They say everything is bigger in Texas, and when it comes to romance novels, that seems to be true. The men are stronger, sturdier, and sexier, the ladies are sassier, sweeter, and savier, and the romance - well that's just steamier.

This week at Romantic Reads, I'm dishing about three recent reads set in the Lone Star State, each guaranteed to set your heart aflutter: Texas Trio, with a Q&A!

First up is Lori Wilde's The Cowboy and the Princess. Lori has become one of my go-to authors in recent years; you always know that a Wilde book will have a bad boy hero with a heart of gold, a slightly kooky yet entirely lovable heroine, and enough quirk and heart to keep the laughs coming: all wrapped up in a package full of funny mannerisms and phrases.

Her latest Jubilee, Texas, novel is a modern-day Roman Holiday with a runaway princess and the cowboy who can't resist helping her - even though it violates one of the laws Brady Talmadge lives by (No damsels in distress!) But Brady  breaks his own rules all the time, and one look at the waifish, gorgeous Annie and he's a goner.

Annie's on the run from her royal family, and out for one last adventure before she's scheduled to a marry a prince twenty years her senior. What starts out as a final romp ends up being more than she bargains for: Annie falls in love with her cowboy hero. And how could she not? Brady's as steady and handsome as a man can be, and he's got a way with animals. Who can resist a horse whisperer who kisses like a prince?

Another author whose Texas love stories I can't resist is Jodi Thomas. Her Whispering Mountain books are full of pioneering characters, the kind of hardy people that make you nostalgic for yesteryear. Set in the late-eighteen-hundreds, Wild Texas Rose  is the latest chapter in the McMurray family drama, this one centered on sweet, stalwart Rose and her adopted Texas Ranger cousin Duncan. They're as different as two people can be, yet there's a connection between them that has been there since they were kids. Now adults, and in the face of danger - no Ranger walks without enemies! - Duncan and Rose realize their bond is more than they can admit.

I've been swept away with these reads all week, and I'm anxious to hear what Texas-set books you love. And: don't forget to check back on Thursday, when I'll reveal the third in my Texas trio.

In the meantime, enjoy Lori Wilde's Q&A, and grab a book with a cowboy on the cover!

Until next week, happy reading!