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Valentine Texas #1
Bless Your Heart
I have three simple wishes:
1. Keep my houseplants alive.
2. Open a charming bed-and-breakfast in my small town.
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible.
When Beckett decides he’s also interested in purchasing the Horseshoe Creek Ranch, my dreams of owning a bed-and-breakfast become a nightmare.
He refuses to give me what I want while playing dirty—a common theme in our rivalry.
Because of him, we’re in a ridiculous bidding war for the land.
We might have hated each other since our teens, but the stakes have never been so high.
And right now, I’m more determined than ever to take down my best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
Bless Your Heart is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s older brother, contemporary small-town southern romance with a happily ever after. Each book in the Valentine Texas series is a stand-alone. Warning: this book contains tons of Southern sass, sarcasm, and lots of spice! Fade to black is not included.
1. Keep my houseplants alive.
2. Open a charming bed-and-breakfast in my small town.
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible.
When Beckett decides he’s also interested in purchasing the Horseshoe Creek Ranch, my dreams of owning a bed-and-breakfast become a nightmare.
He refuses to give me what I want while playing dirty—a common theme in our rivalry.
Because of him, we’re in a ridiculous bidding war for the land.
We might have hated each other since our teens, but the stakes have never been so high.
And right now, I’m more determined than ever to take down my best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
Bless Your Heart is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s older brother, contemporary small-town southern romance with a happily ever after. Each book in the Valentine Texas series is a stand-alone. Warning: this book contains tons of Southern sass, sarcasm, and lots of spice! Fade to black is not included.
350 pages, ebook
Published June 13, 2023
About the author
Lyra Parish
30 books1,212 followersLyra Parish is a hopeless romantic who is obsessed with writing spicy Hallmark-like romances. When she isn’t immersed in fictional worlds, you can find her pretending to be a Vanlifer with her hubby. Lyra’s a Virgo who loves coffee, the great outdoors, authentic people, and living her best life. You may know her from when she co-wrote under the USA Today Bestselling pen name Kennedy Fox.
To learn more, please subscribe to Lyra's newsletter: https://bit.ly/lyraparishnewsletter
To learn more, please subscribe to Lyra's newsletter: https://bit.ly/lyraparishnewsletter
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June 4, 2023BLESS YOUR HEART IS MORE THAN A SOUTHERN SAYIN'… AND IT RELEASES ON JUNE 13, 2023!
ALL THE LINKS TO ALL THE PLACES--https://geni.us/blessyourheart
What you can expect:
-enemies to lovers
-rom-com vibes
-Texas small-town romance-family saga
-best friend's older brother (3-year age gap)
-secret pinning
-sassy, plant-killing heroine
-dirty-talkin' hero
-guaranteed happily ever after
-spicy AF scenes
-complete stand alone
-the first book in a feel-good series
Author's note 6/4/2023: Thank you so much to everyone who has given this book a chance. I am honored you even considered adding it to your TBR or requested an ARC or pre-ordered/purchased.
To those who have loved the book so far, thank you. Your kindness encourages me to keep writing what I love and know. I'm so thrilled to be able to share this world and characters with you. There is so much more to come!
If this book wasn't your cup of tea, I'm still very appreciative and honored that you took your valuable time to give it a chance. Especially when you have millions of romance books to choose from. I hope to write something you'll enjoy in the future, and we can meet again in the stacks. Thank you!
Happy reading, y'all! I hope you find your next book boyfriend/girlfriend soon! Book 2: Spill the Sweet Tea releases on September 19th! I can't wait for you to meet Hayden and see more of Kinsley Valentine.
With Love,
Lyra
ALL THE LINKS TO ALL THE PLACES--https://geni.us/blessyourheart
What you can expect:
-enemies to lovers
-rom-com vibes
-Texas small-town romance-family saga
-best friend's older brother (3-year age gap)
-secret pinning
-sassy, plant-killing heroine
-dirty-talkin' hero
-guaranteed happily ever after
-spicy AF scenes
-complete stand alone
-the first book in a feel-good series
Author's note 6/4/2023: Thank you so much to everyone who has given this book a chance. I am honored you even considered adding it to your TBR or requested an ARC or pre-ordered/purchased.
To those who have loved the book so far, thank you. Your kindness encourages me to keep writing what I love and know. I'm so thrilled to be able to share this world and characters with you. There is so much more to come!
If this book wasn't your cup of tea, I'm still very appreciative and honored that you took your valuable time to give it a chance. Especially when you have millions of romance books to choose from. I hope to write something you'll enjoy in the future, and we can meet again in the stacks. Thank you!
Happy reading, y'all! I hope you find your next book boyfriend/girlfriend soon! Book 2: Spill the Sweet Tea releases on September 19th! I can't wait for you to meet Hayden and see more of Kinsley Valentine.
With Love,
Lyra
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 27, 2023Dnf @11%/ 2 chapters
Not gonna rate this one because I think the fault lies with me. I always want to read small-town romances, and they seem so cute and charming to me, but when they take place in the South, for some reason, my mind gets annoyed so easily. Every little cutesy thing becomes a stereotype or a trope that does not agree with me. And I swear to god if I have to see “city girl” or “city slicker” one more time Imma fight someone.
So as you can see, this is a me thing. I genuinely think this has a lot of potential and seems super cute and sweet and has cozy hometown vibes. For the right reader, I think this could be a great book but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
Not gonna rate this one because I think the fault lies with me. I always want to read small-town romances, and they seem so cute and charming to me, but when they take place in the South, for some reason, my mind gets annoyed so easily. Every little cutesy thing becomes a stereotype or a trope that does not agree with me. And I swear to god if I have to see “city girl” or “city slicker” one more time Imma fight someone.
So as you can see, this is a me thing. I genuinely think this has a lot of potential and seems super cute and sweet and has cozy hometown vibes. For the right reader, I think this could be a great book but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
Shelved as 'dnf-not-for-me'
September 22, 2023DNF @ 48%
June 30, 2023
DNF
I've been trying to read this book on and off for a little over 2 weeks now and I could only manage to finish 37% of it. The bare bones of this book being good were all there but the execution was lackluster. If there was any chemistry between the MCs I couldn't find it. The pacing was way too slow with innane details galore - which wouldn't be a bad thing, I would love to read about some slice of life scenarios but the writing was so bland that I wanted to skim through most of it. The characters all talk and behave like children which was irritating and the constant sneering at city/city life was a bit too much. This is apparently the author's first ever solo venture so here's hoping that future projects will be better🤞
I've been trying to read this book on and off for a little over 2 weeks now and I could only manage to finish 37% of it. The bare bones of this book being good were all there but the execution was lackluster. If there was any chemistry between the MCs I couldn't find it. The pacing was way too slow with innane details galore - which wouldn't be a bad thing, I would love to read about some slice of life scenarios but the writing was so bland that I wanted to skim through most of it. The characters all talk and behave like children which was irritating and the constant sneering at city/city life was a bit too much. This is apparently the author's first ever solo venture so here's hoping that future projects will be better🤞
June 8, 2023
Bless your heart is the first book in a brand new series that is bound to capture your hearts!!
Expect: small town romance, best friends brother, enemies to lover, sassy heroine, dirty talking cowboy, slow burn, family saga, rivalry, secret pining, childhood friends to lovers and allllllllll the spice 🌶️🔥
I read this book in one sitting. It was such a fun read! I am a big fan of enemies to lovers and small town romance so this book was right up my street. Books like these just make me want to run off to the countryside.
It was filled with so much wit and humour, Beckett and Summer had such funny banter with each other but there was also so much tension and angst between them!
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series to explore more into the other characters lives and return to the little town of valentine 💌
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review
June 5, 2023
Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline and the book as a whole. The characters were personable and felt incredibly real. The book still had the same style I grew to love from when Parrish was writing co-writing under a different name. However, I have two disappointments with this book - the speed in which some of the scenes move along - the book felt incredibly rushed at times and was missing some of the suspense and detail I would expect, and the parallels to the Circle B Ranch series at times were too much and felt like taking parts of those series and putting different characters in their place.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2023
Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is the first book in the Valentine Texas Series. This is Summer and Beckett‘s story.
This series is set in the small town of Valentine in Texas and that made it immediately feel homey. Summer is an only child, and she works on her parents’ ranch. Her dream is to open a bed and breakfast in town and when the property next door goes on sale, it seems like the perfect opportunity. However, Beckett is also interested. Since high school Summer and Beckett have this love-hate-thing going on. And that was the perfect setup. The tension between these two was unreal and that made the steamy scenes even hotter. Beckett can sometimes be a bit of an ass, but he also has such a sweet and loving side with Summer. I loved all the golden hour, bonfire and horse-riding moments.
In addition, I loved how you get to know the characters and especially Beckett‘s family. His sister Kinsley is also Summer‘s best friend and I already can’t wait to read her story and the rest of the siblings.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this romance and can’t wait to continue this series. 5 stars.
(I won an arc of this book in a Facebook giveaway.)
This series is set in the small town of Valentine in Texas and that made it immediately feel homey. Summer is an only child, and she works on her parents’ ranch. Her dream is to open a bed and breakfast in town and when the property next door goes on sale, it seems like the perfect opportunity. However, Beckett is also interested. Since high school Summer and Beckett have this love-hate-thing going on. And that was the perfect setup. The tension between these two was unreal and that made the steamy scenes even hotter. Beckett can sometimes be a bit of an ass, but he also has such a sweet and loving side with Summer. I loved all the golden hour, bonfire and horse-riding moments.
In addition, I loved how you get to know the characters and especially Beckett‘s family. His sister Kinsley is also Summer‘s best friend and I already can’t wait to read her story and the rest of the siblings.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this romance and can’t wait to continue this series. 5 stars.
(I won an arc of this book in a Facebook giveaway.)
June 12, 2023
Oh my, buckle up, because you are in for a treat. Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is the first book in the Valentine Texas Series.
𝐵𝑒𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓉𝓉 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒻--𝓀 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻𝒻. 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒹@𝓂𝓃 𝑔𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓈.
This book has Southern Charm written throughout the pages, and the banter and spice between these two is smokin HOT.
Beckett is a dirty-talking cowboy who has a big fancy peen. 😉
𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝒹 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝓎 🍆 𝓈𝑜 𝒻𝒶𝓇 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉.
It has been Summer's lifelong dream to open a B&B, and when her best friend Kinsley gives her the scoop that the property next door is up for sale, she jumps at it. Summer soon learns that her best friend's brother, Beckett, is also interested in it. These two have been enemies since high school; they have a love-hate relationship. It's time to play dirty. None of them are backing down, so gloves off, and may the best man or woman win.
𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉. 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒸--𝓉.
Bless Your Heart was such a fun, sweet, steamy read, and I already can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Don't forget to check out the bonus scene! 🔥
𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉.
𝐵𝑒𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓉𝓉 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒻--𝓀 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻𝒻. 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒹@𝓂𝓃 𝑔𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓈.
This book has Southern Charm written throughout the pages, and the banter and spice between these two is smokin HOT.
Beckett is a dirty-talking cowboy who has a big fancy peen. 😉
𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝒹 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝓎 🍆 𝓈𝑜 𝒻𝒶𝓇 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉.
It has been Summer's lifelong dream to open a B&B, and when her best friend Kinsley gives her the scoop that the property next door is up for sale, she jumps at it. Summer soon learns that her best friend's brother, Beckett, is also interested in it. These two have been enemies since high school; they have a love-hate relationship. It's time to play dirty. None of them are backing down, so gloves off, and may the best man or woman win.
𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉. 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒸--𝓉.
Bless Your Heart was such a fun, sweet, steamy read, and I already can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Don't forget to check out the bonus scene! 🔥
𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉.
June 13, 2023
Welcome to Valentine, Texas! Bless Your Heart is the first book in this brand new series that will rock your world!💥 You, Ms. Parish deserve a standing ovation!👏 I received a free ARC from this author, immediately downloaded it, started to read it, got half way through it and started all over again because it was just that good! I didn't want to miss one part of this Southern fried, witty filled, enemies to lovers, smorgasbord of deliciousness. Read it and I betcha you'll fall in love too...
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have known each other their whole lives. Summer is best friends with his sister, Kinsley. They are bitter rivals, but at one time they crushed on each other until senior prom. Now, they can't stand to be in the same vicinity as the other without fighting. Each want different things out of life, until a neighbors ranch, Horseshoe Creek, comes up for sale.
Summer has always dreamed of opening her own B&B, she was just waiting on the property to become available. Beckett wants the ranch to open his own horse training facility. Now, her dream is becoming a nightmare since Beckett won't play nice and give her what she wants...the land.
Since Beckett wants to play dirty and the state of her future is on the line. Summer has no problems going head to head and toe to toe in taking down, Beckett Freaking Valentine. And if he's that desperate to put conditions on their relationship then Bless His Heart!
I received an ARC from the author and in return I promised an honest review.
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have known each other their whole lives. Summer is best friends with his sister, Kinsley. They are bitter rivals, but at one time they crushed on each other until senior prom. Now, they can't stand to be in the same vicinity as the other without fighting. Each want different things out of life, until a neighbors ranch, Horseshoe Creek, comes up for sale.
Summer has always dreamed of opening her own B&B, she was just waiting on the property to become available. Beckett wants the ranch to open his own horse training facility. Now, her dream is becoming a nightmare since Beckett won't play nice and give her what she wants...the land.
Since Beckett wants to play dirty and the state of her future is on the line. Summer has no problems going head to head and toe to toe in taking down, Beckett Freaking Valentine. And if he's that desperate to put conditions on their relationship then Bless His Heart!
I received an ARC from the author and in return I promised an honest review.
June 20, 2023
This book was absolutely perfect Summer and Beckett are a couple you’ll never forget! Jam packed with angst with a side of sweetness. I loved watching these two fall in love. Summer and Beckett come to a head when they’re dueling over a ranch they both want, Summers dream of having a bed-and-breakfast and Beckett wanting to expand his business. A bet that goes sideways leaves Summer on a path of finding out Beckett’s truths. Bless your heart is an angsty sweet, filled swoony romance that will leave your heart for full.
June 20, 2023
Such a fabulous start to this series!!
Full review below:
Bless Your Heart is the first book in Lyla's newest series, Valentine Texas, and knows how to grab her readers and keep them vested.
I absolutely loved this enemies-to-lovers story. Beckett and Summer have lived by one another for their entire lives and Summer also happens to be Beckett's sister's best friend. So these have always been at each other's throats until Beckett's family started seeing it as sexual tension the older everyone got.
A property next to the Beckett farm has now come up for sale and both want it for their own businesses. But neither is willing to help the other out because that's just how these two roll. But what happens when Beckett challenges Summer and she's loses the bet and now has to go on a date with him?!?
Lyla delivered the perfect southern romance with the right amount of sexual tension. I absolutely enjoyed the banter amongst everyone, especially the siblings. There were some conversations that started to veer towards weird, but thankfully Lyla handled that well.
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I cannot see who we read about next.
Full review below:
Bless Your Heart is the first book in Lyla's newest series, Valentine Texas, and knows how to grab her readers and keep them vested.
I absolutely loved this enemies-to-lovers story. Beckett and Summer have lived by one another for their entire lives and Summer also happens to be Beckett's sister's best friend. So these have always been at each other's throats until Beckett's family started seeing it as sexual tension the older everyone got.
A property next to the Beckett farm has now come up for sale and both want it for their own businesses. But neither is willing to help the other out because that's just how these two roll. But what happens when Beckett challenges Summer and she's loses the bet and now has to go on a date with him?!?
Lyla delivered the perfect southern romance with the right amount of sexual tension. I absolutely enjoyed the banter amongst everyone, especially the siblings. There were some conversations that started to veer towards weird, but thankfully Lyla handled that well.
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I cannot see who we read about next.
June 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this series starter. It had a perfect blend of an enemies to lovers romance, with great family and friends, all taking place on the ranch. Looking forward to what’s coming next.
June 13, 2023
Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is her first solo book I have read my her and I freaking LOVED it!
Beckett and Summer‘s story is amazing! Enemies to Lovers, best friends brother.. SWOON!
Those two melt my heart. Seriously what an amazing story!
I can‘t wait to see more of this town and their locals!
5⭐️
Beckett and Summer‘s story is amazing! Enemies to Lovers, best friends brother.. SWOON!
Those two melt my heart. Seriously what an amazing story!
I can‘t wait to see more of this town and their locals!
5⭐️
June 13, 2023
Small town romance ✔️
Best friends older brother ✔️
Back and forth banter ✔️
To be completely honest I wasn’t even sure how this story was going to take shape but in the end Lyra delivered everything she promised
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Valentine Texas series
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review
Best friends older brother ✔️
Back and forth banter ✔️
To be completely honest I wasn’t even sure how this story was going to take shape but in the end Lyra delivered everything she promised
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Valentine Texas series
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review
February 18, 2024
2.5⭐️ 2🌶️
I wanted to like this but everything just felt too contrived. And I didn’t fall in love with either MC. Summer and Beckett live in the same small town. She’s best friends with his sister. And they “hate” each other, although it’s not clear why. There really was only the mention of how he stepped in when they were teens to stop a guy from taking her virginity (and it ended up being the right thing to do) but in the 10+ years since they didn’t find common ground? Especially when their inner monologue talks about how much they actually desire each other. I just don’t get it and think it’s a waste of time and energy to be stubborn instead of possibly being happy? 🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t care for the spice either, it felt very blueprinted and written in a way that was trying to be racy or edgy but just didn’t fit with the characters or the tenor of the book
The pacing was off, spending way too much time with back and forth scenes about them “hating” and fighting about who will buy the ranch and then lightning speeding through them getting past that, getting to the spice and then admitting they love each other, all within one month.
I would have DNF’d but the audio was short and I didn’t hate the book, there was just nothing great about out it either.
I wanted to like this but everything just felt too contrived. And I didn’t fall in love with either MC. Summer and Beckett live in the same small town. She’s best friends with his sister. And they “hate” each other, although it’s not clear why. There really was only the mention of how he stepped in when they were teens to stop a guy from taking her virginity (and it ended up being the right thing to do) but in the 10+ years since they didn’t find common ground? Especially when their inner monologue talks about how much they actually desire each other. I just don’t get it and think it’s a waste of time and energy to be stubborn instead of possibly being happy? 🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t care for the spice either, it felt very blueprinted and written in a way that was trying to be racy or edgy but just didn’t fit with the characters or the tenor of the book
The pacing was off, spending way too much time with back and forth scenes about them “hating” and fighting about who will buy the ranch and then lightning speeding through them getting past that, getting to the spice and then admitting they love each other, all within one month.
I would have DNF’d but the audio was short and I didn’t hate the book, there was just nothing great about out it either.
July 2, 2023
Summer Jones has always dreamed about owning her own bed and breakfast. Her family owns a ranch in Valentine and she finds out her neighbours are moving away and selling the B&B. The catch? It is a closed bidding system where only locals can buy it and the man she claims to hate who is coincidently her best friends oldest brother also wants to buy the ranch to expand his business as this property is in the middle of both Summer and Becketts family ranch.
Beckett Valentine is the hot older brother of Summer's best friend. The constant banter between Beckett and Summer has existed their whole lives, however, the two have always had a crush for each other but due to circumstances when they were younger have never talked about how they feel despite both their families knowing they would marry one day.
Beckett constantly challenges Summer in this battle for Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Beckett is the first to submit his offer, and since it is a closed bidding system Summer has no idea how much money Beckett has offered for this ranch. But with the promise of one date, Beckett will tell Summer his bid.
If you love enemies to lovers, best friends older brother, and steamy scenes between the main characters (and you know you do), you won't regret reading this book! This book is a good one day read where you don't want to put the book down especially because of all the steamy scenes.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book through hiddengembooks. This is a review of the unreleased copy. All opinions are mine.
Beckett Valentine is the hot older brother of Summer's best friend. The constant banter between Beckett and Summer has existed their whole lives, however, the two have always had a crush for each other but due to circumstances when they were younger have never talked about how they feel despite both their families knowing they would marry one day.
Beckett constantly challenges Summer in this battle for Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Beckett is the first to submit his offer, and since it is a closed bidding system Summer has no idea how much money Beckett has offered for this ranch. But with the promise of one date, Beckett will tell Summer his bid.
If you love enemies to lovers, best friends older brother, and steamy scenes between the main characters (and you know you do), you won't regret reading this book! This book is a good one day read where you don't want to put the book down especially because of all the steamy scenes.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book through hiddengembooks. This is a review of the unreleased copy. All opinions are mine.
April 23, 2024
ALL. THE. STARS!!!!!!! Southern Charm, witty banter, best friends brother and enemies to lovers done right! This book had it all. Now I am a huge Bishop Brothers / KF fan so I knew this book would be filled with all the things I love.
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have been at each other's throat since she was 14. Well isn't that saying there is a thin line between love and hate? They have been denying their feelings for each other for just as long. When the land that separates her family's ranch and the Valentine's ranch comes up for sale, she can finally see her dream of owning a B&B becoming a reality. Until Beckett throws his hat in the ring for the property.
I loved their banter and the witty comebacks. It was done to perfection!!! They are both bull headed and passionate about their reasoning for wanting the property for themselves. This book was everything I have come to know and love about Lyra's writing. It was small town romance at its best and I am sooooo excited to see where this series goes!
Lyra Parish
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have been at each other's throat since she was 14. Well isn't that saying there is a thin line between love and hate? They have been denying their feelings for each other for just as long. When the land that separates her family's ranch and the Valentine's ranch comes up for sale, she can finally see her dream of owning a B&B becoming a reality. Until Beckett throws his hat in the ring for the property.
I loved their banter and the witty comebacks. It was done to perfection!!! They are both bull headed and passionate about their reasoning for wanting the property for themselves. This book was everything I have come to know and love about Lyra's writing. It was small town romance at its best and I am sooooo excited to see where this series goes!
Lyra Parish
June 16, 2023
5 beautiful golden stars for this small town Texas charmer.
"Bless Your Heart" is a phrase common to the Southern United States. The phrase has multiple meanings and is used to express genuine sympathy but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity.
Summer Jones had always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast in her small town. She works hard on her parents' ranch and saves all her money to go toward her dream. When the ranch with a large home next door goes up for sale, it seems to Summer and her best friend Kinsley her dream will soon come true.
Only they didn't count on Kinsley's older brother, Beckett Valentine, wanting the same property to expand his own business with more horse riding trails and a larger training complex. It always seemed that Beckett always got what he wanted, and he knew this.
Since they were young, Summer and Beckett have had an argumentative/spiteful relationship going on. They get on each other's last nerve, but secretly, they long for one another and try their hardest to deny those feelings. Everyone can see right through their bickering and wants to know when they are going to finally get together.
The tension between these two is off the charts, making the steam factor all that much hotter. If you are offended by open door activities and swearing, this is NOT the book for you. Bless your heart. Please exit left and keep on scrolling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the wonderful home-town characters. I'm looking forward to reading all the books that follow in this series.
"Bless Your Heart" is a phrase common to the Southern United States. The phrase has multiple meanings and is used to express genuine sympathy but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity.
Summer Jones had always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast in her small town. She works hard on her parents' ranch and saves all her money to go toward her dream. When the ranch with a large home next door goes up for sale, it seems to Summer and her best friend Kinsley her dream will soon come true.
Only they didn't count on Kinsley's older brother, Beckett Valentine, wanting the same property to expand his own business with more horse riding trails and a larger training complex. It always seemed that Beckett always got what he wanted, and he knew this.
Since they were young, Summer and Beckett have had an argumentative/spiteful relationship going on. They get on each other's last nerve, but secretly, they long for one another and try their hardest to deny those feelings. Everyone can see right through their bickering and wants to know when they are going to finally get together.
The tension between these two is off the charts, making the steam factor all that much hotter. If you are offended by open door activities and swearing, this is NOT the book for you. Bless your heart. Please exit left and keep on scrolling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the wonderful home-town characters. I'm looking forward to reading all the books that follow in this series.
June 4, 2023
Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend's brother, small town, slow burn
I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers lately. Sometimes it's done right. Sometimes it's not. You have to have the right amount of animosity and chemistry. It can be a slippery slope.
I think Beckett and Summer had a pretty good balance because they've also basically grown up together, though he's a few years older.
I love reading stories where the man has been pining for the woman for a long time. Beckett has held a candle for Summer since high school and it all finally comes to a head when they're competing for the same plot of land that's being sold. The property in between what belongs to their families.
The spice and dirty talk are great, although there were moments where I felt like it was over the top on purpose. Almost unnatural for the scene or forced to be extra. It was fun but felt a little out of place. Because there was a slight slow burn it felt like the author crammed more than was needed in the rest of the book to up the spice level.
Also, I found it odd that the 2 main Valentine siblings that are part of the story are extremely invested/interested in the sexual relationship between Beckett and Summer. I get they want them together but they're too curious about details
Overall, I enjoyed the pacing and storyline. It wasn’t overly dramatic and was an easy and fun read.
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend's brother, small town, slow burn
I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers lately. Sometimes it's done right. Sometimes it's not. You have to have the right amount of animosity and chemistry. It can be a slippery slope.
I think Beckett and Summer had a pretty good balance because they've also basically grown up together, though he's a few years older.
I love reading stories where the man has been pining for the woman for a long time. Beckett has held a candle for Summer since high school and it all finally comes to a head when they're competing for the same plot of land that's being sold. The property in between what belongs to their families.
The spice and dirty talk are great, although there were moments where I felt like it was over the top on purpose. Almost unnatural for the scene or forced to be extra. It was fun but felt a little out of place. Because there was a slight slow burn it felt like the author crammed more than was needed in the rest of the book to up the spice level.
Also, I found it odd that the 2 main Valentine siblings that are part of the story are extremely invested/interested in the sexual relationship between Beckett and Summer. I get they want them together but they're too curious about details
Overall, I enjoyed the pacing and storyline. It wasn’t overly dramatic and was an easy and fun read.
June 5, 2023
Holy Wow!!! I loved this book. It had all of my favorite themes…small town, best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers and a bit of grumpy sunshine.
Beckett and Summer have history. They come off like they hate each other but the hatred is a facade. The chemistry between them jumps off the pages of every interaction they have. Their arguments are just foreplay. They’ve had years of foreplay. I was just waiting for them to combust and they did not disappoint.
You see, Beckett and Summer are interested in buying the same ranch for different reasons. Beckett uses this as an opportunity to goad Summer into going on a date with him. The date is fabulous but their road to love is no so smooth. These two are too much alike. Stubborn and strong willed. That does not bode well for their romance but boy does it make their interactions spicy. They burned up the pages of my reader. They eventually get in formation and realize what’s important and that they want the same thing.
This was a fabulous story about two people who are perfect together. It’s amazing how everyone knew that Summer and Beckett were destined to be together but them. I loved the family dynamics of this book. I literally laughed out loud.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
Beckett and Summer have history. They come off like they hate each other but the hatred is a facade. The chemistry between them jumps off the pages of every interaction they have. Their arguments are just foreplay. They’ve had years of foreplay. I was just waiting for them to combust and they did not disappoint.
You see, Beckett and Summer are interested in buying the same ranch for different reasons. Beckett uses this as an opportunity to goad Summer into going on a date with him. The date is fabulous but their road to love is no so smooth. These two are too much alike. Stubborn and strong willed. That does not bode well for their romance but boy does it make their interactions spicy. They burned up the pages of my reader. They eventually get in formation and realize what’s important and that they want the same thing.
This was a fabulous story about two people who are perfect together. It’s amazing how everyone knew that Summer and Beckett were destined to be together but them. I loved the family dynamics of this book. I literally laughed out loud.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 5, 2023
Summer has the worst luck with dating, good thing she's on her family's farm or she'd be bored to death. She's always had a dream of opening her own Bed and Breakfast Inn. When her friend tells her about a ranch for sale, her dream is finally within reach of coming true.
Beckett works on his parents ranch showing "City folk" how to ride the trails. When the ranch next to theirs goes up for sale, he has ideas of his own about expanding the trails.
He and Summer have had a crush on each other for years but since they can't even have a civil conversation with each other, they never acted on it. When they both want the ranch, it's a gloves off all out bidding war. Neither wants to give in, the solution he offers? Agree to go on a date with him.
As far as she's concerned, he can't be trusted and she knows he's up to something. He won't get the chance to embarrass her. Again.
Can the past be forgiven?
Can they work together?
Can they keep their hands off of each other?
With the HEAT flaring between these two, I guarantee you will enjoy finding out!
A steamy and LOL, enemies to lovers story that I'm soo glad I ran into!
Beckett works on his parents ranch showing "City folk" how to ride the trails. When the ranch next to theirs goes up for sale, he has ideas of his own about expanding the trails.
He and Summer have had a crush on each other for years but since they can't even have a civil conversation with each other, they never acted on it. When they both want the ranch, it's a gloves off all out bidding war. Neither wants to give in, the solution he offers? Agree to go on a date with him.
As far as she's concerned, he can't be trusted and she knows he's up to something. He won't get the chance to embarrass her. Again.
Can the past be forgiven?
Can they work together?
Can they keep their hands off of each other?
With the HEAT flaring between these two, I guarantee you will enjoy finding out!
A steamy and LOL, enemies to lovers story that I'm soo glad I ran into!
June 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I am so so thrilled to have received this ARC for Lyra’s step back into solo writing. This book was sweet and spicy and a great intro to the town of Valentine.
Summer and Beckett are both bull-headed and passionate in their hatred for each other. After much back and forth, fights and tricks, they finally get together; they truly show that love and hate are different sides of the same coin. 🔥
Beckett is a model MMC - he is hot with tattoos and muscles, has his sh*t together, is possessive, and has eyes only for our FMC.
Summer is feisty, strong, and gives as good as she gets. She’s such a relatable character who wants to live out her dreams and get the good d*ck. Her friendship with Beckett’s sister, Kinsley, is #goals and I love seeing these two characters scheme together.
You guys are in for such a treat - add this one to your TBR (like, right now!!).
Thanks so much, again, to Lyra Parish for the ARC of this book.
I am so so thrilled to have received this ARC for Lyra’s step back into solo writing. This book was sweet and spicy and a great intro to the town of Valentine.
Summer and Beckett are both bull-headed and passionate in their hatred for each other. After much back and forth, fights and tricks, they finally get together; they truly show that love and hate are different sides of the same coin. 🔥
Beckett is a model MMC - he is hot with tattoos and muscles, has his sh*t together, is possessive, and has eyes only for our FMC.
Summer is feisty, strong, and gives as good as she gets. She’s such a relatable character who wants to live out her dreams and get the good d*ck. Her friendship with Beckett’s sister, Kinsley, is #goals and I love seeing these two characters scheme together.
You guys are in for such a treat - add this one to your TBR (like, right now!!).
Thanks so much, again, to Lyra Parish for the ARC of this book.
June 14, 2023
Valentine, Texas is already my new favorite small town, and the Valentines are my new favorite fictional family. I really enjoyed this story and I am so happy I got to read the first book by this author writing solo after loving her co-written work as well.
Beckett Valentine was everything I wanted and Summer was firey and relatable (fellow plant un-aliver here). Summer is an only child but she was always around the Valentines being best friends with Kinsley, Becket's little sister. These two have banter and chemistry that had me cheering for them from the very beginning. The steamy scenes were so good and their tension made them so spicy!
Meeting the other Valentine siblings has me so excited for the rest of this series. Kinsley had me laughing out loud. I am dying for her story coming up next in the series. The way it was set up at the end of this book has me wanting it now!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Beckett Valentine was everything I wanted and Summer was firey and relatable (fellow plant un-aliver here). Summer is an only child but she was always around the Valentines being best friends with Kinsley, Becket's little sister. These two have banter and chemistry that had me cheering for them from the very beginning. The steamy scenes were so good and their tension made them so spicy!
Meeting the other Valentine siblings has me so excited for the rest of this series. Kinsley had me laughing out loud. I am dying for her story coming up next in the series. The way it was set up at the end of this book has me wanting it now!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
June 15, 2023
Summer and Beckett have a fabulous love-hate relationship. For Summer, Beckett broke her teenage heart and now she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Beckett has loved Summer for years but has never told her how he feels. Now they are fighting for the same property so that they can each pursue their dream. For Summer, it’s to open a bed & breakfast while Beckett wants to build a horse training facility. I love that Beckett finally takes his shot and uses the latest feud to show Summer how he feels. Will Summer be willing to risk her heart again? What a wonderful beginning to the community of Valentine Texas. Summer and Beckett are both passionate about their dreams but also the community they live in. I had fun with this second-chance, enemies to lovers, journey to love. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
November 11, 2023
Review in English & Spanish | Reseña en Español & Ingles
English
📖 The history
This is a story where EVERYTHING comes in the synopsis, there is no twist or anything like that, apart from the fact that it is a short book, if you don't read it you won't miss much, it is a story that has two speeds or goes very fast or goes very slow, which doesn't bother me because there are books that require it, but here I don't quite understand why things happen like this and this means that, at least for me, the story doesn't quite fit together.
💌 What I liked
Although it is a book that mostly made me desperate, the fact that EVERYONE constantly told them that they were going to end up together, this made me laugh because everything that happened between them was how they are like that because they like each other, there came a point where it really I enjoyed it, they are like those couples who say nothing is going to happen and end up married, so I did like this in the end.
📍I didn’t like
And this from the beginning I knew that it was going to be a determining factor was the fact that from the beginning it seemed that only as if Beckett was the only one who was competing for the ranch. Personally, I think he could have put more characters because since Summer knew that there was Another buyer assumed it was him and the worst thing was that it was constantly repeated. For me, it was exasperating.
Español
📖La historia
Esta es una historia donde TODO viene en la sinopsis no hay como un giro o algo por el estilo, fuera de que sea un libro corto si no lo lees no te pierdes de mucho es una historia que tiene dos velocidades o va muy rapido o va muy lento cosa que no me molesta porque hay libros que lo requieren pero aqui no termino de entender porque pasan asi las cosas y esto hace que por lo menos para mi la historia no termine de encajar completamente.
💌 Lo que me gusto
Fuera que sea un libro que en su gran mayoria me desepero el hecho de que constantemente TODOS les dijeran que iban a acabar juntos esto paso a darme risa porque cualquier cosa que pasaba entre ellos era como son asi porque se gustan llego un punto donde de verdad lo disfrute son como esas parejas que dicen que no va a pasar nada terminan casados, asi que si me gusto al final esto.
📍 Lo que no me gusto
Y esto desde el principio supe que iba a ser un determinante fue el hecho que desde el principio pareciera que solo como si Beckett fuera el unico que estuviera compitiendo por el rancho en lo personal creo que pudo poner mas personajes porque desde que Summer supo que habia otro comprador asumio que era él y lo peor era que se repetia constantemente para mi fue desesperante.
English
📖 The history
This is a story where EVERYTHING comes in the synopsis, there is no twist or anything like that, apart from the fact that it is a short book, if you don't read it you won't miss much, it is a story that has two speeds or goes very fast or goes very slow, which doesn't bother me because there are books that require it, but here I don't quite understand why things happen like this and this means that, at least for me, the story doesn't quite fit together.
💌 What I liked
Although it is a book that mostly made me desperate, the fact that EVERYONE constantly told them that they were going to end up together, this made me laugh because everything that happened between them was how they are like that because they like each other, there came a point where it really I enjoyed it, they are like those couples who say nothing is going to happen and end up married, so I did like this in the end.
📍I didn’t like
And this from the beginning I knew that it was going to be a determining factor was the fact that from the beginning it seemed that only as if Beckett was the only one who was competing for the ranch. Personally, I think he could have put more characters because since Summer knew that there was Another buyer assumed it was him and the worst thing was that it was constantly repeated. For me, it was exasperating.
Español
📖La historia
Esta es una historia donde TODO viene en la sinopsis no hay como un giro o algo por el estilo, fuera de que sea un libro corto si no lo lees no te pierdes de mucho es una historia que tiene dos velocidades o va muy rapido o va muy lento cosa que no me molesta porque hay libros que lo requieren pero aqui no termino de entender porque pasan asi las cosas y esto hace que por lo menos para mi la historia no termine de encajar completamente.
💌 Lo que me gusto
Fuera que sea un libro que en su gran mayoria me desepero el hecho de que constantemente TODOS les dijeran que iban a acabar juntos esto paso a darme risa porque cualquier cosa que pasaba entre ellos era como son asi porque se gustan llego un punto donde de verdad lo disfrute son como esas parejas que dicen que no va a pasar nada terminan casados, asi que si me gusto al final esto.
📍 Lo que no me gusto
Y esto desde el principio supe que iba a ser un determinante fue el hecho que desde el principio pareciera que solo como si Beckett fuera el unico que estuviera compitiendo por el rancho en lo personal creo que pudo poner mas personajes porque desde que Summer supo que habia otro comprador asumio que era él y lo peor era que se repetia constantemente para mi fue desesperante.
June 14, 2023
I was super excited to dive into the read and when it landed in my kindle I did a happy dance of my own. This book is everything I expected and more. Yet again, Lyra tugged at my heart strings. This small town romance had me swooning. It was easy to fall in love with Summer and Beckett. I loved getting to know them as they got to know each other.i am intrigued by the secondary characters and would love to get to know them more. There were certain moments which felt rushed but as a whole the book was good. Overall, it's a fun read that will leave you wanting for more. Thanks to Lyra and Candi Kane PR for the advanced copy.
June 6, 2023
Words cannot express the joy I had reading this story of love to hate and hate to love between Beckett and Summer. The sizzle between them but then the raw emotions that go between them because of history made for such a fun story with so much depth. I loved how Parish delivers with the spicy but emotional moments. As they battle it out for a neighboring ranch, you see these two grow as people but also express more than just the sharp tongued barbs they like to lash at each other with.
As a whole, this story packs a punch. Between the main focus but those side characters add so much depth to the story that makes my heart happy and lots of laughs! I am looking forward to what is to come with this series!
As a whole, this story packs a punch. Between the main focus but those side characters add so much depth to the story that makes my heart happy and lots of laughs! I am looking forward to what is to come with this series!
August 15, 2023
Demasiado rápido el romance incluso cuando ellos ya se conocen, pero desde el momento en que se perdonan y aceptan sus sentimientos todo va rapidísimo. La supuesta enemistad y la razón detrás me parece una boludes realmente, no tiene nada de peso como para justificar todos los años que se llevaban mal, sumado a que choca lo por encima que hablan de su relación antes de la "pelea" que ni pelea fue🙄, supuestamente se re conocen bueno mostrame un recuerdo, que ellos cuenten una situación, dame algo, no me sirve que escriban que los personajes son de tal manera, hicieron tal cosa etc si ni una vez lo describis. Una vez que se acercan es insoportable la cantidad de escenas de sexo innecesarias, tipo ya no volvemos a tener una escena de ellos dos interactuando sin que terminen cogiendo. Sumado a las dos escenas al comienzo del libro de ellos masturbándose pensando en el otro (todavía siendo "rivales") jajsja de que me sirve eso porque me lo pones jajs
June 3, 2023
Bless your heart was sooooo good.
I don't know what I found more amusing tbh.
Beckett and Summer's constant bickering and banter or their sexual chemistry and stubbornness.
But I absolutely loved it. The fact that they were a perfect match for each other in every way and everyone kept telling them "I told you so"
I just loved it. I can't wait to read more from the series and more from Kinsley. Her book is going to be good. I really loved her.
I don't know what I found more amusing tbh.
Beckett and Summer's constant bickering and banter or their sexual chemistry and stubbornness.
But I absolutely loved it. The fact that they were a perfect match for each other in every way and everyone kept telling them "I told you so"
I just loved it. I can't wait to read more from the series and more from Kinsley. Her book is going to be good. I really loved her.
June 6, 2023
Ahh so many things to love about this book ! Best friends brother trope, enemies to lovers trope, small town romance.. need I go on ?! The MMC (Beckett) is beyond dreamy on the hot scale with those tattoos and blue eyes, I mean come on. Beckett and Summer were hilarious, top notch spice and all around a great read. Lyra Parish (author) did not disappoint with book 1 in the Valentine Texas series and I'm salivating for book 2. One of my favorite reads of 2023 so far!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 🌶🌶🌶 3.5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 🌶🌶🌶 3.5/5
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