wonderful family. I did not read this first one and can’t wait to grab it and read about Clayton and Abby’s story. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
A very enjoyable, easy, light read that has intriguing characters, a suspense filled plot, and a nice romance. I think I would have enjoyed a slow build romance between Brice and Naomi rather than the insta-love version in the story but the author made it believable so it works. When Naomi gets caught up in a dangerous situation without even knowing it, it’s Brice that steps up determined to keep her safe and get to the bottom of the threat. Now the action really kicks up.
I definitely recommend this one.
A wonderful read that had romance, suspense, and…cowboys!
I really liked both Brice and Naomi. They are both searching for something more in their lives and I loved watching them find that “more” with each other. Brice still is suffering from the abandonment issues from his childhood but knows it’s time to start thinking about putting down some roots of his own. Naomi left town for college and never came back…but is now questioning that decision after she returns home and starts to reconnect with her past.
A lot of the book focused on the mystery surrounding the attack on Naomi and her friend Whitney, all stemming from events at the rodeo. When Brice steps in to rescue them he also finds himself a target and pulls in the rest of his family and friends to keep them safe and figure out what is going on. The romance between Brice and Naomi simmers in the background while the mystery starts to unfold, so even though things move fast, there is a lot going on that sets the stage for the romance.
I just loved the entire East family, including the friends who may not have been blood, but were family just the same. There was no doubt surrounding the deep connections they all felt towards one another and there was never a question that they would always have each other’s backs. And of course, it didn’t hurt that there was also some serious military training to go along with the cowboy charm.
This is the second book in the series and can easily be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and had no problem at all diving in to the this one. The pacing is fast, which is necessary based on the events unfolding, and the fast pace suits the story that is being told.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series! Definitely one to put on your TBR!
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley which I voluntarily reviewed.
Cowboy, Cross My Heart is the second book in the Heart of Texas series, but it works as a standalone. There are several years between the events in the two books, and we’re given plenty of backstory. This one is loaded with sexy cowboys, instant attraction, some suspense, corruption, danger, steam, and romance. All of these combined should’ve made for a riveting story, but it ended up being just an okay read for me. I liked most of the characters, and I enjoyed Brice and Naomi’s romance. There’s also some witty dialogue and general silliness among the Harper family. Then, we have our bad guys, and that’s where my problems started with this book. The suspense and danger covers some serious subject matter, but the people involved came across feeling more like caricatures. There just wasn’t much depth to that part of the story, which was sad because it could’ve made this one a gripping story. In the end, the story was okay, but I wasn’t left with a need to continue with the series.
Cowboy, Cross my Heart was a cute insta-love, sexy cowboy read. The second book in the Heart of Texas series, Cowboy, Cross my Heart can be read as a stand alone. When it comes to insta-love stories they are normally a hit or miss for me. This one was a hit but it felt a bit rushed. What I mean is that it worked for me because I felt a strong connection between Brice and Naomi, but I felt their relationship went from meeting to moving in together in like a few day span. Which made it feel a little to fast. Still They were cute together. Brice was a sexy texan cowboy. He had sweet southern manners and was so protective of Naomi. I loved not only Brice but I adored his brother Caleb too. Naomi was smart, and sweet, and honest. I love that she was so supportive and protective of her best friend. The plot was really really good. I loved that there was a ton of action in this read. Overall a very enjoyable read.
3.5 stars – This book was a surprise to me. It was a good entertaining story with quite a mystery involving the rodeo pageant & it’s contestants. The plot drew me in quickly & did keep me interested. It isn’t a deep plot but moved quickly while staying on the surface of things.
Naomi has come home to visit her mom & her friend Whitney for the first time in years. It doesn’t take her long to realize that something is up with Whitney. She can’t get her to talk though until someone tries to kill Naomi, snatch her camera & hurt Brice when he tried to help her. Things escalated quickly.
Rodeos, cowboys and cowgirls – so much activity and excitement! Brice Harper and his brother Caleb are at the rodeo to defend their team roping championship title. Naomi Pierce, photographer is at the rodeo to take pictures of her best friend Whitney Nolan who happens to be the Rodeo Queen. Naomi and Brice see one another in this festive atmosphere and form an attraction to each other. Strange things are going on at this rodeo and both Naomi and Brice find themselves in danger. They decide they should band together to keep themselves safe and investigate what nefarious things are going on at the rodeo.
Cowboy, Cross My Heart is the second book in author Donna Grant’s Heart of Texas series. This story is jam-packed with action, excitement and suspense. The storyline flows swiftly and Donna Grant keeps a pace that is just right. This book is a definite page-turner that keeps one reading just one more page, just one more chapter until the reader has finished the book. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one.
4.25 Stars
Naomi Pierce isn’t the type to let a cowboy sweep her off feet. It’s not her first rodeo, after all. But when she returns to her Texas hometown, she can’t help but be swept up again in the rough-and-tumble world of hard-riding, bronco-busting good-ol’-boys she loved as a girl. She might be here to photograph her Rodeo Queen best friend. Brice Harper is all man, all muscle, and all heart. From the moment he rides into the stadium, he can’t help but notice the beautiful stranger with a camera watching him from the stands. It doesn’t take a zoom lens to see the sparks of instant attraction.
This is book two in the series. It is Brice’s story younger brother of Abby from book one & now he’s all grown up. This is so much more than a cowboy romance although Brice & naomi fall for each other from the start there’s suspense, stalking centring around the Rodeo Queen competition. So if you like a romance with mystery then sit curl up with this, you’ll love it – I certainly did
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Oh my Cowboy! This will make any girl want to run out and get herself a cowboy! The characters were well thought out, and the dynamics between the main characters was steamy! The rest of the supporting characters were done very well, and I hope to see them in future books. The story was well paced, with just the right amount of description to put you ‘there’ with them. Of course there were some very touching moments, and I don’t mean that in the physical sense. There was a nice “who done it” feel for part of the book, and I couldn’t wait to see the bad guys get what was coming to them! At the very heart of it all, is the love and tenderness that developed between Brice and Naomi. They are a well suited couple which got their happy ending.
ARC received for an honest review
I have read a few Donna Grant books however I have not the first in this Heart of Texas series.
I feel that I probably would have connected a bit more with this one if I had read the first book, even though this is a pretty good stand alone.
I was expecting a girl being swept away by a cowboy romance, however Cowboy, Cross My Heart was more of a suspensey mystery story with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure.
I didn’t really feel the thing between Naomi and Brice – probably because there was so much else going on around them. I did like them, I liked most of the characters, I just didn’t feel the love between them – but that’s probably just me.
I liked Brice’s brother and sister and their families and friends, they make up a lovely family group.
So whilst I didn’t love Cowboy, Cross My Heart, I did like it and I will go back and read the first book before diving into the 3rd.
COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is the Second instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult HEART OF TEXAS romantic, suspense series. This is rancher and rodeo roper Brice Harper, photographer Naomi Pierce’s story line. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART fast forwards the series several years.
Told from several third person perspectives including Brice and Naomi COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART follows the building relationship between rancher and rodeo roper Brice Harper, feisty photographer Naomi Pierce. Naomi Pierce’s return to Baxter County finds our heroine longing for days past when she, herself, was the champion roper. Naomi is only in town for a few days to support her best friend and pageant queen Whitney Nolan until Naomi is attacked by an unknown assailant. Enter Brice Harper, and the man with whom Naomi will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and love between Naomi and Brice, and the fall-out as Naomi, and thusly the Harper family is targeted when Naomi gets too close to the truth.
Naomi Pierce’s love for photography has captured the attention of the wrong people in Baxter County. Knowing her best friend Whitney is hiding some important pieces of information, Naomi will find herself the target of a powerful group of men forcing Naomi into hiding with the man that she loves. Brice Harper had no idea the woman he rescued would be the woman that called to his heart. A series of on-going attacks against his family and friends finds the Harper-East clan waging a war of their own.
The relationship between Naomi and Brice is one of immediate and mutual attraction. Confined together to ensure Naomi’s safety, our couple begin a slow dance of seduction leading towards a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.
The colorful, strong and charismatic secondary and supporting characters include Naomi’s best friend Whitney Nolan, and Whitney’s chaperone Ms. Biermann; Clayton and Abby (The Christmas cowboy Hero #1), Brice and Abby’s brother Caleb; Brice’s friends Jace Wilder, and Cooper Owens; ranch manager Shane, and local sheriff Danny Oldman. The requisite evil has many faces.
COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is a story of romance and suspense; betrayal and power; family and friends. The character driven premise is inviting and imaginative; the characters are spirited and sassy; the romance is intimate and heart warming. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is a dramatic tale of mistrust and corrupted power.
Strong Storyline
I really enjoyed this story, hot cowboys, rodeo, mystery and murder – I couldn’t put t down. Characters relateable and you found yourself rooting for them. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cowboy, Cross My Heart (Kindle) by Donna Grant ….I could not put this down I read it in one day… This is my second HEART OF TEXAS book..I also loved THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY HERO. I am glad Clayton, Abby and Caleb were a big part of this book…but it also could be read as a stand alone book. Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Naomi and Brice are perfect from the beginning ..she comes back to her hometown to visit her best friend Whitney (Whitney has a big problem…can Naomi help?) Brice comes to Naomi’s aid and never leaves… There were a lot of hard subjects, laughs, tears, danger and love and steamy sex all getting us to a very HEA. I can’t wait for MY FAVORITE COWBOY 2/19…will this be Caleb’s story?
Cowboy, Cross My Heart is the second book in the Heart of Texas series by Donna Grant and even though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I have not yet read the first book in the series but I was easily able to follow along with the storyline and characters without feeling lost. It seems the first book introduced all the main characters in the series and was Abby and Clayton’s happy ever after and this book is happening twelve years later and is Brice’s story. You get to catch up with friends and family in this installment as they all band together to help Brice and Naomi solve a mystery involving Naomi and her best friend, Whitney.
Naomi moved away several years ago to go to college in Washington D.C. and decided to say and build her career in photography. She is currently back in her Texas hometown visiting her best friend and current rodeo queen, Whitney and to spend time with her mom. While visiting she gets the feeling something is wrong with her friend from her odd behavior. This is not the strong, determined, face things head on friend that she grew up with and Naomi is determined to find out what is going on; especially after she and Whitney are attacked in the stalls at the rodeo and someone tries to steal her camera. Luckily someone hears her call out during the attack and comes to the rescue. Also, as luck would have it, it happens to be the same sexy cowboy she locked eyes with during a roping competition. His quick actions help deter the attacker but he gets away in the process leaving many questions to be answered. And seeing as Whitney seems to know more than she is sharing about who attacked them and why, a mystery unfolds with dangerous and deadly consequences. However, even thru all the danger being home in Texas just feels right to Naomi and it awakens all the good memories and feelings from her past and well as new possibilities for her future. Having a sexy cowboy at her side is certainly not a hardship either. But can she and the others figure out the mystery before it is too late for her or her friend?
Things are going well for Brice Harper. It has been a lot of years coming but his dream is finally within reach. He, his younger brother Caleb, and their older sister Abby (who was more mother than sister) had a hard upbringing but after they crossed paths with Clayton East and his family, things started changing for the better; especially after their sister married Clayton and they all move onto his family ranch. Providing the three siblings with a safe environment full of love, encouragement and support the brothers grew up to be strong, brave men who each served their country then came back to the East Ranch to build their lives. Cattle, horses, rodeo and ranching is in their blood and Brice and Caleb have always had a combined dream of having their own place and building a future in ranching. With that dream close to becoming a reality, things could not be better and having great friends, a loving supporting family and a job you love just adds a new level to their enrich their lives. While competing in the roping completion at the rodeo, Brice notices a new face in the crowd and he is drawn to her beauty and hopes for the chance to see her again. Then later, he hears a laugh and is drawn to the owner only to notice her again and realizes he needs to meet her. Finally, he answers a call of distress that happens to be the lovely stranger again, along with her friend, and now he knows it must be fate. He was meant to meet her. Aside from their instant attraction, when he finds out the danger lurking in the shadows for Naomi and her friend he can do nothing else but offer his help. There is a huge conspiracy and shroud of danger surrounding the rodeo pageant as well as Naomi and her friend involving people in town with a lot of power and influence. After an attack and an attempt on Naomi’s life as well as his, Brice and his family and friends are determined to help keep the girls safe and solve the mystery. With his future dreams so close to reality will a misstep with his brother and the danger lurking in the shadows end his plans or will they get a happy ending after all?
The characters were enjoyable and the storyline intriguing, filled with danger and suspense that keeps you guessing and wanting more and there are plenty of laughs and some romance mixed in. I really loved Brice and Naomi together and the secondary characters, especially Jace, were a hoot! The entire book was awesome and kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The only thing that bugged me a little was the romantic tryst in the midst of imminent danger. Having multiple attempts made on your life, friends fighting for their lives, family attacked and knowing the bad guys are coming for you it just seemed odd to me to take time out in the middle of danger to have some sexy time. It just felt like the wrong place in the story for this to take place. Even though the attraction between Brice and Naomi was instant, I enjoyed the friendship and getting to know each other stage as well as the sizzling chemistry between the two. I would have liked it better though if the sexual aspect of their relationship had waited until things were resolved rather than secluding themselves away and enjoying each other before they themselves and their family and friends were out of danger and the bad guys caught. Aside from that, I loved the story and characters and plan to go back and see how it all started in the first book to catch up so I am ready for the next installment, which I am hoping will be Caleb’s story.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am providing my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own.
This was the first book I have read by this author and I LOVED it!!!!
This book was absolutely amazing. It had everything a great book should have. The thing that caught me the most off guard was that is a romance book all wrapped up in suspense. I’m talking about the kind of suspense that makes a woman climb into bed to be near her husband as he sleeps because she can’t put the book down but she has to know how it ends all the while it is putting her on edge.
I felt like the romance between the two main characters was handled brilliantly. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a couple is in a really dangerous situation where say someone is chasing after them but yet they have time to make out for a ridiculous amount of time. This author didn’t do that. The author showed two people who have unbelievable chemistry that they can find their other and cling to them as their world is falling apart and draw on that.
Another aspect of the book that I loved was the family aspect. There was this whole subplot between Brice and his brother. There were feelings and emotions that was heartbreaking to read. There was also Brice’s pregnant sister and her husband and their roles. It just showed this solid family that was willing to go to great lengths to help their family out.
I would highly recommend everyone read this book. I plan on reading more from this author!
Naomi wanted to visit her mom and her best friend Whitney who was competing for Rodeo Queen and also to get a feel for if she wanted to come home to Texas. When she went to the rodeo to find Whitney she was mesmerized by a cowboy in a plaid shirt but her friend was acting squirrelly so she started taking pictures which was her job and a hobby.
Brice and his brother Caleb had just finished their roping competition when he saw Naomi but he really noticed when he heard her scream. Someone didn’t like their picture taken so they tried to steal the camera and hurt Naomi but she fought back until he got to her but the guy got away. The camera was broken but the film was still good and Naomi was determined to see what the man didn’t want her too. The story isn’t as simple as that there is more danger and terror to come but also a family theme and some romance too. This is the second book in series but can be read alone but it is so good you want to read them both.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
While I really liked and enjoyed Cowboy, Cross My Heart I did struggle in the beginning. Cowboy, Cross My Heart takes place 12 years after the first book in the series where Brice is only 16. So it was a bit of a difficult transition that now he is this hot 28 year old guy. Especially because I read these back to back because I received an ARC for Cowboy, Cross My Heart and I hate jumping in the middle of a series, so I started with book one. Literally yesterday Brice was 16, so like I said it took me a little bit to get used to the idea. Once that happened I did enjoy the story. It was captivating trying to figure out the whole whodunnit thing.
Brice and Naomi were good together, great chemistry together and both develop well across the story. We get a great supporting cast, and get to see where Abby and Clayton are in life.
I’m not usually a fan of insta-love, but Donna Grant pulls it off well. I’m looking forward to book 3.
Naomi is a photographer originally from Texas but lives in D.C. She comes back to Texas to visit her mom and best friend Whitney. They are at a rodeo when she meets Brice. Brice is in the rodeo with his brother and lives on a big ranch with his sister and brother in law. When someone attacks Naomi and Whitney, Brice comes to the rescue. She had taken a picture of the attacker but you can’t see who it is.
When Naomi is pushed into the arena and almost trampled, Brice is hit in the head and his hand stomped. Whitney knows what’s going on but won’t tell. They hide Naomi out at the East’s ranch and bring Whitney out to talk. She tells them what’s been happening but not by who. Then they almost kill Whitney and a friend of Brice’s that’s when they act like Naomi has left town but she really hiding out at the ranch Brice purchased. Now Naomi plans to uncover the perpetrators before they try to hurt anyone again.
Great story. Suspense and sex. Cowboys, horses, and really bad guys. Circumstances put them together and hopefully love will keep them together.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
When Naomi comes home to Texas she doesn’t expect to find out her friend Whitney hiding secrets from her. One night at the rodeo she’s taking pictures of her friend, and a handsome Cowboy while he’s in the pen with a bull. What she doesn’t expect later on is her and her friend to be attacked. That’s when Brice Harper comes to there rescue. What transpires from there on out is both wonderful and terrifying. Whatever she captured on film isn’t good. Some of is pretty fantastic. Brice thinks so too.
Brice Harper couldn’t help be taken by the women in the stands taking his picture. When he heard a cry for help he ran towards it. He was taken by Naomi right off the bat. He would protect her and her friend at all costs. But it was not a one man job.
See what happens. This is the second book in the series of Donna Grant. Be sure to read the first. Christmas Cowboy Hero.
**I received a copy of Cowboy, Cross My Heart from St. Martins Press and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
Cowboy, Cross My Heart by Donna Grant is the second book in her Heart of Texas series. I’ve read the first book and can recommend that this addition can be read as a stand alone without any problems. Plus I can’t wait for the third book even though it won’t be out until next February 2019.
Naomi Pierce is home to visit her mother and to see her BFF Whitney. Years ago the girls all competed in the rodeo until one night a drunk driver hit their car killing Sue Ellen. She left town becoming a accomplished photographer but all is not well with Whitney who’s now the Rodeo Queen, there are secrets and there are men who will kill to keep those involved quiet. But when Naomi becomes the target because she has a photo that could cause blow this scandal up, she meets Brice who sensing an attraction agrees to protect her.
Brice Harper a former Marine, champion roper with his brother Caleb knows that when he meets Naomi he’ll protect her with his life if necessary. But he doesn’t realize how deep within the towns businessmen until they attack Naomi and then himself and brings in his brother-in-law, Caleb and his two best friend to protect her and Whitney. But even hiding her at his new ranch proves hard, can he keep her safe and take down the men responsible for taking advantage of those girls competing for the Rodeo crown.