Review Tuesday – Only in Texas by Christie Craig

This is the first book in Christie Craig’s brand new trilogy called “Hotter in Texas”. The three main characters are ex-cops who have been convicted for a crime they didn’t commit. Jailed for said crime. Then exonerated for said crime and released from jail.

When they are released from jail their lives have all changed, the people they thought who loved them, have walked away. The cops they worked with, have turned their backs on them. So they decide to start a PI Business called “Only in Texas” in a former funeral home.

This first book focuses on Dallas O’Conner. While in prison his wife divorces him and his mother dies. So he’s pretty annoyed at the world. While eating dinner with his brother, who is a also police detective, gets a call about a suspected murder. Dallas decides to tag along.

Nikki Hunt’s life is pretty much down the toilet. Her ex-husband wiped her out when they divorced, she can’t pay her Grandma’s cable or her employee who is her best friend. When her ex calls and asks her to dinner she knows it’s a bad idea, but she’s hungry and she’s hoping that maybe he might be interested in a reconciliation. The only reason she’s thinking reconciliation is in the hopes of improving her financial position. Only by the end of the night her ex is dead and she’s the main suspect.

I loved this book from the moment I started reading it.  Dallas is a stand up guy and a true hero, I mean who else would fall for a woman who throws up on him twice the night they meet. Nikki’s determination to not need anybody is something we all have a little of inside of us. But the chemistry between Nikki and Dallas can’t be denied.

Dallas’ dog Bud features and the image I got of a bulldog peering over the top of an empty casket is priceless.

This first book introduces us to the all the characters that will lead us through the three book series.  There is also a sub-plot with Dallas’ brother Tony and his wife LeeAnn who are currently separated.

If you want a fun read that hooks you from the first page, pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Note: This book was originally called “Don’t Mess with Texas”