True Country Hero

Montana Hearts #3

by Darlene Panzera

In the third heartwarming installment of Darlene Panzera’s Montana Hearts series, a hot-shot rodeo star tries to win the tender heart of his biggest critic

For Jace Aldridge, the chase is half the fun. The famous rodeo rider has spent most of life chasing down steers and championship rodeo belts, but after an accident in the arena, his career is put on temporary hold. When he’s offered a chance to stay at Collins Country Cabins, Jace jumps at the opportunity to spend more time with the beautiful but wary Delaney Collins.

Between trying to make her family’s business a success, raising her daughter single-handedly, and volunteering at the local wildlife shelter, Delaney doesn’t have time for love. Even though she’s determined to not let the handsome cowboy under her skin, Delaney can’t deny how much she looks forward to every day with him. She's determined to be friends with the handsome cowboy, nothing more, even though Delaney's heart flutters every time he draws near.

But all is not well in Fox Creek and when a violent poaching ring escalates out of control, Delaney must trust that Jace is the true country hero she hopes he is.

An Avon Romance

Genres: Contemporary Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2016

About the author

DARLENE PANZERA writes both sweet contemporary and Christian historical romance. Her career launched with THE BET, a novella included in NYT bestselling author Debbie Macomber’s FAMILY AFFAIR. Other titles include: THE CUPCAKE DIARIES and MONTANA HEARTS book series, and THE GROOM SHE THOUGHT SHE’D LEFT BEHIND (part of The Runaway Brides Collection), which was a 2020 ACFW Carol Award Winner. Darlene is a member of ACFW, Cascade Christian Writers, and Faith, Hope, Love. When not writing, she loves teaching at conferences and www.aspiringwriteracademy.com, camping and hiking with her family, and feeding her horse carrots.
Learn more about Darlene at her website: www.darlenepanzera.com

Reviews

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

What a sweet little romance. Jace and Delaney start out as friends and end up with a romance. I loved watching it grow. I also really liked watching Delaney change during the book. She goes from a shy and a little beat down from a recent divorce, but by the end of the book you have a strong confident woman. And Jace? He was just a sweetheart!

*thank you to Tasty Books PR for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Panzera is an author that I have been aware of for quite some time but, have never had the pleasure of reading her work. When this opportunity came along I decided to take a chance. True Country Hero does have a hint of mystery but is mainly a love story. I have not read a great deal of romances where the story progresses at a slow pace that allows the reader to get to know the couple separately before they become a unit. A welcome change. I received an ARC of True Country Hero by Darlene Panzera in exchange for an honest review. Despite the fact I am new to this series I felt a connection right away and it felt like a homecoming of sorts. I liked that.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poacher's

This was a wonderful third story in the series. Delaney is doing photography to supplement her income so she cash raise her daughter. Jace is a rodeo cowboy and his mother is running for governor. Then Jaces horse get injured and he is recuperating at Collins Creek. Now they dace poachers trying to take the ranch.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first story I not only fell in love with the characters but Panzera's writing. In each story she takes you on a journey that contains twist and turns and the storyline continues all the way to True Country Hero. Is True Country Hero the end of the Montana Hearts series? I really hope not!

I couldn't wait to read Delaney's story and get to the bottom of the who was sabotaging their ranch. Of course in each story it's someone different but I really enjoyed how it all blended together for the final outcome.


I thought Jace and Delaney's story was sweet. I enjoyed how they got together and how the romance was building between them. It had just the right amount of mystery for this romance. What drew me in about Delaney was that she was a single mother and the more that I read the more I wanted to know how and when things would happen with Jace. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed during this read. Slowly I could see Delaney getting her confidence back and really liked how different she was from her siblings. She really had a good pure heart.

Jace was another favorite of mine. He wasn't cocky but I loved how he fit in with this family. Also the side story about his family was interesting and loved how he learned more about his own family while helping Delaney's family. I thought this twist just enhanced the story more.

As the story was winding down and coming to an end all my questions from not only the beginning of this book but the previous books were answered and because of that I was left completely satisfied. I can't wait to see what Panzera will do next and hope their are more Cowboys in the future. While this story could be read as a standalone I highly recommend starting from the beginning, not only to get to know the characters but also to see how the sabotaging started. This really was a fantastic read!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I could hardly put it down. The characters are fantastic. Delaney is one of my favorite heroines. I love her passion for saving animals and being a good mother to her little one. Meghan was adorable and I loved the interaction between her and Jace. Jace definitely has the heart of a cowboy. He has a huge protective streak in him. This book takes some twists and turns that you don't see coming. The action, suspense, and romance just grab and suck you right in. I highly recommend this one you won't be disappointed.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little twits here. A small turn there. Deep, relatable, understanding characters with heart, soul, and real life insecurities and problems. I found myself getting drawn in by the issues being thrown at Delaney and her family. I found that I could question how this or that would be solved or confronted. I greatly enjoyed watching her grew in her self-confidence, problem solving, and just as a mother and person. Watching the growth of her romance with Jace was pleasant and not like a freight train barreling down the track at full speed.

Jace was just a man. A man laid humble due to an accident that has set his life on a slightly differnt path. A path the brought him in contact with single mother Delaney. Over the course of time their relationship grows and blooms into much more. Their romance was sweet. Their journey was a bit suspenseful. The setting warm, welcoming, and filled with beautiful landscaping.

I have read none of the previous books because this was my first introduction to Darlene Panzera. I found this read to be a good standalone but with the other characters around my curiosity has been piqued to see what there stories had to offer the series. I would love to have the background of the proceeding stories to make this one that much more enjoyable. Montana Hearts seem to put heart in the slow drive to romance. By building a strong background to make a lasting relationship.
**This ARC was provided via HaperCollins Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**

[Melissa Morr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Hearts: True Country Hero is a heartwarming, sweet romance with a little twist of mystery, that I just couldn't put down. I loved watching Jace & Delaney's romance develop from acquaintace to friends to something more, especially Delaney's sidestepping all his questions. I really liked how the author developed Delaney's character the beginning of the book she was afraid to speak up, afraid she wasn't good at anything except raising her daughter Meghan, who you will fall in love with, but gradually she started to get her confidence & at the end she was a total different person. Montana Hearts: True Country Hero had everythng that this reader enjoys in a good romance, laughs, sweet adorable little girl, nosy but caring family & friends, & a few tears & a sexy cowboy. If you are looking for a heartwarming, sweet romance with a little mystery I recommend you pick up a copy of Montana Hearts: True County Hero. Darlene Panzera has received a new fan in this reader!

I received a free copy for my honest review

[Julianne Haag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darlene Panzera's "True Country Hero" is the answer and resolution to her series "Montana Hearts." While this book can be read as a stand alone, the first two in the series ("Her weekend Wrangler" and "Sweet Talkin' Cowboy") build a solid foundation for this third installment. Here, all the strings are tied together and every question from the series answered. Her characters have depth and are easily relatable; I find myself identifying a younger me with the heroine, Delaney, who must overcome her own fears and shyness to save her family's ranch. I cheered her on as she gained more confidence in herself and took matters into her own hands to solve her problems. It was a satisfying read with a few twists and turns. Darlene Panzera likes to keep her readers on their toes!

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story in the series to fall in love with! These books have characters that are so believable that you feel like you know them. Delaney is a woman who is growing and learning as she goes. I loved that Delaney was a single mother. Jace was a perfect match for her and reading about their romance put a smile on my face. There is some suspense that adds to the romance and keeps you wondering what will happen next. This is such a good series and you won't be disappointed.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully sweet small town romance with a bit of mystery thrown in. I loved Jace and Delaney is just so darn cute! Together with the cutest little girl Megan, they make an adorable unit. The characters are great, the writing is excellent, and the overall story is relaxing and entertaining. Definitely a book I recommend.

[Jeri Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to the three book Montana Hearts series. Sweet romance, suspense, ranch setting, and a family pulling together to save the family business. I'd highly recommend it for high school age and above.