Review: Trouble in Texas by Katie Lane
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Trouble in Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas) by Katie Lane
Contemporary
Forever (December 18, 2012)
Heroine: Elizabeth Murphy – Librarian, Virgin
Hero: Branston Cates – Businessman, Widow
Setting: Texas, USA
Review:
You know the saying, ‘it takes a village’? Well, while it might not be raising a child, this book is full of unusual characters that raise it to something downright wonderful. This cast of crazy and kooky characters was awesome. From the strange old man who tells stories to anyone who’ll listen, to the library patron with a penchant for Scooby Doo novels, Miz Lane has created something special with Trouble in Texas.
Elizabeth Murphy, an uptight librarian, is known as the old maid of Bramble, Texas. She is also the reluctant owner of the rundown Miss Hattie’s Henhouse—the most famous whorehouse in the state. Closed off and repressed, Elizabeth spends her days hiding behind shelves of books and frumpy clothes. And even though she is only thirty seven, she is more than happy with her loveless and boring life.
Until she gets a call from one of the old hens—the nickname for the ladies who once worked for the house of ill repute—still living at Miss Hattie’s. Told it’s an emergency, Elizabeth rushes to the house. Where she finds a naked and wounded man chained to Miss Hattie’s bed.
That man happens to be Branston Cates. Obsessed with the Cates Curse and solving his great-granddaddy’s murder, Brant showed up at Miss Hattie’s hoping to find answers. What he finds instead are three little old ladies, one of whom is holding a loaded pistol. After an unfortunate coughing fit, Brant finds himself shot, drugged, and then handcuffed to a bed.
Brantson Cates is a man who has known loss and heartache and loves his family greatly. But he can also be cold and calculating. Ruthless. And after an unexpected encounter with Elizabeth, while he was cuffed and not in his right mind, the librarian finds herself on his bad side. Which, I must say, is not an entirely bad side to be on.
Elizabeth and Brant were such a hoot. I love the way that Elizabeth sweeps into Brant’s life and riles him up. It was so funny and heartwarming watching these two bicker like an old married couple. And, yeah, I also love that it led to some seriously hot and sexy times.
Henhouse Rule #27: An angry cock is better than a passive one.
And we can’t forget the old hens themselves—Minnie, Baby, and Sunshine. The old gals might have creeped me out at first, but then they had made me laughing with their outrageous antics. Who wouldn’t adore three crazy old ladies who spend their days in lingerie and have a penchant for chain-smoking and match-making? They warmed my heart something fierce.
The only trouble with Trouble in Texas? It had to come to an end! I wasn’t ready to let go of this eccentric bunch. Miz Lane has such a colorful, droll way of writing that had me utterly charmed. Every page was full to the brim with cheek and wit. I abso-freaking-lutely adored it!
This may have been my first visit to Bramble, Texas—but, I guarantee, it won’t be my last!
Favorite Quote:
Which didn't explain why Brant remained outside with Elizabeth, even when he started to suffer from heatstroke. Or maybe heatstroke was only the excuse he used for what happened next. With one eye pinned on Elizabeth, he stripped off his shirt, something he rarely did, and proceeded to perform feats of strength. He moved large rocks for no good reason, grunting as if he were leg-pressing a good five hundred pounds. He welded hedge clippers like Edward Scissorhands. And hoed like a lumberjack bent on clearing the Sierras.
It was heatstroke. It had to be. There was no other way to explain a thirty-eight-year-old man flexing and posing for a woman like some goddamned body builder in a competition.
And the worst part about it was she didn't even pay him the slightest bit of attention.
Thoughts While Reading:
4.0% - "Minnie & the other old ladies are kind of creepy..."
47.0% - "Okay, loving this entire cast of characters! Esp Branston. ;-)"
100.0% - "This book was a wonderful, refreshing surprise. Loved it."
What an awesome review! I added this book to my TBR list! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Julie! I loved it! It was the right mixture of romance and humor. I hope you adore it as much as I did. :D
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