Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Jake Holloway is a broken man—haunted by his wife Mary’s tragic death the same day she vowed to leave him for someone else—when an unexpected accident launches Lexie Morgan into his life. The sparks are immediate, and Wayne delivers a will-they-or-won’t-they that feels every bit as dramatic as it does genuine. Added to the mix is the intriguing mystery of Mary’s pregnancy when she died, leaving Jake with a premature daughter to raise—a daughter whose true biological ties are teased out over the course of this engaging novel.
Prose: Wayne’s prose boils across the pages, suffusing the romance between Jake and Lexie with serious heat, while crafting an authentic, vivid setting.
Originality: The singularity of Wayne’s novel lies in the breathtaking connection between the two main characters—a connection that infuses the narrative with purpose and, ultimately, hope, that second chances could mean the growth of something beautiful.
Character/Execution: Jake and Lexie are two wounded souls, and Wayne expertly interlaces their history with the present, transporting readers into a stunning saga of loss, passion, and new beginnings after the most devastating of endings. Their interplay feels real every step of the way, and Wayne gifts them with extraordinary depth throughout.
Date Submitted: April 01, 2024
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Texas Winds is penned by author Dana Wayne in the contemporary romance, interpersonal drama, and Southern fiction genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience but has some mild sexual content. We follow the story of Jake Holloway, whose discovery of his wife's infidelity while she lies in a coma, possibly carrying another man's child, leaves his heart hardened. Four years later, Jake crosses paths with Lexie Morgan, whose own dreams of love are shattered at the altar. Despite their emotional barriers, an intense attraction sparks between them, especially when Lexie meets Jake's daughter, Katie. As they navigate their growing connection, past wounds threaten to tear them apart, testing whether the unpredictable Texas winds will strengthen their bond or leave their love in ruins.
Author Dana Wayne has crafted an accomplished romantic drama that brings together themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and second chances in a fantastic balance. Jake and Lexie's journey was fraught with obstacles, yet their gradual emotional thawing and the tender moments shared with Katie warmed my heart. This is brought about with some fantastic speech and thought presentations in the writing, as well as dynamic dialogue exchanges that show off each individual personality in the cast. The vivid Texas setting provided a rich backdrop for their story, with atmospheric touches and classic Southern moments that complemented the emotion and action well. Wayne's portrayal of complex characters and their internal struggles made the novel both relatable and compelling with well-chosen dramatic events that many of us have lived, loved, and cried our way through too. Overall, Texas Winds is highly recommended as a captivating tale of love's resilience amidst life's storms that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
