Step into the sizzling world of Lone Star Burn, where Texas ranches, steamy romance, and heartfelt redemption collide! Ruth Cardello’s Lone Star Burn series is a contemporary romance collection that sweeps readers into small-town Texas, where rugged cowboys and spirited heroines find love against all odds. With standalone novels packed with passion, humor, and second chances, this series is a must-read for fans of heartwarming, spicy stories.
Each book introduces complex characters—often carrying emotional scars—who must confront their pasts to embrace a brighter future. From brooding horse trainers to sassy city girls, the Lone Star Burn world brims with chemistry and charm. Ready to saddle up for a romantic adventure? Let’s explore this captivating series!
How Lone Star Burn Began
Ruth Cardello, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, launched the Lone Star Burn series in 2014 with a passion for crafting escapist yet relatable romance. A former kindergarten teacher from Rhode Island, Cardello drew inspiration from her love of storytelling and her fascination with Texas’s rugged landscapes and tight-knit communities. Her goal? To create a series that blended steamy encounters with deep emotional growth, set against the backdrop of Fort Mavis, Texas. The result was a collection that resonated with readers craving both heat and heart.
The Heart of Lone Star Burn
The Lone Star Burn series features four core novels, each a standalone tale of love and redemption. Taken, Not Spurred, the debut, follows Sarah Dery, an aspiring writer who stumbles into the arms of Tony Carlton, a reclusive horse trainer with a tortured past. Their fiery chemistry sparks a journey of healing and self-discovery. In Tycoon Takedown, single mom Melanie Hanna faces tough choices as she falls for Charles Dery, a millionaire wrestling with his own demons. Taken Home introduces Chelle Landon, a small-town virgin, and Mason Thorne, a playboy senator, whose fake engagement ignites real passion. Finally, Taking Charge centers on Lucy Albright, who fights to save her family’s ranch while falling for the steadfast David Harmon.
Themes of second chances, trust, and personal growth weave through each story, grounded in the vivid Texas setting. Cardello’s style blends humor, steamy romance, and emotional depth, making every page a rollercoaster of feels. The small-town vibe, complete with ranches, weddings, and nosy neighbors, adds charm, while the characters’ struggles—grief, shame, or fear of vulnerability—make their happy endings all the sweeter.
Why Lone Star Burn Resonates
Lone Star Burn has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its addictive mix of spice and soul. Fans praise Cardello’s ability to craft flawed, relatable characters whose journeys mirror real-life struggles, all wrapped in a fun, escapist package. The series’ Texas setting and cowboy allure tap into a timeless romantic fantasy, while its focus on emotional healing speaks to readers seeking hope. With millions of sales and glowing reviews, Lone Star Burn remains a beloved escape for romance enthusiasts.
- Publication Years: 2014–2016
- Number of Books: 4 core novels
- Publisher: Montlake Romance
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Western Romance
Ready to dive into Texas-sized romance? Grab Taken, Not Spurred and let Lone Star Burn sweep you away with its irresistible blend of heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters!