Saddle up and step into the heartwarming world of the Heart of Texas series by Donna Grant, where rugged cowboys, resilient heroines, and the rolling plains of rural Texas weave tales of romance and suspense! This contemporary romance series captures the essence of small-town life, blending passionate love stories with the charm of Lone Star State ranches. Whether you're a romance aficionado or new to the genre, these novels promise to sweep you off your feet with their vivid settings and heartfelt characters.
Authored by New York Times and USA Today bestselling writer Donna Grant, the Heart of Texas series has become a beloved staple for readers craving stories that balance sizzling chemistry with emotional depth. Set in the fictional town of Clearview, Texas, each book introduces a standalone romance while weaving in familiar faces, like the Harper and East families, for a cozy, interconnected feel.
How Heart of Texas Began
Donna Grant, a Texas native with a flair for romance and suspense, launched the Heart of Texas series in 2017 with St. Martin’s Press. Inspired by her roots along the Texas/Louisiana border, Grant crafted a world that mirrors the rugged beauty and tight-knit communities of rural Texas. Her goal was to create modern love stories that resonate with readers through authentic characters and relatable struggles, all set against the backdrop of ranches and rodeos. The series’ debut, The Christmas Cowboy Hero, set the tone with its mix of holiday cheer and gripping drama, establishing Grant’s signature style of blending romance with light suspense.
The Heart of Heart of Texas
The Heart of Texas series spans six novels, each focusing on a unique couple navigating love in Clearview. The Christmas Cowboy Hero (2017) kicks off with Clayton East, an ex-Navy SEAL returning to his struggling family ranch, where he meets Abby Harper, a determined woman raising her younger brothers after their mother’s abandonment. Their story blends holiday warmth with cattle-rustling intrigue. Cowboy, Cross My Heart (2018) follows Naomi Pierce, a photographer, and Brice Harper, a rodeo cowboy, whose instant attraction sparks amidst danger at a Texas rodeo. A Cowboy Like You (2019) delves into sheriff Danny Oldman’s second chance at love with Skylar Long, who’s fleeing an abusive ex, tackling themes of resilience and domestic violence. Finally, A Cowboy Kind of Love (2021) explores Jace Wilder’s rekindled romance with Taryn, who hides a dangerous secret.
Grant’s series shines through its vivid Texan setting—think sprawling ranches, dusty rodeo arenas, and starry nights—paired with themes of second chances, family loyalty, and overcoming adversity. Her characters, from stoic sheriffs to fiercely independent women, feel three-dimensional, their chemistry leaping off the page. The light suspense elements, like cattle theft or obsessive exes, add just enough tension to keep readers hooked without overshadowing the romance.
Why Heart of Texas Resonates
The Heart of Texas series has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its authentic portrayal of rural life and its focus on strong, relatable characters. Fans praise Grant’s ability to craft steamy yet emotional love stories that feel grounded in real-world struggles, from financial hardship to personal trauma. The series’ emphasis on community and family ties resonates deeply, making Clearview a place readers long to revisit. Its blend of heart-pounding romance and Texan charm has earned glowing reviews, with outlets like Publishers Weekly lauding its 'off-the-charts chemistry.' For romance readers, it’s a testament to love’s power to heal and unite.
- Publication Years: 2017–2021
- Number of Books: 6
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
- Setting: Clearview, Texas
Ready to fall in love with the cowboys of Clearview? Grab The Christmas Cowboy Hero and dive into Donna Grant’s Heart of Texas series for a dose of romance, suspense, and Texas-sized heart!