The Heart of Texas
This is a story of murder, deceit, the struggle for power, lust and love, the sprawling life of a rancher and the whirlwind existence of a playboy.
Riley Hayes, the playboy of the Hayes family, is a young man who seems to have it all: money, a career he loves, and his pick of beautiful women. His father, CEO of HayesOil, passes control of the corporation to his two sons; but a stipulation is attached to Riley's portion. Concerned about Riley's lack of maturity, his father requires that Riley 'marry and stay married for one year to someone he loves'.
Angered by the requirement, Riley seeks a means of bypassing his father's stipulation. Blackmailing Jack Campbell into marrying him "for love" suits Riley's purpose. There is no mention in his father's documents that the marriage had to be with a woman and Jack Campbell is the son of Riley Senior's arch rival. Win win.
Riley marries Jack and abruptly his entire world is turned inside out. Riley hadn't counted on the fact that Jack Campbell, quiet and unassuming rancher, is a force of nature in his own right.
This is a story of murder, deceit, the struggle for power, lust and love, the sprawling life of a rancher and the whirlwind existence of a playboy. But under and through it all, as Riley learns over the months, this is a tale about family and everything that that word means.
What reviewers are saying...
"... The Heart of Texas is a gripping love story and RJ Scott quickly ensnares the reader with this complex family saga. Riley Hayes and Jack Campbell’s marriage of convenience has far reaching consequences as long buried family secrets are revealed and a rich and powerful dynasty topples. Ms. Scott excels at creating perfectly imperfect characters that are realistic and sympathetic. ..."
"... The book is skilfully written and thoroughly addictive … The story is a great addition to Scott’s list of titles and worth the money spent to purchase it. ...”
“… For its page-turning and affective drama, multidimensional characters, and well-crafted storyline, The Heart of Texas earns my recommendation as a good read. ..."
"... The characters are incredible. RJ Scott does an amazing job of making you love the compassionate characters and hate the downright dirty stinking evil characters ... Truly a very well written and plotted out story. ..."
"... There is not a single dull moment in this book and in the conflict resolution as well as character development throughout the plot is impeccable. The scenery makes you feel like you are (no pun intended) in the heart of Texas and each chapter makes you want to delve deeper and deeper into the lives and of Hayeses and Campbells.This is truly one of the best constructed stories that I have had the pleasure to read and I highly recommend it. ..."
"... The Heart of Texas gave me everything I love in a book – drama, suspense, secrets, lies, betrayal, murder, romance, love, really hot m/m sex, cowboys, and there was even a barroom brawl. I laughed. I cried. I smiled like a loon. I was so swept up into Riley and Jack’s story that I read into the wee hours of the morning, only stopping when my eyes refused to stay open any longer and picking it back up as soon as I could today – which was not quick enough for me. There are so many layers to the story that I am afraid to talk specific details for fear of revealing spoilers. ..."
"... This is a story worth reading. Sexy male main characters. So many secrets in and out of the closet. Shocking realizations that tear a family apart and a love that holds it together. I loved this first book of Texas Series. I will be binge reading the rest of this series over the next few days. ..."
Narrator Bio
Sean Crisden is a multitalented actor and an AudioFileEarphones Award–winning narrator who has recorded audiobooks in almost every genre, from science fiction to romance. He has also voiced characters in numerous video games, such as the award-winning ShadowGun, and appeared in many commercials and films, including The Last Airbender. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sean now resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
Reviews for the audio
This is the quintessential feuding families high drama soap opera story. It’s absolutely scandalous!Sean Crisden is absolutely wonderful! He brings Jack’s Texas drawl and growling tones, and Riley’s upper crust and more subtle tones, to life as well as doing a great job with the various feminine voices of the story. I enjoyed his timing, pacing, and the way he navigated the different dramatics of the material.Sean Crisden’s honeyed and mellifluous tones kept me entertained, involved, and waiting for the next dramatic moment.
This lands in my pile of Go-To-Books/Audios that I can read and listen to again and again without going bored.
If you have not read it yet…rUN to the shop online and buy it..and ENJOY it.
thanks Rj for a fantastic series. <3
I love audio books and wish I could afford to buy the whole set. OH well, back to reading them on the kindle instead 😀
No, I’m a reader only. My mind wanders if someone reads anything to me. I have to see the words.
If it’s non-romance, like mystery and horror, yes, please: audiobooks. If it’s erotic romance? Nope. Definitely not. I prefer those intimate moments kept intimate, and having someone read aloud the s*x scenes to me complete with all the d*rty talk and mush will only have me cracking up so bad. XD
Nope, I just find audiobooks too distracting. I love reading! Always have been a visual learner…
Yay for audio! Perfect for doing mindless household tasks 😄
I love audiobooks and wish I could afford to purchase every one that catches my eye, including these. Nevertheless, this is not possible right now. I just have to watch for sales.
I love your books and Sean does a fantastic job performing the audiobook. I’m pretty sure I have all of them. 🥰
I tend to prefer visual reading, unless the narrator has a voice/accent I already love.
I am still very much old school, but I do prefer my Kindle. I can still turn the pages without having the physical space for a library of books. So yes, I still prefer reading my Kindle than listening to an audio book. I get to visualize the characters through the authors descriptions of the characters.
No audio for me.
I love listening to audiobooks every chance I get. It helps me to listen to them when I’m doing mundane tasks and I always to listen for awhile before I fall asleep.
I’m firmly in the reading only camp. I really wanted to get into audiobooks, but I just couldn’t. I find it off putting when the narrator does not sound anything like what you imagine the characters to sound like.