To Catch a Texas Star by Linda Broday – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway
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Description:
He’ll do what it takes to prove his love…
The son of a notorious outlaw, Roan Penny yearns to make his life count…but heroism comes with a price. Left badly injured, only the kindness of a gentle stranger can save him. He longs to be with the captivating beauty―his savior, his Texas star, his Marley Rose McClain―but he knows he’d bring her nothing but trouble.
If only he could convince his heart of that.
Marley’s lived a charmed life, and she’s determined to spend the rest of her days at her quiet hero’s side…but she isn’t what she seems. A life-long secret threatens to destroy everything she knows―and everything she could hope to be. As dangerous men threaten to pull her back into the shadows, a desperate Roan must ride hell-bent for leather to save the other half of his heart…before he can lose her light for good.
Review:
To Catch a Texas Star by Linda Broday is the 3rd book in her Texas Heroes western historical romance series. I loved both books in this series, and I am happy to say this was as equally as good. I do not read much western romances, but I have come to love Linda Broday’s writing and I will continue to read her books.
At the start, we meet our hero, Roan Penny, who is a drifter, working for a local rancher. Roan has befriended the rancher who had become his friend, and when a group of vigilantes attack the ranch and kill the rancher, Roan is determined to enact revenge. But unfortunately for Roan, the attackers beat him badly, putting him on horse and leaving him barely alive.
Marley Rose, who was the precious child when we spent time with Duel and Jessie McClain (previous book heroes) years before. Marley is now all grown up, and it is she who will come across the badly beaten Roan. She will bring him back to the Aces and Eights ranch, which her mother and father run and where she and all her siblings live. We knew that Duel and Jessie were very caring and loving people, and it is no surprise to see that besides Marley, they have over the years taken in a number of lost or abandoned children.
Both Marley and Jessie see to Roan’s wounds, as his life hangs by a thread. Roan slowly begins to gain his conscious, and is immediately calmed by the voice of the woman taking care of him. Marley herself has been somewhat sheltered by her parents, and finds that she is becoming attracted to Roan. It will take Roan more time to gain his strength, and in time Duel, who senses that Roan is one of the good guys, will trust him. After telling the family about his attack and the death of his friend, Duel offers him a job on the ranch, allowing him to be able to work and have the time get better, before he tries to find the culprits.
Marley and Roan find themselves falling hard for each other, though Roan feels there is no future, since he will probably get killed going after the attackers. But everything he was missing all his life, was right there in Marley… love, happiness, family, togetherness. Will Roan give up everything he has always wanted to pursue a dangerous mission and leave Marley?
Marley was not only sweet, gentle, caring and lovable to everyone, but she is also very strong and determined in her own rights. She refuses to allow Roan to put himself in danger, and is determined to help him.
What follows is an exciting action packed adventure that will put all of them in danger, as they try to find out who is behind the murder, as well as the stolen cattle off the ranch. Most of all, the main villain is evil, and determined to get Marley at any cost. Can Roan save her?
To Catch a Texas Star is a unique and wonderful story of two people very much different who will find love for each other, find a way to survive the evil chasing them throughout this story.
I really loved this heartwarming story, as Marley and Roan were a wonderful couple. Spending time with Duel, Jessie and the other children was also fun. Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful couple, sweet romance, great secondary characters, action and so very well written. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this heartwarming story, and the wonderful characters Linda Broday has created. I strongly suggest you read To Catch a Texas Star.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
A hunger so powerful that it hurt to breathe spread through him, rushing along his limbs and touching off a whirlwind inside him. He stood in the storm and let the emotion wash over his body, healing his ragged spirit and muzzling his fear.
A raspy moan escaped. His heart beating like a thundering herd of buffalo, he held Marley so tightly against him that he expected her to complain. If he could somehow open himself up and draw her inside, he would. He’d protect her with every bit of strength he had and carry the beautiful woman with him forever.
Dear, God, he wanted her. Wanted her more than anything in the world. His hands roamed over her curves, memorizing every indentation and soft swell. She seemed to be learning every inch of him as well, and the way she clutched, kneaded, and caressed him spoke of a great need of her own.
The air seemed to vibrate with this craving that swept through him. His senses filled with her, Roan deepened the kiss and backed her against a work table where they repaired harnesses and saddles. Tightening his grip, he lifted her onto the planks. She reached for him, knocking off his hat and it tumbled to the floor.
His heartbeat roared in his ears and drowned out everything except this overpowering desire for her.
How long they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, he didn’t know. He was barely conscious of where they were, or of the dawn breaking. Men and children would spill out any second and find them.
It took everything he had to break the kiss. He tenderly brushed a tendril of hair from her eyes and studied her dark eyes. “You’re like those shooting stars we watched. You blaze across a man’s life with such a streak of color and pageantry it steals a man’s breath. You’re my Texas star, Marley Rose McClain. That is if you don’t object to the title.”
His Texas Star. Yes, that’s exactly what she would always be.
Marley’s breath hitched. “That’s beautiful. I’ve never been compared to a shooting star before.”
“Well, you are. I don’t know what the future holds or if I’ll ever see you again,” he mumbled against her mouth. “Keep shining, Texas Star, for as long as you live.”
“I will.” Marley’s glistening gaze met his and she ran a fingertip along his jawline. “No promises, no regrets.”
“None.” The rooster finally crowed, reminding Roan he’d best hurry. “Maybe you’ll write a story one day about me and how you saved my life one frosty morn.”
Tears bubbled in her eyes. “You’d better come back or I’ll come looking for you.”
“You will, huh?”
“I’ll brave a den of snakes and go through a hail of bullets to get to you, and you can count on that.” Marley straightened his collar and picked a piece of lint from his coat. “You’re a handsome man, Roan Penny. Women are going to chase you, but it doesn’t mean you have to let them catch you.” Her voice broke.
Roan swallowed a lump in his throat. This was tearing him up inside.
With a cry, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him close for another kiss.
“I’ll pray for you, Roan,” she whispered.
“Save your prayers for those who believe in their power.”
Before the banked fire had a chance to flare again, Roan stepped away from her and issued a stern warning. “Don’t come after me. I mean it. You don’t know the danger waiting in San Saba. If they knew I cared for you, they’d kill you. Promise you’ll stay here. You have to promise not to come after my sorry hide. Go on with your life.”
Marley shook her head, her dark eyes large in the low light. “I can’t do that.”
