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gypsyfire_89's review against another edition
4.0
Great start to a series. Love the bond between the female romantic interest and her brothers. The sense of family and tradition rings true for the main character so well! Who wouldn't want to live on a beautiful ranch with such hard-working people?
Can't wait to start the next one in the series!
Can't wait to start the next one in the series!
booksuperpower's review against another edition
5.0
The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This one’s a winner!!
Ex-Navy SEAL AND a Cowboy? Yes, please.
Clayton has returned home at his mother’s bidding, due to his father’s sudden illness and the family ranch teetering on bankruptcy, due to a major embezzlement scheme and cattle theft ring.
When Abby Harper’s younger brother is caught stealing cattle, as his guardian, she must sort things out. When Clayton realizes Abby is raising her brothers and is a little overwhelmed, his heart melts a little, and he decides to cut her some slack, by generously allowing her brother to work off his debt at his ranch.
As Abby begins to spend a little time at the ranch, she learns of Clayton’s financial issues and winds up helping him uncover the embezzlement issues, but she also finds herself falling for the tortured cowboy, and Clayton begins to have feelings for the beautiful lady who had to grow up too quickly when she had to step up and become a parent to her brothers at the ripe old age of eighteen.
I loved this story for many reasons. Everyone deserves a second chance, and although Clayton may have been moved more by Abby than her brother’s regret and remorse for the crimes he committed, by having him work off his debt, it helped Brice build character, and he responded to having a stable male presence in his life.
I also love the tortured hero complex and Clayton has all those traits. His time in the military left him hallowed out and the loss of his brother gutted him. You won’t be able to resist this big hearted Texan!
Abby is being taken advantage of by her boss, has her hands full trying to make ends meet, and raise her brothers. I admired her loyalty and responsibility to her brothers, and I’m glad she found a better life for herself and her brothers.
This may be my favorite contemporary holiday romance, so far, this year! It’s sensual and sexy, but also has a little suspense and mystery, with lots of drama and a heartwarming holiday atmosphere to top it all off. That I’m a little partial towards SEALS and cowboys is also a big added bonus! This is the first book in a new series, and that means more Texans and more cowboys. I can sense my romance novel diet could be coming to an end. So, Merry Christmas to me!!
This one gets all the stars!
5 stars
This one’s a winner!!
Ex-Navy SEAL AND a Cowboy? Yes, please.
Clayton has returned home at his mother’s bidding, due to his father’s sudden illness and the family ranch teetering on bankruptcy, due to a major embezzlement scheme and cattle theft ring.
When Abby Harper’s younger brother is caught stealing cattle, as his guardian, she must sort things out. When Clayton realizes Abby is raising her brothers and is a little overwhelmed, his heart melts a little, and he decides to cut her some slack, by generously allowing her brother to work off his debt at his ranch.
As Abby begins to spend a little time at the ranch, she learns of Clayton’s financial issues and winds up helping him uncover the embezzlement issues, but she also finds herself falling for the tortured cowboy, and Clayton begins to have feelings for the beautiful lady who had to grow up too quickly when she had to step up and become a parent to her brothers at the ripe old age of eighteen.
I loved this story for many reasons. Everyone deserves a second chance, and although Clayton may have been moved more by Abby than her brother’s regret and remorse for the crimes he committed, by having him work off his debt, it helped Brice build character, and he responded to having a stable male presence in his life.
I also love the tortured hero complex and Clayton has all those traits. His time in the military left him hallowed out and the loss of his brother gutted him. You won’t be able to resist this big hearted Texan!
Abby is being taken advantage of by her boss, has her hands full trying to make ends meet, and raise her brothers. I admired her loyalty and responsibility to her brothers, and I’m glad she found a better life for herself and her brothers.
This may be my favorite contemporary holiday romance, so far, this year! It’s sensual and sexy, but also has a little suspense and mystery, with lots of drama and a heartwarming holiday atmosphere to top it all off. That I’m a little partial towards SEALS and cowboys is also a big added bonus! This is the first book in a new series, and that means more Texans and more cowboys. I can sense my romance novel diet could be coming to an end. So, Merry Christmas to me!!
This one gets all the stars!
5 stars
taradwyatt's review against another edition
4.0
This book was exactly what I was looking for. Sweet, warm and romantic with lots of Christmas feels.
ladywithaquill's review against another edition
5.0
The best stroke of genius was creating one of the sexiest combinations to ever hit the contemporary romance genre - veteran cowboy. *swoon* I love military heroes , combine that with a beautiful ranch setting and you have me hooked! I haven't read many books by Donna Grant before, but what I have read has always been exciting and engaging. This book is no exception! I am thrilled that this is the first book in a series, because that means I get more cowboys. If a few military heroes are thrown into the mix, that won't hurt either!
Clayton East hasn't spoken with his parents in six months when he is forced to take a call from his mother, who has bad news - his father is ill, the ranch is bankrupt, and their prize bull has just been stolen by cattle rustlers. Driven by duty and love for his family, Clayton returns home, where he comes face to face with the sister of one of the culprits. The boy caught with the cattle rustlers is the brother of sexy accountant, Abby Harper, and she is both embarrassed and furious. Clayton makes her brother a deal: work his debt off on the ranch and no charges will be filed. Her brother agrees, and Abby soon finds herself over at the East home, enjoying home cooked meals and helping Clayton get the ranch back on track. Both Abby and Clayton know they have obstacles in their path, but when love enters the equation, neither has the will to keep from falling in love.
As mentioned above, I love the hero. Military veteran with a heart of gold and a love for his family means he's going to be a great one. Abby was sweet and a perfect match for Clayton, especially in her patience and her gentle nature. They both helped the other overcome difficulties from their past, and neither let the other forget they weren't alone. It was a beautiful relationship that developed over time, with enough of a buildup to make it realistic and sensual. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow as a couple.
I am excited to read the next book in the series! Another great book by Donna Grant.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Clayton East hasn't spoken with his parents in six months when he is forced to take a call from his mother, who has bad news - his father is ill, the ranch is bankrupt, and their prize bull has just been stolen by cattle rustlers. Driven by duty and love for his family, Clayton returns home, where he comes face to face with the sister of one of the culprits. The boy caught with the cattle rustlers is the brother of sexy accountant, Abby Harper, and she is both embarrassed and furious. Clayton makes her brother a deal: work his debt off on the ranch and no charges will be filed. Her brother agrees, and Abby soon finds herself over at the East home, enjoying home cooked meals and helping Clayton get the ranch back on track. Both Abby and Clayton know they have obstacles in their path, but when love enters the equation, neither has the will to keep from falling in love.
As mentioned above, I love the hero. Military veteran with a heart of gold and a love for his family means he's going to be a great one. Abby was sweet and a perfect match for Clayton, especially in her patience and her gentle nature. They both helped the other overcome difficulties from their past, and neither let the other forget they weren't alone. It was a beautiful relationship that developed over time, with enough of a buildup to make it realistic and sensual. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow as a couple.
I am excited to read the next book in the series! Another great book by Donna Grant.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
cheryls's review against another edition
5.0
This fabulous book is first in the Heart of Texas series and it features ex-Navy seal Clayton East and CPA in-training Abby Harper. She’s raising her two teenage brothers by herself. One of the boys gets caught stealing cattle from Clayton‘s family ranch and Clayton decides to give him a second chance by letting him work off his debt on the ranch. Clayton’s dealing with PTSD from his SEAL days and is struggling being back home before he was ready. At least that was until Abby came into his life. It’s so beautiful to watch Clayton go through all the phases of falling in love because he loves with all that he is. Abby is extremely gun shy because of her past but she couldn’t help but fall, worry and hope. It was very emotional watching her brothers have so much hope with the East’s.
This is a beautiful story full of hope, family, second chances and love. I know this fabulous book is about Abby and Clayton falling in love but I feel that this trio of brothers and sister, the Harpers, wouldn’t be completely whole without the unconditional love from Justine and Ben, the parents they never really had. So emotional at times I had tears in my eyes. I adore this series already.
This is a beautiful story full of hope, family, second chances and love. I know this fabulous book is about Abby and Clayton falling in love but I feel that this trio of brothers and sister, the Harpers, wouldn’t be completely whole without the unconditional love from Justine and Ben, the parents they never really had. So emotional at times I had tears in my eyes. I adore this series already.
lauraanne9's review against another edition
3.0
***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***
Abby and Clayton meet after her younger brother is accused of stealing cattle from Clayton's ranch. The sparks are instant, as is the wariness Abby feels toward Clayton and the fact that he holds the future of her younger brother in his hand.
Clayton isn't really that happy to be back on the ranch, it isn't as successful as it has been in the past due to the lack of attention to detail of his family and a shady accountant, and he has had to give up his career in the Navy to come home.
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed and I thought the relationship with Abby and her brothers and Clayton and his family were wonderful. I liked the hero worship of Abby's brothers toward Clayton and the willingness of his family to make them feel welcome.
All of this, though took away from the relationship with Clayton and Abby and I felt that there was a slight opportunity missed for their relationship to build while the focus was on the other characters in the story.
This book felt more like an ensemble holiday story than it did a romance with a central couple and some side characters.
I do recommend this title. It's a great, warm family holiday romance.
Abby and Clayton meet after her younger brother is accused of stealing cattle from Clayton's ranch. The sparks are instant, as is the wariness Abby feels toward Clayton and the fact that he holds the future of her younger brother in his hand.
Clayton isn't really that happy to be back on the ranch, it isn't as successful as it has been in the past due to the lack of attention to detail of his family and a shady accountant, and he has had to give up his career in the Navy to come home.
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed and I thought the relationship with Abby and her brothers and Clayton and his family were wonderful. I liked the hero worship of Abby's brothers toward Clayton and the willingness of his family to make them feel welcome.
All of this, though took away from the relationship with Clayton and Abby and I felt that there was a slight opportunity missed for their relationship to build while the focus was on the other characters in the story.
This book felt more like an ensemble holiday story than it did a romance with a central couple and some side characters.
I do recommend this title. It's a great, warm family holiday romance.
beamasalunga's review against another edition
4.0
Abby Harper's brother, Brice, got into trouble with The East Ranch for stealing their cattle. Ever since their mother left them behind, Abby took the responsibility as the guardian for her younger brothers. She's selfless, responsible, independent and nurturing. She temporarily sets aside her college degree to provide their needs. She knows Brice is a good kid and it isn't his intention committing a mistake and gladly, Clayton East gave him a second chance.
Clayton is an ex- Navy SEAL. He finds Abby beautiful inside and out. Their chemistry is natural and they have a lot in common. He and his family are hospitable and made the Harpers feel like home. Since it takes place during the Christmas season, the timing is perfect and I love it's family centered more than it's romance. It's wholesome and sweet.
I love stories like this even if it's not December. My heart melts.
Clayton is an ex- Navy SEAL. He finds Abby beautiful inside and out. Their chemistry is natural and they have a lot in common. He and his family are hospitable and made the Harpers feel like home. Since it takes place during the Christmas season, the timing is perfect and I love it's family centered more than it's romance. It's wholesome and sweet.
I love stories like this even if it's not December. My heart melts.
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