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Montana Mavericks: The Trail to Tenacity #5
The Maverick's Christmas Countdown
From friends to lovers…in four weeks?
Allison Taylor knew she was in over her head. What was she thinking, asking her Seattle neighbor Rowan Scott to be her fake boyfriend for the holidays? Now she’s trapped with the sexy dude-next-door under the same roof in Bronco, trying to keep her overbearing father at bay—and her long-hidden crush on her faux beau under the covers as long as possible. The surprise is on Rowan, though, when his favor for Allison forces him to confront his true feelings for her. His spontaneous “proposal”—to prove their love to her family—only makes things messier. But maybe the magic of a snowy Montana Christmas could lead them to a happy ending in spite of it all…
From Harlequin Montana Mavericks:
Book 1: Redeeming the Maverick by Christine Rimmer
Book 2: The Maverick Makes the Grade by Stella Bagwell
Book 3: That Maverick of Mine by Kathy Douglass
Book 4: The Maverick's Christmas Kiss by Joanna Sims
Book 5: The Maverick's Christmas Countdown by Heatherly Bell
Book 6: The Maverick's Resolution by Brenda Harlen
Allison Taylor knew she was in over her head. What was she thinking, asking her Seattle neighbor Rowan Scott to be her fake boyfriend for the holidays? Now she’s trapped with the sexy dude-next-door under the same roof in Bronco, trying to keep her overbearing father at bay—and her long-hidden crush on her faux beau under the covers as long as possible. The surprise is on Rowan, though, when his favor for Allison forces him to confront his true feelings for her. His spontaneous “proposal”—to prove their love to her family—only makes things messier. But maybe the magic of a snowy Montana Christmas could lead them to a happy ending in spite of it all…
From Harlequin Montana Mavericks:
Book 1: Redeeming the Maverick by Christine Rimmer
Book 2: The Maverick Makes the Grade by Stella Bagwell
Book 3: That Maverick of Mine by Kathy Douglass
Book 4: The Maverick's Christmas Kiss by Joanna Sims
Book 5: The Maverick's Christmas Countdown by Heatherly Bell
Book 6: The Maverick's Resolution by Brenda Harlen
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 26, 2024
18 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. When we are learning about Allison and her current situation, we also find out about her sister and her story and can I just say, very romantic. The town that this story is set in also sounds interesting, especially the Bronco Ghost Tours. I really felt bad for Allison that she pretty much had to lie and make up stories about having a boyfriend because her dad isn’t the nicest and has beyond high expectations for his daughters and is especially judgmental towards Allison. When her friend and neighbor from Seattle calls, she invites him to spend time in Montana. Seeing these two together, there is definitely something there and when she asks him to be her fake boyfriend, who is supposedly a doctor, I knew the charade wouldn’t last long, which unfortunately it didn’t. What is interesting however is that in the heat of the moment when her dad was being downright rude, Rowan jumps in stating that they are engaged and that shuts him down pretty quick. Allison, however, doesn’t know what to do with this announcement especially since these two have been getting closer since he’s been visiting her and her family in Montana. Rowan definitely has insight into her that her past relationships haven’t. I did appreciate his mother giving him her perspective during one of their calls, that it’s always been Allison. Of course, we all know if something is too good to be true, something will happen. I should have figured his ex would show up, but I personally thought she was pretty brazen by her actions, and I was glad that Rowan shut it down but not quick enough in my opinion. Of course, while Rowan is trying to deal with that situation, her sister has decided Christmas eve is when she’s ready to have her baby. Between Rowan trying to get back to Allison and the family is at the hospital, these two finally touch base and things are said that should have been said and everything is as it should be. I loved how everything turned out for Allison and Rowan. There is a line in this book that I really loved, ‘wear the coat.’ I will have to remember that. We did have a little blurb for the next book which sounds really intriguing, and I’ll have to pick up the previous books in this series as well.
November 26, 2024
Allison Taylor doesn't go home to Bronco, Montana very often. At Thanksgiving her overbearing father had tried to fix her up with a friend of his that had wealth, but was twenty years older than Allison. To keep him off her case, she tells her parents that she has a serious boyfriend back in Seattle where she lives.
She is going back home near Christmas not just for the holidays, but to help take care of her sister who needs to be on bed rest for the end of her pregnancy. She invites Rowan Scott, her neighbor and friend. He has broken up with his on and off girlfriend so he is free to be her "boyfriend". When Allison tries to pass him off as a doctor, her father shoots down that ruse quickly. Rowan is an IT guy.
Everyone finds Rowan charming. Not only is he very handsome, but he is very caring and helpful. As he and Allison spend more holiday time together, they grow closer. Can their fake relationship during into something real?
Although I didn't care for Allison's father, the other characters were engaging and the type of people you would want as friends. Allison is wary of a relationship with Rowan after a bad breakup with her last boyfriend. She's also afraid Rowan will go back to Perri. Rowan and Perri's romance of over two years was a pattern of breaking up and then getting back together.
Rowan has always had a sort of crush on Allison, but there never seemed right time for them to be anything more than friends. The descriptions of Rowan make him definitely swoon worthy.
I loved the setting and all the Christmas activities in this charming novel. I almost drooled that the cookie exchange scene included snickerdoodle, my all time favorite cookie.
This book is a continuity story where various authors write different novels in the series. I have not read any other in the series. I was thrilled to receive and read this title. Not only is it an uplifting Christmas tale, but it's by one of my favorite authors, Heatherly Bell. Thanks to her and Annette Stone for sending me a review copy. You will want of add this and other Heatherly Bell back list novels to your TBR.
She is going back home near Christmas not just for the holidays, but to help take care of her sister who needs to be on bed rest for the end of her pregnancy. She invites Rowan Scott, her neighbor and friend. He has broken up with his on and off girlfriend so he is free to be her "boyfriend". When Allison tries to pass him off as a doctor, her father shoots down that ruse quickly. Rowan is an IT guy.
Everyone finds Rowan charming. Not only is he very handsome, but he is very caring and helpful. As he and Allison spend more holiday time together, they grow closer. Can their fake relationship during into something real?
Although I didn't care for Allison's father, the other characters were engaging and the type of people you would want as friends. Allison is wary of a relationship with Rowan after a bad breakup with her last boyfriend. She's also afraid Rowan will go back to Perri. Rowan and Perri's romance of over two years was a pattern of breaking up and then getting back together.
Rowan has always had a sort of crush on Allison, but there never seemed right time for them to be anything more than friends. The descriptions of Rowan make him definitely swoon worthy.
I loved the setting and all the Christmas activities in this charming novel. I almost drooled that the cookie exchange scene included snickerdoodle, my all time favorite cookie.
This book is a continuity story where various authors write different novels in the series. I have not read any other in the series. I was thrilled to receive and read this title. Not only is it an uplifting Christmas tale, but it's by one of my favorite authors, Heatherly Bell. Thanks to her and Annette Stone for sending me a review copy. You will want of add this and other Heatherly Bell back list novels to your TBR.
December 27, 2024
Allison and Rowan are neighbors and friends. However since they met, Allison has always felt a small attraction for him. But, unfortunately for her, Rowan has had a girlfriend for two years, and they are constantly breaking up and making up, Therefore, Allison sees no hope in ever having any other type of relationship with him.
Allison had a rough childhood. Her father never had a good opinion of her. He has very little confidence or faith in her common sense and her ability to think for herself. He believes that all of her choices are atrocious and complete failures. Since her father does not trust Allison to choose a proper husband. Thus, he insists that she marry a friend of his that is rich and much older than she is.
In order to avoid her father’s pressure, Allison lies to her parents by telling them that she already has a boyfriend. To cover the lie, she tells her family that he is away on business. However, Allison knows that she cannot keep up that charade when she comes home for Christmas. So, since Rowan has just broken up with his girlfriend again, she asks him to come home with her and pretend to be her boyfriend.
During their pretence, Rowan gets carried away and unexpectedly proposes to Allison in front of her family. He even surprises both of them when he actually buys her a ring. It turns out that even Allison and Rowan are shocked when she actually accepts his proposal. Thus, instead of just being lovers, the two of them now must pretend to be engaged.
During this charade, both of them have a gradual change of heart about their feelings about each other and marriage. Allison’s attraction for Rowan becomes much stronger. Rowan also discovers that he is crazy about Allison, and realizes he never felt this way before. In fact, they are both having great difficulty hiding their real feelings from each other.
The key questions in this story are: how do Allison and Rowan reveal their pretence without angering her father? How do they convince her father that this Rowan is not a terrible m for Allison? An, what makes her father give in and finally accept Rowan?
Allison had a rough childhood. Her father never had a good opinion of her. He has very little confidence or faith in her common sense and her ability to think for herself. He believes that all of her choices are atrocious and complete failures. Since her father does not trust Allison to choose a proper husband. Thus, he insists that she marry a friend of his that is rich and much older than she is.
In order to avoid her father’s pressure, Allison lies to her parents by telling them that she already has a boyfriend. To cover the lie, she tells her family that he is away on business. However, Allison knows that she cannot keep up that charade when she comes home for Christmas. So, since Rowan has just broken up with his girlfriend again, she asks him to come home with her and pretend to be her boyfriend.
During their pretence, Rowan gets carried away and unexpectedly proposes to Allison in front of her family. He even surprises both of them when he actually buys her a ring. It turns out that even Allison and Rowan are shocked when she actually accepts his proposal. Thus, instead of just being lovers, the two of them now must pretend to be engaged.
During this charade, both of them have a gradual change of heart about their feelings about each other and marriage. Allison’s attraction for Rowan becomes much stronger. Rowan also discovers that he is crazy about Allison, and realizes he never felt this way before. In fact, they are both having great difficulty hiding their real feelings from each other.
The key questions in this story are: how do Allison and Rowan reveal their pretence without angering her father? How do they convince her father that this Rowan is not a terrible m for Allison? An, what makes her father give in and finally accept Rowan?
November 7, 2024
I always did love Harlequin Romances!
It's the holidays and her father has decided that it's time for her to "settle down". Allison has kissed a lot of frogs so now she's not even looking. But when her controlling father steps in, yet again, what's a girl to do? Make up a fake boyfriend of course, and why not go for it and make him a doctor too.
Rowan is her neighbor and he's house sitting while she's away. He informs her that his girlfriend has broken up with him. Again. And he's had enough. This time. He's a great guy and he's funny as well as good looking. How could his girlfriend do that to him at Christmas?
She has an idea. She needs help because she is helping her pregnant sister take care of her house and three teenagers and he can come and stay with them for the holidays.
Matter of fact, he can help her in a totally different way! It'll be easy, she already has a small crush on him and when it's over, he'll be going back to his "on-again, off-again" girlfriend. So when did her feelings about him change?
Is he the doctor she lied about? No, he's a data analyst but he's willing to help out a friend. He needs a distraction anyway. He thinks his ex is expecting a ring but he doesn't see it happening with them. He's been drawn to Allison since the day she moved into his building but she was with someone, then he was with someone and the timing never synced up for them. She's his friend, so when did his feelings for her start being something he wanted to be real?
These two had an easy friendship that with hardly any kindling, turned into a fiery romance, with a few laughs and surprises along the way.
Friends to lovers, secret crush, funny, small town romance.
It's the holidays and her father has decided that it's time for her to "settle down". Allison has kissed a lot of frogs so now she's not even looking. But when her controlling father steps in, yet again, what's a girl to do? Make up a fake boyfriend of course, and why not go for it and make him a doctor too.
Rowan is her neighbor and he's house sitting while she's away. He informs her that his girlfriend has broken up with him. Again. And he's had enough. This time. He's a great guy and he's funny as well as good looking. How could his girlfriend do that to him at Christmas?
She has an idea. She needs help because she is helping her pregnant sister take care of her house and three teenagers and he can come and stay with them for the holidays.
Matter of fact, he can help her in a totally different way! It'll be easy, she already has a small crush on him and when it's over, he'll be going back to his "on-again, off-again" girlfriend. So when did her feelings about him change?
Is he the doctor she lied about? No, he's a data analyst but he's willing to help out a friend. He needs a distraction anyway. He thinks his ex is expecting a ring but he doesn't see it happening with them. He's been drawn to Allison since the day she moved into his building but she was with someone, then he was with someone and the timing never synced up for them. She's his friend, so when did his feelings for her start being something he wanted to be real?
These two had an easy friendship that with hardly any kindling, turned into a fiery romance, with a few laughs and surprises along the way.
Friends to lovers, secret crush, funny, small town romance.
November 21, 2024
When Allison Taylor returns home in Bronco, Montana for the holidays and to help with her sister, who is put on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy, she realizes that she’s going to have to admit she’s not dating anyone to her parents. Her father’s wanting to marry her off to a rich friend. There’s no way Allison will let that happen. In comes her best friend and neighbor, Rowan Scott, an IT tech who works from home. She asked him to do her a favor and pretend that he’s her doctor boyfriend. Rowan has had a crush on her forever so of course he agrees to finally make his move. Rowan and Allison were never single at the same time. The timing couldn’t be more perfect because he just broke up with his now and again girlfriend. He’s finally over her. Maybe the next step is for him to show her he cares. As they spend time enjoying the small, quaint Christmas town, they start to see each other differently. Allison is wondering when he started looking so handsome and hot. Maybe because they’re both single and she’s had a little crush on him. Can they finally get together? Will her father get mad when he finds out they lied to him? Will the Christmas magic help the two of them? This couple is so deserving of find their soulmates, true love and finally finding each other. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
November 22, 2024
This book is the fifth book in The Montana Mavericks: The Trail to Tenacity series and is a good holiday story. It deals with sibling relationships, blended families, and parental expectations.
Allison Taylor has headed home to Bronco, Montana for the holidays. Her sister is expecting and needs to rest, so Allison is assisting her sister and family. Allison’s father is all about money and is trying to set her up with an older man she has no interest in. On a whim, she invites her neighbor, Rowan Scott, who is watching her place, to join her in Bronco as her fake boyfriend. Rowan has broken up with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, so he says yes.
He really likes Allison, and they want to put on a good show for her parents, but things start getting out of hand once he arrives in Bronco and accidentally becomes her fiance. Since Bronco is a small town, word travels fast about their engagement, so they must step up their game. As they spend time together, though, they each realize they really do have feelings for the other person. However, Allison believes that Rowan is only doing it to keep up appearances.
Complications arise on Christmas Day, when Rowan’s former girlfriend, Perri, arrives in Bronco expecting Rowan to get back together with her. Will Perri’s arrival derail Allison and Rowan’s relationship? You have to read this to find out if Allison and Rowan get their happily-ever-after!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and my review is my own voluntary opinion.
Allison Taylor has headed home to Bronco, Montana for the holidays. Her sister is expecting and needs to rest, so Allison is assisting her sister and family. Allison’s father is all about money and is trying to set her up with an older man she has no interest in. On a whim, she invites her neighbor, Rowan Scott, who is watching her place, to join her in Bronco as her fake boyfriend. Rowan has broken up with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, so he says yes.
He really likes Allison, and they want to put on a good show for her parents, but things start getting out of hand once he arrives in Bronco and accidentally becomes her fiance. Since Bronco is a small town, word travels fast about their engagement, so they must step up their game. As they spend time together, though, they each realize they really do have feelings for the other person. However, Allison believes that Rowan is only doing it to keep up appearances.
Complications arise on Christmas Day, when Rowan’s former girlfriend, Perri, arrives in Bronco expecting Rowan to get back together with her. Will Perri’s arrival derail Allison and Rowan’s relationship? You have to read this to find out if Allison and Rowan get their happily-ever-after!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and my review is my own voluntary opinion.
November 24, 2024
I found this book to be enjoyable and entertaining. Allison and Rowan’s story includes family drama and expectations, as well as a fake relationship that feels all too real. In order to stop her father from matching her up with a man of his choosing, Allison asks her friend and neighbour to pretend to be her boyfriend while her family gathers for Christmas. Rowan is currently unattached again, and has always been attracted to Allison, so he agrees to her scheme, even pretending to be the doctor she claimed her boyfriend to be. Spending time together is not a hardship, and then somehow they are not just dating, they are engaged. Soon, both Alison and Rowan are aware that they feel much more than attraction and friendship for the other, but neither are brave enough to reveal their feelings. Their story includes a few road bumps and blips, some of which are rather funny, but eventually love prevails. Prentending to be in love turns into a real love match.
It was easy to like both Allison and Rowan. They drew me into their story and made it easy for me to become invested in seeing them attain a happily ever after. I will happily recommend this entertaining book.
It was easy to like both Allison and Rowan. They drew me into their story and made it easy for me to become invested in seeing them attain a happily ever after. I will happily recommend this entertaining book.
November 29, 2024
Inviting her neighbour and friend to spend Christmas around her overbearing parents, to pretend to be dating, is not the best idea. It isn't the worst because of your friendship, but his on/off relationship has just ended..again! Hidden feelings are not always kept hidden, but are not openly admitted ascend when opportunity arises. It's a will they or won't they stay of storyline, complete with doubts and misunderstandings. It frustrating at times as the swing back and forth. His difficult ex turning up is predictable, but how they handles it, with uncertainty rising up again is painful and pitiful, as they dance around things again. Rowan is a better character, as I think Allison is indecisive and despite being a professional in her thirties, is a tad too much submissive to her parents..ridiculously how her father decides he can insist on how his daughters live their lives, belittling and interfering.
November 30, 2024
The Maverick’s Christmas Countdown ~ Montana Mavericks: The Trail to Tenacity #5 by Heatherly Bell
Heatherly is one of my favourite authors, so when she releases a new book I can honsley say that I will enjoy it.
I found this book to be written extremely well, it has wonderful characters that feel real and you know them. The storyline is believable and it is a fake relationship with the next-door neighbour, friends to lovers.
Alison goes home to Montana for the Christmas holidays and takes her friend Rowan Scott, her neighbour to help keep her father from setting her up with his friend's son.
Will the magic of Christmas bring out the true feelings and will Alsion and Rowan get their own HEA?
I highly recommend this book to all, a lovely Christmas story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Heatherly is one of my favourite authors, so when she releases a new book I can honsley say that I will enjoy it.
I found this book to be written extremely well, it has wonderful characters that feel real and you know them. The storyline is believable and it is a fake relationship with the next-door neighbour, friends to lovers.
Alison goes home to Montana for the Christmas holidays and takes her friend Rowan Scott, her neighbour to help keep her father from setting her up with his friend's son.
Will the magic of Christmas bring out the true feelings and will Alsion and Rowan get their own HEA?
I highly recommend this book to all, a lovely Christmas story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
November 8, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. Lots of family dynamics, lots of sisterly love, a renewed love story, teens who are good kids, a soon to be born baby, a dad who is kind of an a$$ and his wife who tries to keep the peace. Add on Allison, who is the only daughter still unmarried and her dad who is doing his dad thing by trying to get Allison to marry one of HIS friends! Enough already!
Allison decides to ask her neighbor, Rowan, to pretend to be her boyfriend to get her dad to ease up. Rowan shows up in Bronco Montana to play the part of boyfriend and...well you'll have to read this book to get the ending!
My only issue is the amount of time that's wasted as Allison and Rowan dance around their pretend relationship. I just don't like couples who don't talk things out!!
A wonderful addition to this Montana Mavericks series.
Allison decides to ask her neighbor, Rowan, to pretend to be her boyfriend to get her dad to ease up. Rowan shows up in Bronco Montana to play the part of boyfriend and...well you'll have to read this book to get the ending!
My only issue is the amount of time that's wasted as Allison and Rowan dance around their pretend relationship. I just don't like couples who don't talk things out!!
A wonderful addition to this Montana Mavericks series.
December 1, 2024
When Allison takes a leave from work to help take care of her sister during her high risk pregnancy back home in Bronco, she was already wondering how to explain where her fictitious boyfriend was from her overbearing father, who was determined to get Allison married off to his wealthy friend. When she learns that her best friend and neighbor has broken up yet again with his on again off again relationship she invites him to come to Bronco, but asks that he pretend to be her boyfriend. While some of the family know the true story, she is hoping they can fool her dad. Rowan is more than ready to stand up to Allison’s dad, and in the heat of the moment declares that they are actually engaged! Funny thing happens along the way, the pretending feels so good to both of them, and each is hoping to make it for real! Love how these long time friends discover that their feelings are real.
November 1, 2024
Timing is everything
A lovely story set at Christmastime.
Allison came home to Bronco Montana to help her heavily pregnant sister as Christmas approached whilst her neighbour and close friend Rowan in Seattle, is watering her plants.
Hearing he is on his own on the holidays as he has broken up again with his girlfriend, she invites him to Montana under the ruse of being her fake boyfriend.
Playing their roles so well both of them realise that they’ve had feelings for each other all along.
Can they be brave enough to tell each other the truth or will this come to an end as the holiday does?
Fun times, great family, a pushy dad and an ex girlfriend in the background make for a really great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
A lovely story set at Christmastime.
Allison came home to Bronco Montana to help her heavily pregnant sister as Christmas approached whilst her neighbour and close friend Rowan in Seattle, is watering her plants.
Hearing he is on his own on the holidays as he has broken up again with his girlfriend, she invites him to Montana under the ruse of being her fake boyfriend.
Playing their roles so well both of them realise that they’ve had feelings for each other all along.
Can they be brave enough to tell each other the truth or will this come to an end as the holiday does?
Fun times, great family, a pushy dad and an ex girlfriend in the background make for a really great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 27, 2024
Allison has mixed feelings about spending the holidays with her family as she wants to be there for her sister, but she has no interest in her father’s matchmaking plans. She believes that the perfect solution to the problem is for her to convince Rowan, the neighbor she has always had feelings for, to go with her and pretend that they are a couple.
Rowan’s relationship with his on again/off again girlfriend has ended so going with Allison isn’t a hardship as he too has had feelings for her for a while. The more time they spend pretending to be a couple the more real it seems and the only people they are feelings are themselves.
This is a heartwarming story filled with love and family as Allison and Rowan realize that they are meant to be so much more than friends.
Rowan’s relationship with his on again/off again girlfriend has ended so going with Allison isn’t a hardship as he too has had feelings for her for a while. The more time they spend pretending to be a couple the more real it seems and the only people they are feelings are themselves.
This is a heartwarming story filled with love and family as Allison and Rowan realize that they are meant to be so much more than friends.
November 16, 2024
Allison Taylor knew that coming home to Bronco, Montana was going to be hard. She thought it was just because of her overbearing father, but when she enlists her neighbor Rowan Scott to help her with a little problem, the real problems begin! Unbeknownst to each other, they have been crushing on each other since the first time they met. The timing was never right for either to act on the feelings, but they are both single and playing a couple. Things heat up fast between these two, until Rowan’s ex-girlfriend shows up to stake her claim. Will she be able to tear Rowan away or will Allison finally ger her happily ever after?
November 18, 2024
Allison has had a crush on Rowan since they met, but their timing has been terrible. Now, she is back home to help her sister, Charlotte, during a difficult pregnancy. That means Allison has to produce the boyfriend she lied to her parents about. Oops.
Rowan has a break from work and has recently broken up with his girlfriend again. He is available to be Allison's fake boyfriend over Christmas. And maybe he can act on the crush he has had on her while he's there.
I liked that this was set in Charlotte and Billy's home. That added an interesting family dimension to the story. Jill was very funny. A cute holiday read
Rowan has a break from work and has recently broken up with his girlfriend again. He is available to be Allison's fake boyfriend over Christmas. And maybe he can act on the crush he has had on her while he's there.
I liked that this was set in Charlotte and Billy's home. That added an interesting family dimension to the story. Jill was very funny. A cute holiday read
November 27, 2024
A sweet, clean holiday romance. Rowan agrees to come to Bronco Montana to pretend to be Allison’s boyfriend to placate her overbearing father who is trying to set her up with one of his friends. Allison and Rowan are neighbors and friends in Seattle, and he is recently broke up with his on/off girlfriend. Pretend becomes more real as both Rowan and Allison realize they’ve had feelings for each other for a long time.
The story is very Hallmark holiday-esque with small town festivities to enjoy. Rowan fits right in with Allison’s family except for her dad who seems to be a blowhard bully.
Christmas morning brings surprises and recognition of unspoken feelings.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
The story is very Hallmark holiday-esque with small town festivities to enjoy. Rowan fits right in with Allison’s family except for her dad who seems to be a blowhard bully.
Christmas morning brings surprises and recognition of unspoken feelings.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
November 26, 2024
Thank goodness most of us don’t have to worry about our parent’s choosing our significant others for us… unless you’re Thaddues Taylor’s daughter. Allison invents a ‘fake’ boyfriend but must finally produce someone before her father demands it. It just so happens her next-door neighbor from Seattle broke up with his on again off again girlfriend and has never had a Montana Christmas. Little did they know their unsaid feelings would grow and the little lies would become reality. Well written with enough emotion to suck you into the family and their holiday activities in Bronco, Montana. A fun wintery, holiday read!
November 29, 2024
Friends and neighbors Allison and Rowan were funny together especially when he was trying to live up her tale of him being her absentee doctor boyfriend. They are secretly attracted to each but they let their insecurities and worries about ruining their friendship get in the way of a romantic relationship. Plus he just broke up with his on again off again demanding girlfriend who still tries to mess with his life. Allison’s hometown sounds amazing even if her father makes her want to visit it less often. This was a mostly sweet romance with a steamy moment. I would have liked an epilogue but maybe we’ll catch with them in a future book.
November 24, 2024
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Allison and Rowan were just so ridiculously cute together. I loved watching them realize that their “friendly” feelings for one another had been hiding much bigger, deeper, emotions. I adored the way Rowan stood up to Allison’s father in her defense, and the sweet way he was willing to take emotional risks to show her it was safe to do the same. It was the perfect ending for this pair, but I’m not anywhere near ready to let them go.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
November 24, 2024
He isn’t the doctor she told her family about, but he’s so much more! Allison told her parents she was dating a doctor, which was a lie. She invited her neighbor to spend Christmas with her family because he broke up with his girlfriend AGAIN! They both have feelings but the timing has never been right. Now they are pretending to date. Oh wait, now they are pretending to be engaged. You will enjoy going on this roller coaster of a relationship as Allison and Rowan realize they are meant to be together. This is a really great book!
November 26, 2024
Great read , Allison is heading home to Bronco to a family Christmas. Having lied about having a serious boyfriend to her family to keep her father from trying to marry her off to a well-off friend of his 30 years, her senior. At the spur of the moment, she asks her good friend and neighbor to pose as her boyfriend, the fiancé. What starts a fake relationship starts to be real as Rowan and Allison realize they are more than friends they actually really do love each other.
They just have to let the other one know it.
Very enjoyable read.
They just have to let the other one know it.
Very enjoyable read.
November 12, 2024
THE MAVERICK’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN by Heatherly Bell is part of the multi author continuity from Harlequin but stands well alone. Allison Taylor is home for the holiday season to support her older sister Charlotte through the last weeks of her pregnancy and celebrate with her family. To give her friend and neighbor Rowan Scott a break, and to get her overbearing father off her case, she invites Rowan to join her in exchange for pretending to be her boyfriend.
Heatherly Bell has created characters whose very real feelings and worries resonate even when their choices don’t always align with what we readers might want for them. Would loved to have seen a little more open communication, but given their circumstances, also understandable. Great secondary characters and a warm community. A fun holiday story about hearth and heart and home.
Heatherly Bell has created characters whose very real feelings and worries resonate even when their choices don’t always align with what we readers might want for them. Would loved to have seen a little more open communication, but given their circumstances, also understandable. Great secondary characters and a warm community. A fun holiday story about hearth and heart and home.
November 26, 2024
From Friends to Lovers at Christmas time!
Allison Taylor needs a boyfriend to get her father off of her back, so she invites her friend Rowan Scott to Bronco for the holidays. Rowan pretends to be a surgeon--of all things! LOL--and that lie goes right out the window rather quickly but that doesn't stop them from doing all the things lovers do at Christmas time.
The author does a great job with her characterizations because I hated her father! I highly recommend.
Allison Taylor needs a boyfriend to get her father off of her back, so she invites her friend Rowan Scott to Bronco for the holidays. Rowan pretends to be a surgeon--of all things! LOL--and that lie goes right out the window rather quickly but that doesn't stop them from doing all the things lovers do at Christmas time.
The author does a great job with her characterizations because I hated her father! I highly recommend.
January 22, 2026
If you like reading about people pretending to be in love so they cannot look out of place at a dinner at Christmas time, especially when it involves your family, then this story is for you. The only thing is, take a small-town setting and magic in the air at Christmas time, and you have all the beginnings of things starting to feel like another type of love blossoming in the setting, even when you are not looking for it. It is an exciting and wonderful Christmas story to read. 08
October 29, 2024
Fake relationship stories are fairly new to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Allison and Rowan's. Taking place at Christmas time and in snowy Montana added to the fun of the story. Heatherly Bell did a wonderful job with the characters. This is my honest opinion. Grab a copy first chance you get. I loved it.
November 17, 2024
This was the first of this continuity series that I’ve read, so I appreciated that Bell didn’t focus on the overarching storylines much, though there was a lot of explanation at the beginning about who was who. Allison and Rowan were a fun couple in this fake dating romance. It was a light read for a cold winter’s evening.
November 26, 2024
Wonderful Christmas Romance. Allison and Rowan are neighbors in Seattle and just friends. Unbeknownst to the other, they both have had a crush since meeting. Also they have been dating others most of the time. Both single this Christmas, Allison invites Rowan home if he will be her fake date. I love that they both fall in love, but of course there are major complications. Really great storyline and characters. Very enjoyable reading.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
November 26, 2024
Friends To More...
This book was a delight to read! A beautiful fun story of two friends that truly liked each other but the timing never seemed right. A fake relationship trope book that had me enjoying page after page. Loved Allison and Rowan's story. This book left me with a great big smile on my face! :)
This book was a delight to read! A beautiful fun story of two friends that truly liked each other but the timing never seemed right. A fake relationship trope book that had me enjoying page after page. Loved Allison and Rowan's story. This book left me with a great big smile on my face! :)
November 27, 2024
Allison needs a fake boyfriend to take home for the Christmas Holidays so she ask her next door neighbor Rowan to go with her to see her family. The thing is she actually likes him and before it is over they are both feeling like they are both in a real relationship. I like Allison and Rowan but her controlling father needs to get a life.
November 27, 2024
This was a quick read. It had lots of sweet moments. I will say it had a slight cliffhanger but nothing to do with the main plot. So for someone who hates cliffhangers, this one wasn’t too bad. Just leaves me curious for what is next in the series while still having a happily ever after.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
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