Wow, this short little novella tugged on my heartstrings more than once!

Ryan is a powerful senator's daughter who is running from her life and toward her dreams of being a country artist. She just needs enough money to get that dream started, so to that end she's playing her guitar at a honky tonk. When she notices a woman getting assaulted by a customer, she's off the stage and in the guy's face. Unfortunately, the guy reciprocates and is about to choke Ryan to the point of unconsciousness or worse. That's when our erstwhile hero, Slade, steps in and from that point, Ryan and Slade's lives will never be the same.

I've got to admit, the hero literally saving the heroine is something I adore, especially when the heroine is tough and strong on her own, and isn't a simpering idiot. Ryan is no simpering idiot, that's for sure. I adored her character, and when she's paired with an equally awesome man like Slade, well, that's just about the perfect romance combination. Add in the cutest little girl, Slade's daughter, plus some amazing secondary characters, and what's we've got is a sweet, heartwarming story that's got just the right touch of spice. If only Hearstrings had been a little longer, so I could have watched Ryan and Slade's relationship develop even further, then I probably could have 5 starred this. As it is, though, 4 stars is perfect for this sweet, slightly emotional, adorable romance.

Loved this story of Ryan hightailing it to safety after her boyfriend/father's protege uses her a punching bag. Landing at Lucifier's Bar, Ryan gets about exactly what the name of the bar stands for "hell". Coming to the rescue is none other than sexy Slade McCall- a local rancher and single dad.

The chemistry of the two works great in the book- they just have a pull towards one another that everyone feels. When Ryan is in desparate need of a job Slade delivers. He is fiercly protective of his daughter that his warning to Ryan not to hurt Ivy when Ryan adores the child. Ryan has found something in this ranch that completely fits. Admitting that to herself and Slade is another story.

When a dangerous encounter brings the two much closer a blast from Slade's past does her best to tear that apart. Heartstrings are harder to cut as they can be much stronger.

Loved that this was in Ruth Cardello Lone Star world.

Lone Star Burn: Heartstrings
By Casey Hagen

Lovely, heartwarming and entertaining – this was a delightful story to read today!

Running from an abusive boyfriend, manipulative father and life she does not want Ryan finds herself in trouble at Lucifer’s bar after singing on stage. To her rescue comes Slade. Slade has a new ranch, slightly autistic daughter and more work on his plate than most.

What I liked:
* Ryan’s strength, warmth, caring and heart
* Slade’s commitment to his daughter, willingness to help others and inner strength
* Myra – housekeeper/cook extraordinaire with a pithy way of saying things
* The comeuppance Lisa (ex-wife) and Cutter (the bad guy) eventually faced
* Ivy – the daughter with a heart of gold
* Well…all of it!

What I didn’t like:
* Can’t think of anything except the fact that I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters or the story!

Thank you to NK Author Services for the copy to read – this is my honest review.

5 Stars