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Top Dog Dude Ranch #7

Their Convenient Christmas Engagement

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A mutually beneficial exchange

A burst pipe has made widow Gwen Bishop and her young triplets Ian Greer’s unexpected houseguests. The handsome tree farmer asked for just one favor in return: to help give his mother a holiday to remember. A father figure for the boys, warm memories, a cheerfully decorated home—the arrangement was convenient to them all. Yet for a woman who didn’t trust her heart, it was a wake-up call to what Gwen really wanted for Christmas: Ian.

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2023

14 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Catherine Mann

597 books1,247 followers
USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.

A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com

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5 stars
49 (52%)
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32 (34%)
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8 (8%)
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3 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Aly.
2,921 reviews86 followers
November 11, 2023
3.5

Gwen Bishop run the Top Dog Dude Ranch gift shop and is busy raising her six-years-old triplets.

Ian Greer also have a lot on his plate, between running a tree farm and taking care of his mother who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer.

But this Holiday season, Gwen and Ian decide to help each other and will play house together after a flood in her home. Gwen's kids are more than happy to spend Christmas with Ian's mother and his fluffy dog. For Gwen and Ian, it's about resisting temptation.

It's a cute read but in my opinion, Gwen's triplets didn't talk nor think like 6 years-old children. They sounded older than that so in a way, it was difficult to believe in those characters. When her husband died two years ago, that's when Gwen learned he was cheating on her so it was a great journey to see her find the courage to trust again.
Profile Image for Amber.
748 reviews
September 18, 2023
Oh Gwen and Ian! Were they not just the loveliest couple? It had all the feels of a Hallmark movie, including an amazing winter wonderland setting.

I love how they were thrown together, in mutually beneficial arrangements, and how both Gwen and Ian and their extended family found love and comfort in each other, amidst the triplets' shenanigans. Kids, amiright? The characters were very likeable, and I really liked how it was written in different POVs and even that of the triplets'. I thought that was really cute!

This book is not steamy but very romantic. It was the first book I've read from this author and now I need to read all of her other books!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,376 reviews15 followers
January 8, 2025
Gwen is a young widow with young triplet boys working at the gift shop. Ian owns the Christmas Tree farm next door and is caring for his mom who has alzheimer's. His mom wanders over to the gift shop occasionally. When they come back from the festival to find her cabin flooded will it end their chance before it begins or be a blessing in disguise? Mischievous kids with scissors, mom's with memory issues and no filter, plus multiple letters to Santa...this book is a page turning, laugh out loud easy book to read.
I received an ARC copy from the author. Review voluntarily given.
9,375 reviews140 followers
October 29, 2023
This is a beautifully written fake romance during the Christmas season. The author brings a cast of strong characters and weaves a heartwarming story filled with love, compassion and family. She deals with dementia and shows a loving relationship between Ian and his mother and also with Gwen raising her triplets alone after her husband's death. I loved watching them come together , forming a family. The story flows fluidly with her descriptive scenes and is a terrific holiday love story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
3,637 reviews17 followers
October 29, 2023
Gwen was burned by her husband’s betrayal and has trouble accepting help especially from the man she is attracted to. Ian was also hurt by his ex. They deny their feelings for each other, but after her house is flooded and he offers his home to them her determined triple boys want to bring them together for Christmas. I can understand why she put them first he his ill mother. The boys were a handful but loved their mother and wanted to ease her burdens. Ian puts his foot in his mouth but his heart in the right place. This was a sweet with a steamy moment holiday romance.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,670 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a delightful second chance romance! This is told in a multiple POV format. Seeing the triplets POV really made the story feel like a Hallmark movie! I could just see everything as the author was telling it.

I was really sad to say good-bye to this story! How can you not want this to keep going on and on!

The sexy time was only alluded too. It was kept behind closed doors. I highly recommend this story to anyone.
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
704 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2023
A wonderfully, warm story of a series of events that led to the best Christmas ever. The characters were unique and well developed. I really enjoyed seeing this found family weave their lives together,.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,202 reviews38 followers
October 30, 2023
What a heartwarming story with lovable characters and cute little boy antics. I love a story that makes me laugh out loud and this sweet Christmas romance did not disappoint. I loved this charming book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stevie.
59 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
Book contains a mom with onset of alstimers. Nice touch !
I read this book after Christmas as part of a reading challenge. I had to read a book with a dog on the cover , by jan 31. I happened to have this Sitting on a pile of books , I had not gotten to this one during the Xmas season .
1,476 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2024
Gwen is single mother of triplets. Ian is taking care of his mother, she has Alzheimer's. His mother always wonder to the store where Gwen works. Then Gwen's cabin is ruined and she needs place to stay, his mother offers his house.
Wonderful sweet story
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,191 reviews85 followers
October 26, 2023
This is a great fake-relationship romance.. I enjoyed it.. It is sweet and heartwarming, with very likable characters..

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Happily Ever After Romance.
876 reviews26 followers
November 5, 2023
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

I love returning to the Top Dog Dude Ranch world, especially at Christmas time. Their Convenient Christmas Engagement is full of the fun, the romance, and the shenanigans that this ranch is famous for, but especially joyful when Christmas magic is added to the mix. Gwen and Ian don’t know it yet, but this convenient, fake, limited-time arrangement will lead to a lifelong love for all of them if risks are taken and love is allowed to take root.

Ian’s mother is facing life with one of the diseases that the elderly (and their families) fear. Alzheimer’s-Dementia. She’s been wandering into Gwen’s shop almost daily now, Gwen’s triplet boys talk with her, laugh with her, and treat her with the respect she deserves while they wait for Ian to come to collect his mom once again.

When a pipe breaks at Gwen’s cabin making the structure unlivable until repairs can be made, Ian makes an offer that is so very hard to refuse. Pretend that they are in a relationship, move into his home while the work is being done on her cabin, and give his mother one Christmas wish – her boy settled with the family she already loves for Christmas. They can figure out how to ease apart later, but right now, it’s a favor for a favor between friends… until they are more than friends.

One might think that adding Alzheimer’s into a romance is a risky thing — but it is not, for aging is very real for so many families around the world. Ian’s mom is delightful, minus the filter these days of saying exactly what she’s thinking, but so real, still loving, still with some mischief, still deserving of respect and happiness. I adored this woman. Gwen’s triplets are (as my own grandmother would say) a hoot! Well-adjusted, loving, full of mischief, and respectful of those around them. Sure, they get into shenanigans, but kids their age come by that trait naturally. There might be a few Santa letters for a new daddy being sent up to the North Pole, but kids believe in Christmas magic, so Ian is the perfect new daddy that they long for. They just have to get the grownups on board with their wishes…but that’s Santa’s job.

I loved Ian and Gwen together. Friends, sure, that’s easy, but watching them move into the love that is right for them was pure joy for two people who deserve happiness. I had a blast with Their Convenient Christmas Engagement; it’s full of everything I love about Romance, especially Christmas Romance. It’s well-written, emotional, playful, serious, full of the magic that comes at this time of year, and creates a family that it’s hard not to fall in love with. I’d definitely recommend it to any reader who loves a good love story with lots of mischief tossed in as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
1,133 reviews
December 12, 2023
2.5 Stars. This is the third romance I’ve read in a row where the chemistry wasn’t all that apparent to me, so I don’t know, maybe it’s me, I have been reading this genre for a long time so maybe I’m a little burnt out on it or something? No matter how many times or ways the author tried to tell me Gwen and Ian were attracted to one another, it just seemed kind of forced and I never felt that spark.

I usually like additional family members in a romance, I had no problem with the amount Gwen’s sons were in the story or even that the story occasionally (briefly) is told from their point of view, too often though they didn’t seem like six year olds, I mean, many of their actions did, but some of their thoughts and some of their words seemed advanced for their age and that tended to pull me out of the book any time I noticed it.

I know this is a holiday romance and most readers will pick it up for that light, fluffy feeling, I just sort of found myself struggling with the lack of struggle here. Aside from the boys occasionally mentioning their dead father and his absent parents, for the most part, everything here was so so easy, you see very little of the hardest parts of the mom’s Alzheimer’s like frustration and anger and absolute heartbreak, nor does this delve into the potential complications of her living with six year olds, or how financially difficult it might be for a Christmas tree farmer to afford care. And, who on earth would be caught up in noticing someone’s physical attractiveness when most of their belongings, including a tool essential to their side gig is underwater? I guess for me, if a book introduces elements that would be extremely challenging and overwhelming in real life, then I need them to be at least halfway as challenging and overwhelming for the characters in the book, and that wasn’t generally the case here.

The slight sugarcoating on the difficult subjects in this book does make this a fit for those who prefer lighter fair for the holidays, and the one strong recommendation I have for this one is that this isn’t one of those books with Christmas in the title and on the cover only to come up short in the pages, there is plenty of festive content throughout, so I did appreciate that.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
September 30, 2023
Their Convenient Christmas Engagement is a standalone romance by Catherine Mann, which is also book seven of the Top Dog Dude Ranch series. It's been years since I've read a book by Catherine Mann, though I remember enjoying them I moved away from reading MF romances for nearly a decade, and now I'm reading both MF and MM romances.

Anyway, this is what I remember the authors books being. Totally charming and sweet, a fairly clean romance with two MC's who click really well but have other stuff going on in their life that perhaps makes romance not the most important thing on their list. For this reason, I found this book, as well as Gwen and Ian really relatable.

Gwen is a single mother of six year old triplet boys. She lost her first husband to a car accident and raising her sons has taken all her passion and energy, until things with Ian gradually start to change. Ian and Gwen know each other, they are from the same small town. However, Ian's mum, who has dementia, wanders to the gift shop where Gwen works so often that she and the triplets have started to help the woman while waiting for Ian to help his mother home. It is a really poignant part of the storyline and handled quite well, especially with the three tenderhearted little boys that befriend Ian's mother, as well as quickly become to see Ian as a friend.

Sweet, enjoyable and full of feeling. This is the perfect Christmas read. It was nice to be reacquainted with an author's work, I'm interested in what else is happening in the Top Dog Dude Ranch universe.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,654 reviews43 followers
October 30, 2023
Their Convenient Christmas Engagement is the seventh irresistible instalment in Catherine Mann's fantastic Top Dog Dude Ranch series.

With Christmas fast approaching, the last thing widow Gwen Bishop needs is to have a burst pipe in her house. With young triplets to look after, Gwen already has her hands full, but luckily for her handsome tree farmer Ian Greer comes to the rescue and opens up his home to her and her kids. But there's a catch: Gwen has to help Ian give his mother a Christmas to remember.

As the two of them begin to spend more and more time together, they start to get closer. Ian is an excellent father figure to the triplets and he is helping her create wonderful memories the kids will never forget. Being part of a family again has awakened feelings deep within Gwen she never thought she'd experience ever again, but having vowed never to put her heart on the line again, is she willing to run the risk of trusting Ian with her happiness? Or is she about to let this second chance slip through her fingers?

Catherine Mann's Their Convenient Christmas Engagement is a heart-melting contemporary romance that left me with a massive grin on my face. An enchanting tale of unexpected blessings, healing from the past and the magic of falling in love, find your snuggliest blanket, make yourself a huge mug of cocoa and cozy up with this enchanting and enjoyable romance by Catherine Mann - you won't be disappointed!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,708 reviews40 followers
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October 22, 2023
This is book seven in The Mills and Boon True Love : Top Dog Dude Ranch series and it is Gwen and Ian’s story. Gwen is a single mom to six year old triplets boy’s after her husband died in a car accident so Gwen not only had her hands full with her boy’s but she also works in the gift shop which means that she doesn’t have time or the energy for anything else in her life but when Ian’s mom who has dementia keeps arriving in the shop Gwen and her boy’s start to spend time with her while waiting for Ian to come and get his mom and a bond is formed and a Christmas Miracle could be on the cards for them all. This really was a beautiful and poignant story that was written with so much care and compassion on a very difficult subject and it had you turning the pages and unable to put it down and the boy’s were so cute, caring and sweet and I loved there interaction with Ian and his mom and I am so glad that they all got a happy ending and became a beautiful and sweet family.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2023
Welcome back to the Top Dog Dude Ranch. This book can be read as a standalone but there are references to previous stories. I love the books in this series because they involve dogs and kids. This story is about Gwen and Ian. Gwen runs the Top Dog Gift Shop and restores vintage toys. She also is a widow and has triplet sons. Ian is the owner of the neighboring tree farm, single and has a mother who suffers with Alzheimer's. Ian's mom loves to visit the gift shop mainly due to the toys that Gwen restores. When disaster strikes Gwen's home, she and the boys are invited to stay with Ian and his mother in their huge farmhouse. Of course, when kids and animals are involved, chaos will follow along with a lot of fun. This book was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sasha Fountain.
228 reviews10 followers
February 18, 2024
Christmas is almost here and widow Gwen Bishop is dealing with a burst pipe at home. She's got triplets to care for, but tree farmer Ian Greer steps in to help, offering his home to Gwen and her kids. There's a twist though - Gwen has to help Ian plan a memorable Christmas for his mom.

As they spend more time together, they grow closer. Ian's great with the kids, helping create unforgettable memories. Being part of a family stirs feelings Gwen thought she'd never have again. But can she risk trusting Ian with her heart?

Catherine Mann's 'Their Convenient Christmas Engagement' is a heart-warming tale about unexpected blessings, healing, and the magic of love. Grab your comfiest blanket, whip up some cocoa and enjoy this captivating romance by Catherine Mann - it won't let you down!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Justins.
103 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
Gwen loves her life and her triplet boys. She has a great job and a found family that keeps them all happy. But when a burst pipe destroys their home just before Christmas, how will she keep it all together?

Ian loves his mom. He has vowed to do whatever he can to take care of her after her Alzheimer's diagnosis. But she constantly wonders away and into Gwen's toy shop. Gwen is always so kind and watches out for his mom. When he finds out her cabin was destroyed, he decides to repay her kindness by letting her and the boys move in with him.

This book is sweet and funny. The triplets and their antics will have you smiling. A wonderful Christmas read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,252 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2024
I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main characters were Ian Greer and Gwen Bishop.

Gwen Bishop and her young triplets go to a Christmas event around town but when they return home they find something surprising. Gwen is not sure what going to happen now. First she must find a place to go now.

Ian Greer and his mother go with Gwen and her three kids to a Christmas event. But when they all return to Gwen's house they find out that something happened. Ian mother decides to invite Gwen and the kids to their home. He not so sure about this.

This was a fun story. It had action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,804 reviews50 followers
October 29, 2023
This sweet, clean single mom romance is perfect for reading all year long not just during the holiday season. It has everything one would expect in a romance. It includes a handsome, hardworking hero with a giant heart (he is caring for his mother who has Alzheimer’s), a lovely, overworked and dedicated single mom with a heart of gold, mischievous triplet boys who have decided they want a new daddy for Christmas, and a few furry friends that only make this book more wonderful. Add in lots of Christmas activities and a sprinkling of magic and you have a wonderful, entertaining and enjoyable book to read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
October 30, 2023
Gwen is a single mother of young triplet boys and runs a gift shop. Ian has a tree farm next door, is single with a mother who has Alzheimer's. When her place gets flooded, he offers a compromise - stay with them and help him give his mother an old fashioned Christmas. They all fit together so effortlessly and the heartwarming care and determination comes through. Terrific characters with deep feelings and open hearts. Fun, entertaining situations and a little romance mixed in, keeps the pages turning until the great ending. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,698 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2023
Nice story in the series. Widow Gwen Bishop runs the gift shop at the Top Dog Dude Ranch, restores vintage toys, and wrangles her identical triplet boys. And notices when Ian Greer's mother wanders in and forgets where she is. Ian has purchased the local Christmas Tree Farm to be more available for his mom, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Ian and Gwen have been noticing each other, but a broken pipe and flooding at her cabin bring them closer together when he offers her room at his house for her and the boys until other housing on the ranch is available. So, guess what happens!
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,737 reviews17 followers
October 29, 2023
Tis the season - A lovely story with three mischievous kids, a forgetful but loving mom and a slew of characters rooting for the lovers. I loved how Gwen was the consummate caregiver, not just for her boys but Florence as well. Ian did his part in taking on a fatherly role to the boys. And his way with his mom was heartwarming. Such a good son. A few kisses and lingering glances only in this sweet holiday tale. The spirit of the season fairly well leaps off the pages and into the reader's heart.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
490 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
can a widow with triplets and a tree farmer make it together? - well yeah but things are messy for both of them, as his Mom lives with him after her alzheimer's diagnosis and finding any alone time during the holidays can be tough but his Mom does help out when she can as does the rest of the people on the Top dog dude ranch - I love reading a good series and revisiting with previous couples - Catherine never disappoints me with her wonderful writing style!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,082 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2023
Gwen has had a rough go of it since her husband was killed in an auto accident. She is left to raise her triplets by herself. Little did she know she would need some major help and who would come to her rescue but Ian, one man no one would ever think would do respond to anyone, but would Gwen be his undoing? When pipes break, She is recuse by Ian who is taking care of his mother who has Alzheimer’s. His mother is always ending up in Gwen shop and spent time with her triples.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,927 reviews31 followers
October 29, 2023
Lovely holiday romance with widowed Gwen with her triplet boys and Ian who had a recent break with his fiancé. They both are not looking for love but as they both spend time together with her sons and his mother who has Alzheimers love develops between them especially when her cabin gets flooded and he offers room in his large home.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,718 reviews29 followers
October 30, 2023
I always love coming back to the Top Dog Dude Ranch and seeing who is next to get a HEA as well as see familiar faces again. Gwen and Ian are just so great together and her boys are well typical boys lol an seeing them all together for Florence's benefit works out to be the best thing as Gwen and Ian got to see what it would be like together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracey.
300 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2023
This seems like a Hallmark holiday movie.

Gwen is widowed after her husband dies in a car accident. This is compounded by the fact that they had 6 year old triplets.

Ian's Mom has dementia and keeps wandering into the gift shop where Gwen works. Her boys bond with her each time they await Ian to come fetch her.

You can guess what comes next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving this review of my own volition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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