You can’t go home again.Devlin Braxton never thought he’d test those words and return to Braxton, Texas – the town where generations of his family had ranched honorably. Not him. As an undercover agent who spent years infiltrating the underbelly of a drug cartel with a local pipeline, everyone thought he was the devil-may-care, good-for-nothing, playboy he pretended – even his family. After the … family. After the massive bust and the shoot out that nearly killed him, Devlin is ready to discover who he is and where he belongs.
Marissa Flanagan has fought for her place in Braxton. First she had to live down the pity and gossip when she was jilted by her fiance, then prove her professional worth when the town’s beloved – and male – vet retired. She’s finally made her peace or so she thinks until Devlin Braxton shows up at her door with a proposition.
They have a past, will Devlin’s blue eyes and pulse-stopping kisses convince her he’s changed and that they might have a future?
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Her Secret Cowboy by Debra Holt is the third book in the Blood Brothers series. I have read book two but still have to read book one. And I am definitely going to read that. While all three books can be read as a standalone, you will have a fuller reading experience if you read them all in order. This is an author I have read in the past. I’ve always enjoyed her stories and this series is no exception.
From the first book, we are aware of Devlin. And in the second book, he is mentioned once again. Unfortunately, Devlin is the victim of “don’t believe everything you hear” or see for that matter. Truly, things were not what they seemed and Devlin was not who everyone believed him to be. I won’t go into specifics but you already know from the book’s blurb that he was an undercover agent. Devlin is finally home after a life-altering injury. Not only does he feel like he doesn’t belong, he is also defending his character. Devlin, first and foremost, just wants love and respect from his family. He wants to be forgiven for his desertion and finally call someplace home. But it isn’t until he meets Marissa that Devlin will discover he wants more out of life. He wants Marissa. Devlin wants a happy ending.
Marissa is a guarded character. I really liked her and completely understood her cautiousness where Devlin was concerned. This book is not a fast, instalove story. Devlin and Marissa will have to overcome many obstacles to find their happily-ever-after. And as I watched these two wonderful characters find their way in life and with each other, I couldn’t help but to root them on.
This book was sweet but angsty too. I recommend you add this book to your TBRs. As I mentioned earlier, you can definitely read this as a standalone, however, you’ll enjoy it more if you know a bit more of everyone’s back story.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
Devlin Braxton has been many things to many people over the years. But he has never been his honest self to his family and that is a secret he has to learn to let go only after a near death experience. Devlin has always come across as flighty and a disappointment to his family and the town but when the truth comes out, his family realizes the depth and character of the man Devlin has become.
Marissa Flanagan has always had to fight to overcome obstacles put up in her path. Some in town don’t want to see her succeed because she is a woman and came from the wrong side of the tracks. She once loved Devlin and has the chance to get to know him again. Can Marissa get to know the man who has come back to own and fall in love with him again? Can Devlin learn to like himself again? Can old family issues be overcome once the truth comes out? Can you ever really go home again? In this case, the answer is yes.
I loved this final book in the Blood Brothers series since it perfectly wrapped up all of the lingering questions left over from the series. Ms. Holt writes books that are wonderful to read and perfect escapes in this time of crisis.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is the third book in the Blood Brothers series and while each one can be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading the three books so you understand why each brother thinks the way that they do. This is brother three and will it be the last? Who knows? Knowing Papa Braxton there is no telling how many siblings are out there in the wild and might PoP out with there own books, when the time is right. Dev is one I have been waiting on hearing is story from the very first mention in book 1. See I knew that something was just not ringing quite right about him being a love’em and leave them kind of man. And boy was I right. Dev or Devlin was part of the FBI and since he was he couldn’t tell anyone what he was doing and where he was going. But sadly his FBI life touched back in Braxton even though he had no intention of causing anyone harm. It almost cost him his forever life later as well. Thanks to author Debra Holt for bringing Texas to life and keeping me entertained with your gift of words.
3.5 stars
I was really curious how the author was going to redeem Devlin. He was truly awful in the first book of this series, True Blue Cowboy. Seriously, Dev didn’t even make an appearance in the second book even though his mysterious unknown half brother made himself known. What kind of person isn’t at least curious about such a thing? Yet, redeem him she did. Once his real background is known, a person can forgive him for almost anything. Turns out, Devlin isn’t such a bad guy after all.
Rissa is a perfect match for Devlin, if not for their past. Dev doesn’t even remember her, which is strike one. On top of that he has a playboy reputation, is not known to stay in one place for long, and has screwed Rissa over back in college without even knowing. When Dev shows back up in town, the two of them are thrown together over and over and their attraction is irresistible. Rissa has the backbone to give as good as she gets and she doesn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially after the things she’s been through with other men in her past. Like I said, perfect match.
The problem with Devlin and Rissa is a whole bunch of miscommunication and denial. They are a perfect example of people needing to talk to one another instead of making assumptions. Once in a while one of them would attempt the whole open and honest thing, but the other wouldn’t be receptive and would be the one to jump to conclusions. While I was chomping at the bit to have their friends and family step in and straighten them out, I also appreciated that they all stayed one step back and just tried to gently steer the couple. After all, it’s not their place to fully meddle in someone else’s relationship.
This story was fun and touching, a real enjoyable read. But it did bother me that the connection/past Dev had with his now sister-in-law was never mentioned. Mostly, I would have expected it between Rissa and Josie…to at least acknowledge that there was a bit of history there. Yet that was glossed over and pretty much ignored. I’m glad the author at least added the Dev/Josie friendship to the mix.
Regardless, this was a great wrap up to this series. Definitely worth the read if you enjoyed the first two books.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
I really enjoyed Devlin and Marissa’s sweet and emotional story in Her Secret Cowboy by Debra Holt, book three in her Blood Brothers series. I really enjoyed learning more about Devlin in this book. It totally changed my opinion of him from the first two books. Marissa was a strong, but sassy character who also had a sad side. It also turns out Delin had a hand in twice changing her life. The chemistry between him and Marissa was hot and sizzling simmering; keeping me hoping for their future. Both of them fought what they believed in and it made for a very interesting read.
Ms. Holt wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Devlin and Marissa a chance for a future together. I highly recommend Her Secret Cowboy to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is a well written book that draws you in and keeps you engaged until you tirn the last page A stark reminder that you shouldn’t judge without all the informatuion
Everyone in Braxton, Texas wrote Devlin Braxton off as the fun loving no good boy of the family and it is only when after he his left for dead that the truth comes and they find out he isn’t what they thought but was actually a agent deep undercover trying to destroy the drug cartels in the area. Now he has returned to his roots in an attempt to find out who he really is after years of pretending to be someone else. When he takes an injured dog to the local vet he discovers someone that could change is life forever. Rissa has her own problems it has taken her years to get over been jilted by her ex and for the town to accept her as the new vet. These two have history can he convince her he isn’t the man she thinks he is and can they have a future together.
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This was the third book in the Blood Brothers series by Debra Holt and I’ve read all the books now. I think this was my favorite of the brothers stories. Devlin Braxton had been intriguing in the glimpses we saw of him in books one and two, but I was totally surprised and fascinated with his back story. His cautious return to life on the Braxton ranch and his interaction with family and others is a very exciting read.
As the story opens, Dev has just returned from a lengthy hospital and rehab stay in Nevada. It turns out he was an undercover drug agent that was taken down by those he was investigating and left for dead. His brother Chance had received a call and went to help him, not knowing anything about his hidden past. Dev came clean that he had been recruited by the DEA in high school, worked with them in college and joined the agency afterwards and was sent on many undercover assignments. His past behaviors were perceived by the town as irresponsible and arrogant, not showing the proper attitude for a rancher in Braxton. It was also learned that he had a different mother than Chance, but she raised him as if he were her own.
While driving to the ranch he has an accident and hits a little dog in the road and takes her to the vet. The vet, Marissa Flanagan, is new to Dev. He doesn’t recognize her even though they went to high school together and were lab partners in college. She is very cold to him and he is confused why. In addition to her past with Devlin, more recently she was jilted at the alter and has felt humiliated ever since. She got through the townspeople’s shock and then pity and is trying to get past it and move on.
Dev ends up adopting the little dog, naming her Gypsy Girl. His sister in law Josie offers him her ranch house to live in until he makes a decision about what he wants to do. Rissa is very good friends with Josie and his other sister in law Dee and is included in many of the family events. Dev spends time getting reacquainted with his brother Chance and getting to know his brother Rio. Rissa and Dev start talking and decide to pretend they are friends and do many things together in order to keep others from playing matchmaker. As time goes on, their friendship becomes more for each of them but neither acknowledges it. Rissa sees how much Dev has changed, how kind he is to her and others and can’t understand why he used to be so selfish. Dev’s past was tragic in so many ways. It was nice to see him find his way back to his family.
I really liked Dev and Rissa together. They seemed to bring out each other’s best qualities. The author did a good job including the other brothers and their wives in this story. This was such a compelling book. I couldn’t wait to read more. This is definitely a 5 star read.
Her Secret Cowboy is the third Blood Brothers by Debra Holt. This is such a great series but when I read the first book I couldn’t really understand the title for the series. After reading the second book I understood, then Dev’s story makes it even clearer. Now the unpredictable brother returns home. From the first book, I was really wanting to know his story believing it was more than Devlin being a gypsy spirit. It was!
Her Secret Cowboy was everything that that I had hoped Devlin’s story to be. Excellent attention holding writing where tough guys have tender hearts towards animals. Family and making a difference are importance, with characters that you would want as friends. Some might would classify it as a second chance romance but first and foremost it is a second chance at life for Devlin. His brothers, their loves and Marissa Flanagan come to his aid. Excellent ending to the series. Deep down I hope that there will be a spin-off to others who are in their community.
4.5 Stars
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.
Her Secret Cowboy by Debra Holt
You can’t go home again.
Devlin Braxton never thought he’d test those words and return to Braxton, Texas – the town where generations of his family had ranched honorably. Not him. As an undercover agent who spent years infiltrating the underbelly of a drug cartel with a local pipeline, everyone thought he was the devil-may-care, good-for-nothing, playboy he pretended – even his family. After the massive bust and the shoot out that nearly killed him, Devlin is ready to discover who he is and where he belongs.
Marissa Flanagan has fought for her place in Braxton. First she had to live down the pity and gossip when she was jilted by her fiance, then prove her professional worth when the town’s beloved – and male – vet retired. She’s finally made her peace or so she thinks until Devlin Braxton shows up at her door with a proposition.
They have a past, will Devlin’s blue eyes and pulse-stopping kisses convince her he’s changed and that they might have a future?
This is Marissa Flanagan and Devlin Braxton’s story.
Grace laid the folders on her boss’s desk that needed final signatures or notes. It was past quitting time and she had already placed the closed sign on the front door and turned the key in the lock for good measure.
“See you on Monday.” A few minutes later, she switched off the desk lamp and stood. Another week completed. She stopped when she caught her reflection in the mirror in the corner of her office.
Had she changed all that much? So much so that Devlin Braxton hadn’t even a hint who he had been looking at?
“Whatever life I choose.” Dev had heard that more than a few times before he left the hospital… from the agents he used to work among, to the doctors who managed to put him back on his feet again, and even echoed from his brother, Chance. He and Chance… and Josie, Chance’s wife… all had some talking to do once he got settled in. It would take some time to get his plans together. But for the moment, he was headed back to Braxton, Texas.
Not as the black sheep brother, but the real man.
A man who would be a total stranger to so many including himself.
“Whatever life I choose.” Dev had heard that more than a few times before he left the hospital… from the agents he used to work among, to the doctors who managed to put him back on his feet again, and even echoed from his brother, Chance. He and Chance… and Josie, Chance’s wife… all had some talking to do once he got settled in. It would take some time to get his plans together. But for the moment, he was headed back to Braxton, Texas.
Not as the black sheep brother, but the real man.
A man who would be a total stranger to so many including himself.
Her Secret Cowboy by Debra Holt is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Debra’s Books with Tule:
Beware the Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Lawman’s Apache Moon
Texas Lawmen
Along Came A Ranger
Texas Lawmen
The Sheriff’s Christmas Angels
Texas Lawmen
True Blue Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Homeward Bound, Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Her Secret Cowboy
Blood Brothers
Really enjoyed this 3rd book in this series,loved the background story of Devlin Braxton .Love the chemistry between Marissa and him in his new life on the ranch but will it be enough to keep him there or will he want to go back undercover?
There is such a round-about-way for Dev to enter the family.
My heart loved the characters.
This is book#3 in Blood Brothers series and I was given a copy in exchange for my review.
Devlin came into the family in such a-roundabout way and now he is back at the ranch wanting to make sure of his place in the family, but is love trying to find him also, and why shouldn’t he and Marissa just not fight their feelings? To keep me in angst and turning the pages that’s why. No one ever said true love was easy.
I just love this series, WTG Debra!
Life is full of conundrums. Dev is like the prodigal son, come home to roost at this family ranch. He goes through much soul-searching and drama in order to find his way. Upon meeting Rissa, he discovers a stronger reason to find the right path for him. In all this, Rissa must find a way to trust again and let her walls down. The two butt heads – often. Then there’s a lot of angst and old prejudices that must be cleaned up.
Even though this is part of a series, it can be read independently.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for my volunteer review.
I loved this story about a man with a formerly secret past life trying his darndest to win over a very skeptical woman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author delivers another well written story in this series. This time it belongs to the third Braxton brother, Devlin.
Devlin had always appeared to be the carefree, flirtatious and the happy go lucky brother that showed up every few years. It wasn’t until he was left for dead that the family discovered he was living a double life. An often lonely and dark life.
On his drive home to finish recovering and start his work at the Braxton Ranch, he accidentlly hits a dog. Little did he realize that the dog and the vet he meets would change his life forever.
But Marisa/Rissa has been hurt before not only by Dev but by a man she was about to marry. She is determined not to be charmed by the new Dev.
Watching these two interact as well as the community and the Braxton brothers pulling together, created an engaging story.
I was happy to see the three brothers finding their HEA, but was sad to say good bye to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by the publisher. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book started off really strong I liked Dev he had this good ole’ cowboy who wasn’t looking for hero worship but a place to call home. I was a fan of Rissa at first but then she quickly got on my nerves. In the beginning she came off as this independent, works hard for all she has takes no prisoners kind of spirit about her, then I felt like she quickly became whiney and almost annoying. I felt like the relationship just didn’t work with these two it did not feel natural but almost forced. I did like how for the most part the author did keep the book clean and I like being able to find out what was going on with the other characters in the series. Overall its an ok read not the book for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”