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Tradition, Texas Trilogy #1
Ruff House
An ex-Marine and young widowed therapist are enemies turned lovers in this small town country romance. A journal brought him to Tradition. She was the reason he stayed.Therapist Katie Mitchell's dream to buy the property she's leasing is finally within her reach. After losing her husband and high school sweetheart, the safe haven she intends to build will honor his memory - and ease the guilt she's felt for years - in their hometown of Tradition, Texas. With funds in hand, the expansion of her animal-centered non-profit seems like a sure thing until a sexy stranger steps foot on her land, right in the way of her plans - and her life in a way that she isn't ready for. Ex-Marine businessman Troy Montgomery is searching for an answer to the question left by his brother's journal when he finds the perfect property for his foundation's equine retreat. He wants it instantly - just like he wants the feisty woman who lives there. She speaks to the damaged cowboy beneath his polished exterior. But the more he pursues, the more he realizes she might hold the key to answers he doesn't want - and a change he may not be ready to make. This means war. Or cohabitation. Or maybe healing for them both. If you like heat, humor, and love that heals, you’ll love this small town romance trilogy from Mellie Callahan.
298 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2019
About the author
Mellie Callahan
10 books873 followersRomance Writer. Animal Lover. Sports Fan. Travel Addict.
Mellie Callahan is a native Texas girl who loves Dr. Pepper all the time, the Houston Astros most of the time, and her furry friends most of all.
A alumna of Texas A&M University, Mellie has been reading and jotting down stories for most of her life. After years of starting and stopping with creating a story of her own, Mellie finally decided to give this writing thing a real try and her first contemporary romance novel, Ruff House, releases on January 24, 2018. She writes real, strong heroines and flawed, swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix humor, heat, and heart for an unputdownable read.
When she’s not writing down all the voices in her head, Mellie loves planning her next biggest adventure, yelling at the Houston Texans, tending to her little garden, eating anything with sugar, playing trivia to win, and spending time with her family and friends. She currently lives in College Station, Texas with one very spoiled 70-pound-lapdog named Hank.
Mellie Callahan is a native Texas girl who loves Dr. Pepper all the time, the Houston Astros most of the time, and her furry friends most of all.
A alumna of Texas A&M University, Mellie has been reading and jotting down stories for most of her life. After years of starting and stopping with creating a story of her own, Mellie finally decided to give this writing thing a real try and her first contemporary romance novel, Ruff House, releases on January 24, 2018. She writes real, strong heroines and flawed, swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix humor, heat, and heart for an unputdownable read.
When she’s not writing down all the voices in her head, Mellie loves planning her next biggest adventure, yelling at the Houston Texans, tending to her little garden, eating anything with sugar, playing trivia to win, and spending time with her family and friends. She currently lives in College Station, Texas with one very spoiled 70-pound-lapdog named Hank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 29, 2020
A great love story that keeps you guessing what is going to happened next. I can just picture the characters in my head. I learned so much about PTSD and how it can effect people in different ways, but how they can learn to deal with it through working with animal such as horses and dogs. I didn't want this story to end and wanted to keep reading and reading. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for the signed copy. Don't read dad. lol
Want to Read
April 8, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/8/2020)! 🎁
January 24, 2019
Ruff House
Ruff House is the debut novel by Mellie Callahan. I loved this book. KatieMitchell, a young widow, lost her husband Matthew in combat in Afghanistan. Prior to his final deployment, Katie felt alone and took comfort in helping animals in need. These animals were generally those who belonged to others but their owners could not take care of them due to deployment, medical, or some other personal problem. The idea came about to create Ruff House, a place where people could leave their pets until they were able to take care of them again. Katie is also a psychologists who loves helping veterans return to civilian life.
Troy Montgomery, a Marine veteran, is drawn to Tradition, Texas by an address in a journal entry made by his brother, who also died in combat. But Troy has demons of his own caused by his own deployment to a combat zone.
The first time they met, Katie hated Troy. The feelings were not mutual. Troy felt an instant attraction to the “firecracker” in front of him. But he knew he couldn’t have her. His past would never allow it. Despite their own demons and insecurities, their chemistry was undeniable no matter how much they fought it.
I am very impressed with the writing, the character development, and storyline in Ruff House. This is a great start to a writing career. I’m looking forward to reading more of Katie and Troy’s story and hopefully some of the supporting characters as well. This is a must read if you love your Alphas damaged yet compassionate and their women strong enough to handle them. 5 MUST READ STARS.
Ruff House is the debut novel by Mellie Callahan. I loved this book. KatieMitchell, a young widow, lost her husband Matthew in combat in Afghanistan. Prior to his final deployment, Katie felt alone and took comfort in helping animals in need. These animals were generally those who belonged to others but their owners could not take care of them due to deployment, medical, or some other personal problem. The idea came about to create Ruff House, a place where people could leave their pets until they were able to take care of them again. Katie is also a psychologists who loves helping veterans return to civilian life.
Troy Montgomery, a Marine veteran, is drawn to Tradition, Texas by an address in a journal entry made by his brother, who also died in combat. But Troy has demons of his own caused by his own deployment to a combat zone.
The first time they met, Katie hated Troy. The feelings were not mutual. Troy felt an instant attraction to the “firecracker” in front of him. But he knew he couldn’t have her. His past would never allow it. Despite their own demons and insecurities, their chemistry was undeniable no matter how much they fought it.
I am very impressed with the writing, the character development, and storyline in Ruff House. This is a great start to a writing career. I’m looking forward to reading more of Katie and Troy’s story and hopefully some of the supporting characters as well. This is a must read if you love your Alphas damaged yet compassionate and their women strong enough to handle them. 5 MUST READ STARS.
June 29, 2020
This was an okay read. Katie is trying to get together everything she needs to start up her therapy center. Until she finds out that someone is buying the property. Personally I never really cared for Katie. I'm tired of these woman always trying to act like they can do it all but in reality they can't. I did feel bad about everything that happened with her husband. However, I'm not invested enough to want to read the rest of their story.
January 24, 2019
Ruff House
Ruff House is the debut novel by Mellie Callahan. I loved this book. KatieMitchell, a young widow, lost her husband Matthew in combat in Afghanistan. Prior to his final deployment, Katie felt alone and took comfort in helping animals in need. These animals were generally those who belonged to others but their owners could not take care of them due to deployment, medical, or some other personal problem. The idea came about to create Ruff House, a place where people could leave their pets until they were able to take care of them again. Katie is also a psychologists who loves helping veterans return to civilian life.
Troy Montgomery, a Marine veteran, is drawn to Tradition, Texas by an address in a journal entry made by his brother, who also died in combat. But Troy has demons of his own caused by his own deployment to a combat zone.
The first time they met, Katie hated Troy. The feelings were not mutual. Troy felt an instant attraction to the “firecracker” in front of him. But he knew he couldn’t have her. His past would never allow it. Despite their own demons and insecurities, their chemistry was undeniable no matter how much they fought it.
I am very impressed with the writing, the character development, and storyline in Ruff House. This is a great start to a writing career. I’m looking forward to reading more of Katie and Troy’s story and hopefully some of the supporting characters as well. This is a must read if you love your Alphas damaged yet compassionate and their women strong enough to handle them. 5 MUST READ STARS.
Ruff House is the debut novel by Mellie Callahan. I loved this book. KatieMitchell, a young widow, lost her husband Matthew in combat in Afghanistan. Prior to his final deployment, Katie felt alone and took comfort in helping animals in need. These animals were generally those who belonged to others but their owners could not take care of them due to deployment, medical, or some other personal problem. The idea came about to create Ruff House, a place where people could leave their pets until they were able to take care of them again. Katie is also a psychologists who loves helping veterans return to civilian life.
Troy Montgomery, a Marine veteran, is drawn to Tradition, Texas by an address in a journal entry made by his brother, who also died in combat. But Troy has demons of his own caused by his own deployment to a combat zone.
The first time they met, Katie hated Troy. The feelings were not mutual. Troy felt an instant attraction to the “firecracker” in front of him. But he knew he couldn’t have her. His past would never allow it. Despite their own demons and insecurities, their chemistry was undeniable no matter how much they fought it.
I am very impressed with the writing, the character development, and storyline in Ruff House. This is a great start to a writing career. I’m looking forward to reading more of Katie and Troy’s story and hopefully some of the supporting characters as well. This is a must read if you love your Alphas damaged yet compassionate and their women strong enough to handle them. 5 MUST READ STARS.
January 24, 2019
I think this new author is off to a great start with her first book. If you like complicated steamy romances mixed with some emotional comfort from dogs and horses, you will love this book!
April 9, 2020
this is one of those stories that show you that people with a troubled past can come together and help each other
May 12, 2019
Contempary romance at her best. Katie and Troy have a rough path to get together, but it's all worth it.
February 4, 2019
I am loving this new author! She’s a Texas girl and she paints a vivid picture of Tradition, Texas and it’s townspeople. Katie Mitchell is a psychologist burning the candle at both ends as she’s trying to make her dream come true. Troy Montgomery, hunky ex marine turned financial & business manager swoops in and crushes her dream by buying the land she needs for Ruff house.
“You seem a little fired up.” He made a slow, neutral appraisal of my body that definitely left me feeling fired up.
“Fire up?”
“Yeah, maybe touchy, A little emotional.”
That pushed every feminist button I had.
“Touchy? Emotional? Are you basing this assessment on the fact that I’m a woman and we are prone to being touchy and dramatic and emotional?”
“ I hadn’t noticed.” His eyes crinkled just slightly in a way that said, oh yes, absolutely noticed. “ Also, you added the dramatic. A bit dramatically, I might add.”
I wanted to throat push him.
“Who are you again?"
🤣🤣
I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for books 2 & 3!
“You seem a little fired up.” He made a slow, neutral appraisal of my body that definitely left me feeling fired up.
“Fire up?”
“Yeah, maybe touchy, A little emotional.”
That pushed every feminist button I had.
“Touchy? Emotional? Are you basing this assessment on the fact that I’m a woman and we are prone to being touchy and dramatic and emotional?”
“ I hadn’t noticed.” His eyes crinkled just slightly in a way that said, oh yes, absolutely noticed. “ Also, you added the dramatic. A bit dramatically, I might add.”
I wanted to throat push him.
“Who are you again?"
🤣🤣
I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for books 2 & 3!
June 27, 2020
Take note, right up front, that this book ends on a cliff-hanger and you might want to have the next book available to start reading right away. However, I don’t think I’m going to be very surprised by the revelations that will start the next book. These are complex, confounding characters that left me wanting to shake them as hard as I wanted to hug them. Both Katie and Troy have secrets and time-tested defences that are locked tight to keep all but a very trusted few out. I felt honored, as the reader, to be on the inside of those tight-knit circles, to see their vulnerabilities, and to learn their closely guarded secrets. I have loved watching as they let each other in and I’m looking forward to reading more about them.
January 27, 2019
Whoop!
I’m not an Aggie, but I am a Texan, and this book has my whole-hearted endorsement. Katie and Troy are an adversary-to-love story set in East Texas that is as authentic as they come! The setting, the situations, the dialogue ... so real! We Southern women are a walking paradox, well-trained in genteelness and smart*ss-ness. Katie and her senoritas are as real as it gets. Troy and his troop ... be still my heart! The animals, the military, the emotions—just read it! I hit Ch 20 and couldn’t put the book down! ❤️📚👏🏼
I’m not an Aggie, but I am a Texan, and this book has my whole-hearted endorsement. Katie and Troy are an adversary-to-love story set in East Texas that is as authentic as they come! The setting, the situations, the dialogue ... so real! We Southern women are a walking paradox, well-trained in genteelness and smart*ss-ness. Katie and her senoritas are as real as it gets. Troy and his troop ... be still my heart! The animals, the military, the emotions—just read it! I hit Ch 20 and couldn’t put the book down! ❤️📚👏🏼
October 24, 2020
I won this trilogy and had it on my tbr and picked it up after I won an arc of Attraction. And now I’m wondering how the heck I haven’t read these books before! A widow, a war veteran, and animals. What more can I ask for? I couldn’t stop reading and I’m so glad I have the next book because I NEED to know hat happens. I’m in love with Ms. Callahan’s work!!
June 27, 2020
Troy and Katie both wanted the same property however he was able to buy it first. Then they struck a business deal. They have an attraction that starts to build and decide to take things show and see where they go until Katie makes a shocking discovery. Now I'm on to book 2 to see where the discovery takes them.
June 28, 2020
Very enjoyable story, but it's got a big drop off at the end. It's good enough to move on to part two, however. Touching story, great characters.. I received this book through an ARC reading group that I belong to.
June 24, 2020
Katie is desperate to expand her charity. Troy is looking for answers. Their first meeting explodes in fireworks. Will Troy let her in? Will Katie find the answer to something she has wondered for years?
Normally, I'm hesitant to read triologies till I am able to read the complete in one go, this book was GOOD! You couldn't help, but feel for both characters. I loved Katie's firecracker personality and her good heart. I loved how Troy has this hardened outshell, but when he let down some of his walls, he was so sweet with her. Cannot wait to start the next one!
Normally, I'm hesitant to read triologies till I am able to read the complete in one go, this book was GOOD! You couldn't help, but feel for both characters. I loved Katie's firecracker personality and her good heart. I loved how Troy has this hardened outshell, but when he let down some of his walls, he was so sweet with her. Cannot wait to start the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
Amazing
So far so good.
Love the connection they are having. Looking forward to book 2 - t b c’d lol
So far so good.
Love the connection they are having. Looking forward to book 2 - t b c’d lol
December 31, 2020
Excellent!!
I loved the storyline. The characters were truly relatable. The banter was laugh out loud and some parts were very poignant! Enjoy!
I loved the storyline. The characters were truly relatable. The banter was laugh out loud and some parts were very poignant! Enjoy!
March 22, 2020
This was a really sweet and sassy romance which included horses, charities and a good cast of characters. As I was reading, I was hoping for a spin-off book between Rush and Toni!
My thanks to the author for sending me a signed copy of this book for my honest review. Texas Trilogy #2 is on my "to read" list!
My thanks to the author for sending me a signed copy of this book for my honest review. Texas Trilogy #2 is on my "to read" list!
July 1, 2020
I absolutely love this book. Katie is a widow, therapist and trying her best to run her nonprofit business. She's got her stuff together to buy the property. Troy comes and sweeps it out from under her. Will she forgive him? Will they be able to keep it professional? Read this great book to find out!
July 21, 2020
I recieved this book as a free book for review let me tell you this is a great read I started in the morning after recieving it in my email I put it on my mobi reader and read it all with in about 36 hours . The two main people in this book are both damaged mentally and phisically both have serious issues. Him PTSD. And her from losing her husband in the war. He fist goes to her town searching for something his now military deceased brother has wrote down in his journal that troy received. And in the mean time he also has a non profit foundation he is working on with a best friend he has that is in the nfl. So he sees this property that is for sale at the same address his brother has in the journal. that is what actually sends Troy there. So he purchases the property. only to find out that Katie whose husband aslo has died from this war, was staying there while her deceased husbands grandparents were recently put in to long care homes. And she agreed to take care of the ranch. Well anyways she finds out from the realtor that she has to vacate now asap because the new owners have bought the place and need her off of the property with in a few weeks. She eventually meets this new owner and wow she fires and yells at him she is a real firecracker to him infact he eventaully calls her firecracker and she calls him cowboy they work out a deal so she can stay on the property in the mean time he is looking for answers why his brother has her foundation in his journal which at the end of the story they both find out what they were searching for. Any ways they fall in love and hopefully book 2 is available soon so we can read on about Troy and Katie.
May 28, 2020
Slow burn romance
I enjoyed this book. I will say it started out slow and this is definitely a slow burn romance. However as both Katie & Troy's stories unfold the beauty of the story shines through. I will say you need to have the second book to finish their story so I guess that is where I am headed next because I need to know what happens to Katie and Troy.
I enjoyed this book. I will say it started out slow and this is definitely a slow burn romance. However as both Katie & Troy's stories unfold the beauty of the story shines through. I will say you need to have the second book to finish their story so I guess that is where I am headed next because I need to know what happens to Katie and Troy.
June 28, 2020
How does a book with so much editing get such high reviews. Is it even read? This is the first book of a 3 book series and all 3 books have been written and are out for sale so I can not understand why this book, the first book is full of typos and needs major editing. It completely distracted me from the story. I like Troy & Katie story but I just can’t overlook the sloppy shape this book is in. I would have bought the 2nd book as this book ends on a cliffhanger but the typos are too big of a distraction and should have been edited and updated for paying readers. Books in this shape, placed for sale for unsuspecting readers shows a lack of respect to paying readers in my opinion and because there were so many it left me frustrated and fed up! I received a free copy from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
Loved this book!!!
This book sucked me in from the beginning. The ending of the first book, had me buying the second book immediately, not to mention the cliffhanger ending. I normally hate triologies but this story is so worth it.
This book sucked me in from the beginning. The ending of the first book, had me buying the second book immediately, not to mention the cliffhanger ending. I normally hate triologies but this story is so worth it.
November 27, 2020
Good story
Good twists and turns
Intriguing characters
Good back drop
Just a good read
Good twists and turns
Intriguing characters
Good back drop
Just a good read
August 10, 2020
A Lot of Swearing and a Cliffhanger… Ugh
As someone who reviews a lot of books that I get mostly from book review sites, I would really appreciate it if authors were straightforward in their book descriptions about elements that some readers just don't like or are an utter turnoff. Unfortunately, this book had not just one but TWO of these. If the author had mentioned them in her book description, I never would have chosen it. I'm writing this so that others won't be caught flat footed by these elements that the author should have divulged.
This book has a fair amount of profanity, including at least 25 F-bombs, starting with one right on the first page. I don't like profanity in books as I don't think it is needed to show character. To me, it is a hallmark of writing laziness. Another thing I never liked to see is a book that ends on cliffhanger. In my reading experience, few romance series revolve around the same couple as this one does. I read a lot, and most romance trilogies and series I've read feature a new couple in each book. So, I go into any series with that expectation. I don't like cliffhangers in books. I think a book should be whole and complete unto itself, telling one couple’s complete story. Some people don't mind cliffhangers. That's why an author should say that her trilogy focuses on one couple with cliffhangers between the books. Both these elements took away any enjoyment I might have gotten from the characters and the plot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
As someone who reviews a lot of books that I get mostly from book review sites, I would really appreciate it if authors were straightforward in their book descriptions about elements that some readers just don't like or are an utter turnoff. Unfortunately, this book had not just one but TWO of these. If the author had mentioned them in her book description, I never would have chosen it. I'm writing this so that others won't be caught flat footed by these elements that the author should have divulged.
This book has a fair amount of profanity, including at least 25 F-bombs, starting with one right on the first page. I don't like profanity in books as I don't think it is needed to show character. To me, it is a hallmark of writing laziness. Another thing I never liked to see is a book that ends on cliffhanger. In my reading experience, few romance series revolve around the same couple as this one does. I read a lot, and most romance trilogies and series I've read feature a new couple in each book. So, I go into any series with that expectation. I don't like cliffhangers in books. I think a book should be whole and complete unto itself, telling one couple’s complete story. Some people don't mind cliffhangers. That's why an author should say that her trilogy focuses on one couple with cliffhangers between the books. Both these elements took away any enjoyment I might have gotten from the characters and the plot.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
June 30, 2020
A good start:
This was an interesting and entertaining book. I loved the fact that there was substance and depth to the story, whilst also steamy romance.
Katie and Troy find themselves on opposing sides when it comes to ownership of a property that belonged to her late husband's family. As they spend more time together their attraction for one another grows. You could feel the push and pull between these two and their chemistry was strong. I thought the author did a good job of highlighting mental health and PTSD issues and I liked that she didn't just provide quick fixes.
I would have rated it higher but there were a number of discrepancies and errors that really should have been corrected before publishing. I don't usually like books that end on a cliffhanger but I find myself feeling satisfied enough with the first installment and looking forward to finding out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was an interesting and entertaining book. I loved the fact that there was substance and depth to the story, whilst also steamy romance.
Katie and Troy find themselves on opposing sides when it comes to ownership of a property that belonged to her late husband's family. As they spend more time together their attraction for one another grows. You could feel the push and pull between these two and their chemistry was strong. I thought the author did a good job of highlighting mental health and PTSD issues and I liked that she didn't just provide quick fixes.
I would have rated it higher but there were a number of discrepancies and errors that really should have been corrected before publishing. I don't usually like books that end on a cliffhanger but I find myself feeling satisfied enough with the first installment and looking forward to finding out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 25, 2020
an okay book that by 3/4 way through I had already guessed the cliffhanger finale.... not interested in buying the next books to see what happens... 2 reasons for that ... the story didnt grab me enough to want to see whats next and secondly I hate cliffhangers to where if I want to know the ending I am forced to get two other books to get there. If you can't tell a story in one book I will not come back and read you. I only got this book due to it was a free book on Amazon and looked interesting.
December 3, 2021
Katie and Troy
Katie is a therapist and also operates Ruff House, a house that takes care of veterans animals when they are deployed. Troy buys the property that Katie wanted to buy for Ruff House. He's starting a horse therapy program for veterans, team building, etc. They are attracted to each other, but Troy suffers from PTSD and is afraid. They both have similar goals.
Katie is a therapist and also operates Ruff House, a house that takes care of veterans animals when they are deployed. Troy buys the property that Katie wanted to buy for Ruff House. He's starting a horse therapy program for veterans, team building, etc. They are attracted to each other, but Troy suffers from PTSD and is afraid. They both have similar goals.
May 12, 2021
Ruff House
Wow, what a story. I had trouble parting company with this story when I should have been sleeping. I love the characters, especially the four ladies, they make me smile. This story has everything and it's well told.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Wow, what a story. I had trouble parting company with this story when I should have been sleeping. I love the characters, especially the four ladies, they make me smile. This story has everything and it's well told.
I can't wait to read the next book.
June 19, 2021
Ruff House
A must read. Love the first story in the series. If I could give the story more then 5 stars, I sure would. Can’t wait to read the next story. A wonderful romance story.
A must read. Love the first story in the series. If I could give the story more then 5 stars, I sure would. Can’t wait to read the next story. A wonderful romance story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews