Step into the sun-drenched streets of Bluebonnet, Texas, where love blooms hotter than a summer day! The Bluebonnet series by Jessica Clare is a delightful collection of seven contemporary romance novels that whisk readers into a small town brimming with steamy encounters, heartfelt growth, and irresistible charm. With each book, Clare crafts standalone tales of passion and redemption, making Bluebonnet a must-read for romance lovers craving a cozy yet sizzling escape.
From feisty heroines to rugged alpha heroes, the series captures the magic of second chances and small-town gossip, all set against the backdrop of a tight-knit Texas community. Whether you’re new to romance or a seasoned reader, Bluebonnet’s blend of humor, heat, and heart will keep you turning pages late into the night.
How Bluebonnet Began
Jessica Clare, a New York Times bestselling author known for her erotic contemporary romances, launched the Bluebonnet series in 2012 with a vision to blend spicy love stories with the quirky charm of small-town life. Writing under her primary pen name (she also uses Jessica Sims and Jill Myles), Clare drew inspiration from her North Texas roots, crafting a fictional town that feels as real as any Lone Star hamlet. Her goal? To create stories where strong, witty heroines meet their match in half-dressed, alpha-male heroes, all while navigating the trials of love and personal reinvention.
The Heart of Bluebonnet
The series kicks off with The Girl’s Guide to (Man) Hunting (2012), where Miranda Hill seeks revenge on her ex, pro-hockey player Dane Croft, who left her humiliated in Bluebonnet. Enrolling in his survival training school, Miranda’s plan for payback turns into a rekindled romance, packed with survivalist thrills and steamy tension. In The Care and Feeding of an Alpha Male (2012), Beth Ann Williamson, determined to prove her independence, gets stranded in the woods—only to be rescued by grumpy Marine Colt Waggoner. Their weekend in the wild sparks a fiery connection that challenges their stubborn hearts.
The Virgin’s Guide to Misbehaving (2014) follows shy Elise Markham, who ditches her good-girl image on a photography trip, only to fall for Rome Lozada, a bad boy with a troubled past. The series wraps with The Bad Boy of Bluebonnet (2014), a novella where bed-and-breakfast owner Emily Allard-Smith navigates a haunted house and a hot handyman, Jericho Lozada. Themes of empowerment, second chances, and overcoming past scandals weave through each book, with Bluebonnet’s gossip-filled streets amplifying the stakes. Clare’s style—sharp banter, erotic love scenes, and heartfelt growth—makes every story a page-turner.
The small-town setting is a character in itself, with its nosy neighbors, quirky businesses, and Texas pride. Whether it’s a survival school or a haunted B&B, each novel uses Bluebonnet’s charm to ground the high-stakes romance, creating a world readers can’t help but revisit.
Why Bluebonnet Resonates
The Bluebonnet series has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its relatable characters and unapologetic heat. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise Clare’s ability to balance humor and vulnerability, with reviews calling the series “fun, sexy, and heartwarming.” Its focus on strong women reclaiming their power—whether from heartbreak or societal judgment—strikes a chord, especially for readers who love stories of personal triumph. While not a cultural juggernaut, Bluebonnet’s loyal following proves its lasting appeal in the romance genre, offering a steamy escape that feels like a warm Texas hug.
- Publication Years: 2012–2014
- Number of Books: 7 (including novellas)
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Setting: Bluebonnet, Texas
Ready to fall in love with Bluebonnet’s spicy small-town magic? Grab The Girl’s Guide to (Man) Hunting and dive into a world of romance, redemption, and Texas-sized heart!