Heart of the Texas Doctor

Heart of Texas #1

by Eve Gaddy

Opposites attract... Graham McBride is a cardiothoracic surgeon and the eldest of the McBride siblings. Dedicated, hardworking, traditional, and oh, yeah, hot. But Graham married young and divorced, and is now convinced no woman will tolerate his dedication to his career. When he meets Bella Benson at a party he’s immediately attracted to her, probably because she’s totally different from any woman he’s ever dated. ...but can they stay together? Bella owns one of the local hair salons. She’s young, hardworking, successful and unconventional. And to Graham there’s no denying that, from the tips of her rainbow-colored hair to the soles of her fancy turquoise cowboy boots, Bella Benson is smokin'. Bella is no more interested in getting serious than Graham. After all, other than a sizzling physical attraction, they don’t have a lot in common. But oh, that sizzle! Irresistible right? So they jump into the fire, both confident they can keep their emotions in check. Love and passion rarely stick with a plan, and while Graham has expertise in repairing hearts, he is disastrously clueless figuring out his own. Can he prove to Bella that he’s worth the risk?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Medical

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2019

About the author

Eve Gaddy is the award winning, national bestselling author of forty novels and novellas.

Eve 's books have won and been nominated for awards from Romantic Times, Golden Quill, Bookseller’s Best, Holt Medallion, Texas Gold, Daphne Du Maurier and more. She was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Innovative Series romance as well as winning the 2008 Romantic Times Career Achievement award for Series Storyteller of the year. Eve’s books have sold over a million copies worldwide and been published in several languages and many foreign countries.

Eve’s writing career began when she was in search of the perfect job and a friend challenged her to write a novel. Naturally, she thought of romance, since that is one of her favorite things to read.

Eve loves her family, spring and fall in east Texas, the Colorado mountains, dogs, chocolate, books, and electronics. She enjoys cooking except when she is creating, and has been known to tell her husband that is what takeout was created for.

Eve also loves a happy ending. That's why she writes romance.

Reviews

[Anne Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunnies..... this was ADORABLE!
I wanted a fast, sweet and light read last night and that is exactly what I got. Heart of the Texas Doctor was all I was looking for and more. I smiled the whole way and went to bed happy. What else can one ask out of a romance novel?

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[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars 🌟

Had high hopes for this but unfortunately I didn't feel any chemistry between the MC's and the H was a wimp.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet and sexy!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read another series set in Last Stand, TX after finishing the Lone Star Justice series by Justine Davis. Those books were well balanced (some sex, lots of good story) and suspenseful in just the right way.

This book fell disappointingly short, though. Perhaps I had unfair expectations after having just finished the other series, but it seemed to me like this one was all sex and little substance. There just wasn’t enough story to keep my interest, although the opening scene was very promising. From there, though, it just fell flat for me. The “conflicts” here seem contrived, and I wish the characters had developed a bit more through the course of the story.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham is a man who knows his attributes, “believe it. Although, I am good at bull****ting,” he added modestly, as they left the shop." Graham is quite the animal man, “I like cats. And dogs. And horses. And other critters. I grew up on a ranch, remember?” Bella knows how to make her man work for things, “yeah. Anyway, she texted me three days later —three freaking days —and told me she’d meet me at the coffee shop.” I liked this book, I loved Graham.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham and Bella’s love story in Heart of the Texas Doctor by Eve Gaddy, book one in Heart of Texas series, was a wonderful, sexy, emotional and enjoyable tale. Graham, the eldest of his siblings, is one hot doctor. He married young, while in medical school and divorced because his wife couldn’t take the time he spent in becoming a doctor instead of on her. He is convinced that no woman will tolerate his dedication to his career. Then he meets Bella. Bella is totally different from any woman he’s met or dated. Owning one the hair salons in Last Stand, Texas, Bella is young, beautiful, hardworking, and unconventional. These two have sizzling chemistry and are not interested in getting serious; confident they can keep their emotions in check. Except, that things do not always follow plan one sets forth. Afraid he is falling in love, Graham breaks up with Bella, making him, and her, miserable. He might be an expert in repairing hearts but is clueless in dealing with his.

There were so many parts of this story that I found endearing and enjoyable. The time and energy Graham spent to get Bella’s cat, Abby, to trust him and let him get near her. The way Bella cared about the residents of her town. I also loved how strong Bella was in resisting giving Graham another chance. That is who she truly was. I thought Graham’s “big gesture” to prove he was trustable and that he truly love her was so sweet; especially the presents for Abby, the cat.

Ms. Gaddy wrote a wonderful and sexy story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Graham and Bella a chance to discover they were meant for to be together and share the future. I highly recommend Heart of the Texas Doctor to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend with benefits story. Neither were looking for a long term relationship so it worked for both of them. They got closer than either intended and that’s when their relationship faltered. It was an okay read for me. I didn’t really click with the male character. Graham was older than Bella but to me, a lot more immature. Bella is strong, gets the trusts she deserves, and at the end she is the perfect match for Graham and just what he needs. I enjoyed the authors writing. The scenes, locations, characters, their thoughts were wonderfully descriptive. I liked the siblings of Graham and look forward to reading their stories.

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via Netgalley

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

So, a good story. Not great but solid good. The story needed some more, not sure what though. Maybe more about the town, make connections to more of the folks. I do have the next story so I'll give it a try.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of the Texas Doctor by Eve Gaddy
(Heart of Texas Book 1)
Opposites attract...
Graham McBride is a cardiothoracic surgeon and the eldest of the McBride siblings. Dedicated, hardworking, traditional, and oh, yeah, hot. But Graham married young and divorced, and is now convinced no woman will tolerate his dedication to his career. When he meets Bella Benson at a party he’s immediately attracted to her, probably because she’s totally different from any woman he’s ever dated.
...but can they stay together?
Bella owns one of the local hair salons. She’s young, hardworking, successful and unconventional. And to Graham there’s no denying that, from the tips of her rainbow-colored hair to the soles of her fancy turquoise cowboy boots, Bella Benson is smokin'.
Bella is no more interested in getting serious than Graham. After all, other than a sizzling physical attraction, they don’t have a lot in common. But oh, that sizzle! Irresistible right? So they jump into the fire, both confident they can keep their emotions in check. Love and passion rarely stick with a plan, and while Graham has expertise in repairing hearts, he is disastrously clueless figuring out his own. Can he prove to Bella that he’s worth the risk?
This is Graham McBride and Bella Benson's story.
“Graham,” he heard Clara call out.
Resigned, Graham turned around to greet Clara and her latest protégé. He could always pretend to get a call from the hospital. After all, no one needed to know that he wasn’t actually on call today.
And then he saw her. Momentarily dumbstruck, Graham stared at the vision standing in front of him. Her blonde hair was long,
falling well past her shoulders, with part of it pulled back in a braid with gold beads threaded through it. And it was streaked with rainbow colors. Rainbows. Pastel colors of turquoise, pink, purple, pale green, blue, and of course, blonde. It should have been hideous, or at the least, strange, but it wasn’t. Oddly enough, it suited her. But then, she was a good ten years or more younger than him and very pretty, to boot.
Then he realized Clara had the identical hairstyle and dye job, except her hair was pale silver and not as long. And streaked with rainbow colors. Wow.
Bella nodded in Clara’s direction. “She’s already at it. See her talking to Mrs. Herdmann?”
“Mrs. H is the guest of honor. That doesn’t mean they’re talking about—” He broke off as both ladies turned to stare right at them with wide smiles. Clara even winked.
Bella laughed. “Don’t worry. They’ll forget all about us once they realize we aren’t going out together.”
“Bella Benson? Oh, the one who owns Bella’s Salon on Main Street?”
“Are you asking because you want to go out with me? Or are you asking because it’s easier to go along with Clara than to fight her?”
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Heart of the Texas Doctor by Eve Gaddy is a 5 star book.
Eve's Books with Tule:
Sing Me Back Home
Homecoming
The Gallaghers of Montana
Texas Heirs
The Brothers of Whiskey River
Texas Cowboy
The Brothers of Whiskey River
Texas Rebel
The Brothers of Whiskey River
The Billionaire’s Lover
Amalfi Night Billionaires
Texas Bachelor
The Brothers of Whiskey River
Love Me, Cowgirl
The 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo
The Gallaghers of Montana
The Doctor’s Christmas Proposal
The Gallaghers of Montana
The Cowboy and the Doctor
The Gallaghers of Montana
Return of the Cowgirl
The Gallaghers of Montana
A Texas Christmas Reunion
Whiskey River Christmas
Rebel Pilot Texas Doctor
Devil's Rock at Whiskey River
His Best Friend’s Sister
Devil's Rock at Whiskey River
No Ordinary Texas Billionaire
Devil's Rock at Whiskey River
Heart of the Texas Doctor
Heart of Texas

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I love starting a new series, the world I’m diving into is new, the characters fresh and the adventures are unknown. HEART OF THE TEXAS DOCTOR is the first story in the Heart of Texas series – and, frankly, I’ll read anything by Eve Gaddy (including grocery lists) for I love her style of storytelling, her characters are real and relatable and the events in her worlds could be taking place in the next small town over from mine.

Graham and Bella make quite an interesting couple. One relationship-weary doctor who truly believes that no woman can love him and still deal with his devotion to his patients. That’s been proven to him by his ex-wife’s actions, so, of course, every other woman on the planet must feel the same way. I love a clueless hero, they’re such fun to shake my head at and watch them discover the error of their ways… and does Graham ever make some errors with Bella.

Bella may be younger than Graham in years, yet in attitude, dedication to her craft, a willingness to step up and do what is necessary to make her dreams come true often make her seem at the least his age or even a bit older. She’s wise beyond her years, yet she still believes in the magic of love… someday, just not yet.

Graham and Bella may have been pushed together by the town matchmaker but the sizzle between them is very real. They believe they can have it all, the no strings relationship, the chemistry that sets them on fire and the friendship that each craves… just not that forever ever after stuff, that’s too much to believe in or deal with. Right up to the moment when they began to fall and did they ever fall spectacularly. Remember that “I love a clueless hero” that I mentioned? Graham. Yep, he will fight this feeling, make huge mistakes and come crawling back in a most romantic and smile-inducing way. I enjoy seeing that “aha” moment for characters, the one where they finally get it and realize just how badly they messed up. Watching Bella and Graham work their way through to their happy ending was pure joy and an experience that I’d highly recommend.

HEART OF THE TEXAS DOCTOR introduces some amazing secondary characters, some will have their stories told one day I’m sure, others will be dropping in again always as the background characters that make a fictional town come alive. It’s the small touches that will have me believing in location, characters, and situations. This story has all of that and more, I loved my time in this world and will definitely be back for more.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “Matchmaker” in Last Stand, Texas, has Dr. Graham McBride in her sights. She knows the perfect match for Graham is Bella Benson. Bella has lived in Last Stand for the past four years and owns her own beauty salon. She has a crush on Graham, but knows that he would never be interested in her. Graham, who is a cardiothoracic surgeon, is divorced and doesn’t have time for a committed relationship. When Graham finally asks her for a date, she agrees and realizes that it would be so easy to fall in love with him. As they continue dating, Graham realizes that he is getting too close to Bella. He won’t admit that he could be falling in love with her. After his painful divorce, when his wife cheated on him, he doesn’t know if he could go through the loss again. Does he want to risk his heart again? His family all like Bella, but he explains again that they are just dating…nothing serious. Really? A very sweet romance with “sizzle” where you can just enjoy and lose yourself in the story and characters. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of the Texas Doctor by Eve Gaddy is book one in Heart of Texas series. Series that has the feel good vibes of Marietta, Montana books but these take place in Texas. The dialogue is smart, the characters engaging and the story-line interesting. While I would not have thought of a cardiothoracic surgeon and a hair salon owner together, they were perfect for each other. So that just shows you how little I know.

This book is character focus especially with Graham and Bella. Both are hardworking and great at what they do, so it would seem a match made in heaven. Problems arise and the reader learns more about these characters from how they act and react. The supporting characters of Last Stand including Graham’s brothers and the “Matchmaker” make an excellent first introduction to the series., Bella has a cat with attitude which is one more plus for this first book. Looking forward to seeing who Clara Perkins sets her sites on next.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a light-hearted, easy read romance - this is your next book! It's steamy, but not too steamy, and a fun read. Take one good-intentioned elderly matchmaker, a divorced sexy bachelor cardiac surgeon, and a cute hair salon owner; add in humor, family, a well-intentioned matchmaker, chemistry, and you get a Heart of the Texas Doctor (the title could have been better, but it's a great book).

Graham is still reeling from his divorce nearly 10 years ago and feels that no woman will ever want to put up with the life of a cardiac surgeon, Bella is a unconventional salon owner, and neither is interested in a long term commitment, just a monogamous "as long as it lasts" relationship. Of course, they fall hard for each other and both have a few trust issues, but that's life. Both Bella and Graham have their "aha moments" and realize that despite their efforts at not falling in love, they do.

This book is realistic and not formulaic like some romances and the first of a series by Eve Gaddy. Definitely worth reading if romance is your genre!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEART OF THE TEXAS DOCTOR by Eve Gaddy
In this story we find the matchmakers at it again. Getting others together that they think would be a great pair. They introduce Graham the local heart doctor to the salon owner Bella. She has her own apartment and loves her cat.
They become very familiar with one another and the cat is jealous. Love realistic things that occur during this story. Love dates and times they are able to spend together. There are obstacles in the way of past dates with others and an ex wife.
Love learning how to pet the horse and other thing relating to the first ride.
He is in love with her before he knows it and he knows what he has to do. They are in too deep for onte another.
With his schedule and hers you know there is no way they are going to stay together.
How how his family intervenes…and her girl friends also…
Fiery hot adult situations.
Ends with excerpt from the next book in the series, which can be read as a stand alone.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Last Stand Texas, Heart of the Texas Doctor is a sexy contemporary rural romance. There was a lot to like about this story. I loved Bella’s first comments to Graham on being introduced. The fact that they’d both been set up with countless dates by the town’s well meaning matchmaker and the way Bella handled the situation made me smile. Actually there was a lot about Bella to make me smile. Graham on the other hand had me running a bit hot and cold, though I felt for him as he struggled to come to grips with falling in love. The pace was snappy, the supporting cast was good and for the most part I was happy with this story. If I had any criticism it would be the sex scenes, of which there are many. I really don’t need the mechanics of the act repeated again and again, no matter how much the scene is meant to show the growing feelings the characters have for each other. That aside, this was a good book.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Graham McBride knew how to heal hearts. He was a cardiothorasic surgeon, after all. He wasn't so good at protecting his own heart. His ex-wife had left his heart scarred when she cheated on him and left him feeling like he was at fault. Clara, the elderly matchmaker in town was determined to find someone for Dr. McBride.

Bella Benson was young and beautiful. She owned the local hair salon in Last Stand, Texas. Bella was the latest in the long line of "perfect women" that Clara had set before Graham. Bella had also been hurt before and wasn't ready for any kind of a serious relationship. All was good and fun until their hearts got involved.

I liked this story and I liked Bell and Graham's characters. There was obvious chemistry between them but the descriptive sex became tiresome. I get that they were attracted but I don't care to read the details of their intimacy.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Eve Gaddy book did not let me down. A very new romance-genre fan, I recently picked up a few cowboy romances and being Texan, just loved them. In this one, I do wish there were a little more Texas, though! Graham is a guy with sensitive parts (;>)) and both he and Bella both are once-burned-twice-shy types I could relate to—after all, Bella’s closing the gates out of fear of falling and not understanding Graham’s dropping her is something many of us know well! How Graham woos her is just delicious!! I liked the tension, Bella’s wondering why, the hair salon groupies having a marvelous time, and, well, Graham himself. Great late-night before-sleep read!!
I won an ARC copy of this book via Library Thing and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great way for us to meet folks in this wonderful town of Last Stand, Texas. Hot older, but not to old doctor who has been afraid to commit to a relationship after a bad divorce meets Bella a younger owner of the local hair salon. They have been "matched" by the oldest and wisest Matchmaker in town. She has tried many times before with both and well you have to read the book to see how this one goes. Bella is a bit younger in age but she is not in maturity. Wise beyond years is the thought that went through my head as I read this book. I live in Texas and it was so wonderful to read a book and picture places i have visited or could be based on local places. I see the bluebonnets that are talked about in the book if i look outside my door right now. This book reads smoothly and wonderful and has me wanting to hit up my daughter for multi colored hair myself.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this loveable novel of two unlikely people finding love, love is ready and willing to find them. Graham McBride is so not looking for a relationship lasting longer than a few dates. His divorce ten years prior took a toll on him that he is still paying. Bella is love shy after a cheating boyfriend ripped out her heart. When they are introduced by the local matchmaker biddy, it seems a perfect match for both of them: dates and fun without commitment. However, the heart knows what the mind refuses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this story of opposites attract. Bella, a local salon owner and Graham a surgeon at the local hospital strike up a friendship that leads to friends with benefits. Bella wants so much more, but Graham has been burned in his past marriage that he puts a stop to their relationship. Soon Graham realizes Bella is nothing like his ex, but can he win her back.

A great start to a new series in the Last Stand of Texas. Loved Bella and Graham, great likeable characters, great sexual chemistry! Loved how Graham, had to win over Bella's cat, Abby. Can't wait to read more from this fictional town of Last Stand, Texas.

[Heli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella and Graham are both very successful on their own. Bella owns her own hair salon and Graham is a surgeon. They both have bad experiences from past relationships. So they are not ready to be committed to a serious relationship with each other, or anyone else for that matter, when a local matchmaker makes the introductions. They realize they enjoy each others company, and maybe more. Can they leave the past behind?
This is a very sweet and lovely book set in Last Stand, Texas. It starts a series Heart of Texas featuring the McBride family.
Thank you LibraryThing and Tule Publishing for a copy of this book.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

They're perfect!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the next three books.

What's not to like about Book 1 and how opposites do attract. Graham and Bella definitely find a sizzling attraction, fighting an irresistible fiery flame, but can they keep their emotions in check?

Still, years after Graham's diverse, he is still repairing his damaged heart. What made him think by 'calling it quits' with Bella was going to solve his deep feelings for her? He may be a successful cardiothoracic surgeon, but clueless when it comes to passions of the heart.

Find out what happens in Heart of Texas (4 book series) Kindle Edition. Enjoy and happy reading!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bella and Graham's story. Graham is a doctor, he is single and has a bit of a reputation as a player. Bella knows all of this, but she still has a crush on him. When they are introduced at a party, Graham doesn't care if someone is trying matchmake him with Bella. She is a bit young for him, but she is very together for her age. As they grow closer, Graham gets scared. He doesn't want to be in love ever again. He tried it once and was burned. He breaks it off with Bella, but he can't quit thinking about her. What to do?

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham was so heartbroken when he walked into his own home and found his wife in bed with her boss, he left her and got a divorce pronto. And though years has passed he is letting the fear that Bella would cheat on him also ruin his happiness and their relationship.
Bella has been hurt real bad by two former boyfriends and really wants her relationship with Graham to last, but can they ever find their HEA??
I have loved other books by Eve Gaddy and this one is also an awesome read.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graham is a dedicated heart surgeon. He married young and is divorced therefore thinks no relationship can last due to the hours he puts in at the hospital. His work comes first. Bella owns the local hair salon in town. She is a bit younger than Graham and she has a high school education. After the town matchmaker sets them up they end up liking each other. They agree to a non-serious just for now relationship. What happens if one or both of them cross the line an fall in love? Fun read! You can't help but love Graham's character.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham lives a fast paced and busy life of a heart doctor. After a failed marriage he decides that love isn't for him and that his heart can't handle another failed attempt. When the town busy body decides to set him up with yet another single lady from the area he actually decides to take it. Bella Benson is a younger, new in town hair salon owner who stands out and isn't normally Grahams type but he's immediately drawn to her. This was a book I didn't want to put down. From cover to cover you fell in love with the characters Graham, Bella and even Abby the cat.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story in what promises to be another winning Tule Publishing series. In typical Eve Gaddy style, the characters are relatable and memorable, the dialog perfectly paced to keep the pages turning, and all encapsulated within a story that’ll steal your heart. I’m certainly looking forward to the remaining authors’ contributions to the series.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book.

A great start to a new series, Heart of the Texas Doctor by Eve Gaddy. Book one in the Heart of Texas series. Enjoyed the characters got a kick out of the cat. Great dialogue and storyline. I've enjoyed other books by author and I look forward to reading more of them. I can't wait to see what the other authors add with their books to the Heart of Texas series.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of the Texas Doctor is the first in Eve Gaddy’s brand new Heart of Texas series and promises to be a winner like so many of her past novels. A thoroughly enjoyable read, with believable and engaging characters, good dialogue and strong storyline too; oh, and let’s not forget the cat! If this is story set the standard for what we can expect from Ms Gaddy’s new series, I’m certainly looking forward to what comes next.

[Tracy Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of the Texas Doctor was a fun, sweet and steamy romance. Graham is afraid of having a serious relationship due to his failed marriage. Bella is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and doesn't need to have a man around at all times. Graham and Bella are wonderful together and once Graham gets over his insecurities he will have to try and win Bella back. I really enjoyed this story and all the characters.