REVIEW: Texas Lightning by Gerry Bartlett

In Texas Lightning (Lone Star #1) by Gerry Bartlett, Anna Delaney has almost finished developing the software that could net the company she works for a lot of money. However, someone is desperate to steal it. Luckily, Anna has a knight in shining armor in King Sanders; a man willing to do whatever it takes to keep Anna safe and make certain she finishes developing the software. Will King be able to protect Anna or will they lose their shot at happy ever after because of the danger?

”Get your freaking hands off of that!” She sat up and slapped at him, not about to lose the only thing that mattered to her.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” He let go and held out his hands in surrender. “I wasn’t trying to steal your stuff, lady. Just trying to keep you from fainting.”
Too late. She blinked, determined not to give in as the room dipped and swayed. When her vision cleared, she looked him over. For a kidnapper, the man wasn’t exactly trying to blend into the tourist crowd. This big guy with broad shoulders would turn heads anywhere.

The way this story started was brilliant and had me immediately hooked, as the heroine isn’t used to the Texas heat and it’s just lucky that King happens to be around. However, it was from the moment the hero realizes how much danger the heroine could be in where this story gets really interesting since King is a stranger and I could understand why she questions his motives when it comes to wanting to protect her. Will Anna put her trust in King, especially when her program is so important and it could cost her if she puts her trust in the wrong person?

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining due to the main characters back stories and intense due to the suspense, especially the fact that no one in Anna’s inner circle is safe. Moreover, in the beginning, the heroine comes off as the shy and quiet type and a total computer nerd, but I loved how she proved me wrong. Really, she’s resilient, courageous, feisty when it comes to going up against the people that are determined to steal her program and I liked that she put her trust in the hero. Then again, he has a vested interest in seeing that the heroine finishes the software. Is that the only reason the hero is so willing to protect her? I also liked how close the heroine was with her family and that they would go to great lengths to protect her, which is proven by what her brother does for her throughout this story. Certainly, he trusts her judgment, even when they both know things can go wrong.

”Bossy as ever. The Delaney men never change.” Scarlett sighed and put another pillow under her hip. “I have not missed that.”
“I have. Thought I’d never say it, but I have.” Anna settled next to Scarlett and picked up her phone. “I wonder if he told Mom and Dad he was coming here and why. Must not have. No texts from them or phone calls. That’s a blessing anyway.”
“No kidding. If he’d spilled the beans, we’d have a crowd of Delaneys here.” Scarlett patted Anna’s thigh. “Not that they couldn’t protect themselves, even your mother, but I wouldn’t want any of them to become a target for Icky and his thugs.”

While the hero, he’s confident, hard-working, protective and I liked how he helped the heroine in the beginning because she isn’t used to Texas. That moment goes to show how much of a good guy he is and that he would do anything for a damsel in distress. I also liked how far the hero was willing to go for the heroine when it comes to the danger coming her way. No way will he allow anyone to harm her, especially after what happened to her best friend.

Overall, Ms. Bartlett has delivered a really good read in this book, which kept me entertained from start to finish due to the strong chemistry between this couple and their delightful romance; and where I was absolutely charmed by the secondary characters and the ending had me liking how things work out for these two, especially after what happens to the bad guy. Guess no one should mess with the hero and the heroine’s brother. Then again, I guess no one should mess with the heroine either. I would recommend Texas Lightning by Gerry Bartlett, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Marnee Blake, Dixie Lee Brown, Samantha Keith and Kendall Talbot.

Book Info:

Publication: October 30th, 2018 | Lyrical Liaison | Lone Star #1

A million-dollar idea. A city girl in the country. And a man who brings out her wild side…

Anna Delaney is thrilled to leave Boston for Austin, Texas, when her small tech company is bought out by a conglomerate. Born into a family of over-protective brothers, this is her chance at true independence—and a name-making professional breakthrough.

Even when gorgeous billionaire rancher King Sanders forms a one-man welcoming committee, Anna insists that she doesn’t need a tour guide—or another bodyguard. But after she narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt, she can’t say no to King spiriting her away to someplace safe…and very private.

Someone wants the valuable software Anna’s developing, and King is determined to keep her safe until the culprit is caught. The hunky cowboy lights her up brighter than the Lone Star sky at night, but neither one of them is prepared for just how wild Texas can get—and just how hard they’re willing to fight to stay together…