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Cowboys & Brides #2
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby
'Tis the season for...
A pistol-totin' woman who's no angel
A tough rancher who doesn't believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights
After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can't wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.
When he pulls in, there's Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.
Lucas is unfazed. But wait... is that a BABY in her arms?
A pistol-totin' woman who's no angel
A tough rancher who doesn't believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights
After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can't wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.
When he pulls in, there's Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.
Lucas is unfazed. But wait... is that a BABY in her arms?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
699 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,132 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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September 8, 2013
Cyber-dating has always been dangerous, you never really know who you're speaking to on the other side. It can cause a endless amount of trouble for both parties involved. In the new Carolyn Brown read this however is what Natalie and Lucas get themselves involved in for almost a year before meeting face to face, or in this case face to pistol and screaming baby.
Yes you read that right, screaming baby and pistol! Lucas has just come home from Kuwait and all he wants is to get rid of the desert sand and find Natalie, the woman of his cyber dreams and he is dead set on making sure their first meeting is nothing but perfect.
But he comes home to find Natalie already there, with a dead coyote at her feet and a baby in her arms. Not romantic at all and certainly not what he expected, and understandably he explodes and feels that she lied to him on purpose.
This is of course not the case at all and Natalie tries to explain but with Lucas furious beyond reason she gives up and walks away ready to leave the ranch immediately, only fate and Lucas's housekeeper has other plans for these two and by the time Christmas day arrives they won't be able to live without each other.
The character of Natalie was a real hell-cat, spitting fire and just totally awesome! I adored her standing strong through her mistakes and sticking to her guns no matter how hard life knocks her down, as any single mother would know dealing with the raising of a child alone is never easy and nor is it easy to find love again and acceptance for you both.
Natalie does not let this little bump in the road stop her nor does she let Lucas's bad-ass attitude stop her from standing her ground, totally adored her knocking him back ten times harder then what he dishes out, had me laughing ever time the man got roped in.
The character of Lucas was the one that stole my heart in this read, coming home after war and losing your best friend in battle with the dream of having the woman of your dreams in your arms and then finding her already a mother and with a whole lot of baggage is not the homecoming any man wants, and yes understandably he looses his cool , but the author also let's his true personality come through as the read developed I found him to be a true gentlemen and always staying true to his feelings. He digs deep inside his soul and finds that family comes in all shapes and forms, you just need to embrace it.
The backdrop settings and dialogue were so delightful and full of spirit that I felt the emotions of each character, saw the landscape and could touch the chemistry, truly amazing stuff Carolyn, you stole my breath away.
Am taking away a message of life sometimes brings us to where we want to be but not in the conventional way, it takes us on twists and turns and along the way shapes us into better people. It might feel like nothing is going the way you planned but in that is where the beauty of life lies, don't walk away from it, simply go with it and know that in the end you will see that who you have in your life came into your life exactly the way they were meant to.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of sexy, spunky hot cowboy reads. Carolyn Brown delivers on each and every page a truly phenomenal story of friendship never forgotten, love and family found and above all the message of miracles happen every day.
I look forward to many more highly enjoyable reads from this author!
5/5 star review
" This soldier is about to face the toughest battle of his life and it comes armed with a pink pistol"
November 24, 2013
Title: The Cowboy's Christmas Baby
Series: Cowboys and Brides bk 2
Author: Carolyn Brown
Genre: Western Romance
A PISTOL-TOTIN’ WOMAN WHO’S NO ANGEL
LOVE THAT WARMS THE COLDEST NIGHT
After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can’t wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.
When he pulls in, there’s Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.
Lucas is unfazed. But wait…is that a BABY in her arms? (from the back of the arc)
Lucas Allen cannot wait to meet the woman who has not only been his confidant but his life line during his time in Kuwait, but when he realizes she hasn’t been exactly forthcoming, he begins to question if he truly knows her at all. Natalie Clark may have omitted the fact that she was pregnant then gave birth to a little boy whilst starting up a relationship with Lucas, but she’s no liar and intends to prove it. Now that he is home, even though he is a bit angry at her betrayal, neither can deny the attraction they feel for each other.
Brimming with secrets lots of sexual tension and characters that are delightfully flawed, The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby is another keeper on my shelf.
I love Christmas books especially ones that center on cowboys. Carolyn writes in a way that you feel you have a connection to the characters. I have to say that I enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. They were both strongly created characters with these human flaws they had to work through and both had valid reasons why they did or acted as they did.
Love this series.. Keep up the great writing Carolyn!
A+
Review by: Helen
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Cowboys and Brides bk 2
Author: Carolyn Brown
Genre: Western Romance
A PISTOL-TOTIN’ WOMAN WHO’S NO ANGEL
LOVE THAT WARMS THE COLDEST NIGHT
After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can’t wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.
When he pulls in, there’s Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.
Lucas is unfazed. But wait…is that a BABY in her arms? (from the back of the arc)
Lucas Allen cannot wait to meet the woman who has not only been his confidant but his life line during his time in Kuwait, but when he realizes she hasn’t been exactly forthcoming, he begins to question if he truly knows her at all. Natalie Clark may have omitted the fact that she was pregnant then gave birth to a little boy whilst starting up a relationship with Lucas, but she’s no liar and intends to prove it. Now that he is home, even though he is a bit angry at her betrayal, neither can deny the attraction they feel for each other.
Brimming with secrets lots of sexual tension and characters that are delightfully flawed, The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby is another keeper on my shelf.
I love Christmas books especially ones that center on cowboys. Carolyn writes in a way that you feel you have a connection to the characters. I have to say that I enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. They were both strongly created characters with these human flaws they had to work through and both had valid reasons why they did or acted as they did.
Love this series.. Keep up the great writing Carolyn!
A+
Review by: Helen
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
January 1, 2015
Fun book full of sassy romance and quirky characters. Lucas has arrived home from his deployment a couple days early, ready to surprise his family. He's also looking forward to meeting the girl he got to know over the internet in person, when she arrives in a few days. But there are a lot more surprises than he expected when he arrives to find the family gone, and Natalie already there. She's standing there with a pistol in her hand, a dead coyote at her feet, and a baby in her arms, just as stunned to see him.
Lucas was introduced to Natalie, via Skype, by his tentmate, who was also Natalie's best friend. When Drew was killed by an IED, Lucas was the one who told her and became her friend also. He's spent the last few months building up dreams and hopes that come crashing down when he sees her with the baby. He's angry that she didn't tell him before, hurt that there must be someone she cares for more, and jealous of the baby.
Natalie is stunned to see Lucas show up early. She and the family had big plans for his homecoming and now it's all ruined. She knows she should have told him about the baby, but she hadn't been able to figure out how. She wants to explain, but he won't listen. Now he's just making her mad with his reaction. She's ready to walk away from the ranch and Lucas, but the family housekeeper/cook has been hurt and has made Natalie promise to stay and look after them until she's better.
I loved Natalie. She's a strong, sassy woman who has no trouble standing up for herself. She doesn't take Lucas's attitude for long, and soon pushes back. I like the way she owns up to her mistakes, then moves on and expects him to also. She'd spent most of the last months getting to know Lucas online and falling for what she saw. Lucas in person is even better, and her attraction to him is sizzling.
Lucas was fantastic. I felt for him, with the shock he received when he got home. He's still dealing with the loss of his friend and had been looking forward to holding Natalie. It isn't surprising that he loses his cool for awhile. Once he cools off and he and Natalie have a chance to talk, his true nature begins to reassert itself. He is really quite a gentleman and a romantic too.
The development of their relationship was quite well done. They already knew each other pretty well, but there are some things that have to be experienced in person. Though they start out ticked off at each other, it doesn't take too long for them to move forward. I loved seeing them together, from their cooperation with the ranch work to caring for the baby to acting on their attraction. Both of them were cautious about confessing their feelings, worried that the other didn't feel the same way. I really enjoyed Lucas's efforts for Christmas and how he tried to plan each little detail. The ending is really sweet with them finally having the courage to reach for their dreams.
There is also a great theme of family running throughout the book. Both Natalie and Lucas are close to their families. Though she spends a fair amount of time avoiding her own family, Natalie thinks of them quite often. I enjoyed the conversations she had with her mother, and how Natalie tried to keep control of her own life. Lucas's family was a lot of fun. The three older men were really sweet with the way they took to baby Josh. I loved seeing them fuss over who got to hold him or take care of him. It was also fun to see them try their hands at matchmaking. Lucas has dreams of having his own family, but fears it will never happen, thanks to an ex-girlfriend. There's a great twist at the end that is the direct result of her actions, but it helps bring Lucas and Natalie together.
There are quite a few laugh out loud moments in the book. Natalie's refusal to be intimidated by Lucas's ex was very fun to read. There were several funny scenes involving animals and their determination to get in the house and the havoc they created. I also enjoyed Hazel the housekeeper's long distance interference, and her arrival back home once she's healed. The interactions among characters were fun and moving and just plain terrific reading.
Lucas was introduced to Natalie, via Skype, by his tentmate, who was also Natalie's best friend. When Drew was killed by an IED, Lucas was the one who told her and became her friend also. He's spent the last few months building up dreams and hopes that come crashing down when he sees her with the baby. He's angry that she didn't tell him before, hurt that there must be someone she cares for more, and jealous of the baby.
Natalie is stunned to see Lucas show up early. She and the family had big plans for his homecoming and now it's all ruined. She knows she should have told him about the baby, but she hadn't been able to figure out how. She wants to explain, but he won't listen. Now he's just making her mad with his reaction. She's ready to walk away from the ranch and Lucas, but the family housekeeper/cook has been hurt and has made Natalie promise to stay and look after them until she's better.
I loved Natalie. She's a strong, sassy woman who has no trouble standing up for herself. She doesn't take Lucas's attitude for long, and soon pushes back. I like the way she owns up to her mistakes, then moves on and expects him to also. She'd spent most of the last months getting to know Lucas online and falling for what she saw. Lucas in person is even better, and her attraction to him is sizzling.
Lucas was fantastic. I felt for him, with the shock he received when he got home. He's still dealing with the loss of his friend and had been looking forward to holding Natalie. It isn't surprising that he loses his cool for awhile. Once he cools off and he and Natalie have a chance to talk, his true nature begins to reassert itself. He is really quite a gentleman and a romantic too.
The development of their relationship was quite well done. They already knew each other pretty well, but there are some things that have to be experienced in person. Though they start out ticked off at each other, it doesn't take too long for them to move forward. I loved seeing them together, from their cooperation with the ranch work to caring for the baby to acting on their attraction. Both of them were cautious about confessing their feelings, worried that the other didn't feel the same way. I really enjoyed Lucas's efforts for Christmas and how he tried to plan each little detail. The ending is really sweet with them finally having the courage to reach for their dreams.
There is also a great theme of family running throughout the book. Both Natalie and Lucas are close to their families. Though she spends a fair amount of time avoiding her own family, Natalie thinks of them quite often. I enjoyed the conversations she had with her mother, and how Natalie tried to keep control of her own life. Lucas's family was a lot of fun. The three older men were really sweet with the way they took to baby Josh. I loved seeing them fuss over who got to hold him or take care of him. It was also fun to see them try their hands at matchmaking. Lucas has dreams of having his own family, but fears it will never happen, thanks to an ex-girlfriend. There's a great twist at the end that is the direct result of her actions, but it helps bring Lucas and Natalie together.
There are quite a few laugh out loud moments in the book. Natalie's refusal to be intimidated by Lucas's ex was very fun to read. There were several funny scenes involving animals and their determination to get in the house and the havoc they created. I also enjoyed Hazel the housekeeper's long distance interference, and her arrival back home once she's healed. The interactions among characters were fun and moving and just plain terrific reading.
November 17, 2013
3.5 Early this year I read and enjoyed the first book in the Cowboys & Bride series, Billion Dollar Cowboy, by Carolyn Brown. I was excited to see the release of The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby. This time she brings us a yummy rancher who has just finished a tour in Kuwait, and the sassy woman he has been chatting with for the past eleven months. Filled with memorable characters, a friendship to lover’s romance and the joy of the season. Mini review: sweet, humorous and romantic.
Lucas Allen is excited to be returning home to his ranch, and family. It’s been a year and he is anxious to celebrate the holiday season getting to know Natalie Clark. She is the woman he has been chatting with online for the past eleven months. He has visions of scooping her up in his arms and kissing her silly when she arrives. Imagine his surprise when he returns home to find Natalie surrounded by puppies, holding a pink pistol and a baby in her arms. The tale that unfolds was sweet, sexy and filled with hilarious moments that made me giggle aloud.
Lucas and Natalie have both lost someone special to them, and it has forever changed them. Lucas is sweet and smexy. At times, he could be a stubborn, Neanderthal but you cannot help falling for him. He has a soft spot for family members and even in anger he is tender. He is fairly fleshed out, and I felt his emotions. Natalie is tough, loves sports and ranch life. She is living with the consequences of too much tequila with her best friend and suffering from his loss. Lucus has been her rock, and those night spent chatting online her salvation. This is a friendship to lover’s trope and Brown did a good job of filling in the details, allowing the characters to grow and making the relationship feel real. The secondary characters especially the “three wise men” and the housekeeper really added humor and tender moments to this tale.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby was one I easily slipped into. The characters came to life, and I felt like I was right there on the ranch. Brown did a lovely job of creating a rancher’s life, and bringing it to the reader. I liked how Brown used the Angus Association of Ranchers to tie Lucas to the characters in Billion Dollar Cowboy. The tale was well paced, with twists, and turns while not over doing the drama and obstacles. There were lessons, and magical moment s and laughter all around. The romance developed slowly, and while the tale was completely predictable I was happy chasing my HEA. There was a scene where the couple bickered, and I think it should have been handled differently, it put me off Lucas for a New York minute, but we quickly got back on track and I ended up adoring him. The baby who did nothing more than coo, had a unique role in the tale, and I adored every moment and scene he was in.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Lucas Allen is excited to be returning home to his ranch, and family. It’s been a year and he is anxious to celebrate the holiday season getting to know Natalie Clark. She is the woman he has been chatting with online for the past eleven months. He has visions of scooping her up in his arms and kissing her silly when she arrives. Imagine his surprise when he returns home to find Natalie surrounded by puppies, holding a pink pistol and a baby in her arms. The tale that unfolds was sweet, sexy and filled with hilarious moments that made me giggle aloud.
Lucas and Natalie have both lost someone special to them, and it has forever changed them. Lucas is sweet and smexy. At times, he could be a stubborn, Neanderthal but you cannot help falling for him. He has a soft spot for family members and even in anger he is tender. He is fairly fleshed out, and I felt his emotions. Natalie is tough, loves sports and ranch life. She is living with the consequences of too much tequila with her best friend and suffering from his loss. Lucus has been her rock, and those night spent chatting online her salvation. This is a friendship to lover’s trope and Brown did a good job of filling in the details, allowing the characters to grow and making the relationship feel real. The secondary characters especially the “three wise men” and the housekeeper really added humor and tender moments to this tale.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby was one I easily slipped into. The characters came to life, and I felt like I was right there on the ranch. Brown did a lovely job of creating a rancher’s life, and bringing it to the reader. I liked how Brown used the Angus Association of Ranchers to tie Lucas to the characters in Billion Dollar Cowboy. The tale was well paced, with twists, and turns while not over doing the drama and obstacles. There were lessons, and magical moment s and laughter all around. The romance developed slowly, and while the tale was completely predictable I was happy chasing my HEA. There was a scene where the couple bickered, and I think it should have been handled differently, it put me off Lucas for a New York minute, but we quickly got back on track and I ended up adoring him. The baby who did nothing more than coo, had a unique role in the tale, and I adored every moment and scene he was in.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 10, 2013
Amanda‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
Nothing pleases me more than reading a good book from a favorite author and thoroughly enjoying it. Carolyn Brown’s book, The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby, just happens to be another delightful addition to the many I’ve read in the past. The book started off with a bang and continually kept me on my toes with antics that had me chuckling out loud. I love a book that makes me laugh and this one had it in spades. Carolyn Brown brought a sexy cowboy, sassy cowgirl, an adorable baby and a whole cast of side characters for one fine addition to the Cowboys and Brides series.
Natalie Clark and Lucas Allen have been cyber-dating for over a year while he was stationed in Kuwait. They formed a friendship through a mutual friend Drew and it grew even more when they both grieved over his tragic death. They plan to meet and see if this relationship could develop into something more once he returned home. Lucas returned home early and he got the surprise of his life. He turns the corner and sees Natalie standing there with a pink pistol in one hand, a dead coyote at her feet, 3 puppies behind her, and a baby on her hip. A baby?! Little did he know at that moment was just the beginning of an adventure leading up to Christmas.
Lucas and Natalie were two very likable characters and needed to find out if they truly were right for each other. They got to know one another online but it is different in real life. There is family to consider and with Natalie joining the Allen men on their ranch she became their temporary cook while Hazel was off recuperating. I got to see both characters points of view and knew each were hesitant to love for fear that the other didn’t reciprocate back. It was refreshing to see a new twist of a plot on a storyline of a man accepting and loving another man’s baby. The antics with the animals of all kinds were such a hoot for me. I could visualize every one of those scenes and it had me grinning from ear to ear.
I like it when all the parts fit together and the story flows well from chapter to chapter. The book never settled but kept building one scene after another. I loved the scenes with the Joshua the baby because he brings everyone closer together. The one element that I love about Carolyn Brown’s writing is her use of similes. You never know what she is going to come up with but you know they are going to be good. The ending was predictable but still quite satisfying with a happily ever after. Luke and Natalie are a good match and I can see them going the distance in love with never a dull moment.
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
Nothing pleases me more than reading a good book from a favorite author and thoroughly enjoying it. Carolyn Brown’s book, The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby, just happens to be another delightful addition to the many I’ve read in the past. The book started off with a bang and continually kept me on my toes with antics that had me chuckling out loud. I love a book that makes me laugh and this one had it in spades. Carolyn Brown brought a sexy cowboy, sassy cowgirl, an adorable baby and a whole cast of side characters for one fine addition to the Cowboys and Brides series.
Natalie Clark and Lucas Allen have been cyber-dating for over a year while he was stationed in Kuwait. They formed a friendship through a mutual friend Drew and it grew even more when they both grieved over his tragic death. They plan to meet and see if this relationship could develop into something more once he returned home. Lucas returned home early and he got the surprise of his life. He turns the corner and sees Natalie standing there with a pink pistol in one hand, a dead coyote at her feet, 3 puppies behind her, and a baby on her hip. A baby?! Little did he know at that moment was just the beginning of an adventure leading up to Christmas.
Lucas and Natalie were two very likable characters and needed to find out if they truly were right for each other. They got to know one another online but it is different in real life. There is family to consider and with Natalie joining the Allen men on their ranch she became their temporary cook while Hazel was off recuperating. I got to see both characters points of view and knew each were hesitant to love for fear that the other didn’t reciprocate back. It was refreshing to see a new twist of a plot on a storyline of a man accepting and loving another man’s baby. The antics with the animals of all kinds were such a hoot for me. I could visualize every one of those scenes and it had me grinning from ear to ear.
I like it when all the parts fit together and the story flows well from chapter to chapter. The book never settled but kept building one scene after another. I loved the scenes with the Joshua the baby because he brings everyone closer together. The one element that I love about Carolyn Brown’s writing is her use of similes. You never know what she is going to come up with but you know they are going to be good. The ending was predictable but still quite satisfying with a happily ever after. Luke and Natalie are a good match and I can see them going the distance in love with never a dull moment.
December 13, 2016
Laugh-out-loud good! The crazy characters make this story a huge page-turner! Lucas and Natalie corresponded via SKYPE for over a year. When they finally meet, in person, Natalie has a secret that stops Lucas in his tracks. Add the huge lie that Sonia tells, to the mix, and you wonder if the relationships is over before it begins! Great story.
December 9, 2016
"The Cowboy's Christmas Baby" Cowboys and Brides #2 is by author Carolyn Brown.
Published: September 24, 2013
My Rating: 5 Stars
I've read many Christmas romances in the past few weeks. Some were good, some great. But "The Cowboy's Christmas Baby was the most heartwarming. It's one I will definitely reread. At 352 pages I hesitated reading this one. But only because I was at a point in my week where I needed to select a book I could get through in a day, two the most.
This book was pretty far down on my TBR list, having added it a while back. I am so glad I selected it! It had every "feel." There was an absolutely amazing and spirited cast of characters. Not only were the H/h perfectly and realistically written, but the secondary cast was a wonderful gift to the story. They were all truly a great bunch of sassy, quirky and humorous characters.
Lucas Allen is the hero of the story and my hero as well. He is a cowboy by nature and by heart. Hardworking and loyal. Lucas has been overseas, in the military but he is finally coming home to the relief and delight of his witty and loving family. Lucas missed his family. Another reason he is eager to get home is to meet Natalie. She is the woman he has gotten to know over the past eleven months via Skype. Natalie is the woman Lucas can't wait to meet in person, the one he thinks about a future with. But all his hopes and dreams of a future with Natalie are stalled when he comes home to find her with a baby. Her baby! Lucas is upset and not a little angry. For nearly a year they got to know each other. She never once told him she was pregnant! Why did she lie?
Natalie Clark is a strong, sassy gal. True she didn't tell Lucas about her baby. But only because she didn't know how. She was afraid to lose him so she decided to wait and tell him in person. When they do meet for the first time, things don't go well. The situation is tense and even a bit unfriendly. Of course, Lucas's reaction is understandable and believable.
What I was really thrilled about is that Lucas didn't hold onto his anger long. The relationship between Lucas and Natalie took time to develop. It was a slow but perfect journey. I can't say enough how much I loved this book and all of the characters in it. Lucas will forever have a special place in my heart. The mold was truly broken after he was created. Well, that's just my opinion but he was amazing. Not only was Lucas perfect with his looks and physique, he was well-mannered, patient, loyal, considerate, friendly, generous, loving and absolutely genuine with his care of Natalie's baby. This book also had a ton of laughter. As I said earlier, "The Cowboy's Christmas Baby" has all the "feels." Absolutely all of them!
So yes, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a steady-paced, feel good, heartwarming romantic story. And what makes it even better is that it takes place over Christmas time.
Published: September 24, 2013
My Rating: 5 Stars
I've read many Christmas romances in the past few weeks. Some were good, some great. But "The Cowboy's Christmas Baby was the most heartwarming. It's one I will definitely reread. At 352 pages I hesitated reading this one. But only because I was at a point in my week where I needed to select a book I could get through in a day, two the most.
This book was pretty far down on my TBR list, having added it a while back. I am so glad I selected it! It had every "feel." There was an absolutely amazing and spirited cast of characters. Not only were the H/h perfectly and realistically written, but the secondary cast was a wonderful gift to the story. They were all truly a great bunch of sassy, quirky and humorous characters.
Lucas Allen is the hero of the story and my hero as well. He is a cowboy by nature and by heart. Hardworking and loyal. Lucas has been overseas, in the military but he is finally coming home to the relief and delight of his witty and loving family. Lucas missed his family. Another reason he is eager to get home is to meet Natalie. She is the woman he has gotten to know over the past eleven months via Skype. Natalie is the woman Lucas can't wait to meet in person, the one he thinks about a future with. But all his hopes and dreams of a future with Natalie are stalled when he comes home to find her with a baby. Her baby! Lucas is upset and not a little angry. For nearly a year they got to know each other. She never once told him she was pregnant! Why did she lie?
Natalie Clark is a strong, sassy gal. True she didn't tell Lucas about her baby. But only because she didn't know how. She was afraid to lose him so she decided to wait and tell him in person. When they do meet for the first time, things don't go well. The situation is tense and even a bit unfriendly. Of course, Lucas's reaction is understandable and believable.
What I was really thrilled about is that Lucas didn't hold onto his anger long. The relationship between Lucas and Natalie took time to develop. It was a slow but perfect journey. I can't say enough how much I loved this book and all of the characters in it. Lucas will forever have a special place in my heart. The mold was truly broken after he was created. Well, that's just my opinion but he was amazing. Not only was Lucas perfect with his looks and physique, he was well-mannered, patient, loyal, considerate, friendly, generous, loving and absolutely genuine with his care of Natalie's baby. This book also had a ton of laughter. As I said earlier, "The Cowboy's Christmas Baby" has all the "feels." Absolutely all of them!
So yes, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a steady-paced, feel good, heartwarming romantic story. And what makes it even better is that it takes place over Christmas time.
October 11, 2013
Original Blogspot: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
A recent email from Momma enclosed a reading assignment and a couple of romance books (NOT the reading assignment). Yes, boys and girls, Momma still gives out assignments. So like the good, obedient student I have always been, I started on something else. How could I resist a good cowboy romance over an assignment?
Carolyn Brown writes a mean romance. A Cowboy's Christmas Baby turns out to be the second of a series of four (first is Billion Dollar Cowboy) and makes a story all by itself. There is a short mention of the other three cowboys since they're all friends but this novel can easily stand alone.
Lucas is the entire sexy cowboy package - plus. This is a dedicated rancher who also volunteers to serve his country and does what he thinks would make a great Christmas surprise for his family. He comes home earlier than expected.
He finds a bigger surprise, though. The woman he'd been dating on the internet throughout his Kuwait tour stands on his porch, holding a baby and a smoking pink (Really? I'd prefer a blued Colt myself!) pistol. Natalie is a rancher too, working on her Dad's spread that's bigger than what Lucas owns. She loves cattle, cooking, and guns; not necessarily in that order.
Ms. Brown paints a real picture of Lucas. He's survived Kuwait, the death of a close friend (who is also Natalie's best friend), is painfully working through fitting into the normal world and getting over the nightmares that plague him every night. I'm glad that she acknowledged the difficulties the soldiers have, not only the stresses on their tour of duty but the very real adjustment problems many don't realize wait for them in their safe place - home.
It's people like his understanding family and strong characters like Natalie who help most in these situations. Natalie herself is wounded by the death of her best friend Drew who also happens to be the father of her child. Together, they deal with their grief and make a family for little Joshua while living up to the wild rumors of Lucas having a secret bride and baby.
When you throw in their Three Wise Men into this matchmaking mix, it becomes a really laugh-provoking, Merry Christmas. Are you confused yet? Good! Needless to say, I started immediately on the next (actually the first) book.
Contributed by: Ramona
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
A recent email from Momma enclosed a reading assignment and a couple of romance books (NOT the reading assignment). Yes, boys and girls, Momma still gives out assignments. So like the good, obedient student I have always been, I started on something else. How could I resist a good cowboy romance over an assignment?
Carolyn Brown writes a mean romance. A Cowboy's Christmas Baby turns out to be the second of a series of four (first is Billion Dollar Cowboy) and makes a story all by itself. There is a short mention of the other three cowboys since they're all friends but this novel can easily stand alone.
Lucas is the entire sexy cowboy package - plus. This is a dedicated rancher who also volunteers to serve his country and does what he thinks would make a great Christmas surprise for his family. He comes home earlier than expected.
He finds a bigger surprise, though. The woman he'd been dating on the internet throughout his Kuwait tour stands on his porch, holding a baby and a smoking pink (Really? I'd prefer a blued Colt myself!) pistol. Natalie is a rancher too, working on her Dad's spread that's bigger than what Lucas owns. She loves cattle, cooking, and guns; not necessarily in that order.
Ms. Brown paints a real picture of Lucas. He's survived Kuwait, the death of a close friend (who is also Natalie's best friend), is painfully working through fitting into the normal world and getting over the nightmares that plague him every night. I'm glad that she acknowledged the difficulties the soldiers have, not only the stresses on their tour of duty but the very real adjustment problems many don't realize wait for them in their safe place - home.
It's people like his understanding family and strong characters like Natalie who help most in these situations. Natalie herself is wounded by the death of her best friend Drew who also happens to be the father of her child. Together, they deal with their grief and make a family for little Joshua while living up to the wild rumors of Lucas having a secret bride and baby.
When you throw in their Three Wise Men into this matchmaking mix, it becomes a really laugh-provoking, Merry Christmas. Are you confused yet? Good! Needless to say, I started immediately on the next (actually the first) book.
Contributed by: Ramona
October 28, 2017
When I don't know what to read or can't seem to decide between books, I reread a Carolyn Brown because it's a sure value.
Lucas met Nathalie via Internet when he was serving in Kuwait. She was best friend with one of his brother in arms and when he died, they continued to chat. For the past eleven months, their cyber friendship became serious flirting and they both visualized what would happen if they finally meet in person. Lucas certainly never imagined a pink pistol, a dead coyote and a baby ! First impression doesn't goes according to plan for the two of them. Lucas is not happy she neglected to tell him she was pregnant and had a baby. When he came back to Cedar Hill, Lucas assumed they would become a couple and marry. He's not really angry about the child, but because it made him think she was seeing someone and didn't say a word about it. The bickering and little bit of animosity of the beginning subside when he learn that Joshua's father is Drew, their late friend who died in Kuwait and he was conceived more than a year ago on a drunk evening. That's when the bitterness transform into a hot chemistry and sizzling sexual tension. Christmastime this year will include Nathalie, Lucas and baby Josh but also three wise men (Lucas's father, grandfather and uncle) and an entire menagerie of animals who seem to fall under the spell of the two months old baby.
I might have frown a time or two because of the gender stereotypes (like when it was said that boys don't write in diary for example), but a sweet romance is what I wanted and it's exactly what I got. It was fun to see Lucas and Nathalie not refute the false rumors and let people believe what they want. I liked the heroine's fiery attitude and that she could hold her own against the mean girl. And what a delight it was to read about all the farm animals who invite themselves inside the house.
"Debra could yell, rant, and cuss, but when she whispered, the devil covered his ears and whimpered."
"then thank you. Now I need to see Josh. I like his name. It's a good strong name like Lucas. Nowadays, girl are namin' their kids such weird names it looks like they just throwed the whole alphabet up in the sky and whatever fell on the table, that's what they named their kid."
Lucas met Nathalie via Internet when he was serving in Kuwait. She was best friend with one of his brother in arms and when he died, they continued to chat. For the past eleven months, their cyber friendship became serious flirting and they both visualized what would happen if they finally meet in person. Lucas certainly never imagined a pink pistol, a dead coyote and a baby ! First impression doesn't goes according to plan for the two of them. Lucas is not happy she neglected to tell him she was pregnant and had a baby. When he came back to Cedar Hill, Lucas assumed they would become a couple and marry. He's not really angry about the child, but because it made him think she was seeing someone and didn't say a word about it. The bickering and little bit of animosity of the beginning subside when he learn that Joshua's father is Drew, their late friend who died in Kuwait and he was conceived more than a year ago on a drunk evening. That's when the bitterness transform into a hot chemistry and sizzling sexual tension. Christmastime this year will include Nathalie, Lucas and baby Josh but also three wise men (Lucas's father, grandfather and uncle) and an entire menagerie of animals who seem to fall under the spell of the two months old baby.
I might have frown a time or two because of the gender stereotypes (like when it was said that boys don't write in diary for example), but a sweet romance is what I wanted and it's exactly what I got. It was fun to see Lucas and Nathalie not refute the false rumors and let people believe what they want. I liked the heroine's fiery attitude and that she could hold her own against the mean girl. And what a delight it was to read about all the farm animals who invite themselves inside the house.
"Debra could yell, rant, and cuss, but when she whispered, the devil covered his ears and whimpered."
"then thank you. Now I need to see Josh. I like his name. It's a good strong name like Lucas. Nowadays, girl are namin' their kids such weird names it looks like they just throwed the whole alphabet up in the sky and whatever fell on the table, that's what they named their kid."
November 8, 2013
Oh boy, do sparks fly when Lucas Allen returns from his tour of duty in Kuwait. When Lucas returns to his ranch to find his internet girlfriend toting a pistol in one hand and a baby in the other, he wonders if he should have stayed in the desert. Lucas can't believe what he is seeing his internet girlfriend, Natalie Clark with a baby in her arms when they had been communicating via the internet for almost a year and Natalie never said a word about the little man. Nor is he very thrilled with the prospect of this beautiful woman being in his home tempting him, but that's exactly what happens because right before Lucas' homecoming, his long time housekeeper, cook, friend, Hazel has hurt her hip and begged the very talented Natalie to fill in for her until Christmas.
Natalie has been in a precarious position since she she became pregnant with her best friend, Drew's baby. In a drunken stupor, the best friends since childhood fell into bed together before he returned to his tour in Kuwait. Natalie didn't even have time to tell him about her pregnancy before his death in the desert. She honestly was in denial for quite a while and then when she realized she was in fact pregnant, it was never a good time to tell Lucas, who she started chatting with upon their mutual friend's death.
Lucas thought he would be able to fall quickly into a relationship with Natalie, but baby Joshua could be a deal breaker. Only thing is, all the Allen men and all at the ranch have fallen in love with Joshua and leaving is going to be a very hard on everyone. If only Lucas would get over his stubbornness and see the woman he begun the internet friendship with, things might actually end well. There is never a dull moment in The Cowboy's Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown, who's sassy personality comes out in each and every page. Each and every character shines through in this story. I wanted to be a part of it. All the Christmas plans and the traditions put me in the holiday spirit and the sizzling romance doesn't hurt either. If you're going to pick up one Christmas book this season, I strongly suggest that you pick up Carolyn Brown's The Cowboy's Christmas Baby.
~KIMBERLY~
November 19, 2014
I have this terrible 'can't stop reading these nearly DNF' books syndrome with Carolyn Brown. I've read 3-4 and liked one. That's it just one. For some reason I keep reading them. I think I keep hoping they get better but so far...not really.
This one dealt with a soldier returning home and finding his dead friend's girlfriend/fiancee/whatever at his home. They'd been talking online for awhile and anyway she's got a kid. His dead friend's kid. The thing is they've been talking online for a year or so and he's expecting a relationship and then gets pissy because she has a kid she never mentioned. Okay...anyway they have issues and then everyone around them keeps pushing them together.
So not a terrible premise but the actual story is quite ridiculous. I never felt any chemistry between the two characters the whole time I read the book. I never understood why I continued reading it even though it was a struggle. I never quite understood why the hero was so pissy in the beginning.
So basically I do not have much to offer in line of a review because, to be fair, I really did not care for it. I just find Carolyn Brown's writings to be sort of amateurish which is sad because she's a veteran. I just feel like the story could use a really good collaboration or editor to make the book shine. Instead it seemed watered down and unpolished.
2 Stars
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
September 24, 2013
352 Pages
Provided by--NetGalley
This one dealt with a soldier returning home and finding his dead friend's girlfriend/fiancee/whatever at his home. They'd been talking online for awhile and anyway she's got a kid. His dead friend's kid. The thing is they've been talking online for a year or so and he's expecting a relationship and then gets pissy because she has a kid she never mentioned. Okay...anyway they have issues and then everyone around them keeps pushing them together.
So not a terrible premise but the actual story is quite ridiculous. I never felt any chemistry between the two characters the whole time I read the book. I never understood why I continued reading it even though it was a struggle. I never quite understood why the hero was so pissy in the beginning.
So basically I do not have much to offer in line of a review because, to be fair, I really did not care for it. I just find Carolyn Brown's writings to be sort of amateurish which is sad because she's a veteran. I just feel like the story could use a really good collaboration or editor to make the book shine. Instead it seemed watered down and unpolished.
2 Stars
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
September 24, 2013
352 Pages
Provided by--NetGalley
November 27, 2025
Lucas Allen comes home from his tour in Kuwait to find his cyber girlfriend on his front porch, with a baby on her hip, a gun in her hand, a dead coyote on the ground and the puppy hound dogs circling like they just took care of the coyote all by themselves. Shocked might be an understatement.
Natalie Clark wanted to surprise Lucas by being at his homecoming...they only problem...she left out a few details about her life. The big one, she has a baby.
Sizzling chemistry and hot cowboys accent this marvelous story that makes you believe in the miracle of Christmas. If the crazy animal attractions don't pull you in the cute cooing baby will, or the doting grandpa wants a best, or the wonderful meddling cook...The Cowboy's Christmas Baby is a heart-warming, touching story that makes you want to break out the mistletoe.
I received this ARC copy of The Cowboys' Christmas Baby from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication October 1, 2013.
Natalie Clark wanted to surprise Lucas by being at his homecoming...they only problem...she left out a few details about her life. The big one, she has a baby.
Sizzling chemistry and hot cowboys accent this marvelous story that makes you believe in the miracle of Christmas. If the crazy animal attractions don't pull you in the cute cooing baby will, or the doting grandpa wants a best, or the wonderful meddling cook...The Cowboy's Christmas Baby is a heart-warming, touching story that makes you want to break out the mistletoe.
I received this ARC copy of The Cowboys' Christmas Baby from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication October 1, 2013.
November 30, 2022
Loved it! They family closeness, the tuff women and the relationships they all had with the baby was so sweet.
Natalie was best friends with Drew. Drew’s best friend in the army was Lucas. When Drew passed it was Lucas who had to call Natalie to tell her. They began a friendship grieving with each other, after a year to talking it grew to more and Lucas was excited to come home to met Natalie. When he arrived, there she was holding a baby!
Lucas was very up set that she didn’t tell him. She was in denial and couldn’t believe it, it was a drunk night with Drew before he got called back. Lucas wanted her to leave but Hazel the cook had to leave for hip surgery so it was Natalie stayed or they all starved. Natalie was no stranger to ranches, she knew all the chores. As the days went by, they began to get closer to what they were when they talked on the phone. He began to help with the baby. He’s dad and grandpa was spoiling little Josh. They all went to church together and began to get ready for Christmas and shopping together. They had a party at the ranch and the town thought the baby was Lucas’. They fell in love. Lucas made a room in the house a nursery and used his crib for Josh and asked Natalie to marry him.
Natalie was best friends with Drew. Drew’s best friend in the army was Lucas. When Drew passed it was Lucas who had to call Natalie to tell her. They began a friendship grieving with each other, after a year to talking it grew to more and Lucas was excited to come home to met Natalie. When he arrived, there she was holding a baby!
Lucas was very up set that she didn’t tell him. She was in denial and couldn’t believe it, it was a drunk night with Drew before he got called back. Lucas wanted her to leave but Hazel the cook had to leave for hip surgery so it was Natalie stayed or they all starved. Natalie was no stranger to ranches, she knew all the chores. As the days went by, they began to get closer to what they were when they talked on the phone. He began to help with the baby. He’s dad and grandpa was spoiling little Josh. They all went to church together and began to get ready for Christmas and shopping together. They had a party at the ranch and the town thought the baby was Lucas’. They fell in love. Lucas made a room in the house a nursery and used his crib for Josh and asked Natalie to marry him.
August 5, 2019
Great Christmas read
Lucas thinks he is surprising his family with an early homecoming. He has finished his last deployment and is looking forward to meeting Natalie in person after eleven months of videoconferencing. He pulls up to his house to see Natalie with a pink pistol in her hand, a dead coyote at her feet, three cowering puppies behind her and a baby on her hip. Not the homecoming either expected. Unfortunately, Hazel the boss of all on the ranch has fallen and has to convalese away for a month and makes Natalie promise to stay and take care of the "boys", Lucas' father, grandfather and dad's best friend. The "boys" love little Josh and fight over taking care of him. Natalie and Lucas fight, talk and finally get secrets out of the way. Hazel is one of Carolyn Brown's signature strong, sneaky older matriarch. Natalie is one of my favorite strong, sassy and "pick yourself up by the bootstraps" heroine. This book will leave you with a great big smile on your face.
Natalie Lucas Drew Josh Hazel
Lucas thinks he is surprising his family with an early homecoming. He has finished his last deployment and is looking forward to meeting Natalie in person after eleven months of videoconferencing. He pulls up to his house to see Natalie with a pink pistol in her hand, a dead coyote at her feet, three cowering puppies behind her and a baby on her hip. Not the homecoming either expected. Unfortunately, Hazel the boss of all on the ranch has fallen and has to convalese away for a month and makes Natalie promise to stay and take care of the "boys", Lucas' father, grandfather and dad's best friend. The "boys" love little Josh and fight over taking care of him. Natalie and Lucas fight, talk and finally get secrets out of the way. Hazel is one of Carolyn Brown's signature strong, sneaky older matriarch. Natalie is one of my favorite strong, sassy and "pick yourself up by the bootstraps" heroine. This book will leave you with a great big smile on your face.
Natalie Lucas Drew Josh Hazel
December 24, 2018
This book was too cute for words, but we will try. Cyber dating is alwaya a gamble for a soldier in Kuwait it ia the only way to talk to his girl, well the woman he believes is his girl. She is Natalie Clark the best friend of his best buddy in his unit in Kuwait. He is Lucas Allen -soldier now rancher who returns HOME trying to surprise the family, but he is caught off guard when he sees a woman with a baby on one hip, a pink pistol in another and a deaf coyote at her feet. Oh and there happens to be three very annoying but cute puppies who keep following her and breaking into the house.
This book was filled with a lot of antics, good humor and match making family members to put the dating apps to shame. So who would need the Internet when the family is convinced that you are met to be?
This is book 2 in the series, but already the stories are different enough to draw you in and make you want to stay and read.
This book was filled with a lot of antics, good humor and match making family members to put the dating apps to shame. So who would need the Internet when the family is convinced that you are met to be?
This is book 2 in the series, but already the stories are different enough to draw you in and make you want to stay and read.
October 13, 2019
Natalie Clark met Lucas Allen when their shared best friend was killed in action and Lucas had to share the news. After almost a year of internet flirting Lucas has a different plan for his Christmas homecoming than what he actually got. Natalie’s at his house not on her way and in all their conversations, she never once mentioned a baby!
Natalie is thrilled about Lucas but not about his reaction to her newborn son and she just as soon pack up and head back to her part of Texas since he feels that way. But Lucas’ family is already firmly in the Natalie camp and he’d best get on board or be left behind. Naturally circumstances keep Natalie at Lucas’ ranch and…
What you’d expect from this author’s reads, fast paced, insane characters, ridiculous situations and fun dialog. It’s all here in with a Christmas backdrop. (The opening scene had this reader laughing out loud.) A total mind mint to be enjoyed whenever and wherever the reader has time.
Rating 4stars
Natalie is thrilled about Lucas but not about his reaction to her newborn son and she just as soon pack up and head back to her part of Texas since he feels that way. But Lucas’ family is already firmly in the Natalie camp and he’d best get on board or be left behind. Naturally circumstances keep Natalie at Lucas’ ranch and…
What you’d expect from this author’s reads, fast paced, insane characters, ridiculous situations and fun dialog. It’s all here in with a Christmas backdrop. (The opening scene had this reader laughing out loud.) A total mind mint to be enjoyed whenever and wherever the reader has time.
Rating 4stars
February 13, 2018
Hilarious, sweet, and engaging...
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown is a super sweet read. Family, love, and new beginnings are major themes in this book. I was hooked immediately. From the sassy women to the sexy cowboys, I was addicted. Then, there were the ways the farm animals kept coming into the farm house causing a hilarious yet interesting scene. There was also the cutest little baby boy, Joshua who warmed so many hearts including mine. I just could not get enough of these characters. Trouble, drama, and romance all rolled into one brilliant read. I would highly recommend this title to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown is a super sweet read. Family, love, and new beginnings are major themes in this book. I was hooked immediately. From the sassy women to the sexy cowboys, I was addicted. Then, there were the ways the farm animals kept coming into the farm house causing a hilarious yet interesting scene. There was also the cutest little baby boy, Joshua who warmed so many hearts including mine. I just could not get enough of these characters. Trouble, drama, and romance all rolled into one brilliant read. I would highly recommend this title to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
April 18, 2021
Mrs. Brown hits a home run again! Her cowboys are always "yummy" and her heroine is always fiesty and smart. This book had plenty of lol dialogue and the grandpas, cousin Grady, and Hazel were hilarious. CB writes the funniest dialogue for the senior characters in her books, especially if they are from Texas. I believe Hazel had to leave to make room for Natalie. Drew's death made room for Lucas to fall in love with Natalie. Drew was Natalie's best friend and she loved him like a brother only. Lucas and Natalie's chemistry was "blistering hot." Chapter 21 was like a epilogue because Lucas and Natalie got their HEA and baby Josh got a great family. CB writes great cowboy love stories and I always have fun reading her books.
September 19, 2017
There are so many words that can be used to describe The Cowboy's Christmas Baby. Fun! Flirty! Heartwarming! Lucas Allen and Natalie Clark had one thing in common. It was Drew Camp. He was Natalie's lifelong best friend. He became Lucas best friend when they were serving over in Kuwait. That is the bond that brought the two of them together. You must read the book to find out how Lucas and Natalie got together. It was a very rough start. And did they find their happy ever after?
Carolyn Brown always knows how to get your attention and keep it to the very end. I loved every minute of this book and was sad to see it end.
Carolyn Brown always knows how to get your attention and keep it to the very end. I loved every minute of this book and was sad to see it end.
December 2, 2018
Lucas Allan
Natalie Clark
Lucas has been in Kuwait for the last year, while there his friend Drew introduces him to Natalie and they have been talking via internet since. Natalie is at the ranch to welcome Lucas home, when he arrives early and his first impression of her is her standing on the porch with a dead coyote at her feet, a pink pistol in her hand and a baby on her hip. He does a double take on the baby, she never mentioned a baby. The story goes onto develop their relationship and Lucas’s relationship with Joshua the baby. The family’s acceptance of the baby and Natalie. This was a very good book. Could be read as a stand alone book. It has humorous parts and serious parts. The book is a quick read.
Natalie Clark
Lucas has been in Kuwait for the last year, while there his friend Drew introduces him to Natalie and they have been talking via internet since. Natalie is at the ranch to welcome Lucas home, when he arrives early and his first impression of her is her standing on the porch with a dead coyote at her feet, a pink pistol in her hand and a baby on her hip. He does a double take on the baby, she never mentioned a baby. The story goes onto develop their relationship and Lucas’s relationship with Joshua the baby. The family’s acceptance of the baby and Natalie. This was a very good book. Could be read as a stand alone book. It has humorous parts and serious parts. The book is a quick read.
December 10, 2018
It was a little heavy on the texas/cowboy theme for me but what do you expect from a cowboy romance?
I liked the characters including the cowboy's male relatives (hysterical). The pink gun was pretty funny. The author set up a difficult situation for the hero (internet love interest shows up with a new baby) then showed how he came to grips with it.
I had an issue at the end without the heroine's family (you'll understand when you read it, I'm trying to avoid spoilers).
I would read more by the author, but would not go out of my way to read them all next month (but that's probably the cowboy/texas thing)
I liked the characters including the cowboy's male relatives (hysterical). The pink gun was pretty funny. The author set up a difficult situation for the hero (internet love interest shows up with a new baby) then showed how he came to grips with it.
I had an issue at the end without the heroine's family (you'll understand when you read it, I'm trying to avoid spoilers).
I would read more by the author, but would not go out of my way to read them all next month (but that's probably the cowboy/texas thing)
August 14, 2017
This was a really good book and I had a hard time putting it down. Natalie was such a down to earth person and Lucas was dealing with coming back to the states after being overseas. When Lucas first sees Natalie he gets a rude awakening and than is rather rude to her for awhile. His family and Hazel is great to Natalie and he soon begins to think maybe his first impression was too harsh. These two had matchmakers, an ex-girlfriend that kept sticking her nose into their business, and a sweet little baby.
March 21, 2025
Started out a good read, was really enjoying the story. Loved the old guys and the baby. Then the author had to drop another sex scene in it. If it's like the previous book in this series, there will be more, so I'm not going any further. She's ruined another book in my opinion. Like I said before. She could have just as well said they made passionate love and it was wonderful and gotten the point across... I don't want to read details.
May 7, 2019
Ms.Brown does it agian
I fell in love with the characters and hated for it to end. I wanted more but sadly it's time to move onto the next book in the series. I loved the heroine in this book she was confident, self assured and ballsy enough to take down a coyote and a snake. Lol
Must read
I fell in love with the characters and hated for it to end. I wanted more but sadly it's time to move onto the next book in the series. I loved the heroine in this book she was confident, self assured and ballsy enough to take down a coyote and a snake. Lol
Must read
May 17, 2022
Welcome Home
When Lucas returns from his third tour in Kuwait, he is expecting to meet with the woman he has met online, Natalie. Not only do they meet, but she has a surprise, her two month old son, Joshua! A misunderstanding, a delightful baby, meddling relatives and Christmas make for an entertaining story.
When Lucas returns from his third tour in Kuwait, he is expecting to meet with the woman he has met online, Natalie. Not only do they meet, but she has a surprise, her two month old son, Joshua! A misunderstanding, a delightful baby, meddling relatives and Christmas make for an entertaining story.
September 30, 2022
Another good cowboy romance story. Lucas Allan is leaving Kuwait and going back home to Texas for good this time. He is supposed to meet his internet pal in person. When he pulls into the yard, there is Natalie Clark with a pink pistol in her hand, a baby in her arms, and a dead coyote at her feet. What a way to start a story let a lone a homecoming. The story is good. I enjoyed the read.
October 29, 2013
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager to grab up this one particularly as I crave the nice snugly holiday reads this time of year. It turned out to generally follow through on its promise though there were a few bits that didn't quite do it for me. This one maybe the second book, but it can definitely be read as a standalone or out of order. The time frame is after the first one, but there are no real connecting of plot threads other than a dropping of names and one brief scene.
Lucas Allen comes home from the war eager to be back on his ranch, to be back with his family, and to welcome to his home that gal he has been seeing daily via their internet chats. He comes around the corner of the ranch house to see a dead coyote, a passel of hound puppies, a woman toting a pistol while carrying a baby. First his mind registers that Natalie is there early and then the presence of the baby- her baby sinks in. He feels angry and betrayed because based on the baby's size, she had kept a pretty huge secret from him for a long time.
Natalie is no shrinking violet and she sees Lucas' reaction to her secret so she goes on the warpath. They spit and snarl at each other and she can't believe the let down in knowing that the guy she communicated with is capable of being angry over a baby. She's given her word to the old ranch cook/housekeeper, Hazel, to stay on until Christmas and help out until Hazel is back on her feet again.
With the help of Hazel and Lucas' three conniving relations along with the spirit of the season the two first take up an agreement to leave things be and then slowly they start to see the person in each other they remember from their long-distance chats. Ranch life, small town social life, family and even crazy animals keep things interesting. Preparations for the season and enjoying all of it with a little baby in the midst make Lucas long for something that may just be within his grasp if he handles things right and gives Natalie something to truly wish for on her Christmas list.
This is one of those stories that was both something I really enjoyed, but yet frustrated me at the same time. It's a pretty loose plot and has a meandering pace. This wouldn't bother me so much because I love all those little daily life-family-small town stuff and the cozy fun Christmasy activities. No, it was the fact that the story started out on the wrong foot with me when it came to Natalie. I do love many things about her character. That sassy spirit and brazen sensuality was fun stuff no doubt. But the lying and secrets? Not cool and didn't fit with the rest of her character. Ballsy, mouthy gals like that shoot straight and tell it like it is. They don't hide something that big for almost a year and if they do, they expect to be called on it and they own their mistakes. She let Lucas come home to find out that not only had she gotten pregnant just before they started their relationship, but she had a baby for nearly three months. They talked daily for eleven months for crying out loud. I couldn't get over how Natalie, the housekeeper and Lucas' family were all acting like he was being unreasonable and the jerk because he felt betrayed. I don't blame him for jumping to the conclusion that she was sleeping with some other guy and cheating. If its black and white and stinks, its easy to yell skunk. But it wasn't just Lucas she lied to. She lied to her own family about Lucas. The whole time all this is going down she keeps saying 'but its just a baby...why can't he just accept my baby?'. Seriously Sugar Lips? That's huge and you knew it was because you lied.
The whole thing with his ex felt a bit contrived. She was the cliched Queen B ex-Cheerleader who did the jealous possessive bit with Natalie. I do have to say her presence did showcase Natalie's personality well. Natalie put that peach of a gal in her place and it was a beautiful thing.
And that thing with the animals was funny for one scene, but it got old- and weird- after a while and I just started skimming each time it happened again and again.
Now all that might sound like I hated the book. I didn't. Not even close. I actually loved Lucas and Natalie together and enjoyed their bossy back and forth dialogue and passion for each other. The way their relationship developed from anger and suspicion to tenderness and love was very well done. It wasn't fast or simple, but gradual and realistic. Well realistic when it comes to romance novels. I loved the three older guys and how they loved on that baby and conspired to bring Lucas and Natalie together. The family and every day scenes like setting up the tree, decorating, baking cookies, present shopping, Christmas pageant at church and parties were the best.
So in the end, I pronounced myself satisfied and over my snit with Natalie when she came clean and just gave Lucas the right amount of sass he needed to make him determined to keep her and Josh. Those who enjoy gently paced and warm cozy plots with a dash of spice to their contemporary holiday romances should try this one on for size.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
Lucas Allen comes home from the war eager to be back on his ranch, to be back with his family, and to welcome to his home that gal he has been seeing daily via their internet chats. He comes around the corner of the ranch house to see a dead coyote, a passel of hound puppies, a woman toting a pistol while carrying a baby. First his mind registers that Natalie is there early and then the presence of the baby- her baby sinks in. He feels angry and betrayed because based on the baby's size, she had kept a pretty huge secret from him for a long time.
Natalie is no shrinking violet and she sees Lucas' reaction to her secret so she goes on the warpath. They spit and snarl at each other and she can't believe the let down in knowing that the guy she communicated with is capable of being angry over a baby. She's given her word to the old ranch cook/housekeeper, Hazel, to stay on until Christmas and help out until Hazel is back on her feet again.
With the help of Hazel and Lucas' three conniving relations along with the spirit of the season the two first take up an agreement to leave things be and then slowly they start to see the person in each other they remember from their long-distance chats. Ranch life, small town social life, family and even crazy animals keep things interesting. Preparations for the season and enjoying all of it with a little baby in the midst make Lucas long for something that may just be within his grasp if he handles things right and gives Natalie something to truly wish for on her Christmas list.
This is one of those stories that was both something I really enjoyed, but yet frustrated me at the same time. It's a pretty loose plot and has a meandering pace. This wouldn't bother me so much because I love all those little daily life-family-small town stuff and the cozy fun Christmasy activities. No, it was the fact that the story started out on the wrong foot with me when it came to Natalie. I do love many things about her character. That sassy spirit and brazen sensuality was fun stuff no doubt. But the lying and secrets? Not cool and didn't fit with the rest of her character. Ballsy, mouthy gals like that shoot straight and tell it like it is. They don't hide something that big for almost a year and if they do, they expect to be called on it and they own their mistakes. She let Lucas come home to find out that not only had she gotten pregnant just before they started their relationship, but she had a baby for nearly three months. They talked daily for eleven months for crying out loud. I couldn't get over how Natalie, the housekeeper and Lucas' family were all acting like he was being unreasonable and the jerk because he felt betrayed. I don't blame him for jumping to the conclusion that she was sleeping with some other guy and cheating. If its black and white and stinks, its easy to yell skunk. But it wasn't just Lucas she lied to. She lied to her own family about Lucas. The whole time all this is going down she keeps saying 'but its just a baby...why can't he just accept my baby?'. Seriously Sugar Lips? That's huge and you knew it was because you lied.
The whole thing with his ex felt a bit contrived. She was the cliched Queen B ex-Cheerleader who did the jealous possessive bit with Natalie. I do have to say her presence did showcase Natalie's personality well. Natalie put that peach of a gal in her place and it was a beautiful thing.
And that thing with the animals was funny for one scene, but it got old- and weird- after a while and I just started skimming each time it happened again and again.
Now all that might sound like I hated the book. I didn't. Not even close. I actually loved Lucas and Natalie together and enjoyed their bossy back and forth dialogue and passion for each other. The way their relationship developed from anger and suspicion to tenderness and love was very well done. It wasn't fast or simple, but gradual and realistic. Well realistic when it comes to romance novels. I loved the three older guys and how they loved on that baby and conspired to bring Lucas and Natalie together. The family and every day scenes like setting up the tree, decorating, baking cookies, present shopping, Christmas pageant at church and parties were the best.
So in the end, I pronounced myself satisfied and over my snit with Natalie when she came clean and just gave Lucas the right amount of sass he needed to make him determined to keep her and Josh. Those who enjoy gently paced and warm cozy plots with a dash of spice to their contemporary holiday romances should try this one on for size.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
January 28, 2018
Each page is like feasting on your favorite dessert, and you can't wait to get to the next page.
A fantastic way to spend a quite evening. Can hardly wait for the next book to come out . Smile that won't quit!
A fantastic way to spend a quite evening. Can hardly wait for the next book to come out . Smile that won't quit!
August 10, 2022
A awesome story!
I don't know what I loved the most, little Josh and all the animals or her and her pink pistol! Beautiful storyline and wonderful romantic ending! Loved that church on the ranch!
I don't know what I loved the most, little Josh and all the animals or her and her pink pistol! Beautiful storyline and wonderful romantic ending! Loved that church on the ranch!
May 26, 2023
Good read again from Brown. I really enjoy reading her HEA's. I really liked these characters, all of them, and the plot. Hope to see them visiting in the next. Looking forward to read the next installment.
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