Texas Forged

When you get too close to fire, you run the risk of getting burned. When you get too close to a person, you open yourself up to either pain or joy - or a combination of both. Gabe and Chantal have lives with baggage that so stuffed, it’s ready to burst. Gabe is overly careful and is singularly focused, as shows in his artwork. But of the two, it is Chantal that has been more severely burned in her past. So severely that she runs the other way rather than face problems or the pain. The author has created full characters and even the minor characters are strong. There is a happy ending but you wonder most of the book how and if it can possibly happen. I received an advanced reader copy for free from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Chantel Chandler returned home to work in her sister’s lingerie boutique after her boyfriend cheated on her. That and a divorce have her not trusting herself with men. Gabe Walker is a well known metal artist who has loved Chantel since he was 16 years old, but she was his best friend’s girl and he kept it to himself. When Chantel comes to his studio with matchmaking plans, it’s her he wants. What started as a no strings relationship blossoms, but Chantel’s insecurity and past sabotages their relationship. A reminder that one’s past experiences do in fact affects one’s present and possible the future. In the end , will Chantel be able to overcome her fears, or will Gabe be just another heartbreaking memory. I have to confess that while I loved Gabe, there were moments I wasn’t happy with Chantel. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and LOVED it so much that I had to purchase a copy. I was totally, completely in love with this story!!! I would give this more stars if I could. This is the first story in this series and I am so excited to read more of them. Whiskey River, TX is an enchanting place that the Tule Publishing has created. I want to move there!!!! Chantel Chandler co-owns a lingerie store with her sister (Angel). Both love to play matchmaker. Chantel goes out to visit metal artist Gabe Walker to get him to go out with another woman. Gabe has been in love with Chantel since he was sixteen and she was dating his best friend. As such, Gabe promptly turned Chantel down but asks her to go with him as he goes forging for scrape metal. The book just drew me in. I read and re-read sections as they were so eloquently written. It was almost like I was watching a movie. I really hated to see this end. I adored the dual POV format that the story was written in. It really gave a great insight as to what the characters were feeling and thinking in a given situation. This story is a sexy one that I would highly recommend to anyone over the age of 18. This is a story that I will be re-reading over and over.