Rating: 
Summary: A "good" read but not my favorite Heath
Review: Jessye works in her father's saloon serving drinks. When she was sixteen she fell in love with a handsome, smooth-talking dude who promised her the world and instead left her heart and reputation in tatters. Jessye believes that she is unworthy of a husband and a family of her own because of her past. She dreams of becoming independent from men and making her way on her own. This is why she agrees to finance a half-cocked idea thought up by two Englishmen to round up cattle and deliver them eastward. They guarantee she'll make a fortune and since she knows more about cattle rustling than the Englishmen she goes along with them on the cattle drive. Harrison (Harry) is the second son of an earl sent by his father to Texas to clean up his act. Because of his past Harry believes he is incapable of love and spent his youth drinking, gambling, and driving up huge debts. Harry believes he is indeed the scoundrel he presents to the world but deep down lurks a kind, generous and even insecure man. Because Harry doesn't enjoy working any harder than he has to he intends to make this cattle venture a success. Harry is strongly attracted to the outspoken Jessye and turns on the charm full-blast in order to get her into his bed. Although Harry tempts Jessye (he is gorgeous after all) she turns him down and tells him flat out that he will never get her in his bed until he can offer her his heart - the one thing that Harry knows he can never do. The two spend most of the book doing all they can to avoid falling in love. Harry because he believes he simply can't love and Jessye because she refuses to give her love again. These two characters are very wounded souls and have multiple layers to their character which is exactly what I've come to expect from a Lorraine Heath novel. But because Harry's reasons for holding out were not explained fully or early enough his refusal to admit that he was falling in love exhausted and frustrated me. I guess I've just burned out on the stubborn "I don't have a heart" hero. A terrible accident occurs about half way through which adds more fuel to Harry's refusal to love Jessye but it also makes him a much stronger man. This section was written believably and with much compassion. Jessye is an admirable heroine who has had to make a heartbreaking choice and her reasons to avoid love were much more understandable than Harry's. There is a subplot involving a little girl that was just way too coincidental for me to believe but I was able to over look it because it did create some painfully emotional scenes and added much to Jessye's characterization. "Never Love A Cowboy" has a good mix of action and emotion and is definitely worth a read. It managed to move me to tears and made me smile in quite a few places but it is not my favorite Lorraine Heath novel. I reserve that spot for TEXAS DESTINY.
Rating:
Summary: A "good" read but not my favorite Heath
Review: Jessye works in her father's saloon serving drinks. When she was sixteen she fell in love with a handsome, smooth-talking dude who promised her the world and instead left her heart and reputation in tatters. Jessye believes that she is unworthy of a husband and a family of her own because of her past. She dreams of becoming independent from men and making her way on her own. This is why she agrees to finance a half-cocked idea thought up by two Englishmen to round up cattle and deliver them eastward. They guarantee she'll make a fortune and since she knows more about cattle rustling than the Englishmen she goes along with them on the cattle drive. Harrison (Harry) is the second son of an earl sent by his father to Texas to clean up his act. Because of his past Harry believes he is incapable of love and spent his youth drinking, gambling, and driving up huge debts. Harry believes he is indeed the scoundrel he presents to the world but deep down lurks a kind, generous and even insecure man. Because Harry doesn't enjoy working any harder than he has to he intends to make this cattle venture a success. Harry is strongly attracted to the outspoken Jessye and turns on the charm full-blast in order to get her into his bed. Although Harry tempts Jessye (he is gorgeous after all) she turns him down and tells him flat out that he will never get her in his bed until he can offer her his heart - the one thing that Harry knows he can never do. The two spend most of the book doing all they can to avoid falling in love. Harry because he believes he simply can't love and Jessye because she refuses to give her love again. These two characters are very wounded souls and have multiple layers to their character which is exactly what I've come to expect from a Lorraine Heath novel. But because Harry's reasons for holding out were not explained fully or early enough his refusal to admit that he was falling in love exhausted and frustrated me. I guess I've just burned out on the stubborn "I don't have a heart" hero. A terrible accident occurs about half way through which adds more fuel to Harry's refusal to love Jessye but it also makes him a much stronger man. This section was written believably and with much compassion. Jessye is an admirable heroine who has had to make a heartbreaking choice and her reasons to avoid love were much more understandable than Harry's. There is a subplot involving a little girl that was just way too coincidental for me to believe but I was able to over look it because it did create some painfully emotional scenes and added much to Jessye's characterization. "Never Love A Cowboy" has a good mix of action and emotion and is definitely worth a read. It managed to move me to tears and made me smile in quite a few places but it is not my favorite Lorraine Heath novel. I reserve that spot for TEXAS DESTINY.
Rating: 
Summary: An absolute must read!
Review: Lorraine Heath always writes a spellbinding, emotional story, but this time she's outdone herself in NEVER LOVE A COWBOY. Harrison, an admitted scoundrel, will steal your heart and leave you breathless. While Jessye, with her search for independence, will pull you into her struggle. Their story will linger with you long after you close the book.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute must read!
Review: Lorraine Heath always writes a spellbinding, emotional story, but this time she's outdone herself in NEVER LOVE A COWBOY. Harrison, an admitted scoundrel, will steal your heart and leave you breathless. While Jessye, with her search for independence, will pull you into her struggle. Their story will linger with you long after you close the book.
Rating:
Summary: Lorraine Heath keeps getting better and better
Review: Lorraine Heath excels at writing three-dimensional characters in settings that are historically accurate within stories in which both large and small moments are exquisitely crafted. The flow of Never Love a Cowboy is wonderful, with two disparate sections. Both are terrific, and those readers who love a road romance should greatly appreciate the first part, in which the hero and heroine are on a cattle drive. However, it is in the second part, after a horrible incident, where Heath's mastery truly shines. The hero, in particular, must learn to live without the use of some of his greatest gifts, but learns that love can still be his. This book has it all - action, characterization, sexual tension, tears. . . . Even the somewhat sterotypical sub-plot involving a little girl seems fresh as handled by this author. Not only did Heath manage to create some terrific drama in this instance, but she also managed to turn the tables on which lead character had the "moral high ground" for a while. I rarely give such a strong recommendation, and don't think I've ever done so with a Western Romance, but this one is truly special. TTFN, Laurie Likes Books Publisher, All About Romance
Rating:
Summary: A great sequel to A Rogue In Texas
Review: Lorraine Heath once again presents a blockbuster novel, filled with romance and passion. In this sequel to "A Rogue In Texas," Heath continues the story of the three English friends who find new lives and love on the frontier Texas range. Nobody writes historical Texas romance like Lorraine Heath. (I'm proud to say she's a heck of a nice lady to boot!) I can't wait for the third installment of this terrific series.
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiration for story
Review: NEVER LOVE A COWBOY is the second installment of my Englishmen in Texas trilogy. Originally entitled, A SCOUNDREL IN TEXAS, this story revolves around Harrison Bainbridge and Jessye Kane. I've always enjoyed westerns, grew up watching "Rawhide" and loved looking at the Longhorn cattle kept in special pens at the entrance to the county fair. Harrison and Jessye are lonely characters with scarred hearts -- who are perfect for each other -- or would be if they weren't too stubborn to admit it. I hope you'll enjoy reading their story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review and said "There are moments of adventure and suspense to compliment the quieter times, exquisitely rendered loved scenes, and a hero and heroine so lonely that watching them find each other is truly joyous." Romantic Times gave it a 4 ½ stars review and named it as a Top Pick.
Rating:
Summary: Romance via a cattle drive and a saloon
Review: Never Love a Cowboy was a good, pleasant book. I had only read one of Heath's books, A Rogue in Texas, prior to this. A Rogue in Texas was the first in a series of three. Never Love a Cowboy is the second in the series with Never Marry a Cowboy as the third and final book. The series features three English rogues, all good friends, who are shipped to America by their fathers to teach them responsibility and supposedly provide moneymaking opportunities. When the three first arrive in Texas, they find themselves picking cotton to earn a living. I was totally charmed with Gray, the first of the English rogues' story, in A Rogue in Texas. Gray and Abbie's romance was such a gentle love story. Now that Gray is settled on a cotton farm, Harrison and Kit, the two remaining rogues, are looking for moneymaking opportunities other than picking cotton. They decide herding cattle to Missouri for further transport to the northern states is their best bet for some significant and quick income. This is the story of Harrison Bainbridge - the one known for his gambling of the three English rogues. He has shown interest in the local saloon owner's daughter, Jessye Kane, but true to those English rogues' reputation, his interest in her is only physical. Jessye informs Harrison early on that he cannot afford the price she would exact for a physical relationship - that price being love. However, physical relationship aside, Harrison knows Jessye has the funds he and Kit need for their cattle drive. Jessye agrees to provide the investment as long as she goes on the cattle drive as well. And so begins the first half of the book - the cattle drive. Harrison is somewhat of a slacker in Jessye's mind. Yes, she is attracted to him, but will not risk her heart with Harrison Bainbridge. She cannot understand his continued cheating at cards - even when it has caused him serious trouble before. She thinks he is always looking for the easy way out. Once the trail drive has begun, Jessye discovers she is very, very wrong about Harrison. She would prefer to keep her negative opinion of him since it helps her a little with her attraction for him. As Harrison and Jessye spend many days and nights working together on the drive, they form a sort of friendship. But true to roguish ways, Harrison still occasionally seeks a closer physical relationship with her. Their adventures are good-natured and mostly chaste. Then during a heart wrenching attack, Harrison is tortured in front of Jessye in such a manner that it is difficult reading. With Harrison barely alive and surviving the gruesome attack with only very grave injuries, the book literally changes to part two. What follows in part two is the real life changing issues of the book. Jessye is taking care of Harrison during his hoped-for recovery. It is tough going and their relationship is so strained that it seems non-existence at times. But this is romance writing and we can be assured it somehow works out in the end and I need say no more. There is a lot of emotional action during this portion of the book with no bad guys lurking around the corner. The bad guys here are the emotions and protective behavior of each of the leads. This author does not play the big misunderstanding game and the leads, for the most part, communicate honestly with each other. There are a few sensual scenes and they rate about a 3.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). Never Love a Cowboy is an entertaining book although I did not consider it as great as A Rogue in Texas. Often, in a series, you will recognize similar plot lines or writing technique. Lorraine Heath did not write these books in that manner. The first and second books are about as different as night and day. She is a refreshing author. Now - on to read Never Marry a Cowboy - the story of Kit. After getting to know him in the first two books, I am really looking forward to reading his story. Although each book stands alone, I do believe you will enjoy the series more if you read it in order. I have also written a review on A Rogue in Texas.
Rating:
Summary: Romance via a cattle drive and a saloon
Review: Never Love a Cowboy was a good, pleasant book. I had only read one of Heath's books, A Rogue in Texas, prior to this. A Rogue in Texas was the first in a series of three. Never Love a Cowboy is the second in the series with Never Marry a Cowboy as the third and final book. The series features three English rogues, all good friends, who are shipped to America by their fathers to teach them responsibility and supposedly provide moneymaking opportunities. When the three first arrive in Texas, they find themselves picking cotton to earn a living. I was totally charmed with Gray, the first of the English rogues' story, in A Rogue in Texas. Gray and Abbie's romance was such a gentle love story. Now that Gray is settled on a cotton farm, Harrison and Kit, the two remaining rogues, are looking for moneymaking opportunities other than picking cotton. They decide herding cattle to Missouri for further transport to the northern states is their best bet for some significant and quick income. This is the story of Harrison Bainbridge - the one known for his gambling of the three English rogues. He has shown interest in the local saloon owner's daughter, Jessye Kane, but true to those English rogues' reputation, his interest in her is only physical. Jessye informs Harrison early on that he cannot afford the price she would exact for a physical relationship - that price being love. However, physical relationship aside, Harrison knows Jessye has the funds he and Kit need for their cattle drive. Jessye agrees to provide the investment as long as she goes on the cattle drive as well. And so begins the first half of the book - the cattle drive. Harrison is somewhat of a slacker in Jessye's mind. Yes, she is attracted to him, but will not risk her heart with Harrison Bainbridge. She cannot understand his continued cheating at cards - even when it has caused him serious trouble before. She thinks he is always looking for the easy way out. Once the trail drive has begun, Jessye discovers she is very, very wrong about Harrison. She would prefer to keep her negative opinion of him since it helps her a little with her attraction for him. As Harrison and Jessye spend many days and nights working together on the drive, they form a sort of friendship. But true to roguish ways, Harrison still occasionally seeks a closer physical relationship with her. Their adventures are good-natured and mostly chaste. Then during a heart wrenching attack, Harrison is tortured in front of Jessye in such a manner that it is difficult reading. With Harrison barely alive and surviving the gruesome attack with only very grave injuries, the book literally changes to part two. What follows in part two is the real life changing issues of the book. Jessye is taking care of Harrison during his hoped-for recovery. It is tough going and their relationship is so strained that it seems non-existence at times. But this is romance writing and we can be assured it somehow works out in the end and I need say no more. There is a lot of emotional action during this portion of the book with no bad guys lurking around the corner. The bad guys here are the emotions and protective behavior of each of the leads. This author does not play the big misunderstanding game and the leads, for the most part, communicate honestly with each other. There are a few sensual scenes and they rate about a 3.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). Never Love a Cowboy is an entertaining book although I did not consider it as great as A Rogue in Texas. Often, in a series, you will recognize similar plot lines or writing technique. Lorraine Heath did not write these books in that manner. The first and second books are about as different as night and day. She is a refreshing author. Now - on to read Never Marry a Cowboy - the story of Kit. After getting to know him in the first two books, I am really looking forward to reading his story. Although each book stands alone, I do believe you will enjoy the series more if you read it in order. I have also written a review on A Rogue in Texas.
Rating:
Summary: Stock Up on Tissue
Review: No writer can dig deeper into the character's psyche than Lorraine Heath. She is a master at bringing the emotions of her complex characters to a head. Heath takes shattered spirits and makes them whole through love/passion and self-discovery. I know Harry and Jessye will stay with me a long time -- and I am better for it.
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