Falling for a Cowboy's Smile

Tender Heart Texas #4

by Katie Lane

No heart is safe when a charming cowboy comes to town...
Dirk Hadley has bamboozled everyone in Bliss, Texas, into believing that he’s an easygoing drifter just passing through town. But Dirk is no drifter. He’s on a mission to discover the truth about his past. And when that past collides with the sweet and beautiful Gracie Arrington, he won’t be able to maintain his charade. But will the secret he’s been keeping ruin his chances of finally finding the home of his dreams with the woman of his heart?
Gracie Arrington has spent her entire life trying to prove she’s worthy of the great Arrington name. After she’s injured in a horseback riding accident, her goal seems unobtainable. Until a handsome stranger arrives at the ranch. Unlike her brother and cousins, Dirk doesn’t treat her like a fragile piece of glass. His friendship and heated kisses motivate her to stand on her own two feet. But when she discovers Dirk’s betrayal, giving up her physical and mental crutches won’t be easy. Gracie will have to conquer her insecurities before she’ll be strong enough to walk down the aisle . . . straight into her smiling cowboy’s arms.

Genres: Romance, Westerns

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2017

About the author

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas, Hunk for the Holidays, Overnight Billionaires, Tender Heart Texas, Bad Boy Ranch, Kingman Ranch, Holiday Ranch series. Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and cuddling with her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier, Roo.

Reviews

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The day Gracie Arrington found a chapter of the never published last novel in a ten-book series written by her great-aunt in the 60's is the same day her life changed for the worst. In a short period of time, she lost the use of her legs and her father. Since her mother was already out of the picture, her older brother took care of her. A loving brother who felt guilty even if she never blamed him for the accident, but living in a wheelchair made Gracie shy and dislike changes. So when Dirk Hadley arrived in her life, a shameless-flirt drifter and jack-of-all-trades, she never told him about the crush she have on him and let him set the tone for nothing more than a friendship between them. But Dirk is no dummy and see the look of longing in her eyes when she looks at him. He never acted on it for different reason, the more convincing one is because he's not who he made people believed he is.

Falling for a Cowboy's Smile is an other book I was waiting for ever since we've been introduced to the character of Gracie, but especially the enigmatic Dirk. At the beggining of the series, you may mistake him for the meaningless rascal or the clown, then he became the endearing running gag that you wait to read about again in each book because it make you smile, but seeing how he helped Gracie in being a good friend who convinced her to try therapy again and just being there for her when she felt lonely, that's probably how you'll realize he's hero material. I'm not a fan of deception (happened not just once but twice in this book) and I had trouble with the accelerated recovery for Gracie but that's just tiny details in a whole amazing book. With this one, we have more pieces of the puzzle about the mysterious novel. Reading about the heroine finding again her confidence and the hero finally finding a home was the perfect way to spend my Monday.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next installment of the Tender Heart series, Gracie Lynn Arrington is on the hunt for the next chapters in the series her ancestor Lucy Arrington, author of the Tender Heart series finished but did not get published before her death. Gracie knows that finding these finished chapters and getting them to print could make all of her brother Cole’s financial worries disappear. And Gracie knows that she is at the heart of these financial woes because of her accident and the time she has spent in hospital and rehab. But finding these missing chapters can free her from the obligation she feels to her brother, and set her on a path to her own independence. The one man who can help her with this is Dirk Hadley, who is a “jack of all trades” who drifted into town a few months ago and helped out on the ranch. But is he who he really seems, or is there more to Dirk Hadley than the town really knows. He has fallen for the beauty that is Gracie Lynn, but he has a secret and when she knows, it could end their idyllic relationship forever.
These two people have had an attraction to one another since Dirk came to Gracie rescue when she fell out of her wheel chair and he became her knight in shining armor. He helped her to feel that she had self-worth and made her see that she needed to go to rehab and learn to walk again. He helped out on her brother’s ranch and the other ranch’s around Bliss, and also helped different people around town in his capacity of “Jack of all Trades”. And as the series unfolds, so does the attraction for them begin to build from friendship and passion to love and trust, but that trust is going to be broken when she finds out who Dirk really is and why he came to Bliss in the first place. The trust may be broken, but can Gracie learn to trust Dirk again, the man who showed her passion and love. And can she trust herself enough to have the courage to forgive him and build a life together…
This was a wonderful written story and each story in the series keeps getting better with each book, and I can’t wait to see where Katie Lane is going to next in her Tender Heart series. This keeps readers coming back for more because we are so intrigued by the mystery of the missing chapters and the intriguing Lucy Arrington. And of course all the quirky towns people that keep the town of Bliss on their toes.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up a Tender Heart, Texas book is a little like finding comfort next to a warm fire on a cold day. By the time I'd read a few chapters, all of my cares slipped away and my heart felt lighter. I adore this series about the search for lost chapters of Lucy Arrington's final Tender Heart, Texas novel. In this story, Miss Gracie is continuing her search around Bliss, Texas for those lost chapters. She's also finally trying to move on after her accident. There is nothing as satisfying for myself as a reader than to watch as a beloved character grows in both strength and determination. Miss Gracie, aka Baby Girl, certainly did that in this book! Gone was the quiet, sometimes petulant, girl in the wheelchair. She was replaced by Gracie, a woman set on discovering both how to move on, and how to be less of a burden to her family. Inspiring and satisfying!!!
Dirk Hadley, well he was the dream for our Gracie. Bliss' charming drifter knows that Miss Gracie has a crush on him, but he's got secrets he's not of a mind to share. He knows that if she ever learns his truth, he'll lose her friendship and her love. Not just hers! He's come to care for the entire Arrington family. The secrets Dirk carries may destroy those bonds. He makes up his mind that he's got all the information he needs and it's time to go back to his real life, but leaving Bliss proves to be easier said than done. He just can't seem to make himself go when he sees Gracie needs some help. I won't give it all away, but you know that Katie Lane is absolutely going to give us a happy ever after! There were plenty of visits from our favorite Bliss characters, and family secrets are finally being spoken out loud! I'll say that the last two chapters had me crying tears of absolute joy for this family. Katie Lane has definitely hooked me with this beautiful family saga, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series (Raff! Yes!).

My favorite quote: “I lied about a lot of things, and I apologize for that. But there’s one thing I didn’t lie about. I love you, Gracie Lynn Arrington. I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. You might’ve fallen out of your wheelchair, but I was the one who took the tumble.” ~Dirk Hadley , Location 2768

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Tender Heart Series and it is still quite a good read. I enjoy quite a lot of the books by Katie Lane and yet this one seemed different from any of the others that I have read by her.
This book did pull me in, but it did not seem to hold my attention as well as the others I have read. That is not because of the author, I did not read the second or third book in this series which made this one a little confusing. However, even though I may not have understood everything fully it was still a great read.
This one is all about Gracie Lynn Arrington. I have adored Gracie from the beginning of this series and this book managed to show me how strong she truly is. Throughout this book you are able to see how Gracie changes to better fit what is happening around her and we get to see her grow a backbone (that's a lot funnier and truthful if you read the series :) ). Gracie loves and loves hard, when she trusts you don't break that trust or you are liable to break her. So when she realizes that Dirk is hiding his past she is confused but willing to believe in him. Until he breaks her heart.

Dirk Hadley is working hard to keep the people of Bliss from finding out who he truly is. Especially Gracie because he doesn't want her to hate him. But now that his mission is coming to a close he is trying to get her to forget about her silly crush on him. Even though it means breaking her heart and hurting her a little it is better for her to hate him for a little while then to have to explain his true purpose being in Bliss. Dirk was great, he may be a master at keeping secrets but he is even better at keeping his emotions from himself.
This book was great, with the amount of secrets and changes that these two character go through I never thought the book would finish, and not in a bad way. This was yet another great story by Ms. Lane and I can not wait to see how the mystery of the final book is solved.
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and enjoy going back to Bliss, Texas to catch up on friends I’ve met in the first two books. Cole is still struggling financially due to Gracie’s medical bills, He and Emery are happy together, Gracie still feels a lot of guilt because of Cole’s stress with the bills, Dirk is trying to stay away from Gracie although it is hard. Dirk’s no good daddy shows up in this story to stir up trouble. This story opens with Becky and Mason’s wedding, with Becky and Gracie still trying the find the last book in the Tender Heart Series. The chapters start showing up in the strangest of places and the girls figure out someone is putting them around to be found so they start trying to figure who the mystery man could be.

Another fun story in this series with an H&H who want so desperately for the HEA but don’t know how to go about getting it. I felt so bad for Gracie as she had such guilt she was carrying around for a lot of “stuff” but she was such a sweetheart who wanted to make things right for her brother, Cole. The romance is sweet, the humor is fun and the sparks between Gracie and Dirk are hot. Also Raff adds a bit of mystery with his past so I’m sure there is a good story coming about him! The humor/sparks between him and Savannah are very interesting! I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the Brides of Bliss Texas series before the Tender Heart series which feature's Dirk's three triplet older sisters in which Dirk and Gracie have an ample presence I was really looking forward to reading this book to find out how Dirk and Gracie fell in love. I wasn't disappointed. Dirk had been a great secondary character in several of the earlier books in the series. Gracie who has been away in Houston as a rehab facility for her back injury since the first book in the series had been mentioned but hadn't had much of a presence. And because I'd already read The Brides series I knew that this also had to be the book where it was revealed that Dirk was Lucy's great grandson and a billionaire. When I found out Gracie was Cole's sister I wondered how the author was going to get around the fact that Dirk and Gracie were cousins? Besides the obstacles to a romance between Dirk and Gracie we had Gracie's battle to overcome her fear of horses and of course the continued search for the missing chapters to Lucy Arrington's final book. My only issue with the book was, how could Gracie not have been freaked out at Dirk's big romantic gesture? I really liked the Dirk character and I loved the Gracie character as she made the final leap from sheltered youngest sister to grown woman. Just a really great story.

[Kelly Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started the book, I could not stop. There is something about Bliss, TX that pulls you in. I feel certain that you will fall in love with the town and its residents as well. Not only did the story have romance, there was a little bit of mystery that runs along side the story. The story flows great without this element but it does add some fun.
The author deals with a character that has gone through a physical injury and reveals things that someone who has had a physical set back can relate to. I saw a little bit of myself in the character.
Also, the issue of feeling abandon by a parental figure is discussed and explored in a very caring matter. In my opinion, bringing about the above mentioned situations in such a manner that they flow with the story and the voice of the author isn't changed shows a strong author.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Busybeth76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm & Innocence Wins

Dirk Hadley seems like an easy going, but hard-working cowboy drifter who knows more about everything than he should for his young age. Over the past few books in this series he has won over the skeptical townsfolk of Bliss, Texas. Especially Gracie Arrington. Gracie was injured in a riding accident, her depression has her lagging in her recuperation. But Dirk's charm & encouragement provides her the strength to fight for a recovery. In this installment of the Tender Heart series, Dirk is a great guy but he's torn between the image he portrays and the real reason he's in Bliss. Add the attraction to Gracie and Dirk is seriously conflicted. Great telling of a convoluted and complicated story of family, guilt, redemption and recovery. Love, support and loyalty between family & friends provides a strong base for this story melding family history with current family challenges.

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for a Cowboy's Smile (Tender Heart Texas Book 4) by Katie Lane
This is Dirk Hadley and Gracie Arrington's story.

This is another addition to the Tender Heart Texas series. I was so excited to read Gracie and Dirk's story. Gracie has been in love with Dirk but he is determined to not cross that line. Dirk has secrets and doesn't want to hurt Gracie. He also has other promises that he needs to keep.

Will Dirk be able to keep his feelings for Gracie? What happens when Dirk's secrets are revealed?

Dirk has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. I loved the chemistry between him and Gracie and all the twist and surprises in the story. A fun and entertaining read.

FYI, contains mature content.  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of Falling For A A Cowboys Smile from the author. I knew I wanted to read Gracie and Dirk from the very being of the Tender Heart Texas series. I just wasn't sure if it was going to be the same story. This fourth book of the series in my opinion was the best. I love going back to Bliss and reconnecting with all the quirky characters. Gracie has grew so much siclnce the first book that she has finally grew info her own skin. Dirk had some growing to do too and together him and Gracie have both accepted their past and can now have the HEA the both deserve. Falling for a Cowboys Smile was sweet, tender, emotional, steamy with just a little bit of mystery, just enough to keep you wondering what happen next. I look forward to reading the next book in this very delightful series.

[Linda Dunn chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gracie and for the most part loved Dirk. I can never say I 100% love a character when they are keeping a secret from the other person especially when they go ahead and get into a relationship. If not for that I would have totally love Dirk, but the secret is a big part of the story and it wasn't his to reveal, so he gets a pass. Even with my doubts about Dirk sometimes I totally loved the story. At least he was not a jerk about it most of the time. I have gotten kind of tired of the hero being a jerk through most of a book so this was a nice break from that.
Katie Lane always gives us a great story to read. I highly recommend this book whether you are big fan of hers or she is new to you. You absolutely can never go wrong with her books.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Katie Lane's Tender Heart Texas series. Her characters are so much fun. The stories are lots of fun to read. I have been waiting for Dirk Hadley's story and was so excited to see that Katie Lane finally shared his story with us. He is such an intriguing character with a mysterious background. Well his secrets are secrets no more and wow what an interesting story he has to tell.

Meanwhile I have also been rooting for Gracie Arrington to finally win her true love. Dirk didn't have a chance to stop this determined lady! The ups and downs of this couple's road to happiness makes for quite a fun read.

In addition to getting Dirk and Gracie together in this story author Katie Lane throws out some wild surprises which made for a truly enjoyable reading experience.

[Dianne Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Katie Lane's books. This book is the fourth one in the Tender Heart Texas Series. It, like the first three books, is filled with charming, interesting and fun characters. Humor is interlaced with mystery and romance. The heartache experienced by Dirk growing up, as well as Gracie's experiences run parallel. Where are all the chapters of the final Tender Heart book hidden? Who was Lucy's lover? Other questions were answered, such as Dirk's true identity, but other questions remain unanswered. The attraction between Gracie and Dirk, hinted at in the previous book, comes into full bloom in this book. I could not put this book down. If you haven't read it, get it now. Read it. You will not be disappointed.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Secrets! Tender Heart is continuing in the forth visit to Bliss, Texas with the book entitled "Falling for a Cowboy's Smile" by Katie Lane. This book features Gracie and Dirk as they struggle with their attraction. They find out that keeping secrets that aren't yours to tell can get you in hot water. The past collides with the present as secrets are revealed about their beloved ancestor. Open your heart to Tender Heart series as these characters have and embraced new additions to the family. Highly recommended. This book was gifted to me by the author. I am leaving my honest review under no obligations.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie finds her family.

I have fell in love with the Harrington's. After being g left by her Mom and the Arrington's Gracie suffers horrible accident on her horse and her adopted brother blames himself. While in hospital her adopted Father suffers heart attack and passes. She gives up on walking until a drifter comes to Bliss and brings her out of her dark place and she not only walks she gets back on her horse. Along the way, she falls in love with Dirk and finds out he is not a drifter but owns as billion Dollar company and is great grand son to Lucy Addington. Thank goodness she was not blood related!!!. Look forward to more.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another chapter in the story of Tender Heart, Texas which grabs you from the get go. Here is Miss Gracie who is trying to move on after her accident. She wants to find Lucy's missing chapters and find love.Of course there is a guy she has a help from, but he has some secrets that may keep them from a HEA. This is a series that keeps you wanting more. Katie Lane has once again pulled on the strings of your heart.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story! I have been waiting for Gracie and Dirk's story since book one and this was exactly how I hoped it would be. This story has a lot of heart and will keep a smile on your face. I also really loved the little bit of mystery that was woven in throughout. Learning Dirk's backstory was fun!

[Marie McKenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this town's stories

Gracie and Dirk's story is such an emotional one. Gracie is healing from injuries and Dirk is looking for family. He comes to town acting as a drifter. His life is far from it. Gracie is struggling with rehab and her history with her mom. The Arrington's and their family and the town help these two through both of their struggles. Love it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am on book five right now. Loved all these books but this one was by far my favorite. I loved Dirk and Gracie. I loved their connection from book one. :-)

Her innocence and strong mindedness and his strength and sweetness when it came to anything Gracie was, well sweet. Until it was hot and steamy...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this 4 stars because I was still hung up on the book I'd just finished in another series (crazy good) when I read this, and I think that affected my take on this one. It's definitely mid to upper threes, so 4 stars is not off. I did like it, and I actually like this couple more than Emery and Cole (book 1). Looking forward to book 5.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two lost for a little bit in their story, but they quickly won me back! Dirk and Gracie each have a thorny path to navigate, separately and together. There were a few tears shed as I read their story, and a few shocking moments as well. All’s well that ends well for them, and you just know their HEA is going to be epic <3

[Maral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

The series is one of the best written. The story continues in this one and all the characters are as lovely as always. Funny, heartwarming and happily ever after. Can’t ask for anything more.

[Deborah Bryan Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender Heart series

Great storylines - couldn't stop till all read. Can't wait for next one. Glad this series and writer suggested to me.

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't stop reading this series.

Once you start this series, you won't be able to stop. The stories just keep pulling at your heart. Can't wait to start the next book.

[Kappysgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one yet!

Gracie needed Dirk from the beginning. And his story is just as captivating as hers.
Thank you for putting more tender heart in this book!

[Linda Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

One of the best series I have read in a long time. I would recommend the author to all my friends.

[Pam Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

OMG!! This series keeps getting better and better, the plots and twists keep me focused and intrigued. I highly recommend reading this series, you won't be disappointed

[June Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in this series.

I have read and loved each book in this series and would recommend it to anyone who likes steamy romance, friends and family.

[Paula-Diane Lufflum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating

Gracie and Dirk have a rollercoaster of a ride. There are so many twists that it'd make your head and stomach hurt. She's a feisty one but worth it.

[Robert Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

More tender heart stories

It’s a great series. I’m just about to get book 5. I’m hooked and glad of it. What comes next? I haven’t peeked so it’s a surprise.