HEAVEN, TEXAS was absolutely wonderful! It's my first book by Phillips and although I got it from the library, I'm definitely putting it on my "To Buy" list, since I know I will want to reread this book several times. So cute and very funny; the interactions between the hero and heroine were priceless and the supporting characters were interesting and added to the story.

When I was preparing to venture into contemporary romance and did "research" (lol) on Rachel Gibson's books, SEE JANE SCORE seemed to be the hit/masterpiece that everyone raved over (and understandably!!). Likewise, HEAVEN, TEXAS was pretty universally lauded in the reviews I read on Amazon, so I thought it would be a good one to start with - and I was not mistaken: completely fabulous! Plus, it definitely tapped into the little spot I have in my heart for Texas after living in San Antonio for a few years when I was younger. Great romance; definitely recommend.

Gracie was a wonderful heroine and I loved that there was no game-playing on her part; she was always so honest, thoughtful, forthright, sweet, but also intelligent, bold, stubborn, sassy, and when she commits herself to something ... get out of her way, because she's determined! People were always wanting a part of Bobby Tom (the hero) or wanting some favor/monetary gift from him, and I really liked that Phillips made it such a pointed and emphasized aspect of Gracie's character that she wasn't like that and consciously wanted to be different from all of them - wanted to be the one who finally just gave to him (her friendship, love, affection, etc.), instead of taking from him.

It took me awhile to get used to Bobby Tom's name, but after about the first chapter it seemed perfect for him. His character was utterly enjoyable - Phillips writes him as SO much more than just a football-player-jock; he's intelligent, witty, amusing, really very giving and kind, and of course 110% charming. Gracie is able to see past the charming-always-grinning persona that he presents so often and pretty much right off the bat, she knows he's much smarter and complicated than most people give him credit for - or then he wants people to realize. ( )

HEAVEN, TEXAS was absolutely wonderful! It's my first book by Phillips and although I got it from the library, I'm definitely putting it on my "To Buy" list, since I know I will want to reread this book several times. So cute and very funny; the interactions between the hero and heroine were priceless and the supporting characters were interesting and added to the story.

When I was preparing to venture into contemporary romance and did "research" (lol) on Rachel Gibson's books, SEE JANE SCORE seemed to be the hit/masterpiece that everyone raved over (and understandably!!). Likewise, HEAVEN, TEXAS was pretty universally lauded in the reviews I read on Amazon, so I thought it would be a good one to start with - and I was not mistaken: completely fabulous! Plus, it definitely tapped into the little spot I have in my heart for Texas after living in San Antonio for a few years when I was younger. Great romance; definitely recommend.

Gracie was a wonderful heroine and I loved that there was no game-playing on her part; she was always so honest, thoughtful, forthright, sweet, but also intelligent, bold, stubborn, sassy, and when she commits herself to something ... get out of her way, because she's determined! People were always wanting a part of Bobby Tom (the hero) or wanting some favor/monetary gift from him, and I really liked that Phillips made it such a pointed and emphasized aspect of Gracie's character that she wasn't like that and consciously wanted to be different from all of them - wanted to be the one who finally just gave to him (her friendship, love, affection, etc.), instead of taking from him.

It took me awhile to get used to Bobby Tom's name, but after about the first chapter it seemed perfect for him. His character was utterly enjoyable - Phillips writes him as SO much more than just a football-player-jock; he's intelligent, witty, amusing, really very giving and kind, and of course 110% charming. Gracie is able to see past the charming-always-grinning persona that he presents so often and pretty much right off the bat, she knows he's much smarter and complicated than most people give him credit for - or then he wants people to realize. ( )

Cute, light and a good summer read! ( )

Another winner! ( )

Grace Snow, age 30, grew up in a nursing home owned by her parents, surrounded by senior citizens, and being told by her mother that she was the latest in a long line of homely women. After her father died and her mother sold the nursing home and retired to Florida, Grace is on her own for the first time in her life. She lands a job with a movie producer whose father had been a resident of the nursing home before he died. Grace's first assignment as a "production assistant" is to deliver the production company's newest star, Bobby Tom Denton, to the filming location. Denton, a famous playboy professional football player who owns two superbowl rings, was forced to retire after a serious knee injury. He signed the movie contract on the condition that the filming be done in his hometown of Tallarosa, TX, a small town facing eminent death as its major employer is threatening to move away. Curiously, however, Bobby Tom is late showing up to begin filming, and Grace is sent to make sure he appears. Their first meeting takes place at Bobby Tom's house with a party in full-swing. A mousy Grace shows up, wearing dowdy ill-fitting clothes, bad hair and no make-up, making a sharp contrast to the beautiful, bikini-clad, big-breasted "bimbo's" sharing the hot tub with Bobby Tom. She is met at the door by one of Denton's buddies, mistaken for the stripper they ordered, complimented on her "librarian" costume, and advised to put on more makeup.

The story progresses, with Grace attempting to take charge of Bobby Tom and get him to the filming location, and Bobby Tom making one excuse after another to delay their arrival. Once in Texas, Grace is tasked with acting as Bobby Tom's personal assistant and is forced to continue to try to rein him in.

I loved this book. Of course, neither of our main characters are who they appear to be, and the process of each of them discovering both themselves and each other is the heart of the book's charm. The supporting characters are wonderful, and well-developed, and there is a very nice sub-plot concerning Bobby Tom's mother. The "hometown hero" bit is stretched a little too far in the last chapter, but it is a minor offense, and doesn't detract from the overall impression. There are several bedroom scenes, a few are explicit, but all have a very satisfying build-up of tension coming in. This is definitely a "feel good" book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance novels. ( )