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Valentine Texas #1
Bless Your Heart
I have three simple wishes:
1. Keep my houseplants alive.
2. Open a charming bed-and-breakfast in my small town.
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible.
When Beckett decides he’s also interested in purchasing the Horseshoe Creek Ranch, my dreams of owning a bed-and-breakfast become a nightmare.
He refuses to give me what I want while playing dirty—a common theme in our rivalry.
Because of him, we’re in a ridiculous bidding war for the land.
We might have hated each other since our teens, but the stakes have never been so high.
And right now, I’m more determined than ever to take down my best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
Bless Your Heart is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s older brother, contemporary small-town southern romance with a happily ever after. Each book in the Valentine Texas series is a stand-alone. Warning: this book contains tons of Southern sass, sarcasm, and lots of spice! Fade to black is not included.
1. Keep my houseplants alive.
2. Open a charming bed-and-breakfast in my small town.
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible.
When Beckett decides he’s also interested in purchasing the Horseshoe Creek Ranch, my dreams of owning a bed-and-breakfast become a nightmare.
He refuses to give me what I want while playing dirty—a common theme in our rivalry.
Because of him, we’re in a ridiculous bidding war for the land.
We might have hated each other since our teens, but the stakes have never been so high.
And right now, I’m more determined than ever to take down my best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
Bless Your Heart is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s older brother, contemporary small-town southern romance with a happily ever after. Each book in the Valentine Texas series is a stand-alone. Warning: this book contains tons of Southern sass, sarcasm, and lots of spice! Fade to black is not included.
350 pages, ebook
Published June 13, 2023
793 people are currently reading
5,465 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Parish
16 books1,713 followersLyra Parish is a hopeless romantic obsessed with writing spicy Hallmark-like romances. When she isn’t immersed in fictional worlds, you can find her pretending to be a Vanlifer with her hubby. Lyra loves coffee, the great outdoors, authentic people, and living her best life.
To learn more, please subscribe to Lyra's newsletter: https://bit.ly/lyraparishnewsletter
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June 4, 2023BLESS YOUR HEART IS MORE THAN A SOUTHERN SAYIN'… AND IT RELEASES ON JUNE 13, 2023!
ALL THE LINKS TO ALL THE PLACES--https://geni.us/blessyourheart
What you can expect:
-enemies to lovers
-rom-com vibes
-Texas small-town romance-family saga
-best friend's older brother (3-year age gap)
-secret pinning
-sassy, plant-killing heroine
-dirty-talkin' hero
-guaranteed happily ever after
-spicy AF scenes
-complete stand alone
-the first book in a feel-good series
Author's note 6/4/2023: Thank you so much to everyone who has given this book a chance. I am honored you even considered adding it to your TBR or requested an ARC or pre-ordered/purchased.
To those who have loved the book so far, thank you. Your kindness encourages me to keep writing what I love and know. I'm so thrilled to be able to share this world and characters with you. There is so much more to come!
If this book wasn't your cup of tea, I'm still very appreciative and honored that you took your valuable time to give it a chance. Especially when you have millions of romance books to choose from. I hope to write something you'll enjoy in the future, and we can meet again in the stacks. Thank you!
Happy reading, y'all! I hope you find your next book boyfriend/girlfriend soon! Book 2: Spill the Sweet Tea releases on September 19th! I can't wait for you to meet Hayden and see more of Kinsley Valentine.
With Love,
Lyra
ALL THE LINKS TO ALL THE PLACES--https://geni.us/blessyourheart
What you can expect:
-enemies to lovers
-rom-com vibes
-Texas small-town romance-family saga
-best friend's older brother (3-year age gap)
-secret pinning
-sassy, plant-killing heroine
-dirty-talkin' hero
-guaranteed happily ever after
-spicy AF scenes
-complete stand alone
-the first book in a feel-good series
Author's note 6/4/2023: Thank you so much to everyone who has given this book a chance. I am honored you even considered adding it to your TBR or requested an ARC or pre-ordered/purchased.
To those who have loved the book so far, thank you. Your kindness encourages me to keep writing what I love and know. I'm so thrilled to be able to share this world and characters with you. There is so much more to come!
If this book wasn't your cup of tea, I'm still very appreciative and honored that you took your valuable time to give it a chance. Especially when you have millions of romance books to choose from. I hope to write something you'll enjoy in the future, and we can meet again in the stacks. Thank you!
Happy reading, y'all! I hope you find your next book boyfriend/girlfriend soon! Book 2: Spill the Sweet Tea releases on September 19th! I can't wait for you to meet Hayden and see more of Kinsley Valentine.
With Love,
Lyra
June 30, 2023
DNF
I've been trying to read this book on and off for a little over 2 weeks now and I could only manage to finish 37% of it. The bare bones of this book being good were all there but the execution was lackluster. If there was any chemistry between the MCs I couldn't find it. The pacing was way too slow with innane details galore - which wouldn't be a bad thing, I would love to read about some slice of life scenarios but the writing was so bland that I wanted to skim through most of it. The characters all talk and behave like children which was irritating and the constant sneering at city/city life was a bit too much. This is apparently the author's first ever solo venture so here's hoping that future projects will be better🤞
I've been trying to read this book on and off for a little over 2 weeks now and I could only manage to finish 37% of it. The bare bones of this book being good were all there but the execution was lackluster. If there was any chemistry between the MCs I couldn't find it. The pacing was way too slow with innane details galore - which wouldn't be a bad thing, I would love to read about some slice of life scenarios but the writing was so bland that I wanted to skim through most of it. The characters all talk and behave like children which was irritating and the constant sneering at city/city life was a bit too much. This is apparently the author's first ever solo venture so here's hoping that future projects will be better🤞
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 27, 2023Dnf @11%/ 2 chapters
Not gonna rate this one because I think the fault lies with me. I always want to read small-town romances, and they seem so cute and charming to me, but when they take place in the South, for some reason, my mind gets annoyed so easily. Every little cutesy thing becomes a stereotype or a trope that does not agree with me. And I swear to god if I have to see “city girl” or “city slicker” one more time Imma fight someone.
So as you can see, this is a me thing. I genuinely think this has a lot of potential and seems super cute and sweet and has cozy hometown vibes. For the right reader, I think this could be a great book but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
Not gonna rate this one because I think the fault lies with me. I always want to read small-town romances, and they seem so cute and charming to me, but when they take place in the South, for some reason, my mind gets annoyed so easily. Every little cutesy thing becomes a stereotype or a trope that does not agree with me. And I swear to god if I have to see “city girl” or “city slicker” one more time Imma fight someone.
So as you can see, this is a me thing. I genuinely think this has a lot of potential and seems super cute and sweet and has cozy hometown vibes. For the right reader, I think this could be a great book but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
July 18, 2024
This was the opposite of enjoyable.
February 18, 2024
2.5⭐️ 2🌶️
I wanted to like this but everything just felt too contrived. And I didn’t fall in love with either MC. Summer and Beckett live in the same small town. She’s best friends with his sister. And they “hate” each other, although it’s not clear why. There really was only the mention of how he stepped in when they were teens to stop a guy from taking her virginity (and it ended up being the right thing to do) but in the 10+ years since they didn’t find common ground? Especially when their inner monologue talks about how much they actually desire each other. I just don’t get it and think it’s a waste of time and energy to be stubborn instead of possibly being happy? 🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t care for the spice either, it felt very blueprinted and written in a way that was trying to be racy or edgy but just didn’t fit with the characters or the tenor of the book
The pacing was off, spending way too much time with back and forth scenes about them “hating” and fighting about who will buy the ranch and then lightning speeding through them getting past that, getting to the spice and then admitting they love each other, all within one month.
I would have DNF’d but the audio was short and I didn’t hate the book, there was just nothing great about out it either.
I wanted to like this but everything just felt too contrived. And I didn’t fall in love with either MC. Summer and Beckett live in the same small town. She’s best friends with his sister. And they “hate” each other, although it’s not clear why. There really was only the mention of how he stepped in when they were teens to stop a guy from taking her virginity (and it ended up being the right thing to do) but in the 10+ years since they didn’t find common ground? Especially when their inner monologue talks about how much they actually desire each other. I just don’t get it and think it’s a waste of time and energy to be stubborn instead of possibly being happy? 🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t care for the spice either, it felt very blueprinted and written in a way that was trying to be racy or edgy but just didn’t fit with the characters or the tenor of the book
The pacing was off, spending way too much time with back and forth scenes about them “hating” and fighting about who will buy the ranch and then lightning speeding through them getting past that, getting to the spice and then admitting they love each other, all within one month.
I would have DNF’d but the audio was short and I didn’t hate the book, there was just nothing great about out it either.
May 15, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
June 8, 2023
Bless your heart is the first book in a brand new series that is bound to capture your hearts!!
Expect: small town romance, best friends brother, enemies to lover, sassy heroine, dirty talking cowboy, slow burn, family saga, rivalry, secret pining, childhood friends to lovers and allllllllll the spice 🌶️🔥
I read this book in one sitting. It was such a fun read! I am a big fan of enemies to lovers and small town romance so this book was right up my street. Books like these just make me want to run off to the countryside.
It was filled with so much wit and humour, Beckett and Summer had such funny banter with each other but there was also so much tension and angst between them!
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series to explore more into the other characters lives and return to the little town of valentine 💌
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review
June 5, 2023
Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline and the book as a whole. The characters were personable and felt incredibly real. The book still had the same style I grew to love from when Parrish was writing co-writing under a different name. However, I have two disappointments with this book - the speed in which some of the scenes move along - the book felt incredibly rushed at times and was missing some of the suspense and detail I would expect, and the parallels to the Circle B Ranch series at times were too much and felt like taking parts of those series and putting different characters in their place.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
While this book had a lot of potential and I loved the first 3/4 of it, after the 75% mark it just felt like reading an epilogue that extended into the first chapter of book 2.. characters that we already knew were reintroduced.. places described as if we hadn’t visited them and part of the plot was explained like you would in a new book when referring to something that happened in the previous book..
that ultimately led me to dnf at 83% sadly
that ultimately led me to dnf at 83% sadly
June 13, 2023
Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is the first book in the Valentine Texas Series. This is Summer and Beckett‘s story.
This series is set in the small town of Valentine in Texas and that made it immediately feel homey. Summer is an only child, and she works on her parents’ ranch. Her dream is to open a bed and breakfast in town and when the property next door goes on sale, it seems like the perfect opportunity. However, Beckett is also interested. Since high school Summer and Beckett have this love-hate-thing going on. And that was the perfect setup. The tension between these two was unreal and that made the steamy scenes even hotter. Beckett can sometimes be a bit of an ass, but he also has such a sweet and loving side with Summer. I loved all the golden hour, bonfire and horse-riding moments.
In addition, I loved how you get to know the characters and especially Beckett‘s family. His sister Kinsley is also Summer‘s best friend and I already can’t wait to read her story and the rest of the siblings.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this romance and can’t wait to continue this series. 5 stars.
(I won an arc of this book in a Facebook giveaway.)
This series is set in the small town of Valentine in Texas and that made it immediately feel homey. Summer is an only child, and she works on her parents’ ranch. Her dream is to open a bed and breakfast in town and when the property next door goes on sale, it seems like the perfect opportunity. However, Beckett is also interested. Since high school Summer and Beckett have this love-hate-thing going on. And that was the perfect setup. The tension between these two was unreal and that made the steamy scenes even hotter. Beckett can sometimes be a bit of an ass, but he also has such a sweet and loving side with Summer. I loved all the golden hour, bonfire and horse-riding moments.
In addition, I loved how you get to know the characters and especially Beckett‘s family. His sister Kinsley is also Summer‘s best friend and I already can’t wait to read her story and the rest of the siblings.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this romance and can’t wait to continue this series. 5 stars.
(I won an arc of this book in a Facebook giveaway.)
November 16, 2024
“𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯’ 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
Best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers mmm mm, this story was absolutely delicious. Beckett and Summer’s story was sizzling like a hot southern summer day!
Beckett was a charming, dirty talking gentleman that had me sweating buckets of swoon. Summer’s sweet sassiness matched him energy for energy.
Their banter: flawless. Swear they had me literally laughing til tears with their back and forth.
And you know what takes an enemies to lovers story to the highest of heights?? Hate sex! Lyra was delivering it up on the most delectable of platters.
The secret pining, ohh be still my beating heart. This was that classic ‘the only thing they really hate about each other is that they love each other’ story. Beneath all the hate was hearts brimming with love. Summer, determined to live in her everyday denial, built up the tension. When Beckett finally got the chance to go for the woman he’s been dreaming of, he waisted zero time and was willing to do whatever it took. I loved meeting the Valentine family and already cannot wait to devour all their stories. Lyra was bringing the laughs, love, entertainment and hold your heart filthy spice for days with this one.
I just couldn’t get enough of this story. Just when I didn’t think I could love it more, Lyra blessed my ears with Aaron Shedlock and Vanessa Edwin.
These two were exquisite. That southern twang, the banter, the emotions, the tension, the heat, Aaron and Vanessa embodied it all superbly.
Best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers mmm mm, this story was absolutely delicious. Beckett and Summer’s story was sizzling like a hot southern summer day!
Beckett was a charming, dirty talking gentleman that had me sweating buckets of swoon. Summer’s sweet sassiness matched him energy for energy.
Their banter: flawless. Swear they had me literally laughing til tears with their back and forth.
And you know what takes an enemies to lovers story to the highest of heights?? Hate sex! Lyra was delivering it up on the most delectable of platters.
The secret pining, ohh be still my beating heart. This was that classic ‘the only thing they really hate about each other is that they love each other’ story. Beneath all the hate was hearts brimming with love. Summer, determined to live in her everyday denial, built up the tension. When Beckett finally got the chance to go for the woman he’s been dreaming of, he waisted zero time and was willing to do whatever it took. I loved meeting the Valentine family and already cannot wait to devour all their stories. Lyra was bringing the laughs, love, entertainment and hold your heart filthy spice for days with this one.
I just couldn’t get enough of this story. Just when I didn’t think I could love it more, Lyra blessed my ears with Aaron Shedlock and Vanessa Edwin.
These two were exquisite. That southern twang, the banter, the emotions, the tension, the heat, Aaron and Vanessa embodied it all superbly.
June 12, 2023
Oh my, buckle up, because you are in for a treat. Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is the first book in the Valentine Texas Series.
𝐵𝑒𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓉𝓉 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒻--𝓀 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻𝒻. 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒹@𝓂𝓃 𝑔𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓈.
This book has Southern Charm written throughout the pages, and the banter and spice between these two is smokin HOT.
Beckett is a dirty-talking cowboy who has a big fancy peen. 😉
𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝒹 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝓎 🍆 𝓈𝑜 𝒻𝒶𝓇 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉.
It has been Summer's lifelong dream to open a B&B, and when her best friend Kinsley gives her the scoop that the property next door is up for sale, she jumps at it. Summer soon learns that her best friend's brother, Beckett, is also interested in it. These two have been enemies since high school; they have a love-hate relationship. It's time to play dirty. None of them are backing down, so gloves off, and may the best man or woman win.
𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉. 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒸--𝓉.
Bless Your Heart was such a fun, sweet, steamy read, and I already can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Don't forget to check out the bonus scene! 🔥
𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉.
𝐵𝑒𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓉𝓉 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒻--𝓀 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻𝒻. 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝒹@𝓂𝓃 𝑔𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓈.
This book has Southern Charm written throughout the pages, and the banter and spice between these two is smokin HOT.
Beckett is a dirty-talking cowboy who has a big fancy peen. 😉
𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝒹 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝓎 🍆 𝓈𝑜 𝒻𝒶𝓇 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉.
It has been Summer's lifelong dream to open a B&B, and when her best friend Kinsley gives her the scoop that the property next door is up for sale, she jumps at it. Summer soon learns that her best friend's brother, Beckett, is also interested in it. These two have been enemies since high school; they have a love-hate relationship. It's time to play dirty. None of them are backing down, so gloves off, and may the best man or woman win.
𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉. 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒸--𝓉.
Bless Your Heart was such a fun, sweet, steamy read, and I already can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Don't forget to check out the bonus scene! 🔥
𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉.
May 7, 2024
Their Rollercoaster Ride to Forever -
I really enjoyed reading this story and couldn’t put it down once I started, until I read the final word. The witty banter, drama, wonderful supporting characters and great storyline, had me eagerly turning the pages and made it a worthwhile reading experience. I am amazed the chemistry and steamy encounters between Beckett and Summer didn’t set my IPad on fire, but the underlying tension between them as they navigated their growing feelings, managed to cool i5 down. Reading this story has left me feeling like it is time I found my own Beckett, as he sounded great. This is the first book that I have read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this story and couldn’t put it down once I started, until I read the final word. The witty banter, drama, wonderful supporting characters and great storyline, had me eagerly turning the pages and made it a worthwhile reading experience. I am amazed the chemistry and steamy encounters between Beckett and Summer didn’t set my IPad on fire, but the underlying tension between them as they navigated their growing feelings, managed to cool i5 down. Reading this story has left me feeling like it is time I found my own Beckett, as he sounded great. This is the first book that I have read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2023
Welcome to Valentine, Texas! Bless Your Heart is the first book in this brand new series that will rock your world!💥 You, Ms. Parish deserve a standing ovation!👏 I received a free ARC from this author, immediately downloaded it, started to read it, got half way through it and started all over again because it was just that good! I didn't want to miss one part of this Southern fried, witty filled, enemies to lovers, smorgasbord of deliciousness. Read it and I betcha you'll fall in love too...
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have known each other their whole lives. Summer is best friends with his sister, Kinsley. They are bitter rivals, but at one time they crushed on each other until senior prom. Now, they can't stand to be in the same vicinity as the other without fighting. Each want different things out of life, until a neighbors ranch, Horseshoe Creek, comes up for sale.
Summer has always dreamed of opening her own B&B, she was just waiting on the property to become available. Beckett wants the ranch to open his own horse training facility. Now, her dream is becoming a nightmare since Beckett won't play nice and give her what she wants...the land.
Since Beckett wants to play dirty and the state of her future is on the line. Summer has no problems going head to head and toe to toe in taking down, Beckett Freaking Valentine. And if he's that desperate to put conditions on their relationship then Bless His Heart!
I received an ARC from the author and in return I promised an honest review.
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have known each other their whole lives. Summer is best friends with his sister, Kinsley. They are bitter rivals, but at one time they crushed on each other until senior prom. Now, they can't stand to be in the same vicinity as the other without fighting. Each want different things out of life, until a neighbors ranch, Horseshoe Creek, comes up for sale.
Summer has always dreamed of opening her own B&B, she was just waiting on the property to become available. Beckett wants the ranch to open his own horse training facility. Now, her dream is becoming a nightmare since Beckett won't play nice and give her what she wants...the land.
Since Beckett wants to play dirty and the state of her future is on the line. Summer has no problems going head to head and toe to toe in taking down, Beckett Freaking Valentine. And if he's that desperate to put conditions on their relationship then Bless His Heart!
I received an ARC from the author and in return I promised an honest review.
January 23, 2025
The southern charm in this book!! That first date!! Beckett was such a southern cowboy!
Welcome to Valentine, Texas! I absolutely adored this first book in the Valentine Texas series. It’s full of sass and banter between enemies to lovers. Beckett and Summer have known each other most of their lives. they secret pinned for one another in high school. They are at odds with one another fighting for a property in Valentine, Texas.
🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Vanessa Edwin and Aaron Sherlock. These two had the best southern voices to bring the full personalities of Summer and Beckett to life. The audiobook was such a delight to listen to.
Welcome to Valentine, Texas! I absolutely adored this first book in the Valentine Texas series. It’s full of sass and banter between enemies to lovers. Beckett and Summer have known each other most of their lives. they secret pinned for one another in high school. They are at odds with one another fighting for a property in Valentine, Texas.
🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Vanessa Edwin and Aaron Sherlock. These two had the best southern voices to bring the full personalities of Summer and Beckett to life. The audiobook was such a delight to listen to.
June 20, 2023
This book was absolutely perfect Summer and Beckett are a couple you’ll never forget! Jam packed with angst with a side of sweetness. I loved watching these two fall in love. Summer and Beckett come to a head when they’re dueling over a ranch they both want, Summers dream of having a bed-and-breakfast and Beckett wanting to expand his business. A bet that goes sideways leaves Summer on a path of finding out Beckett’s truths. Bless your heart is an angsty sweet, filled swoony romance that will leave your heart for full.
June 20, 2023
Such a fabulous start to this series!!
Full review below:
Bless Your Heart is the first book in Lyla's newest series, Valentine Texas, and knows how to grab her readers and keep them vested.
I absolutely loved this enemies-to-lovers story. Beckett and Summer have lived by one another for their entire lives and Summer also happens to be Beckett's sister's best friend. So these have always been at each other's throats until Beckett's family started seeing it as sexual tension the older everyone got.
A property next to the Beckett farm has now come up for sale and both want it for their own businesses. But neither is willing to help the other out because that's just how these two roll. But what happens when Beckett challenges Summer and she's loses the bet and now has to go on a date with him?!?
Lyla delivered the perfect southern romance with the right amount of sexual tension. I absolutely enjoyed the banter amongst everyone, especially the siblings. There were some conversations that started to veer towards weird, but thankfully Lyla handled that well.
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I cannot see who we read about next.
Full review below:
Bless Your Heart is the first book in Lyla's newest series, Valentine Texas, and knows how to grab her readers and keep them vested.
I absolutely loved this enemies-to-lovers story. Beckett and Summer have lived by one another for their entire lives and Summer also happens to be Beckett's sister's best friend. So these have always been at each other's throats until Beckett's family started seeing it as sexual tension the older everyone got.
A property next to the Beckett farm has now come up for sale and both want it for their own businesses. But neither is willing to help the other out because that's just how these two roll. But what happens when Beckett challenges Summer and she's loses the bet and now has to go on a date with him?!?
Lyla delivered the perfect southern romance with the right amount of sexual tension. I absolutely enjoyed the banter amongst everyone, especially the siblings. There were some conversations that started to veer towards weird, but thankfully Lyla handled that well.
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I cannot see who we read about next.
June 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this series starter. It had a perfect blend of an enemies to lovers romance, with great family and friends, all taking place on the ranch. Looking forward to what’s coming next.
June 13, 2023
Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish is her first solo book I have read my her and I freaking LOVED it!
Beckett and Summer‘s story is amazing! Enemies to Lovers, best friends brother.. SWOON!
Those two melt my heart. Seriously what an amazing story!
I can‘t wait to see more of this town and their locals!
5⭐️
Beckett and Summer‘s story is amazing! Enemies to Lovers, best friends brother.. SWOON!
Those two melt my heart. Seriously what an amazing story!
I can‘t wait to see more of this town and their locals!
5⭐️
June 13, 2023
Small town romance ✔️
Best friends older brother ✔️
Back and forth banter ✔️
To be completely honest I wasn’t even sure how this story was going to take shape but in the end Lyra delivered everything she promised
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Valentine Texas series
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review
Best friends older brother ✔️
Back and forth banter ✔️
To be completely honest I wasn’t even sure how this story was going to take shape but in the end Lyra delivered everything she promised
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Valentine Texas series
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review
July 2, 2023
Summer Jones has always dreamed about owning her own bed and breakfast. Her family owns a ranch in Valentine and she finds out her neighbours are moving away and selling the B&B. The catch? It is a closed bidding system where only locals can buy it and the man she claims to hate who is coincidently her best friends oldest brother also wants to buy the ranch to expand his business as this property is in the middle of both Summer and Becketts family ranch.
Beckett Valentine is the hot older brother of Summer's best friend. The constant banter between Beckett and Summer has existed their whole lives, however, the two have always had a crush for each other but due to circumstances when they were younger have never talked about how they feel despite both their families knowing they would marry one day.
Beckett constantly challenges Summer in this battle for Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Beckett is the first to submit his offer, and since it is a closed bidding system Summer has no idea how much money Beckett has offered for this ranch. But with the promise of one date, Beckett will tell Summer his bid.
If you love enemies to lovers, best friends older brother, and steamy scenes between the main characters (and you know you do), you won't regret reading this book! This book is a good one day read where you don't want to put the book down especially because of all the steamy scenes.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book through hiddengembooks. This is a review of the unreleased copy. All opinions are mine.
Beckett Valentine is the hot older brother of Summer's best friend. The constant banter between Beckett and Summer has existed their whole lives, however, the two have always had a crush for each other but due to circumstances when they were younger have never talked about how they feel despite both their families knowing they would marry one day.
Beckett constantly challenges Summer in this battle for Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Beckett is the first to submit his offer, and since it is a closed bidding system Summer has no idea how much money Beckett has offered for this ranch. But with the promise of one date, Beckett will tell Summer his bid.
If you love enemies to lovers, best friends older brother, and steamy scenes between the main characters (and you know you do), you won't regret reading this book! This book is a good one day read where you don't want to put the book down especially because of all the steamy scenes.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book through hiddengembooks. This is a review of the unreleased copy. All opinions are mine.
June 28, 2024
ALL. THE. STARS!!!!!!! Southern Charm, witty banter, best friends brother and enemies to lovers done right! This book had it all. Now I am a huge Bishop Brothers / KF fan so I knew this book would be filled with all the things I love.
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have been at each other's throat since she was 14. Well isn't that saying there is a thin line between love and hate? They have been denying their feelings for each other for just as long. When the land that separates her family's ranch and the Valentine's ranch comes up for sale, she can finally see her dream of owning a B&B becoming a reality. Until Beckett throws his hat in the ring for the property.
I loved their banter and the witty comebacks. It was done to perfection!!! They are both bull headed and passionate about their reasoning for wanting the property for themselves. This book was everything I have come to know and love about Lyra's writing. It was small town romance at its best and I am sooooo excited to see where this series goes!
Lyra Parish
Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine have been at each other's throat since she was 14. Well isn't that saying there is a thin line between love and hate? They have been denying their feelings for each other for just as long. When the land that separates her family's ranch and the Valentine's ranch comes up for sale, she can finally see her dream of owning a B&B becoming a reality. Until Beckett throws his hat in the ring for the property.
I loved their banter and the witty comebacks. It was done to perfection!!! They are both bull headed and passionate about their reasoning for wanting the property for themselves. This book was everything I have come to know and love about Lyra's writing. It was small town romance at its best and I am sooooo excited to see where this series goes!
Lyra Parish
June 9, 2023
An enemies to lovers/best friends brother story with cowboys! What is not to love???
Both Summer and Beckett have been hiding their attraction (badly) behind a relationship of barbs and insults since they were teenagers. Their dislike for each other only increases when they both bid for the same ranch. All those feelings have to be expelled in some way and when they are the heat ramps up in this story!
I really enjoyed the story and I liked the side characters as well. I’m looking forward to Kinsley’s story next and have my fingers crossed that Harrison will also get a story soon.
Thanks to Lyra Parish for the advanced copy of this book.
Both Summer and Beckett have been hiding their attraction (badly) behind a relationship of barbs and insults since they were teenagers. Their dislike for each other only increases when they both bid for the same ranch. All those feelings have to be expelled in some way and when they are the heat ramps up in this story!
I really enjoyed the story and I liked the side characters as well. I’m looking forward to Kinsley’s story next and have my fingers crossed that Harrison will also get a story soon.
Thanks to Lyra Parish for the advanced copy of this book.
March 8, 2024
I loved this book so much!! I was immediately drawn in and held captive by the narrators and the story was the cherry on top.
I loved the characters, the banter, the tension, the chemistry, and the setting so much in this small town, best friend’s older brother, enemies to lovers romance.
Beckett Valentine was swooniest book boyfriend and I loved both Summer and Beckett together. The supporting characters were phenomenal and I can’ wait for all of the Valentine siblings’ stories.
Vanessa Edwin and Aaron Shedlock were phenomenal in this audiobook and I really enjoyed their work.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the characters, the banter, the tension, the chemistry, and the setting so much in this small town, best friend’s older brother, enemies to lovers romance.
Beckett Valentine was swooniest book boyfriend and I loved both Summer and Beckett together. The supporting characters were phenomenal and I can’ wait for all of the Valentine siblings’ stories.
Vanessa Edwin and Aaron Shedlock were phenomenal in this audiobook and I really enjoyed their work.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 11, 2024
This was the perfect blend of hot and sassy that I needed. Easy, fun four stars.
The writing was clear, the spice was on page with excellent character chemistry, and 👌💘.
Also, I am a sucker for a cowboy who owns his feelings (even if it took him a time to do so) and a gal with punk who doesn't take his bs.
Three cheers for blessed hearts and cowboys.
The writing was clear, the spice was on page with excellent character chemistry, and 👌💘.
Also, I am a sucker for a cowboy who owns his feelings (even if it took him a time to do so) and a gal with punk who doesn't take his bs.
Three cheers for blessed hearts and cowboys.
January 5, 2024
DNF
Made it to 39% and just couldn't force myself any further.
The characters, and dialogue are very immature. The infighting ridiculous.
Made it to 39% and just couldn't force myself any further.
The characters, and dialogue are very immature. The infighting ridiculous.
April 11, 2024
DNF @ like 80%
What a weird, stupid premise. This book has all the ingredients to be pretty good but it just was not.
What a weird, stupid premise. This book has all the ingredients to be pretty good but it just was not.
June 16, 2024
⭒ Rating: 4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TROPES:
best friends older brother ❤️
secret pinning ❤️
sassy southern fmc ❤️
family saga ❤️
teenage rivals ❤️
romcom vibes ❤️
small town ❤️
enemies to lovers ❤️
pierced mmc ❤️
dirty talking mmc ❤️
blurb: 1. Keep her house plants alive
2. Open a beautiful bed-and-breakfast
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible. Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine are rivals and have never wanted the same things in life except for the newly for sale Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Summer thought her dreams of building a B&B would finally come true until her number one enemy decides he wants the land, too. Beckett plays dirty and refuses to give her what she wants—a common theme in their relationship—and the dream of acquiring the property turns into a living nightmare. They might’ve been at each other’s throats since they were teens, but the stakes have never been so high. And right now, she's more determined than ever to take down her best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
review:
bless your heart by lyra parish is the 1st book of a series called valentine texas. this book has left me hot and bothered by the chemistry with these two characters. for me it was a quick and easy read leaving me fufilled with a decent storyline and happy ending. it wasn't my upmost book so far this june but it still was a cute one. again i still feel like i'm missing something from these two there's just so much that i don't even know how to describe that would make this story just a bit better.
summer and beckett where fine. nothing really was drawn or made me overly love them they were definitely more intresting in smooth as whiskey the 4th book in the valentine texas series. beckett just seemed way more brute and gruff talked in a big game in the fourth book then in this one. his personality didn't match up the same. no third act breakup again which i liked. some pretty fair spice scenes. i'm glad they could figure out the land and be able to split it amon the two of them. it was pretty sweet he took out his bid the last second because he knew how important making the b&b into a reality.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TROPES:
best friends older brother ❤️
secret pinning ❤️
sassy southern fmc ❤️
family saga ❤️
teenage rivals ❤️
romcom vibes ❤️
small town ❤️
enemies to lovers ❤️
pierced mmc ❤️
dirty talking mmc ❤️
blurb: 1. Keep her house plants alive
2. Open a beautiful bed-and-breakfast
3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again.
None of those things are currently possible. Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine are rivals and have never wanted the same things in life except for the newly for sale Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Summer thought her dreams of building a B&B would finally come true until her number one enemy decides he wants the land, too. Beckett plays dirty and refuses to give her what she wants—a common theme in their relationship—and the dream of acquiring the property turns into a living nightmare. They might’ve been at each other’s throats since they were teens, but the stakes have never been so high. And right now, she's more determined than ever to take down her best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
review:
bless your heart by lyra parish is the 1st book of a series called valentine texas. this book has left me hot and bothered by the chemistry with these two characters. for me it was a quick and easy read leaving me fufilled with a decent storyline and happy ending. it wasn't my upmost book so far this june but it still was a cute one. again i still feel like i'm missing something from these two there's just so much that i don't even know how to describe that would make this story just a bit better.
summer and beckett where fine. nothing really was drawn or made me overly love them they were definitely more intresting in smooth as whiskey the 4th book in the valentine texas series. beckett just seemed way more brute and gruff talked in a big game in the fourth book then in this one. his personality didn't match up the same. no third act breakup again which i liked. some pretty fair spice scenes. i'm glad they could figure out the land and be able to split it amon the two of them. it was pretty sweet he took out his bid the last second because he knew how important making the b&b into a reality.
June 16, 2023
5 beautiful golden stars for this small town Texas charmer.
"Bless Your Heart" is a phrase common to the Southern United States. The phrase has multiple meanings and is used to express genuine sympathy but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity.
Summer Jones had always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast in her small town. She works hard on her parents' ranch and saves all her money to go toward her dream. When the ranch with a large home next door goes up for sale, it seems to Summer and her best friend Kinsley her dream will soon come true.
Only they didn't count on Kinsley's older brother, Beckett Valentine, wanting the same property to expand his own business with more horse riding trails and a larger training complex. It always seemed that Beckett always got what he wanted, and he knew this.
Since they were young, Summer and Beckett have had an argumentative/spiteful relationship going on. They get on each other's last nerve, but secretly, they long for one another and try their hardest to deny those feelings. Everyone can see right through their bickering and wants to know when they are going to finally get together.
The tension between these two is off the charts, making the steam factor all that much hotter. If you are offended by open door activities and swearing, this is NOT the book for you. Bless your heart. Please exit left and keep on scrolling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the wonderful home-town characters. I'm looking forward to reading all the books that follow in this series.
"Bless Your Heart" is a phrase common to the Southern United States. The phrase has multiple meanings and is used to express genuine sympathy but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity.
Summer Jones had always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast in her small town. She works hard on her parents' ranch and saves all her money to go toward her dream. When the ranch with a large home next door goes up for sale, it seems to Summer and her best friend Kinsley her dream will soon come true.
Only they didn't count on Kinsley's older brother, Beckett Valentine, wanting the same property to expand his own business with more horse riding trails and a larger training complex. It always seemed that Beckett always got what he wanted, and he knew this.
Since they were young, Summer and Beckett have had an argumentative/spiteful relationship going on. They get on each other's last nerve, but secretly, they long for one another and try their hardest to deny those feelings. Everyone can see right through their bickering and wants to know when they are going to finally get together.
The tension between these two is off the charts, making the steam factor all that much hotter. If you are offended by open door activities and swearing, this is NOT the book for you. Bless your heart. Please exit left and keep on scrolling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the wonderful home-town characters. I'm looking forward to reading all the books that follow in this series.
June 4, 2023
Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend's brother, small town, slow burn
I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers lately. Sometimes it's done right. Sometimes it's not. You have to have the right amount of animosity and chemistry. It can be a slippery slope.
I think Beckett and Summer had a pretty good balance because they've also basically grown up together, though he's a few years older.
I love reading stories where the man has been pining for the woman for a long time. Beckett has held a candle for Summer since high school and it all finally comes to a head when they're competing for the same plot of land that's being sold. The property in between what belongs to their families.
The spice and dirty talk are great, although there were moments where I felt like it was over the top on purpose. Almost unnatural for the scene or forced to be extra. It was fun but felt a little out of place. Because there was a slight slow burn it felt like the author crammed more than was needed in the rest of the book to up the spice level.
Also, I found it odd that the 2 main Valentine siblings that are part of the story are extremely invested/interested in the sexual relationship between Beckett and Summer. I get they want them together but they're too curious about details
Overall, I enjoyed the pacing and storyline. It wasn’t overly dramatic and was an easy and fun read.
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend's brother, small town, slow burn
I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers lately. Sometimes it's done right. Sometimes it's not. You have to have the right amount of animosity and chemistry. It can be a slippery slope.
I think Beckett and Summer had a pretty good balance because they've also basically grown up together, though he's a few years older.
I love reading stories where the man has been pining for the woman for a long time. Beckett has held a candle for Summer since high school and it all finally comes to a head when they're competing for the same plot of land that's being sold. The property in between what belongs to their families.
The spice and dirty talk are great, although there were moments where I felt like it was over the top on purpose. Almost unnatural for the scene or forced to be extra. It was fun but felt a little out of place. Because there was a slight slow burn it felt like the author crammed more than was needed in the rest of the book to up the spice level.
Also, I found it odd that the 2 main Valentine siblings that are part of the story are extremely invested/interested in the sexual relationship between Beckett and Summer. I get they want them together but they're too curious about details
Overall, I enjoyed the pacing and storyline. It wasn’t overly dramatic and was an easy and fun read.
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