Recommended Reading Order for the Heart of Texas Series
If you want to experience the community of Clearview, Texas, as it grows, the absolute best path is to follow the publication order. Donna Grant wrote this series chronologically, meaning that the timeline moves forward from book to book. Reading in order allows you to watch the recurring relationships, friendships, and small-town gossip unfold naturally.
Here is the recommended reading order for the Heart of Texas books:
- The Christmas Cowboy Hero (2017)
- Cowboy, Cross My Heart (2018)
- My Favorite Cowboy (2019)
- A Cowboy Like You (2019)
- Looking for a Cowboy (2020)
- A Cowboy Kind of Love (2021)
The Heart of Texas Books in Detail
Each novel in the series is a standalone romance focusing on a different couple, but you will see familiar faces from the Harper and East families popping up throughout the background. Here is a breakdown of what happens in each story:
1. The Christmas Cowboy Hero (2017)
The series kicks off during the holiday season. Clayton East is an ex-Navy SEAL who returns home to Clearview to help salvage his family's struggling ranch. His life gets complicated when he crosses paths with Abby Harper, a fierce and resilient woman who is doing everything she can to raise her younger brothers after their mother abandoned them. As Clayton and Abby navigate their growing feelings, they must also deal with a dangerous cattle-rustling ring operating in the area.
2. Cowboy, Cross My Heart (2018)
The second installment follows Brice Harper, a rugged rodeo cowboy who lives life in the fast lane. When professional photographer Naomi Pierce comes to town to shoot a Texas rodeo, the chemistry between them is instantaneous and explosive. However, their new romance is quickly put to the test when Naomi's assignment lands her in the middle of unexpected danger, forcing Brice to step up and protect the woman who has captured his heart.
3. My Favorite Cowboy (2019)
This book centers on Caleb Harper, a former military man and rancher who has built high emotional walls due to childhood abandonment. Audrey Martinez is an expert equine veterinarian who is called in to investigate mysterious illnesses affecting horses at a local auction house. Suspecting foul play, the Harper brothers provide security. As Caleb and Audrey work side-by-side to protect the animals, they are forced to confront their own deep-seated trust issues while running from a saboteur intent on ruining Audrey's career.
4. A Cowboy Like You (2019)
The spotlight shifts to Clearview's local law enforcement with Sheriff Danny Oldman. Danny has dedicated his life to keeping his town safe, but his own heart has been guarded for years. That changes when he meets Skylar Long, a woman fleeing a highly abusive ex-partner. Seeking refuge and a fresh start in the small town, Skylar finds comfort and safety in Danny's arms. The book balances themes of recovery and domestic violence with a tense, light suspense thread as Skylar's past threatens to catch up with her.
5. Looking for a Cowboy (2020)
In the fifth book, Cooper Owens, a former Air Force Combat Controller who spent years on the rodeo circuit, finds himself searching for a new purpose in life. He meets Marlee Frampton, a no-nonsense private investigator and former police officer who has dedicated her life to locating missing children after her twin sister's murder. Marlee's search leads her to Clearview to investigate a baby-trafficking ring, bringing her into conflict with Cooper's close-knit circle of friends. Despite their rocky start, Cooper joins her crusade to dismantle the criminals, protecting her as the danger intensifies.
6. A Cowboy Kind of Love (2021)
The final book focuses on Jace Wilder, a former Marine Raider turned cowboy who has spent five years mourning the sudden disappearance of his soulmate, Taryn Hillman. When Taryn unexpectedly returns to Clearview, Jace is caught between anger and lingering love. Taryn has been living a nightmare, forced into servitude by drug kingpin Boyd Walters to protect her sister Payton. Back in Clearview to raise money to secure her freedom, Taryn finds herself protected by Jace and his tight-knit band of military-trained friends, who unite to bring down the cartel threat once and for all.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Donna Grant's contemporary Western world, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:
- Small-Town Interconnectedness: While each book features a complete, standalone romantic story with a satisfying happily-ever-after (HEA), the characters are all deeply connected. The Harper brothers (Brice, Caleb, and their sister Abby) and their close friends (like Cooper and Jace) form a tight community. You'll understand the cameo appearances and background subplots much better if you read the books in order.
- Light Suspense and Real Struggles: Unlike traditional cozy small-town romances, the Heart of Texas series carries a distinct romantic suspense flavor. Donna Grant does not shy away from heavier themes, including human trafficking, domestic abuse, drug cartels, and grief. Expect a mix of sweet romance and high-stakes danger.
- Military Backgrounds: A recurring theme in the series is the transition of former military service members (Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers, Marine Raiders) back into civilian cowboy life. Their training often comes in handy when protecting their loved ones from local and regional threats.
Related Reading: Donna Grant’s Sons of Texas Series
If you finish the Heart of Texas series and are craving more rugged military cowboys with a side of suspense, you should check out Donna Grant's Sons of Texas series. The series focuses on the Loughman brothers and features a very similar blend of ex-military heroes, romantic tension, and high-stakes missions. The five-book series includes The Hero (2016), The Protector (2017), The Legend (2017), The Defender (2019), and The Guardian (2020). While it does not feature direct crossover characters with the Heart of Texas books, it shares the same high-octane Western vibe that fans love.