Lorraine Heath is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling American author of contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance and young adult novels under multiple pen names, including Rachel Hawthorne, J.
London, and Jade Parker. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing.
After spending time in prison for a crime he did not commit, he returns home to find the love of his life, Becky, has moved on and married another.
So he leaves and seeks the man who can clear his name. In his travels he meets Loree Grant. A woman with a tortured past herself. Please click button to get texas destiny book now. In his release tho overall despondent, and needed in a famous violinist slowly.
Her characters and build his sweetheart is well established. Anyway id like its pretty deflated thinking about his heart break. I loved how things go on the real killer. He was really thinks she lives. Texas Splendor About book: Akhirnya sampai juga di buku terakhir dari Texas Trilogy, kali ini tentang Austin, si anak bungsu.
She has since moved on to writing about sexy cowboys and dashing English lords and sometimes, cleverly, in the same book! Houston Leigh skimmed his thumb over the black eye patch before tugging the brim on the left side of his hat down lower.
But just when it was time for him to make the three week journey into Fort Worth to meet his new bride, he fell from a horse he was trying to break and ended up being the one who got broken — his leg, that is.
I love a story with a tortured hero, and Houston Leigh is certainly that. The three weeks it takes to get to the ranch made for some great reading. I was sure there would be angst, and there was. Truth be told, it was an emotional roller coaster ride, but it never became so unbearable that I felt like I needed to put the book down to take a breather.
View all 68 comments. Jun 17, Naksed rated it did not like it Shelves: historical-romance , no-emotional-connection , ott-town , insane-in-the-membrane , not-my-cuppa , traitorous-body-alert , tstl-hero , tstl-heroine , campy , forgettable. Oh hell, where do I even begin with this hot mess? I hated it. Hated it, hated it, hated it. Did I mention I hated it? Now, let me take a deep breath, calm myself and tell you how I really feel. Still hated it. Let's begin with the absurdly flowery prose that made me barf at every turn.
When the hero, Houston, meets mail order bride Amelia a bride meant for his brother , he naturally is taken by her eyes. Amelia Carson Everything she thought, everything s Oh hell, where do I even begin with this hot mess?
Everything she thought, everything she felt reflected clearly in her eyes. In her green, green eyes. The warm depths reminded him of fields of clover he'd run through as a boy. The clover had resembled velvet caressing his rough soles. For a brief moment, he actually relished the thought of holding her gaze. His brown eyes could serve as the soil in which her green clover took root.
That image tops all I have read in romance books so far about incomparable, unique, mesmerizing eyes, and I have come across many. Eyes that are icy blue like the fjords of Finland. Violet eyes that shine like gemstones illuminated by fire. Grey eyes like the clouds floating on an overcast sky about to rain. Eyes that are different colors. Eyes that reflect the feelings and moods of their owner.
Eyes that shimmer in twilight, burn at dawn, darken with lust, dilate with fear. I even once read about grey and red eyes, apparently stained with corneal bleeding. The brown soil of his eyes planted with the velvety grass stains of her eyes were the uncontested winners in this competition though. Next, Amelia's laughter reminds Houston of spring rain, soothing and sweet, the kind of rain that a man simply removed his hat to enjoy as it washed over him.
The thought of Houston, nineteenth century, hardened, scarred, Civil War veteran and hermit-like horse wrangler, standing beneath sweet rain while his crusty toes curl around Amelia's velvety, grass-like eyes gave me a few good chuckles.
So I went on. Back to her clover eyes, which reflected her heart as openly as a book. Yeah, yeah, you already told us, Amelia is a heart-in-her-eyes kind of gal. When they first kiss, he gentled the kiss because she wasn't a whore whose body he wanted to use to gratify his lust. Wow, what a romantic, eh? Not to mention he is kissing his brother's bride. Then, you guessed it, back to the clover eyes again: A woman with eyes the green of clover, hair the shade of an Autumn moon.
And courage as boundless as the West Texas plains. And what else, an ass as wide as the East Texas plains? A chest as bountiful as two baskets of corn bread doused with thick molasses?
Come on, don't just stop there When Houston kisses her, Amelia feels a desire that exploded like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Oh, good grief. She wants him to kiss her again but there's that little matter of her being betrothed to Houston's brother, marriage contract signed and everything. So her brilliant come-on to Houston? Kiss me as though I had no contract binding me to another. Wow, she is almost as romantic as he is. Houston is trying to do the right thing but Amelia is going to beat that horse dead.
As she wistfully watches him wrestle with his wild horses, she wished for an insane minute that she was a horse, that he could love her as he did his mustang. Maybe if she was a Mustang with clover green eyes, he would. Okay, enough of this, let's move on to the plot of this book. Houston and Amelia are having an emotional and physical affair all the while she is betrothed to his freaking brother!
I don't dismiss books simply because there is cheating in them, but let's get real. In my romances, I want to feel romantic. Cheating is soooo not romantic so it is going to take a Herculean emotional connection for me to be on the protags'side.
Here, aside from the ridiculous dialogue and inner monologue, the characters were flat, their connection murky, and their actions despicable all the way right through the marriage ceremony where she looks at him to say something to prevent her wedding but he decides to hold his peace. They are both cowardly, hypocritical and two-faced. The only character who had any redeeming quality in all this was the cuckolded brother. If this book was not enough of a hot mess, we have countless OTT plot developments, whereas the heroine is constantly getting herself from one mess to another, from jumping into a river to save Houston even though she doesn't know how to swim, to getting kidnapped on the night of her wedding by a band of outlaws.
This might have been a catastrophe for me but it may be a gem for someone else. Read at your own risk!!! Edited and re-posted on November 20, , with some additional gifs. View all 17 comments. Shelves: historical-romance. I love tortured heroes, and Houston was as tortured as one can be.
Slighted to put it mildly by his father since childhood, he was forced to fight in the Civil War at the tender age of twelve, only to lose half his face, his eye, and hearing in one ear three years later. The way he saw it, his life was over by the time he was fifteen years old. Now, thirteen years later, he still wonders why he didn't put an end to it.
Houston had all the markings to make me want to cuddle him and never let go I love tortured heroes, and Houston was as tortured as one can be. Houston had all the markings to make me want to cuddle him and never let go but, unfortunately, it didn't work that way. The problem was, I love tortured and strong heroes who, once they realize they're in love with the heroine, at least try to overcome his fears and fight for her. Houston pretty much hid in the corner and let Amelia go.
As for Amelia, she was practically a saint but, like Houston, she wasn't one to fight for what she wanted. She accepted her marriage to Dallas, Houston's brother, with such calm that I grinded my teeth in frustration. And her asking Houston about what would happen on her wedding night with his brother?!? That was so insensitive! The worst thing was, he answered her question and even tried to reassure her! I still wonder how those two ended up together, since both were so intent on letting the other go.
I guess it was their destiny. This was my first book by Lorraine Heath and I liked her writing style. But I'm sorry to say, I was disappointed with the story. A friend of mine gave me the whole Texas trilogy, along with high praises about the books, so I'm already bracing myself to let her know I'm not too thrilled about reading the next books in the series.
I'll probably read them because I'm curious about Houston's brothers, but that won't be happening soon. View all 39 comments. Overall, an enjoyable read. Also, if you're looking for a series somewhat like this one, I high recommend the Callahan-Warren series by Johanna Lindsey first book: One Heart to Win which I adored!
Rating: 3. View all 5 comments. Jun 04, Melanie A. Shelves: audio , all-time-favorites , historical , scribd. Where's the joy in reaching for something if you have no one to see you capture it? An incredibly talented author with a sense of romance that matches my own?!!! One with a huge backlist for me to go through?
Life doesn't get much better. Honestly, I was skeptical when I started, but I've been on the edge of a slump for over a month now and I was desperate for something to snap me out of it. But a romance novel published in ? In you couldn't have paid me to read this book, LOL. I was busy with things like The Lord of the Rings. Buffy started in Harry Potter came out in I was busy.
I was a fool. I loved Amelia and her sweet but strong nature, and I loved Houston and his tortured broodiness. The way the author built up their relationship was nothing short of genius. I couldn't have asked for more. A huge thank you to Donati for convincing me to try this author out! View all 16 comments. Wow, was so freaking endearing! Other than that this book was superb. View all 3 comments. Mar 04, Buggy rated it it was amazing Shelves: tortured-hero , top-shelf , scars-r-sexy , hist-rom , cowboy-up , western-rom , shelf , colonial-frontier.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out she went the opposite way or moved things past where I thought she was going to. She also gives us multifaceted characters who only over the course of the book manage to reveal their whole selves.
Our couples back stories are both heartbreaking, talk about wounded souls finding each other. Its so the deed is as good as done. Missing an eye and badly disfigured this weary, ex-Civil War soldier has survived the war but its left him scarred inside and out and he now prefers the company of horses to people. This makes her decision very difficult especially when the one she really wants keeps pushing her away.
Part 1 of the Texas Trilogy. View all 31 comments. Shelves: g-historical-romance , part-of-a-series , hero-tortured-flawed , mild-steam , heroine-i-loved , keeper , favorite-treasures , romance-western-or-cowboy , hero-to-die-for , hero-scarred. Wow - what can I say that hasn't already been written about this amazing story? I loved everything about it! After reading the synopsis I kept putting this one on the back burner. At that time I hadn't read many Western Historicals and figured this would probably be just an ok read for me.
Immediately upon starting I asked myself why did I hesitate! There is something unique about Houston Leigh and I loved him right from the start. And nineteen year old Amelia Carson, with her determination and courage was perfect for Houston. The day before she was to arrive, Dallas broke his leg and sends Houston to collect and take care of her on their three week journey to his home.
And boy what a journey! Houston Leigh carries the scars from not only his time in the Civil War but from abusive acts received from his father. The left side of his face is severely damaged and it now has become second nature for him to shield and keep this side in shadows. But his greatest scarring is inside, deep down to his soul where his spirit is broken and a deep loneliness is his constant companion.
He is a man without hope, despairing of a better future. But all this changes with a petite Georgian who is smart, witty, determined, courageous and curious! I loved Amelia and she is perfect for Houston. He is ruggedly handsome, tall and powerfully built. I loved his sexy voice! I totally loved his protectiveness and his tenderness to Amelia. Can you tell how much I lurrrv him and he will always be one of my all time favorite heroes!
I thoroughly enjoyed going on their journey watching as two people discover the magic of first love, holding my breath in anticipation of the outcome of the many obstacles they encountered along the way and the wonderful transformation throughout the book replacing despair with new hope and a sharing of dreams for the future! There were no steamy love scenes but plenty of burgeoning desire and I found this more than adequate for a beautifully done work capturing the essence of love and the transformation it brings.
Each day they were together brought them closer but always lingering is the knowledge of the mail-order-contract. For me, this was an emotional read. I laughed, cried, and was completely enthralled! And I loved every minute of it! Houston and Amelia will always be one of my favorite couples. Thank you Denise for recommending this beautiful jewel to me!
I can never do this book justice with my review and would like to share just a small smidgeon of Houston's feelings for Amelia Guns were a man's way, not fist. His brother's face felt like a wall of stone when Houston's fist made contact Houston lept off the porch and planted his foot squarely on his brother's chest. And I paid the price for your stubborness. For forty-three days I traveled through hell, wanting that woman like I've never wanted anything in my life.
She's a woman of courage, Dallas, and by god, if you don't worship the ground she walks on, I'll find her a husband who will. Now, get the hell of my land. View all 35 comments. Mar 02, Laurie rated it it was amazing Shelves: romance.
I could talk about the post civil war Texas setting and describe the mail order bride plot but that doesn't even begin to touch on the emotional impact of Ms. Heath's newest work. This book touched me from beginning to end and is a book I'll always treasure. It's also the first of a trilogy. Houston Leigh's brother Dallas has broken his leg and is unable to make the trip to pick up his mail order bride-to-be Amelia Carson. Houston has hideous facial scarring on one side of his handsome face and has lived his adult life hiding in shadows and covering his face with his hat.
He has shunned human contact and feels most content in the company of his horses. Because of his scars and less than charming personality Dallas feels it's safe to assume his new bride won't fall for his brother during the three week trek.
She bugs him with irritating questions he doesn't want to answer and eventually she gets under his skin. Although it scares him he slowly opens up to her and they form a hesitant friendship which gets stronger as the days pass and they reveal bits of themselves to each other. Both of their lives have been shattered by the war and they've both dealt with it differently. He has given up on his dreams and withdrawn from the world while she is the eternal optimist finding something to be grateful for in every situation.
She looks at her future with joy anxiously biding her time when she can turn her dreams into reality. She even manages to find a dream for Houston to believe in but they despair because she is promised to his brother. The hurting and lovable characters are what make this story so memorable. In the majority of romances I've read one character usually really comes alive while the other gets the short shrift. That's so not so in this case!
She's a woman who has seen the worst life has to offer but hasn't been beaten down by it. Her optimism and willingness to embrace life is refreshing and believable.
And Houston. He's a wounded soul, with lots of integrity, he's serious, heroic, and best of all he's sensitive. He's been dealt a raw deal by life and really needs a hug. This story is extremely realistic for instance there is no witty banter during their first few days together but instead there are lots of awkward attempts at conversation and long silences.
Houston's makes several desperate attempts to come up with words to charm Amelia but always ends fails. These little touches are what make the couple so endearing.
I know many readers avoid the Civil War period but this book is less about the war and more about the healing of two people who as children had to bear witness to human nature's darkest side. But don't think it's all darkness and pain! The book is filled with so many tender moments my eyes were stinging and there is a quiet wit that made me smile. The longing, the soft caresses, the hot kisses, the despair and the impossible love these two share made my heart ache but somehow they always managed to maintain their senses of humor.
The sense of place is done so well I felt like I was living the story. I stayed up late reading with a flashlight until 12am last night because I just didn't want to put this book down.
This is very rare for me since I get up at 5am! I'm a zombie today but boy was it ever worth it View all 14 comments. Jul 18, Karen rated it really liked it. A mail-order bride travels west to fulfill her dreams of finally having a home, a family, and the safety only a man like Dallas Leigh can offer.
But something happens along the way that will alter her plans for happiness and steer her destiny in a whole new direction.
This was my first book by this author. And I am looking forward to reading many more. Starting with the next in the series. View all 10 comments. Audio - 5 stars Story - 3 stars One of the rare occasions were the heroine outshined the hero.
His insecurities bordered on pathetic. Or maybe I'm just being cold hearted. I got tired of him pushing the heroine away because he didn't feel worthy. View all 9 comments. May 08, Mei rated it it was amazing Shelves: historical. I wish to thank my friend Jill for recommanding me this book! A real romantic, heartbraking love story!
The hero, Houston, is scarred all the way down to his soul At the beginning he's so closed that was painful to read about it. He resented his brother Dallas for sending him to retrieve his bride. He din't want to have to do it, but did it all the same.
His scarred face should have frightened Amelia, but instead she's intrigued. Amelia is Houston's I wish to thank my friend Jill for recommanding me this book!
Amelia is Houston's opposite! She's scarred inside too, but she learned to fight her fear with funny little expedient: she lookes for any reason to be grateful in any situation, even the hopeless ones. Where Houston is silent, she's outspoken; where he's trying to hide, she presses him to open up; where he wants to do the view spoiler [wrong hide spoiler ] thing to protect her from himself, she's trying to get him to do it with everything in her.
I loved Amelia's persistence. Once she realizes she's in love with Houston, she doesn't hesitate to tell him. It's him that's so concerned about having nothing to offer her, that he stubbornly pushed her away. It takes an almost death situation to make him realize that he has to acknowledge that he needs and loves her! His wedding vow was simply beautiful! You told me once that you wanted to share a corner of my dream.
Without you, Amelia, I have no dream. With you, I have everything I could ever dream of wanting. It is very well done! I would say that even if Houston has his desires, it was Alemia who voiced hers!
I loved that she wasn't shy in her wanting Houston! View all 12 comments. Shelves: authors-l , all-time-favorites , buddy-read , zzcover-blue , authors-h , genre-romance-western-historical , theme-mail-order-bride , genre-romance-antebellum , series-t.
Can I give this book more than 5 stars? I am still speechless. Glad I have two more books to go in the series. This book is one hell of a slow burn. Lorraine Heath writes beautifully. I never felt otherwise about her writing, even when I was less impressed with the story. But in this case, I actually liked the book. Texas Destiny is the story of the second brother of the Leigh brothers, Houston. He was sent to bring Amelia, his brother Dallas's mail order bride, to Dallas's home.
Houston and Amelia fell in love with each other on the way. But Amelia married Dallas anyway because well, as poignantly pointed out in the book by Lorraine Heath herself, "Dallas asked and Houston didn't".
Because in this part there was little romance, even though the attraction was there. Heath did not spend too much time on the romance, She chose to define the characters. Things picked up when they were close to Dallas's home and ah the regrets and yearning, I think I shed one or two tears reading about Houston and Amelia's trepidation and how they tried to do the right thing. In short: great writing as one could expect from Lorraine Heath, a very touching story about romance and brotherhood.
The story asks for patience and one may be impatient with how Houston would not do anything to further his relationship with Amelia. Not an easy book to love and gush about, but a really good book nonetheless. Jun 15, Lisa Remarkablylisa rated it it was ok Shelves: june First time trying western and this is why I don't read them.
This one had so many mentions of horses and wagons and I was so bored. View 1 comment. What a sweet story. I fell in love with Houston from the get go and never looked back. And neither did Amelia. Amelia had pledged herself to Houston's brother Dallas but on the faithful day that they met she gave a little piece of her heart to Houston.
Little did she know she'd be "You told me once that you wanted to share a corner of my dream. Little did she know she'd be giving him the rest. But my heart broke for Houston once they had returned. He never felt he was deserving of anything good and least of all the love of Amelia. He was determined to do right by her whether she agreed or not. I'll be honest and say there were a few moments when I wanted to reach into my kindle and sit this man down and tell him how awfully stupid he was being.
And then finally A must read if you are a fan of Lorraine Heath! Off to read Texas Glory! Full review to come, but know it's gonna be an explosion of happy reader. But first I want to say that I'm mad. So damn mad. At myself. I've had this paperback sitting on my shelf for some time now and it seriously saddens me that all this time, this story I walked past this book everyday not knowing the amazing story I was missing out on.
Yea, this one was a slow burn At first I was totally in to this Beauty and the Best redux. We have the scarred hero, Houston - be still my beating, beta male loving, heart - and dearest Amelia.
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