To Kiss a Texan

Rating:
Summary: Superb post Civil War romance
Review:

In 1868 near Denton, Texas, Civil War veteran Weston McClain feels his world has collapsed. He still suffers nightmares from the war and his ranch is failing. However, the worst blow is the rejection of his fiancee Angela Montago, whose wealthy and influential family refuses to allow her to wed a poor Yankee.

Though he knew he never loved Angela, Wes remains disappointed, frustrated, and bruised from the beating the Montago clan gave him. He decides to free a wild woman traveling inside a cage as part of a preacher's show. The formerly caged Allie fears humans as the Indians who once captured her totally abused her. Wes manages to escort Allie to his home where his family showers love and compassion on her. She begins to return to humanity. As Wes and Allie fall in love, he still has an economic crisis and his own demons to overcome before the duo can find a lasting happiness together.

TO KISS A TEXAN is an appealing western romance that makes Native Americans and Civil War veterans seem more like real people rather than noble savages. Allie is a great character, struggling to regain her humanity. Wes also is an intriguing player who still deeply suffers from Civil War syndrome. The secondary good guys soften the tension with humor and authenticity, but in contrast the villains never feel genuine. Still Jodie Thomas scribes a refreshing Americana romance that sub-genre fans will find entertaining and unique.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Definitely one to read!
Review: A poignant tale of how true love can see you through anything. I've became a fan of Ms. Thomas upon reading THE TENDER TEXAN. She never disappoints her readers.

Rating:
Summary: Big Promises, Little Excitement. ** Grade: B **
Review: From the first page, Jodi Thomas drew me into her story. I'm a sucker for kindness, and TO KISS A TEXAN definitely has it, yet it is a story that boils over with promise but holds little excitement.

Wes McLain has lost everything: his money, his dreams, and his spoiled, rich fiancee. Her bodyguards have beaten the hope of marriage and the illusion of love right out of Wes McLain. Wes has given up on all female attachments until he spots the little creature inside the wooden cage. A small, dirty creature meant for display and entertainment. If it cost him everything, including his life, Wes would not allow this caged woman to suffer one more degradation.

Allie Catlin is a victim to man's cruelty. Allie watched her parents' slaughter, then suffered under the powers of slavery, and finally endured the brutality of religion gone amuck. Now she covers her face, whimpering, would she be the next victim to this mad man entering her cage? She listened, he whispered, and he raised his hand slowly . . . and so the first meeting of Wes McLain and Allie Catlin happened.

This book has definite strengths. Wes is appealing. His honesty, strength, and kindness make him an admirable match for the reserved, cautious Allie. The story itself is nicely paced and Allie's abuse and background provide plenty to keep the story going, but with this author's talent, I wanted just a little more. Yes, Thomas lets her reader see the stars, but I wanted to reach out and touch them.
Grade: B

MaryGrace Meloche
Reviewer for: Romance Designs

Rating:
Summary: I love Jodi Thomas, but not this time
Review: I couldn't get into these characters. They were not interesting to me. Clingy, yes.

As a rule, I buy Jodyi's books off the shelf without a review, I have regrets for that decision. I will still read her, but maybe not the next brother in this series.

Rating:
Summary: Yummy!
Review: Ok, so the plot is a bit over the top. The average woman is not going to relate to our heroine based on what she's been through - but she will relate to the feeling of being used and abused and betrayed and generally misunderstood by the world in general. And that's where our heroine shines. She is smart and strong and is not waiting for a man to rescue her - though she desperately needs it. Our hero is [typically] looking for anything but love. However, he finds Allie and can't seem to help himself. These two bond and even though they're unsure of life and where it will lead, they treasure that bond. They are true to it. The plot is above and beyond, the characters and larger than life, but who cares? It works. Now I'm going to read the rest of the series.

Rating:
Summary: Yummy!
Review: Ok, so the plot is a bit over the top. The average woman is not going to relate to our heroine based on what she's been through - but she will relate to the feeling of being used and abused and betrayed and generally misunderstood by the world in general. And that's where our heroine shines. She is smart and strong and is not waiting for a man to rescue her - though she desperately needs it. Our hero is [typically] looking for anything but love. However, he finds Allie and can't seem to help himself. These two bond and even though they're unsure of life and where it will lead, they treasure that bond. They are true to it. The plot is above and beyond, the characters and larger than life, but who cares? It works. Now I'm going to read the rest of the series.

Rating:
Summary: Perfectly extraordinary!
Review: This books was nearly impossible to put down!You feel so dreadfully sad for the inhumane abuse Allie has had to endure, and you are so happy that Wes is protecting her. Many authors, however, can make a reader feel sorry for a woman -- the exceptional thing about this book is that I felt sorry for Wes, too. This was the first time I ever felt sorry for a male character -- it just made my heart ache to see how hard Wes was trying to give Allie what she wanted, despite how difficult it was for him. As she begins to discover things like kissing and gentle touching, she realizes she really likes them, but she has no idea what these things do to Wes or what they usually lead to. Being the eternal gentleman, Wes never forces anything on her, despite how miserable he is. Her naivete can be a great source of comic relief sometimes, while at other times, it makes your heart bleed.After reading Jodi Thomas' first book in this trilogy, I couldn't wait for this one to be published. And I was certainly not disappointed! It was great to see what happened to Adam and Nichole, while seeing Wes find love for himself.Now I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Daniel.

Rating:
Summary: This is a book for all hopeless romantics!!!
Review: Wes is not a man of love until he finds the one thing he cannot live without, Allie. I loved every pulse-pounding moment of it. I was up until five a.m.turning page after page, mezmorized by the story. THIS IS A MUST READ!!! Best romance novel I have ever gotten my hands on. Also it is very easy to think of something to this effect happening to you! In my opinion, this is Jodi Thomas's best work yet. Her work is so detailed that you can practically be the air surrounding the two lovers. Exellent book.